Information

[blbabe1234]

....and its not good news. The xrays showed bone cancer. I'm at a complete loss right now. They can't cast the leg because of where the break is. They can't perform surgery because its lengthy and at her age (a few months shy of 12 yrs old), will she even wake up? IF she does wake up, will she live thru the recovery time (6 to 8 wks)? SInce my vet is just a vet and isn't a cancer specialist, he can refer us to a dog oncologist in San Antonio. But can Ruby handle the 2 hr drive up, the visit of a new vet (she only knows Dr. Hoke), the treatment(s), the drive back down? And how many trips/treatments can she handle? There are so many unanswered questions right now.

My whole question yesterday and today was...how did this happen? Basically, she's had the cancer for a while...but with any cancer in dogs, they don't show signs until its too late. Unless they are very young. Bone cancer starts in the larger limbs, and once a break occurs, that break cannot heal properly. So even if surgery was an option....doubtful if it'd help. Unfortunetly, its also one of those "aggressive cancers" too.

She is finally resting. Took me most of the day to get a handle on her pain, or for better words...find the right amount of meds to Maintain her pain. She's in better spirits today too. She wags her tail when you say her name, her eyes are clearer and she has no problems drinking water. We are having a problem with food though. She hasn't eaten since yesterday at 7am. She doesn't want treats or chicken/rice. She has eaten maybe like 3 bites of hard boiled egg and drank a few sips of chicken broth. But that isn't enough....but enough to keep down the meds. The meds could possibly be making her tummy yucky, so we will play the waiting game. Ruby is my picky eater anyways, so for her not to eat...really isn't a huge deal. She does that like once a month or so, ever since she was little. But our vet says there are 2 signs that we need to look for. 1, if she refuses water; and 2, if she starts throwing up. Luckily, she has held it all down and has had no issues taking her meds. Since she is staying hydrated, our vet suggests we wait and see how she feels in a couple of days. But the moment she refuses water, then we will have to think about the quality of life. I just didn't expect to have to start thinking about when that might/could be with Ruby so soon. Its only been a little over a year since we lost her sister Bear......
 

[Linda L]

So sorry to hear this. Its never easy to lose anyone. Big hugs to you and will keep Ruby in my prayers!

[writerlady]

I'm so very sorry Brandy. I'm right there with you sweetheart. One of my 3 kitty sisters (she's 10) has just been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. We are giving her water under her skin at home and trying to get her to eat because we have to give her 2 medications. She's skin and bones (in 2 weeks!). Perhaps we can lean on one another here? I am here for you if you want/need to talk. (((hugs)))

[Flasher]

Brandy, I'm so sorry the news wasn't better than this.  I can only imagine how stunned and shocked you are.  I will be thinking of you both as you try to make it through yet another heart breaking stretch of time. 

[blbabe1234]

So sorry to hear this. Its never easy to lose anyone. Big hugs to you and will keep Ruby in my prayers!
 

Thank you Linda

[blbabe1234]

I'm so very sorry Brandy. I'm right there with you sweetheart. One of my 3 kitty sisters (she's 10) has just been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. We are giving her water under her skin at home and trying to get her to eat because we have to give her 2 medications. She's skin and bones (in 2 weeks!). Perhaps we can lean on one another here? I am here for you if you want/need to talk. (((hugs)))
 

Oh Sandy..I am so sorry to hear that. Kidney failure is just the worse. So many hugs going out to you too. And yes...when either of need to talk..we are just a PM away.(((HGUS)))

[Flasher]

I'm so very sorry Brandy. I'm right there with you sweetheart. One of my 3 kitty sisters (she's 10) has just been diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. We are giving her water under her skin at home and trying to get her to eat because we have to give her 2 medications. She's skin and bones (in 2 weeks!). Perhaps we can lean on one another here? I am here for you if you want/need to talk. (((hugs)))

Sandy, good thoughts for you and your kitty, too.   

[blbabe1234]

Brandy, I'm so sorry the news wasn't better than this.  I can only imagine how stunned and shocked you are.  I will be thinking of you both as you try to make it through yet another heart breaking stretch of time. 
 

Thank you Laura for your kind words. I'm just a mess of emotions right now.

[MisasMom]

So sorry to hear this awful news, hugs and prayers to all of you 

[christinec68]

Brandy, I am so sorry about Ruby Mae.  You'll be in my thoughts.

Sandy, you'll be in my thoughts as well.  My cat is in the beginning stages of kidney failure and while she's stable, she is so skinny now.  It breaks my heart.  

(((hugs)))

[pawprints]

Brandy, you know how much my heart is aching.

[suewho372]

Brandy I'm soooo so sorry. I was looking for different results too. You know how much my heart hurts for you and Rob and the other babies. You know I'm here for you. Big big hugs and prayers

prayers and hugs for you Sandy and Christine . We cherries have had way too many heartbreaks lately it is so so heart breaking. 

I have to stop now, can't see the screen. 
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers 

[jnet]

Oh I am so sorry to hear these results. My heart is with you and I will pray for you.

[Shutterbug]

Brandy I am so sorry. My heart aches for you and for Ruby Mae. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

[Renee P.]

I am so sorry, Brandy. I will keep Ruby Mae, you and your DH in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

[Deanna13]

Brandy, I'm so very sorry to hear this.  My heart aches for you and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending Bigs Hugs!

[Monroe1218]

Oh Brandy - I hate to hear that the news wasn't good.  I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.  Sending you big hugs right now!

[beachlover]

Brandy, I am so very sorry to hear this!!!  Many (((HUGS))) and prayers to all of you!!!

[blbabe1234]

Brandy, I am so sorry about Ruby Mae.  You'll be in my thoughts.

Sandy, you'll be in my thoughts as well.  My cat is in the beginning stages of kidney failure and while she's stable, she is so skinny now.  It breaks my heart.  

(((hugs)))
 

Thank you Christine. Sorry about your kitty too. Many hugs

[blbabe1234]

Thank you everyone for the prayers/hugs. I came to terms with the results late last night. I was just so sad. But then Ruby would wag her tail, smile and look happy. So we will fight with her, as long as she can fight.