Jogger's Story
Chest x-rays were also taken on the 19th, and although it showed her lungs were clear, I was informed of the grim news that microscopically the cancer had spread. Jogger had a biopsy on Wednesday, August 21, to confirm the diagnosis.
I was fortunate as there were several recommended oncologists in the south Denver area. Although I inquired/investigated several of the recommendations, I wanted to go to Colorado State University located in Fort Collins (several hours away). Living in Colorado I was well aware of CSU’s reputation of being one of the top animal cancer centers in the world. This is one decision I have never regretted as I have met the most brilliant and compassionate people involved in Jogger’s care.
The biopsy sample was sent to CSU’s diagnostic lab, so I made an appointment for the following Monday (August 26th) for initial consultation and to review the biopsy results. Realizing that I did not know anything about osteosarcoma, I turned to the Internet and started to search. I found the options were limited: do nothing, palliative care, amputation with or without chemo, limb-sparing, and experimental trials. At that moment, I decided to fight as long as Jogger was willing to fight.
Monday, August 26th, we waited in CSU’s waiting room. A senior vet student came and got us and took our history. She was excellent and I am grateful as later I realized how much she would care for Jogger during her stay. Dr. Nicole Ehrhart came in and confirmed that the biopsy was osteosarcoma and gave us our options. After listening to the pros/cons of each option, I went with what was in my heart and that was amputation. I thought this gave Jogger the best chance to be immediately pain-free from the bone cancer and the best chance for extended quality of life. Dr. Ehrhart was also Jogger’s oncology surgeon and immediately impressed me with her knowledge and experience. I felt comfortable leaving Jogger for additional tests to ensure she was a good candidate for amputation. Surgery was scheduled and done on Tuesday, August 27th. I picked up Jogger on Wednesday afternoon. She looked wonderful. (see amputation/chemo/treatment section for details).
Two weeks later, we started chemotherapy. Dr. Claudia Walter was Jogger’s oncologist. Jogger struggled with the chemo agents and we had to change several times (see chemo section). This was challenging for me although Jogger seemed to be fine. I relied heavily on Dr. Walter’s guidance and recommendations to get both Jogger and myself through this time. I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Walter. Not only did she do a wonderful job with Jogger’s treatment, she taught me to truly appreciate the clichés of the “glass is half full” and “enjoy and treasure each moment”. She handled the entire package of pet and owner.
From the very beginning I spent a lot of time researching diet and supplements and holistic practices. I wanted Western medicine to treat the cancer and I wanted Eastern practices to treat the dog. I believe in both. Holistic does not necessarily mean “safe”. I read a lot of books (both for canine and humans) and publications, searched the Internet, and listened to people’s actual experience. I took a very conservative approach. Very few scientific studies are actually done and even fewer actually prove anything. I did not want to throw the medicine cabinet at her with every snake oil remedy. However, the supplements I added to Jogger’s diet have shown great promise at least in my research. (see Jogger’s diet/supplements/meds).
Jogger has health issues with her heart, kidneys, and cancer. However, these health issues do not effect her quality of life. She is pain-free and enjoying life (running and playing and doing all the fun things she has always done). We average about 5 walks a day each at least a quarter mile to half a mile in length. Every morning Jogger will bring her ball and we play fetch. Every Saturday and Sunday morning you can find us at the dog park where she practices her social skills. Realistically we know the horrific odds of this terrible disease, but we gladly steal each borrowed day.
Jogger's favorite activity after