I'm Lost For Words Options

[Barronk]

About a year ago, I wrote on this forum when we lost our 18 year old Boston Terrier. I thank everyone that took the time to respond, send messages of hope and comfort. I can tell you with no doubt, that my wife and I were touched at the compassion
and the caring of everyone on this forum.

After Abby died we were left with our Dobie and my other Boston Terrier. Now, it appears that our Dobie, who is only 5 years old might have just met that dragon called cancer. She fractured her leg
2 months ago after she was chasing a rabbit. She screamed in pain so I scooped her up and took her directly to the vet. They took xrays, and it was fractured, but otherwise no big deal. They put
her in a splint and then we took her home. After 2 months we took her back to be x-rayed again to see if we could take the cast off. Everything looked good and then the cast was taken off, we took her
home, excited at the prospect of taking her out into the fields so we could throw those magical green tennis balls she loves so much.

Once the cast was taken off she was still really swollen. I was concerned but I was told this was normal and it could take 6 to 12 months for the swelling from the injury to disappear quickly. So we didn't worry
so much. And then, for some reason, my wife seemed to think the swelling was increasing. We figured it was a minor infection from all the rubbing that occurred while in the cast. They asked us to
come back in and for some reason they decided to x-ray again. The bone is growing in weird ways and we suddenly were told that she may have osteosarcoma. A deadly cancer that she won't survive.

I am at a loss for words at this moment. My Dobie is only 5 years old, and through multiple x-rays while every specialist we have seen suspects cancer none can make a diagnosis. Now we have to risk
a bone biopsy, which could result in further injury and possible amputation of her leg. She is so young and has so much life left to live. To think that I only have another 7 to 12 months with her at best
has destroyed me. I weep as I write this and since we have received the news I have condemned her to death already. I am so depressed and don't know what to do. I hope for good news but I know
that no good news is coming.

She is 5 and while it pains us to do it we have decided, if we get a cancer diagnosis, we are fighting the good fight. I feel I owe it to her to do everything in my power to give her the best life possible.
The only ray of sunshine that we keep trying to grab too, is that osteosarcoma is very painful, and she isn't in any pain, she won't use the foot but we were told that is not surprising since she
has not used it in 2 months and a lot of her muscle has atrophied. I take her up hills as part of her at home therapy and she uses the foot fine. She dosnt whine or show any indication of being in
pain.

I am praying for another explanation. If there isn't one then Sadie may not have long. And I don't know how to cope with this type of diagnosis.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and giving me an outlet for my depression.

[moon_beam]

Hi, Kevin, please permit me to offer you and your wife my sincerest sympathies in the physical loss of your beloved Sadie. There is no doubt you did the very best for your beloved Sadie during her earthly journey including making the most difficult decision to end her suffering. You put her needs first to release her from her failing, frail, painful physical body. This is what love is, and your beloved Sadie is so very thankful. The good news in the midst of all this deep sorrow is that the love bond you and your beloved Sadie share is eternal. Your beloved Sadie's sweet Living Spirit is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - she is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

Kevin, I do understand how you are feeling and how empty your home is feeling right now. Please know we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us, please know you and your wife are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam