Happy Two Months, Tipper

Yes! Tipper’s two month ampuversary. And one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It will take me months – possibly longer – to pay for this medical care, but by the grace of God, Tipper is doing well and I’m pretty sure I won’t lose my house over it.

For anyone at the stages of diagnosis or post-surgery recovery – you may wonder if you’re doing the right thing, especially through the first couple weeks after surgery. I’ve had days – I still have times when I’ve worried if he’s had more tough days than good. But I offer you reassurances that pain during recovery and the small chance of chemo side effects is tiny compared to limping on a leg that might explode at any moment!

Tipper and Logan, whom have remained so very “dog” for the past two months are inspiration for me. I think this experience has brought them closer. At least that’s what I think I notice. I could just be noticing more nowadays. It’s actually brought my mom some purpose at a time she was waning. So, always a silver lining, I guess.  She has been right along with us, giving the boys a daily visit and keeping vigilant watch over them. If I don’t notice sore muscles or a boo boo, she most definitely catches it. I’m grateful that she has placed so much interest in listening to me and learning about the stupid cancer, the recovery, the treatments, and all that jazz. It would be difficult not to have someone to really take the time to listen.

So far, I have fat and happy dogs. I’ve been mixing wet food (sometimes peanut butter) into their kibble, and have been a bit overly generous. We are being more careful now, but Dr. Jeff did remark that at least Tipper’s weight gain is a sign of healthy working organs. 👍 Tipper’s fur is nearly grown in and his whole coat is sleek and shiny. And interest and energy are great.

We are trekking slowly with the carboplatin. Had a tough week after treatment 2, and have had to delay #3 due to low white cell count. Tripawds and Bone Cancer Dogs have both been a Godsend with information that placates me somewhat. (Still have a way to go on “being more dog”.) We’re just waiting for blood to recover and headed back after a week to try again. 🙏🏻

In between treatments, Tipper had one of his recurring back foot issues. Itching, chewing his poor foot raw. But, now that he is rid of his spare leg, our vet office gives us priority scheduling. 👍😉👏 And what a “whew!”, his footsie tootsie is on the mend after some soaks, scrubs, and sprays. I’m thinking this healing is a good sign for his wbc. And it’s curbed him from taking treats because he’s afraid I’ll nab him for a bath or spray down his paws. He’s still DEMANDING treats, but sometimes not accepting.

My favorite fun time for the boys is when they play together. It is a true joy to watch them wrestle, chase, and nibble on each other, tearing up the house. That had ceased by the time we got our diagnosis. Now, they are back to their nightly romp before bed time.  They are so joyful and at their most dog playing together. No more hesitancy in Tipper.

This ampuversary is significant for us. In making my decision about the best response to osteosarcoma , I told the (endlessly patient) tech, “Even if he has one month to live, I want that month to be as pain free as possible.” My mindset has been that this care is palliative, and as long as he is still joyful, I’ve done well by him. I consider each day, week, month a bonus. So, mostly we are celebrating the bonus. Without surgery, I wouldn’t have had him suffer with any other less effective pain treatment and would have said goodbye as early on as our day of diagnosis, I think.

And now, it is past time to get out of bed and feed these guys. The are pouncing all over me as I am writing. I love love love my boys.