hugapitbull wrote:Prognosis, has not changed. With amputation only, about 3-4 months. With amputation and chemo, about 12 months with about a 20% chance of 2 years.
Well, crapola...
I thought once you chose amputation there was a
better recovery rate. This just ain't right.
And, yeah, chemo is VERY expensive, BUT... most dogs tolerate it SO much better than humans.
Knowing what I know now... and having seen first-hand what it was like for Mick - I would do it ALL over again. From first diagnosis to coming out of remission completely, Mick LOVED life for an additional 10 months. More importantly
I got to love him for a little while longer, and it made a huge difference to both of us.
And had he responded to the oral chemo medication at all... well, he'd still be here now, probably.
Having to have him euthanized was one of
the hardest and most gut-wrenching decisions I've ever made, but I knew he was in a tremendous amount of pain and there wasn't anything that could be done. Maybe pain management for 2-3 weeks, but he would've hated not being able to really "live" anymore... and I would've hated it right along with him.
Micks quality of life was always my first priority... the quantity would've been strictly for
my benefit.
Anyway... the reason for my "spiel" is this - side effects like nausea and diarrhea can be combated w/some very effective and fairly inexpensive meds, and those should go away within a day or three.
Regardless of the crappy prognosis, timewise, chemo will buy Trouble some extra time. If her quality of life isn't too compromised (other than a couple of days of not feeling too great after each treatment) it will also give you and Bob some extra time to prepare for the inevitable.
Live... love... laugh.
Mick and I crammed a lot of that into ten months, and I am SO grateful that we had the opportunity to say "good-bye" of sorts.
So, give chemo a chance, even if Trouble has some possible side effects.
Bring her to the vet tomorrow and know that every possible good vibe and tons of good thoughts are coming her way, and - DO kick cancers butt!!!
I will be with you guys in spirit tomorrow!