BF's drooler has another dx now

[Traci and Boomer]

My poor BF and his drooler Princess. She was dx'd with an inoperable (terminal) adrenal tumor in February. She's defied all odds by living until now so far. At the time the surgeon told my BF that she couldn't believe Princess was functioning. We thought she had very little time if any. Fast forward 9 months. She's lived well and never seemed to be terminal until recently. Walking has become much more difficult. She doesn't want to put weight on her back right leg. Dave thought it was her ataxia getting worse. We brought her in, she had exrays and it turns out she's most likely got bone cancer in that leg. This pooch is in the best hands possible; he's going to keep her comfortable.

Here's the hard part - how to know when it's time. Her life isn't bad even though it's not an ideal dog's life. She still eats well. She does have bathroom accidents and it hurts her to walk too much.

Can someone direct me to where I can find the quality of life check list?

 

[Ele & Blackie (GA)]

Hi Traci,
I'm so sorry to hear this latest diagnosis for Princess. We had a dog, Dana, that had bone cancer. Its a terribly painful disease. Please make sure that Princess has adequate pain meds - we used Tramadol and Gabapentin. Regarding the QOL, our vet told us to make a list of all the things Dana enjoyed. For example walks, pets, certain foods, etc. Then as those things start going away you can make a decision based on what things are left. There is a great yahoo group: bonecancerdogs and a great website: bonecancerdogs.org

I am so sorry for Dave. Princess will be in my prayers.

 

[Traci and Boomer]

OMG, thank you SO much for that info! I'll tell him right away and I'm going to take a look. I'm so sorry to hear about Dana. How long did she live after the dx?
He's very worried - of course. The vet said that this could go on for 3-6 months but I just don't see how. The vet said this cancer could spread to her lungs - that's where this kind goes next apparently.
Princess is on gabapentin.

 

[Linda and Bear Man]

(((Traci))) I am sorry to hear that Princess has this new diagnosis.

Is this the QOL scale that you were looking for?

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/v ... scale.aspx

 

[Ele & Blackie (GA)]

Hi Traci,
Our Dana had chemotherapy but no amputation due to her age. We had to let her go after 6 months when it moved to her lymph glands. She was almost 16 years old which is old for a lab/retriever mix, but we still miss her. That yahoo group is very good - lots of information and support. I hope you can keep Princess comfortable for a while longer.

 

[jt and trouble (GA)]

Oh my gosh poor Princess and poor you and BF. Adding my prayers for comfort and guidance.
jeanne

 

[Traci and Boomer]

(((Traci))) I am sorry to hear that Princess has this new diagnosis.

Is this the QOL scale that you were looking for?

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/v ... scale.aspx

Hi Linda-
Yes, that's what I was looking for. I'm sending it to Dave.
Thank you!
I hope you're doing well.

 

[Traci and Boomer]

Hi Traci,
Our Dana had chemotherapy but no amputation due to her age. We had to let her go after 6 months when it moved to her lymph glands. She was almost 16 years old which is old for a lab/retriever mix, but we still miss her. That yahoo group is very good - lots of information and support. I hope you can keep Princess comfortable for a while longer.

Dave's dog is also 16. She's a lab mix too. He's not going to do chemo or amputation-she's got too many other issues. I hope the 6 months you had with Dana after the dx were good ones. I can't imagine this going on another 6 months for either of them. I know he will not put her to sleep until she is VERY ready; he won't be able to because he would feel like he was killing her as opposed to putting her out of pain. I think she's close but not there yet. he is not working so his entire life revolves around her and her care. It's exhausting and depressing.