Colby’s appointment went so well–all we could have hoped for! We took him in at 7:40pm last night for a re-check of the incision and were hoping the pathology results would finally be in. First, the incision check…I think my expectations were high because I was afraid it wasn’t progressing well enough. Dr. John said it looked great. Lots of healthy tissue and things were filling in and closing nicely. He did put in a few more stitches to further close and prevent a section of his hide from curling under. He said I was doing a great job and keep up the good work with twice daily scrubs and bandage changes, as well as keeping the antibiotics and tramadol on board.
The pathology was even better. It is NOT bone cancer, but he said it was a kind of degenerative arthritis that was eating away at the bone and joint. We are thrilled not to be facing the relatively short prognosis that goes along with bone cancer. I must admit this gives us mixed emotions about the amputation. Since we went into the decision to amputate having been given a diagnosis of bone cancer, it made us uneasy to have been told after the surgery that it most likely wasn’t bone cancer (since it jumped the joint), but may be some other form of cancer or perhaps degenerative arthritis. It is one of those things, it is what it is, and I don’t think my vet would have amputated if he didn’t think is was the best course of action…but I’d love to hear from others familiar with amputation for degenerative arthritis.
That being said, we are SOOOO excited that we do not have to contemplate chemo or continue to worry and grieve for the grim prognosis that bone cancer provides. We feel very fortunate and blessed with this outcome. Go Colby!!!
I can well understand your mixed emotions: joy about the pathology report indicating no bone cancer and the uncertainty about having proceeded with the amputation. I’d be, I’m sure, feeling exactly the same way.
But — as much as we’d like it, medicine isn’t an exact science and you made your decision based on your love for Colby and the initial diagnosis. I’m sure your vet did too. I’m not familiar with amputation for degenerative arthritis at all so can’t offer you anything there.
I think your positive attitude and acceptance and trust in your vet and faith in the future is admirable, by the way! As you said, counting your blessings, Colby doesn’t have osteosarcoma; he doesn’t need chemo; he’s healing well and will continue to thrive and there’s nowhere to go but up! 🙂 Colby rocks!!
Oh that IS good news, and like Carmen said, we can’t blame you one bit for having mixed emotions.
We like to say here, that we all do the best we can for our kids with the information we have at the time, and nobody should ever blame themselves for decisions they feel are “wrong.”
Everyone who comes here always goes above and beyond for their pups, yet few of us here can say that we feel like we’ve done enough. But one look into our fur kid’s eyes, and they do tell us, “I know you love me, I know that you do all you can. And I will love YOU no matter what.”
Not having to face cancer is awesome. And although Colby’s situation is a rarity here, by sharing his story with us, I know that someday, someone else in the future who is questioning a diagnosis and amputation will be helped by hearing about it.
Kudos to you, and your wonderful Colby. We are so glad you’re here.