This journey began last week when a friend of ours was talking about his blond Labrador being diagnosed with bone cancer. He described the symptoms and my husband was concerned because they sounded familiar. The next day, he took our Golden Retriever Toby in to have his front left knee checked out because it was swollen and he was limping slightly. He had to leave him there and wait for the call. When the vet called, the news was almost too hard to believe – he consulted with another vet and they both diagnosed bone cancer. They sent a fluid sample to the lab and had to wait a couple of days for the results. I spent the next two days crying my eyes out, planning the end of his life. Since we lost our female Golden (Sophie – 5 yrs old) last summer to liver cancer, the possible loss of Toby feels like too much to bear.
When we got a call from the vet on Saturday to give us the results “probably sarcoma”, we explained our fear that it had spread to his lungs because of the panting. He said to bring him in immediately for a chest xray, and to our surprise, it came back clear. The vet explained that the panting was due to pain, and from what he could see, he didn’t think it had metastasized. He further explained that the xrays of his leg showed the bone was still viable and didn’t appear to have any of the symptoms that are present with osteosarcoma. He even when as far as to say he would “bet 2 of his 3 children that it’s fibrosarcoma”. From what I’ve learned, it’s a less aggressive form but amputation is still necessary.
The results of the biopsy came back today confirming “sarcoma” but the pathologist couldn’t or wouldn’t specify whether or not it’s osteosarcoma or fibrosarcoma. Apparently the sample wasn’t definitive enough. I know we pissed the tumor off because his knee is swollen, retaining fluid, red, etc.. I’m trying to keep him from licking it but that’s not working well. Once the limb is removed, they will be able to tell us exactly which type.
I’ve had trouble sleeping for the past week – I’m afraid the next few days are going to be more of the same. I have to stay strong – regardless of what happens. Tomorrow will be the beginning of our tripawd life. Pray for us.
I definately will. Toby has probably been in a lot of pain so he will be glad to have the leg off. Dogs do so much better with three legs than we could ever imagine.
Thanks Debra – Freaking out at the moment but as you said, he’ll be glad to have that nasty cancer taken away. Hopefully for good. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Romeo and family will be sending prayers your way. Romeo and Toby look like they could be cousins……..(Romeo is a lab/golden mix)
Romeo just had his surgery on August 17. He wasn’t limping but seemingly out of nowhere a big lump appeared on his front left leg. The biopsy showed it was osteosarcoma. I know it all happens so quickly and your heart just breaks for them. I’m sure this is very hard since you recently lost Sophie.
I can say 4 weeks later, however, Romeo is doing great!He is running, playing in the water, having a great time w/ his best pup friends—he even went apple picking!
For us things turned the corner around the ten day mark. I’ll be honest—the first week was very hard. As much as we tried to be strong and positive, we were all crying when we picked him up—tears of joy to see him and tears of heartbreak to seem him struggling. But it does get better. And Romeo is his same old happy self! We just love him more than ever (if that’s possible).
Make sure Toby has plenty of pain meds (we asked for more and strongers ones on day three), pillows everywhere helped Romeo rest comfortably. We can see Toby has a big heart!
Love to all of you, Eve and Romeo
If you need help, I am here for you. This site is such a blessing to read that these dogs adapt and live happy healthy lives. I feel so much better after reading Eve’s post about Romeo.
This is why I do what I do it doesn’t matter if it’s a human or furry family member the shock and pain of hearing those words take your breath away and you need a “Support Crew” I’m here to offer my support.
Love, Cherie
Hello, my black 6 mo old lab Miley was in an accident on monday and got her leg amputated yesterday.I can not stop thinking and worrying about her. I worry about everything and SO anxious to pick her up, whenever that may be. Hoping to hear back from the vet in a couple hours to see how she’s doing. I’ve looked all over the internet and read alot of reassuring things but until i see her, i won’t stop worrying. I hope the best for Toby!
More prayers coming at you and Toby. We are so, so very sorry about the diagnosis. That coincidence is just too hard to believe, wow. And to deal with cancer twice in one year…that is so unfair. We. Hate. Cancer.
Hang in there. You have a lot of good people here ready to lend an ear and a shoulder to lean on. If there is anything we can do please let us know OK?
-Rene, Jim, Wyatt Ray & Spirit Jerry
Amanda – my heart is heavy for Miley… Toby’s surgery “went well” and we’ll hopefully be able to pick him up tomorrow. I’m freaking out – can’t imagine what to expect. I know what you mean – until I see him, I won’t stop worrying. I find myself staring at the place where he likes to lie down… imagining the image of him with his leg. I know I’m sounding crazy… the last week has been SO hard. Learning of the diagnosis and anticipating this surgery has totally consumed my thoughts. I REALLY need a good night sleep and should take advantage of this small break… I will be praying for your little furrbaby Miley – let me hear from you. Big Hugs, T
Cherie – Thanks for being my friend and a Toby supporter! As they say, what doesn’t kill us will make us stronger.. You’re right, this site has been a Godsend and I’m so grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from everyone. I love you and appreciate the positive energy you are sending my way.