It’s scary when a family member (doesn’t matter if they have 2 or 4 legs) is diagnosed with cancer. It becomes even more scary when you’re told that it is the most painful of them all – bone cancer.
Our family member inflicted with this enemy is Buffy our 7 ½ year old Great Dane. She is quirky, loveable, a nuisance, grumpy, cuddly, infuriating, neurotic, and much much more but most importantly she is family. From the moment I looked deep into her wide innocent eyes as an 8 week old puppy I made the promise to look after her for the rest of her life. Back then I had no idea what our particular journey would entail but the Big C was not included in it.
The worst thing at this point is that there is no cure and everything that we do for her is purely to make her more comfortable for the inevitable. I am really having trouble coming to terms with that, with the fact that there is not even a glimmer of hope.
I have been told that by the time a lump is found miro-cells would already be racing through the body. Apparently we have found it early but in reality that doesn’t really mean much.
I am documenting this last part of our journey together as a cathartic tool for me (selfish) but also to let others, who might now or in the future face the same situation, know what happens from a first person perspective. This is a big unknown for me so if I can help light the way for someone else, it will at least be one positive from a huge negative.
By: fetchon3 on February 13, 2013 at 12:26 am
It’s an awful diagnosis. So many worries. So many fears. For me, I as angry at cancer coming in and ruining the good times and fun and love we have going. I know that while you’re deep the throws of emotions and coming to terms with what is happening, I encourage you to not lose hope! There are so many wonderful stories of magical dogs here that have laughed at the stats! These dogs may have had every eastern medicine possible, some had western, and some a little of each. Do not lose hope! Buffy doesn’t want you to. Fight on!
By: merilyn on February 13, 2013 at 11:44 am
Buffy is a fighter and whilst she continues to get up and insists on being included in everything, including little walks, there is no way I will lose hope. The drain for her wound came out on Monday and Tuesday morning she was insisting on going for a walk. We only take her to the front of the neighbour’s house. I think having a 9 month pup around really helps to.
By: Dakota Dawg on February 13, 2013 at 2:34 am
Welcome to our quirky, lovable, grumpy, cuddly, infuriating, neurotic little group! Buffy will fit right in!
Don’t be too discouraged. We have a lot of dogs here who have beaten those stats and are going strong. One of them is even a Dane hopping along more than 4 years after her bone cancer amputation. The goal is to hold off the cancer so that our dogs can grow old and be quirky, lovable, grumpy, cuddly seniors.
Keep us posted on how Buffy is doing. Post in the forums if you have questions or concerns. You’ll get a lot of responses that way.
Shari
By: merilyn on February 13, 2013 at 11:47 am
Thank you. I have yet to really explore the site but will do soon.
By: fourminipups on February 13, 2013 at 4:36 am
Buffy trusts you and knows you will make the best decisions for her. As I found out, they will love you know matter what decision you make. I just came on here about two weeks ago and the feelings of care and support that are received are like a breath of fresh air when you feel like you are drowning. Please know we are sending you all the most positive and happy we have!
By: merilyn on February 13, 2013 at 11:39 am
Thank you. It is so overwhelming when you first get the diagnosis. I discovered this site on the same day which was extremely helpful.
By: admin on February 13, 2013 at 5:08 am
Welcome and thank you for sharing Buffy’s story! Be sure to check out Nova’s blog for some “Great” inspawration.
By: merilyn on February 13, 2013 at 11:45 am
Thank you and I will visit Nova’s blog soon.