Some news about my dog

[Chel]

So this afternoon, about two hours ago, my family and I went to the vet because we noticed a large lump on our dog Molly's front left leg. About 15 or 20 minutes in, they told us that she had cancer. We don't know what type, as they said they would send the stuff off for further analysis, but hearing this news I just absolutely broke down. Even now I'm just holding back tears as I write this. I love her so much, and I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know these things, I'm only a teenager. To find out that she has this has just absolutely killed me inside. I don't feel anything except sadness and hate right now, normally I'm happy. 

I just don't know what's going to happen, and that's the scary part. Will she live? Die? Have 3 legs? I don't know! WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN? WHY?! I HATE CANCER I HATE IT I HATE IT! 

[Kerbinchaser]

Aww man, that's awful. 

Cancer has taken away more people in my family than anything else. I'm sorry you have to go through this. Dogs are absolutely man's best friend, and I know I would feel the same way if I lost my dog. 
Best wishes from the USA.

-Lo var

[James Kerman]

Having lost a beloved companion myself, I empathize with the pain you are feeling, Cat.

I've recently lost a family member to cancer so I hate it too.

[Kerbinchaser]

5 minutes ago, James Kerman said:

I've recently lost a family member to cancer so I hate it too.

 

That's terrible. I'm sorry. 

Edited February 12, 2019 by Lo Var Lachland

[James Kerman]

I found it helps to keep yourself occupied, rather than dwell on the bad news.  Maybe you could organize some special activities for Molly (if She's not too poorly) so that even if the worst happens both you and the dog have some really happy time together.

[tater]

Sorry about your dog. Maybe they can treat it. We gave a previous dog intralesional chemotherapy for a couple years. Of course that was insanely expensive.

Oh, and $@#! cancer, I agree.

[LordFerret]

Animals with cancer (and many other forms of illnesses) are unaware there's anything wrong, unless of course they're in pain.  So for as long as they're not in pain, and especially being they're quite empathic to your feelings, don't wallow in sadness with them ... be normal, be happy, be happy to be with them as they are with you.  I hope this makes sense to you.

 

And on a related note:
I don't know if any of you have been following the science of such things;  But, Israeli scientists have recently announced they may have found a complete cure for cancer - all forms of cancer.  Testing begins this year.  If this turns out a success, it will change all of our lives... and maybe even trickle down to saving the likes of our pets as well.  Think positive.  Keep your eyes on these guys - Accelerated Evolution Biotechnologies Ltd. (AEBi).

[tater]

[snip]

On 2/12/2019 at 12:09 PM, LordFerret said:

Animals with cancer (and many other forms of illnesses) are unaware there's anything wrong, unless of course they're in pain.  So for as long as they're not in pain, and especially being they're quite empathic to your feelings, don't wallow in sadness with them ... be normal, be happy, be happy to be with them as they are with you.  I hope this makes sense to you.

THIS.

The benefit of not knowing stuff cannot be underestimated. If they amputate the leg, the dog can still be just fine, BTW.

Our cat recently had to be put down, and she lived 9 years as a paraplegic. She had no clue she was a cripple (though she certainly pined to be outside, and made breaks for it whenever possible). They are adaptable creatures, but as LordFerret said, they will only pick up on how you act.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Vanamonde

[Chel]

On 2/12/2019 at 3:18 PM, tater said:

[snip]

The benefit of not knowing stuff cannot be underestimated. If they amputate the leg, the dog can still be just fine, BTW.

Our cat recently had to be put down, and she lived 9 years as a paraplegic. She had no clue she was a cripple (though she certainly pined to be outside, and made breaks for it whenever possible). They are adaptable creatures, but as LordFerret said, they will only pick up on how you act.

I hope that they'll be able to remove it or maybe amputate the leg, because at least then she won't die. But if worst comes to worst, I don't know if i'll be alright

Edited February 14, 2019 by Vanamonde

[tater]

4 minutes ago, The_Cat_In_Space said:

I hope that they'll be able to remove it or maybe amputate the leg, because at least then she won't die. But if worst comes to worst, I don't know if i'll be alright

It's sad, but it gets better, you'll be fine. I still feel sad about previous dogs when I think about them, but I also feel happy that I got to spend all the time I did with them. Pets don't live as long as we do, and losing them is part of the bargain for all the unconditional affection they give us.

As they say, be the person your dog thinks you are.

[Chel]

7 minutes ago, tater said:

It's sad, but it gets better, you'll be fine. I still feel sad about previous dogs when I think about them, but I also feel happy that I got to spend all the time I did with them. Pets don't live as long as we do, and losing them is part of the bargain for all the unconditional affection they give us.

As they say, be the person your dog thinks you are.

I'll try to be

[tater]

17 hours ago, The_Cat_In_Space said:

I'll try to be

This is a print we have in our hallway:

 

http://www.adshead-etchings.com/

 

Edited February 13, 2019 by tater

[Kerbinchaser]

1 hour ago, tater said:

This is a print we have in our hallway:

 

Oh, that is beautiful. Not exactly proportionate, but a wonderful idea and drawing. 

[tater]

We loved it the second we saw it.

Link to her site:

http://www.adshead-etchings.com/

 

Edited February 13, 2019 by tater

[Vanamonde]

The health care industry is not the subject of this thread, folks. That part of the discussion has been removed. 

Hope things turn out well with your dog, @The_Cat_In_Space. 

[KerbolExplorer]

I hope things turn out well for your dog!

[Salmon]

It is scary news at first, but it isn't that bad after a bit. Take my dog for example - he's had a bajillion cancers lumps cut out him, but all the cancers have been only first-stage. I still wish you luck and hope that the treatment goes well.