Jaxx has bone cancer

[Marley55]

My beloved Jaxx was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma on Tuesday. What started with a limp on his right front has turned into the worst news we could have gotten.

He is nine now and has had the best life a dog could have. Trips to the beach, camping, hiking, swimming, his own comfy sofa, lots and steak and all the love hugs and ears scratches he could want.

Since he had ACL operations on both hind legs and has mild arthritis already we decided to manage the pain and add rymidal to his daily supplements and let him tell us when he is ready. I understand amputation is a successful treatment but based on his age and other issues we felt is best to take the path we did.

I am so crushed and this is just so hard. He is eating just fine, is ready to chase the squirrels and rabbits and was crazy excited when we pulled the camper into the driveway from winter storage cause it means the start of summer fun.

He is without a doubt the best dog I have ever owned. With me through a divorce, a 5 state move, renting, and then buying our own house with a huge fenced yard just for him. I can hardly think of him being gone.

I suppose he does not understand cancer and all that comes with it, but I do and I am really struggling to do the right thing and find the right time and not hold on to long for selfish reasons.

[tla0126]

Everytime I read a post with this sad news, it really does bring tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry about the diagnoses and I truly wish you and Jaxx the happiest moments from now on. Yall are in my prayers...

[missingmarley]

Such a shock, a sad, devastating shock.

You don't need to be told that now is the time to spoil him crazy - good luck to you, and you know you and Jaxx are in our thoughts.

[Xena's Daddy]

Xena & I are having the same problem as you & Jaxx...........I'm really sorry to hear it. I know what you're going through right now, and I would never wish this on anyone. You're in my thoughts.........
MK

[abbiesdogs]

I am so sorry your boy has this terrible disease, I haven't and hope I dont go through what you are, you and Jaxx will be in my prayers.
sending hugs to you all. abbie

[observer]

There have been so many of these lately!!!! I'm so sorry. Just love him and spoil him and keep him on good medication. They are really stoic dogs that hide pain well. Makes this awful disease that much harder for us and our dogs to handle. Having a senior dog myself, every time she doesn't look or act exactly as I expect sends a cold chill up my spine. I've been where you are, lots of us have, or are there now.

You will be in my thoughts.

[brunie's mom]

Oh..I am sorry.
I got an awful call today too...the owner of a dog that I had fostered called to tell me that his Heidi had been diagnosed with bone cancer too.

Awful to hear a grown man cry. He did not want to believe his vet....but I told him to start doing some research, and to come read the threads here. He had no idea that OS was so common in our breed. I recommended the same thing to him as what you are going to be doing for Jaxx...pain relief, spoiling and lots of love and attention.

Gina

[BeauandShan]

I feel for you we are going through the same thing with Beau he is eleven. He too is the best dog I have ever had. The news just hit me for six when we found out. I just didnt want to hear it. We are keeping him on pain meds too due to his age we dint think it was fair to put him through surgery with no definite outcome after it. He is being spoilt rotten (like he wasnt anyway)lol. Mabel our five month old is keeping him company all the time, bless her she follows him everywhere. I know that he will let us know when the time comes, yes I am dreading that day but at the moment we are taking each day as it comes.
These darn dogs get right under your skin dont they. my thoughts are with you.

[Marley55]

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. The big lug just struggled up on the bed much to my dismay. I am afraid when he jumps down he may fracture his bone so I had to help him down. He managed to grumble at me all the way down. I call it the rottie purr It's hard to know that everything is upside down when Jaxx is just trying to do is everyday doggie stuff !

[lucasmom]

Marley55
I am so sorry to hear that you are traveling this very dark road with many of us whose dogs have been diagnosed with OS. There are no words to comfort you during this time except to let you know that we will all be there for you as we forge ahead. Love your baby dog as much as possible and enjoy these days to follow. Keep him painfree and feed him like a king! Sounds like you already do that. Be sure to post some pictures on your site so we can all admire your baby. My best wishes to you.

[Sheenagirl]

I am so very sorry for you and Jaxx.
Just keep him comfortable and cherish every moment.
There are so many of us that know the pain you are going through.
You and Jaxx are in my prayers...

[caseygina]

i am so sorry for you. my husband and i are going through the same thing with our girl riley. we understand how you feel-it is heartbreaking.

[AngelBunny]

I am so very sorry to read about Jaxx. It is terrible that you and your boy are walking the same heartbreaking, sad path so many of us have walked before you.

You and your boy are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Xena's Daddy]

Originally Posted by Marley55

The big lug just struggled up on the bed much to my dismay. I am afraid when he jumps down he may fracture his bone so I had to help him down.

I had the exact same fear.........so I took apart my bedframe, put the boxspring in the garage, and put the mattress directly on the floor. It's a little weird being down that low & not overly comfortable..........but it will stay that way until it no longer needs to be. My Girlfriend thinks I'm nuts! LOL.......But she understands & respects what I'm doing for Xena.

I also built a temporary ramp out the back door so she won't hurt herself when she goes outside. (There are 2-small steps out my back door)

I will do whatever I can for her 'till she no longer needs me.......

Best wishes,
MK

[lucasmom]

Xena's Dad-
You are the BEST Daddy ever........almost as CRAZY as me. I have been sleeping on an air mattress in the family room so Lucas can be close to me with our "pillows" next to each other!! Dear God...we are hopeless. Laurie