Lola is 9 days post-op and healing well. She’s not her usual perky, sassy self (unless she has a treat- as you can see), but she’s on the mend. I can tell she doesn’t feel well, but I think it is mostly boredom and the meds at this point and less the pain from surgery.
We got the news on Monday afternoon from our oncologist that Lola’s prognosis is 6 months. This is not enough time. The full report from the amputation biopsy revealed a high-grade-2 mast cell tumor with aggressive tendencies that had invaded the lymph node in her leg near the tumor. Our oncologist says this means that the cancer WILL spread to her internal organs. 6 months of chemo treatments will only postpone this inevitability for 6 additional months with no chance of full remission. So, at best, we can hope for 1 year with chemo (1/2 of which spent doing chemo). At worst, we have less than 6 months with no chemo. To us, the choice was extremely-stupidly hard to say out loud, but it was clear: it was time to stop. Chemo will not save her life. It won’t make her life any better. It won’t make her happier. It won’t even offer the hope of remission. All it will do is maybe give us 6 additional months of worry and monitoring and vet appts with our girl. Lola doesn’t have the same sense of time as we do and we can make every day of these next 6 months the best day ever for her.
I can’t imagine what it will be like when the time comes. My friends and family have started delicately suggesting that I think about getting a puppy soon. “”It will be the only way to heal your heart and you can pour all of your emotions and energy into her! You are a great doggie-mom! You need a puppy – not an older dog, not right now after this.”” But I can’t even imagine loving another dog, puppy or older rescue dog, as much as I love Lola. And for right now anyway, she deserves all of my love and attention until the very end.
What a tough decision, but your argue it so well. No chance of remission is a really hard pill to swallow. Here at tripawds we all face statistics and numbers, but it seems like there are some cases and some cancers that are truly the worst, meanest kids in the street. Your darling pup is so sweet, so filled with love, and so loved herself. She’s a lucky girl. You’ve got at least 6 months of fabulous belly rubs and treats to hand out. My thoughts and ((HUGS)) go out to your and your family. As for getting another dog – whatever! She’s your dog now. Love her and hold her. Here’s to 6+ glorious months together!
Oh Sara Honey,
I feel for you, I know it is one of the hardest decision you will ever make. Lola is a special companion for you and Chris, she has a special place in my heart as well. Just give her the best days you can and she will go peacefully knowing that you are here for her.
oxoxox
Crissie
Aww guys I’m so sorry, this is ruff news. But I think just by the fact that you are going with your heart and making the decision that you know is best for Lola, and you, you can’t go wrong. You are a strong, pawesome pet pawrent, and whatever happens next, you can deal with.
Prognosis schmognosis I say. Many dogs outlive bad prognoses like these…heck, I was only supposed to live 4 months and I lived two years! So just never know. Be realistic, but don’t give up hope. Lola may just surprise everyone.
As for the new puppy thing…personally I think it would be really hard to give the attention that a new dog, and a dog with cancer, needs, at the same time. Don’t listen to others; go with your heart, whatever you know you can handle is the best decision.
In the meantime, we are here for you OK? And we look forward to watching you and Lola make the most of every single day.
xoxo