Some Rough News…
Well, our visit to the vet today didn’t go as well as we’d hoped but we did have 2 small victories. Kobe did get his sutchers out and we threw away the cone of shame! YAY!!!
The vet took some chest x-rays so we could see if there were any spots on Kobe’s lungs. Prior to his amputation there was 1 micro-spot on his lungs that the vet thought could be the cancer but it was so small she couldn’t say for sure that is what it was. Unfortunately on today’s x-rays there were 7 very definite spots (they were easy even for me to see) which the vet said demonstrates that the cancer has spread to the lungs and become very aggressive. She said looking at the x-rays she would not recommend chemo for Kobe. I am going to do a bit more research on nutrition (there is so much on Tripawds that I haven’t been able to wrap my brain around it yet) to see if there are things in his diet we should change.
I really am just devestated..I guess because in the last couple of days Kobe has really started to seem like his old self again that I just thought he must be doing better. Our vet was super encouraging that Kobe is out of pain and we are lucky to have time to spoil him and enjoy lots of quality petting. I just wish we could go back a month to before we had ever heard of osteosarcoma…..
As Kobe and I were driving home from the vet – he was groggy because they had to give him some sedation to take the x-rays and I was in tears – and I tried to think of how I was going to tell my husband the bad news and I tried to think of some blessings to focus on instead of the incredible sadness. I came up with the following:
1. I am thankful that we have such a wonderful dog who continues to bring us such happiness!
2. I am thankful that we had the resources to go through with the amputation and take away his pain.
3. I am thankful that we found a vet who cares for our dog, takes the time to explain confusing medical terms to me and encourages us to enjoy our time with Kobe.
4. I’m thankful that even though things haven’t gone exactly how we would have wished – there is still time and things will come a bit more into perspective in the morning (it always seems worse at night).
Kobe and his cousin Sophie waiting for a Christmas treat from Grandma
Kobe with his daddy and our nephew..who is also Kobe's special buddy
9 Comments
Oh, I’m sorry to hear this news about Kobe. NOT what you were wanting to hear at all.
That said, however, I love that – even as you’re struggling to wrap your head around the news you received today – you were able to express those lovely things to be thankful for. Thank you for sharing them.
Sending lots of big hugs.
Kobe and Kobe Mom,
I am so sorry for the bad news. How wonderful of you to be able to think of blessings at a time like this. I have tears in my eyes reading of all the things that you are thankful for.
You are such great pawrents. You have taken away Kobe’s pain and now you can continue to share love and happiness with him.
Nancy and James (amputation 8/4/10)
I’m so sorry to hear about Kobe. I just went through something similar and want to give you some encouraging news. They found 4 nodules on Mackenzie’s lungs about 2 1/2 months ago. I was just devastated to say the least. She seemed to be doing so well and just never thought that she could have the start of lung mets. Mackenzie had been on cytaxin (the metronomic chemo therapy – low dose – which many tripawds are on) and my oncologist recommended another chemo drug to add to the mix called Palladia when we found these nodules. Apparently it has been shown to be very responsive to slowing down the growth and even shrinking tumors. So Mackenzie had another chest xray a month later to see how aggressive these lung mets were and it turns out that 2 of 3 nodules they compared didn’t increase in size at all, 1 actually shrunk in size by half and they couldn’t see the 4th one. I was elated. So there is hope, options and life after lung mets. As many will tell you, dogs can live for a very long time with lung mets, Jerry being a great success story. Mackenzie is still doing great and I couldn’t be happier, in fact, she seems to be doing better than ever. So I know this is such upsetting news (I cried constantly) but there is hope! We’ll be keeping our paws crossed for Kobe and that he feels good for a very long time!
P.S. you might want to check into power mushrooms or K9 Immunity too.
Oh boy, I remember getting that news for Yoda. Way to think pawsitive in spite of the weight of this news – triple gold stars for that!!! It is so much like getting the osteosarcoma diagnosis all over again. But Kobe is NOT done yet. Some dogs have gone incredible lengths with mets – Paris is another besides Jerry that I know of. Yoda lasted about what the oncologist predicted, but he didn’t slow down anywhere near as fast as she thought he would and really made the most of his remaining time – above and beyond my best efforts to make sure we did. More thoughts and prayers are coming your way. Hang in there.
well this isn’t the kind of news any of us wants to get. being thankful is very healing, and we thank you for sharing your story. paws crossed for many, many, many, many more great days with kobe!!! sending blessings your way,
charon & gayle
Kobe, first off, congratulations on tossing out that icky cone of shame!
Now, those lessons about being thankful are wonderful gifts that you have given to your Mom. What an emotional day. We are so very sorry about the mets but please know there is hope, and nobody can predict how they will behave. Remember, nine out of ten statistics are wrong! You’re a rock star and the world needs your beautiful energy. No way those mets are gonna get you down, I know it.
Please let us know how we can help your Mom out as she searches for ways to help. We are here for you OK?
I’m so sorry to hear about Kobe. Hold onto that great attitude, it will be a blessing for your family as well as Kobe. I was just reading through Mackenzie’s Mom’s post and found it very encouraging! Were sending lots of positive thoughts to Kobe, you and the rest of the family. Give Kobe a big hug from Fortis and I.
Fortis’Dad
We are so sorry about Kobe. Try to keep your positive attitude and enjoy every moment. Kobe deserves some definite spoiling – now and forever.
Just read Kobe and your story.Kobe is beautiful! We know exactly what you and your family are going through.Yes and the nights are worse emotionaly.
Stay strong and take alot of pictures.
I am giving Jerrsey may K-9 Immunity,and cooking her meals and makining them high protien and low carbs.I read somewhere thats a good cancer diet for dogs.I am sure others will know more.