Lucy's Road to Recovery – Another Amazing Tripawds Three Legged Dog Blog

Saying goodbye

On Saturday, Dec 22nd we said our last goodbyes to our Lovely Lucy. One week prior, she had two big seizures and we thought that was it. Lucky that our kids were all home from college and high school to spend time with her prior to this. Our local vet thought the seizures were unrelated to her cancer or chemotherapy that she had completed. I somehow do not believe this. The decision was made to put her on anti seizure meds. Over the week she seemed to get weaker and was not the Lucy with the intelligent lights in her eyes. This past Saturday morning, she did not want to get out of her crate and was having a difficult time breathing. Late morning, she had another big seizure. As she slowly rested, her breathing became more difficult and she seemed to be asking us to set her free. Our family gathered and made that difficult but necessary decision to set her free from her body. We are fortunate to have a vet emergency center in our town as our local vet was closed for the day. It was here we thanked her for showing us so much unconditional love and said our goodbyes. Her canine companion Ginger came with us. She too said goodbye by staying by her side all morning. Lucy gave us more than we could have ever asked for. We will always have a special place in our hearts and will miss her dearly.

Thank you to all of the Tripawds community for your support, information and help through these last five months. This site has been a place where I had found hope and comfort for the awful diagnosis that our dear Lucy was given. I am forever grateful.

Last round of Chemotherapy

Lucy has her last chemotherapy. She seems tired from the day but from our last few doses, will be feeling better in no time. Our Lucy has just looked at this cancer thing like it just goes along with being a dog. It is I who worries about the how much she eats, if she is having diarrhea, or if she is just having a down day. It just killed me when she tried to play with a ball with her missing limb. Lucy however, just sort of decided her mouth would suffice as a tool to play. Now we watch and wait for whatever symptoms will come. So far so good. She is happy and pain free….Really, that is all that matters…..

10 weeks post op amputation

4th round of chemotherapy today. switched from Carboplatin to Adreomycin. It is suppose to be a little harder on the GI tract but no evidence of that now. anti emetics given already. Lucy is doing tremendously well. Our walks are shorter, much slower with many rest but she seems very happy and pain free for the most part. Although pricey, we are so happy that we have chosen this route. 2 more chemo treatments and then a chest x ray. We hope this path of wellness continues for some time. Her niece misses Lucy when she goes for treatment.

one month post amputation

Lucy is now a little more that one month post amputation. She has two chemotherapy treatments under her belt and I cannot believe the difference in her wellness. We are increasing her walking time and her appetite seems to be good. She is acting more like her happy self. I guess I did not realize that she felt so bad before our knowledge of her tumor. I am truly grateful that the Tripawds site is here for reference. It has really helped us with decisions and moving forward. The decision to amputate was the absolute right thing to do and we hope that Lucy will continue to stay strong for some time. Thanks once again Tripawds for being here.

1st round of Chemotherapy

Not sure why they call this therapy…I guess in the long run it is, but the first dose of Carboplatin has left Lucy in a exhausted stupor. She is awake but just laying in her crate. She did go out to pee but did not want to eat this morning. I hope this only last a day or so. She was bouncing back from surgery so well. I guess that I have not yet wrapped my head around the cancer thing. She must feel so bad. My other poodle Ginger knows that she does not feel well and is a such a loss without Lucy leading the way.

10 day’s post op

Wow the body is an amazing thing for recovery. Lucy is adjusting to her new normal. Although she tires easily and we have yet to try a short walk, I do make sure I get her outside every 4-5 hours to stretch her tripawds and listen to the sounds of outdoors. I think that if I did not encourage (strongly encourage) her to move, she would choose not to get up much at all. She does seem comfortable and we are slowly weaning the Tramadol. Tomorrow is our oncology appointment. Will do a little research today as to what to expect…Thanks Tripwads site for being here…

One week

Lucy seems better. I was better about giving her Tramadol at the appropriate dose and her panting calmed to a rythmic deeper breathing. She seems calmer today and has been caught wagging her tail (although maybe that was for balance). Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes. I cannot tell you how valuable this web site is for me in knowing that other pet owners and pets go through this.

The confirmed diagnosis of osteosarcoma came today. We have our meeting with the oncologist next Tuesday to lay out the plan. Hope we are doing the right thing…

Also found a commercial food of grain free Herring and Salmon formula EVO with low carbs and high protein…the bonus is Lucy LOVES it.

Day 6 post op panting

Lucy is not moving around much and panting continuously. Difficult to get her out of her crate but is alert. I gave her her non steroidal this morning and pain med this afternoon. Maybe I am not giving her enough pain meds. Her incision is clean and healing well so I do not feel she is infected. Any thoughts on the panting?

Commercial cancer fighting dog food

Just curious to see what brands of commercial cancer fighting dogs foods might be out there. We have a PetSmart near our home. One of the bloggers mentioned Nature’s Variety, but that is not locally available. Lucy is a large breed dog and is somewhat of a picky eater. We have been giving her chicken and beef but I would like to find a commercial product. I have looked over the Dog Cancer diet download but did not see specific commercial brands listed.

thanks to all who have put their knowledge forth.

Day four post op

Lucy finally ate some breakfast this morning. I was so excited. I gave her some wet food which she devoured. Fentanyl patch off this morning with increase alertness. Breathing rate still faster than I would like to see but probably effects of patch and pain. Waiting for biopsy report. Wound healing well. I am so glad to see Lucy look like her old self with here wise appearance.