[btrtevino]

Hi,
I hat to start my membership on this board on such a dismal note, but I am wondering if anybody has any advice or info regarding this topic. My 9 year old rottie Sheva was just recently diagnosed wth an osteocarcinoma of the jaw. It pretty much came up over night. I thought she got bit by an insect and took her to my vet. unfortunately, after radiographs and a biopsy she was diagnosed with this horrible disease. I am meeting with a specialist tomorrow, but from what i have been told my only option will be a hemimandiblectomy where they rewmove half of her lower jaw. According to 3 different vets, she will be able to resume her normal life after recovery, but I am not sure if I believe this. From what I understand her prognosis is 71% chance the cancer will not return at a year. Plus my vet told me that after that, it probably won't return. However, there is a 28% chance it will return and most likely within 12 weeks or so. The decision is killing me. I love her to death, but do not want to keep her alive for my sake only. The surgery will cost between 2k-3k which I will gladly spend if there is really a good chance she will ive a happy life after this. But I definitely don't want to put subject her to such invasive surgery only to find her facing the same problems or lacking a good quality of life. Has anyone ever done this surgery before? I am sorry this is so long, but I am frantic for info, and need to make the decision soon because my vet says that although the pain is controllable now, it won't be in a week. Apparently the cells in this type of tumr double every two days. Any info or insight would be greatly appreciated!