The Tough Stuff

On Monday July 12, 2010, I brought Alexander in to have a bump on his wrist looked at by our vet. The vet was concerned and sent us for x-rays. When the x-rays came back, they showed significant bone remodeling along with darker lytic regions. Basically, all of the signs of Osteosaroma, bone cancer.

The next day we took Alexander to a veterinary oncologist. without further testing she told us that she was 90% sure it was osteosarcoma and gave us some horrid statistics. We went home heartbroken and lost and confused.

Wednesday, I woke up and was determined to get more answers. We got an immediate appointment with a new oncologist. The oncologist ran some tests, took more x-rays and gave us a lot more information.

The cancer has not spread to his lungs, so for now it is localized in his leg. Unfortunately, that leg is in constant pain. The most aggressive treatment, with the best results is amputation of the leg along with chemotherapy.

The aggressive treatment is approximated to give Alexander another year, with no pain in his leg. This treatment is scary, horrifying and I cannot describe the fears we have. BUT, the idea that Alexander could have another year or more to go play with his friends and run on the beach (as a tri-pawed), gives us the strength to go on.

Unfortunately for us, the treatments are costly. Amputation can run around $2500.00, the Chemo $2400.00 then add in x-rays and testing. In three days we have already racked up $1000.00 in bills for consultations along with x-rays and testing.

Many people do not understand why we go to these extents to help “a dog”. I don’t think those people have ever had an animal in their life that gave them what Alexander gives us.