I have a 9 yr old chihuahua named Toby who was diagnosed in June with osteosarcoma in his rib. He had already had surgery to remove the tumor and they took 2 ribs when they realized the tumor was growing out of his rib. I work in the veterinary profession and see these kinds of things everyday. I always thought it would be easier to deal with a cancer diagnosis because in my head, I'd already decided what I would and would not do. But everything changes when it's your own puppy. This cancer is very aggressive and my research said 5-8 months without chemotherapy. So, almost 3 months after his surgery ( when I was just starting to think maybe I'd get more time than that), I found a lump on the same side where the original cropped up. So, it's growing everyday ( literally- visibly growing every day) and I'm having a very hard time. I cry every day thinking about losing him and when I might have to make that decision. He's on a lot of strong pain medications, but this cancer is very painful and I know at some point I'll have to make that decision. I'm just not sure how to accept that I'll need to euthanize him at a young age ( for a chihuahua- his 12 year old "sister" is still ticking). I'm just sad.
