This is my first blog EVER so please, be kind!
I decided tonight, after reading nothing but questions/answers/blogs since Thursday of last week, that we needed to jump right in. So here goes.
Diva is my 6 year old Rottweiler/child who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma last Thursday afternoon. We had taken her to vet because of a rather persistent limp and never expected to hear the word CANCER. We had taken her to a different vet about a week ago who told us to come back in 6 weeks if nothing improved… thank god we sought a second opinion. So that was it, my baby girl has cancer.
The tumor was in her left shoulder and by Friday night she had lost control of her left leg and was dragging it. We scheduled an amputation for Monday (yesterday) and loved up on her and kept her as comfortable as possible through the weekend. I slept on the floor in the living room with her as she wasnt able to move very far.
Monday rolls around and we dropped her off at our incredible vet. All my faith is in her and I trust her with everything (my baby girl). She saved our yorkie a few months back and so i had no doubt when she told us she wanted to operate. Anyhow, we got a call mid afternoon telling us that Diva’s surgery was postponed until today because of an unforseen (unrelated) emergency. Diva stayed in the hospital over night and they operated today. After hours of pacing and ringing my hands and imagining the worst, the vet called. Diva made it out of surgery and is resting comfortably and sedated.
She opens her eyes when someone pets her but is not ready for visitors. The house is quiet and I miss my girl. She will be coming home in a few days and then this journey really begins.
I am so eternally grateful for the support we have gotten from friends and family and I want to be able to share Diva’s story.
Welcome Diva and Mom. We are so sorry that you got the bad diagnosis, but please don’t let that get in the way of living life to the fullest and making the most of every day. Something tells me you won’t have a problem with that, you two sound like you have a lot of spunk!
We are here to help. It’s great you made it through surgery and your doctor sounds terrific. If you need anything at all, or just want to vent, that’s what we’re here for! Good luck and keep us posted OK?
Thank you do much for your support and welcome! I’m really glad we found your community!
Good thing you got a 2nd opinion! Getting rid of that tumor quickly is important!
I hope her recovery goes well. Once she is off the pain meds and has her stitches out you’ll see her personality come back – that’s usually around the 10-14 day mark.
I know the cancer diagnosis and amp are all so overwhelming, but there can still be lots of great times ahead!
Hang in there and keep us posted,
Jackie, Angel Abby’s mom
Oh yes we will be kind, because that’s all you’ll find here! Truly, this is the nicest, most supportive community I’ve ever been part of.
I’m so sorry Diva has cancer, but you’re doing the right thing for her. Was this osteosarcoma? If so, then Diva was in a lot of pain and even the pain of amputation is nothing compared to that. Diva will have her pain controlled nicely with medication and within a couple of weeks she won’t even need that anymore. Her life is beginning again with this second chance.
Post a bunch of pictures of your baby. We’re suckers for pictures and we’ll just bug you till you do. Make sure to ask any questions that come up. We’ll be thinking of you!
Shari
P.S. Throw rugs! Do you have slippery floors? If so, throw rugs!
I’m so sorry you find yourself here with us! Poor Diva.
I know it’s scary but soon it will be back to normal! Since you are going to be experiencing the amputation recovery, please come to the forums so if you need immediate advice or support, someone will answer you rather quickly since it’s monitored more frequently. https://tripawds.com/forums/
As a side note: I think most everyone here that started a blog – it was their first one too!
Welcome Diva and Human! I’m sorry you had to find us, but glad you did. So glad she made it through surgery so well. Try to get some sleep while you’re waiting to bring your furbaby home. The first two weeks of recovery can be exhausting – mostly because we humans worry so much.
Be patient, healing takes time. Try to keep her calm and quiet, it seems to help with the healing.
I find the blogging really helps, whether it’s celebrating first poops after surgery or venting frustrations along the way. I hope you find it helpful as well.
Hugs and Wags,
Judy and Baby
Hello Diva
our Bernese Mountain Dog is now three weeks post op. Left shoulder osteosarcoma. He is doing so well. A very worrying first two weeks, but now looking up! I am doing a blog too, no idea what am doing either!
make sure you get rest yourself, before diva comes home…then, try to rest when she rests. the first two weeks can be rugged, but you’ll make it through. looking forward to hearing more about diva – paws crossed for a speedy and uneventful recovery.
charon & spirit gayle