Sunday, June 30, 2024

At the Top of Our June Pile

Here we are at the end of June. And, as always it has been quite a month that is now behind us. 

I don't think I even have to say that there is a lot going on behind the scenes. But for this post, I'll focus on what's at the top of our pile for the month of June, that at the moment is Noodle. 

He's had several vet appointment over the last few weeks. We've had x-rays and an ultrasound done to assess his leg to help decide a direction. 

The more detailed x-rays and an ultrasound did give us some good news, in that the cancer did not appear to have spread into his chest or other areas. 

That brought on the discussion of the benefits and risks of surgery to amputate Noodle's leg. I'll add that the vet did say that she didn't think euthanasia would be a bad consideration either. She added this because osteosarcoma or bone cancer with and even without amputation has a 4-5 month prognosis. Those that have the amputation surgery and get chemo afterwards have a little longer--maybe a year. The benefits for just doing the surgery would be that Noodle would ambulate better/more comfortably and hopefully be pain free. However, the expected recovery for him would be a little more difficult only in that he has lost muscle in his other leg. The downside of course was the cost and the question of could or should the Rescue's funds be put towards a dog with a better prognosis?  Those were all things that the Board of the rescue needed to discuss, consider and decide. Honestly, I didn't know what the best decision was, which is why I would of course support the Rescue's decision, whatever it would be. It was a tough decision. 

The Board of the rescue discussed and voted to go ahead with the surgery, without chemo, and give Noodle that chance to live pain-free for the time he has left. Noodle had surgery this past Thursday to amputate his leg. Of course everything is being biopsied and an oncologist has given us hope that maybe the cancer Noodle had was confined to the knee joint and was not osteosarcoma and would or could be curative. We'll find out this week when the test results are returned. 

All that aside, the surgery went as well as it could have given the condition of Noodle's leg, his atrophied muscles and his overall body condition -- it made cutting through the bone, nerves, etc., a bit of a challenge and so it meant the surgery took a little longer. Getting his body temp to regulate afterwards was also a little challenging because he has so little body fat. 

By about 5 o'clock, Noodle was awake and doing well and ready to be picked up. We'd been dealing with a power-outage from the night before, and thankfully the power came back on as I was leaving to pick Noodle up - YAY!! I was happy for us and so grateful that Noodle got to come home to a cool house. 

So far, Noodle has been a good post op patient. Even though he wasn't using his amputated leg to stand, he knew how to balance himself with it, and of course now, he is having to learn to rebalance himself without it. He needs a lot of help, but that's what we're here for -- And this morning it was good to see that he'd gotten up on his feet by himself. Progress!

So, today is day 3 of his recovery, and there is another level of healing that we've moved up to: The cone of shame because Noodle won't leave the surgery site alone - Something I was expecting and ready for. 


Noodle is such a sweet boy and this is all part of his healing journey and a story that I'm grateful gives him a chance at a good and pain free life for however long that may be. 

20 comments:

  1. We have our paws crossed that the report is good news for Noodle and that his recovery continues well. Our sympathies to him for having to wear that cone of shame.

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  2. Noodle, one brave boy, and I send from down here so many good wishes for recovery to go well, and that you are pain free for your time at Golden Pines. Those Golden gladioli add to the wishes.

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  3. Poor Noodle, i hope it all works out and he is pain free for a really long time. Such hard decisions to make when a rescue has so many dogs to take care of. Thank you for taking such good care of him.

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  4. That was a very complex situation, and we think the rescue made a good decision. We hope Noodle heals well and has some good time left without all that pain. If he can't walk that well, maybe he could get one of those wheelie carts to help him get around. All the best to Noodle. And big, big hugs to you for all that you are doing for him and so many others.

    Woos and Hugs - Misty, Timber, and Mom

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  5. Such a sweetheart. POTP and prayers for some good news. Thank you for taking such good care of Noodle.

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  6. Thank you again and again! And thanks to the Rescue too.

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  7. I forgot to sign my name. Lori

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  8. What a sweet pup! I'm glad you didn't have to make the decision and that the board made the right one. Prayers for you all. ❤️
    ---Cheerful Monk

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  9. Kim, I think all of us are happy for Noodle that he has a chance at a real life at least for a while. Thank you & the rescue for caring for this sweet boy.

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  10. Sending healing prayers and best wishes for sweet Noodle.
    Happy July! Have a great day and happy new week!

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  11. Noodle is so sweet and prayers for him to recover quickly and to be pain free..

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  12. Prayers for Noodle 's excellent recovery, no pain and as much beautiful time as possible. He is such a darling boy.

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  13. Oh, bless Noodle's sweet heart and I'll pray the surgery was curative.
    That 'cone of shame" looks much more comfortable than the plastic ones.

    Hugs!

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  14. We continue to send sweet Noodle POTP. We know he found the right people to help him with this part of his journey. Lee and Phod

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  15. Wishing Noodle, and you, daily improvements and happiness. How wise to leave the decision to the Board ... that's what they're there for - taking the load off your shoulders. That is one very flash Cone of Shame - most I've seen don't look nearly as comfortable. I'm hoping the next post has further good news.

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  16. I'll keep Noodle in my prayers. At his yearly exam, the vet suspected oral cancer in one of my cats. I spent two weeks researching, and I knew it wouldn't be good. After a dental and a biopsy, the results came back as an irritated growth. I have never been so relieved. I hope Noodle gets good results, too.

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  17. You all are saints. Don't argue with me. ;) Makes me want to come over to help with all your other furry beings or come pet the rest of the fur off of Noodle. ;) If you can't laugh you are gonna cry. I've had that feeling so often. Hugs to all.

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  18. Sorry to be so late commenting on this. Sending best healing wishes to Noodle.

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!