We went to a different vet yesterday for a second opinion. What a difference. The surgery center took a sample of the fluid in her “sore”. This was Tuesday. The new vet said…slow down. The surgeon I talked to had jumped to the final solution way too soon. He explained that the “sore” was indeed cancer. But, that we would not know exactly what type until the sample comes back from the oncologist. Fortunately it is not a bone cancer. The surgeon NEVER used the word cancer. At least now I know what we are facing. Of course, I am moving all of my pets (I also have a terrier and 2 cats) to the new vet. Unlike the “jump to amputation” surgeon, the vet said when we get the results of the fluid draw and know exactly what we are dealing with then we can form appropriate plans of action. As he said, if the cancer has spread, she may only have a few months left. So it would be ridiculous to amputate! We could clean out as much as possible of the tumor and let it go. He did also say that whatever we did it is possible that the cancer would regrow – just like cancers in humans. The new vet gave me new hope. He explained that if amputation does turn out to be the only alternative, the surgeon I spoke to before was excellent – one of the best in the area. She just has “poor bedside manner”. OK, I got that. He continued, but, if the final solution is to clean out the cancer and hope for the best, he can do it in his office for a lot less than having the surgeon do the procedure. So, we are waiting for the results and WITH THIS VET, we will plan a course of action. Some may say he is giving me “false hope”. I say he gave me a full and complete explanation of what we were facing and I feel better about our situation now. As I told him, I am resolved to the amputation if necessary, but I appreciated his frankness and approach to our situation.
Sooooo glad you have a different vet who you feel comfortable and confident with! So glad!! To have more details now, to know you have options, really helps lower the fear and stress you were put through with that “other person”!
Should Freckles need an amputation, as you’ve already seen on this site, dogs adapt amazingly well! We are all by your side regardless of whatever course of action is required to support you and Freckles!
ALWAYS remember, Freckles does NOT have a timeframe stamped on ner butt! And statistics mean very little around here. Yes, they are “guidelines” that vets hzve to discuss. We’ve seen dogs far exceed those “guidelines” time and time again.
As far as people saying he’s giving you “false hope”, we say whooy to that!! He IS giving you hope because there is hope!!! And in Freckles’ world, all she cares about is having a quality life full of loving and spoiling! Days on a calendar mean nothing to her!
Let us know what comes back from the test. You’ll be able to do a lot of research here on whatever “it” is. And whatever “it” is, you can move forward with a plan so you and Freckles can continue to live life to the fullest with gusto..and lots of tummy rubs and treats!! And that’s a REALITY…not “false hope”!!
Good for you for seeking out another vet! You are a WONDERFUL advocate for Freckles!
Sending love and hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
Oh my gosh I can’t believe how much has happened in the last few days but am SO happy you found a good vet you can trust. Sometimes it takes a bad situation like this to learn how to really advocate for our animals, but that’s how most of us got here so you aren’t alone. I’m really happy to hear the vet is working with you and willing to come up with a plan and alternatives. YAY!
Keep us posted OK? We’ll support you either way. And don’t hesitate to hop over to the Discussion Forums where you’ll find lots of support from our community:
http://tripawds.com/forums/
It is very hard to have a vet that is cold and no bedside manner. I had one of those and I went for a second opinion and am so glad that I did. Shelby did ultimately lose her leg but not to bone cancer. And she thrived!!!
Keep us posted as the others have said and Freckles is just so darn cute! I just want to kiss her face!!!
Hugs!