Ethical Issue: Cancer Treatment Decisions

[BullDaisymom]

Originally Posted by silky boy

I think this eat all you want is just in the flush of the young diagnosis. I will become more sensible ,when I catch my breath about this.

Yes it's very easy to want to spoil them even more. I did it too until I remembered what steriods do to the body.There will be times you will even think he is gone into remission ( if only it would) because he will be so full of life. Just remember to be careful at what you feed him and just let him control the pace he plays or walks. While on the higher amount of steriods, he will be so full of energy that he will be deceiving. Good luck and hope whatever time you have left is joyful.

[beth gordon]

I just lost my Andy to osteosarcoma in September. He was diagnosed in March after not responding to pain meds for a noticeable, but mild limp. At the time, the orthopedic surgeon gave me my options, and after I decided not to go the amputation route with or without chemo, she shared that it was what she'd have done for any of her dogs. She said that amputation does not help longevity, that it's really for pain management. The only regret I have is that I didn't realize the 'right' time to have Andy euthanized. The last two days of his life he lost interest in food and that should have told me. But he was still jumping on the sofa to sit with me and be petted and still wagging his little tail when I gave him attention, so I didn't think it was the end. I should have seen it in his eyes. I have learned from this dreadful experience and will know the signs in the future if any of my others become terminal with a disease that causes them pain. He died in the familiarity of his home, but I could have saved him those last days of discomfort.

[BullDaisymom]

I am so sorry Beth. It's hard sometimes to see when they are still jumping around like there isn't anything wrong. I documented everyday as to what I saw as the days passed so I wouldn't be confused or missed the "warning" signs. I'm glad I did because I would have probably been where you were. Don't beat yourself up over it...you did your best as you saw it and as soon as you realized what was in front of you....you did what was right. You showed your baby love, kindness, loyalty and respect. Again..I am sorry for your loss. May the memories keep you in comfort.

[beth gordon]

Thanks for your kind words BullDaisyMom

[silky boy]

Beth my heart goes out to you ,in the loss of Andy, Carl is not our first boy/girl, where we had to make that so hearthbreaking decision,but Carl has lymphoma ,which does put a different aspect on it.( From our other boy's and girl's) Please dont beat your self up ,you loved Andy ,and it sounds to me , you did the right thing, you are still grieving that will make everything that happend, appear in the worst light . You loved Andy and took care of him ,in time you will see you did the right thing.Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night when,every worry a person has is magnified many times over, I believe that's what it's like when we grieve and worry we made the wrong decision,please give yourself some time ,my thoughts are with you.So far Carl seems to be ok. his lymphnodes have gotten smaller,today we start 60 mg. prednison every other day.Have also orderd Artemisinin,don't think it will help but will do it anyway.

[beth gordon]

Thanks for your understanding silky boy. I do believe what you say is true, but as you said, I am still greiving and haunted by the look on his face before he died. I only wish you the very best with your baby. Thanks again for your thoughts

[BullDaisymom]

My heart goes out to you both....having a dear friend sick /dying and knowing there really isn't alot that can be done is one of the hardest positions to be in. I was there 4 yrs ago and remember only to well what I felt. The blame at 1st as to what I thought I should have done as to what I shouldn't. Really all you can do is make the best informed decisions you can. If you do them with the friends health and well being in mind , you won't go wrong. Be strong both of you and rest assure you beloved pets know you are doing what is best for them.

[silky boy]

Carl left us Jan, 11. 2006, we took him to the vet that morning ,to put him to sleep forever ,after he drew his last breath we took him home .We had made arrangements for his cremation ,in a strictly pet crematory,not to far from here. He stayed with us all afternoon ,did not want to let him go right away. At 6 pm that evening we took him for his last ride. My husband did not want to put Carl in the cold ground I did not think I would like cremation ,but as it turns out ,it was a comfort to bring Carl's ashes home . I still cant look at his picture,without crying .just typing this brings tears.We loved him very much.
Wally

[observer]

Wally,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He will love you forever for loving him as you did, and you will be together again. Time and your treasured memories will heal your hearts.

[beth gordon]

I am so sorry for your loss. I know well the pain you are in. Carl was fortunate to have the wonderful parents he had. Try to remember how much you loved each other and the nurturing life he had with you until time helps heal the raw edges you are dealing with now.

[silky boy]

Thank you ,all of you,for your kind words ,it was a big help to us.I know you have all been there,in time it will get better,Carls ashes are still a comfort to me,but pictures still bring tears ,that won't go away for me it still happens when I look at our old photo albums. Thank you again
Wally

[twomanydogs]

I agree, everyones decision is their own. But new stuff and cures happen everyday. We humans have somehow created cancers in us and our pets. Very possibly the new treatments could be a cure...At any moment. My freind My first rottweiler was diagnosed with bone cancer...At 4 years of age. He went CSU for a Limb Spare. (replace the tumor bone with doner bone) He had chemo for almost 2 years. He never got sick, he never suffered. I spent every minute of that year memorizing every inch of his face and body. He died 5 months later from a second cancer. Untreatable.

He died from BAD breeding. He never had a chance.And Yes I am very careful about where my loved ones come from now. Fast ,sad lesson learned about backyard breeders!
He was and always will be, the best friend I have ever had and I would do it again...Anything to save him. For me...(as long as he did not suffer)
Because of him, I will never live without a rottweiler. They are more than amazing. I have a new guy...Rogger. He came from a great breeder. He is picture perfect healthy baby. 140 pounds of pure lovin. He is a nursing home regular and favorite. He is a Rottweiler...

[silky boy]

twomanydogs for your sake I hope you are right about breeding, Carl came from a good breeder,would never purchase a puppy from a backyard breeder or a pet shop.For us the main concern was temprament. In my opinion cancer can strike anyone good or bad breeding. wishing you the best with your new friend and many years of love.

[twomanydogs]

Sorry, I do realize it can strike a well bred dog. I guess I forgot to say, he had 2 cruciate Ligament surguries and then yet another surgury for a problem in his spine(wobblers), then 2 cancers. And a bit strange behaiver from time to time.So a bit( a bunch) more to the story. And I am sure my guy came from a bad breeder/breeding.
Sorry about that. Sarah

[ccarter]

I thought my Rottie's life was over in about 6 months because of dysplasia. I told my husband if I can just spoil her these last days and wring out every minute still left with her I won't get another dog. Well I spoiled her and I moved in to another bedroom and shared it with her. Six yrs later we are still sharing the same bed and room. Savor the last days if you have some time.