Hello everyone:
I am a new member here and I am here to share my dog’s story. She is a 5 year old rottie named Ravyn. She was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her right hind leg on Nov. 30, 2009.
Before that devastating diagnosis, she had undegone TPLO surgeries on both her hind legs and had made remarkable recoveries. Because of that, I was keenly aware of how she was walking, being extra careful to watch how she walked, checking her legs daily. Mid November 09, I noted a slight limp. Off to the vet we went. She received a diagnosis of possible sprain. Take her home and rest her for a week, if not better, bring her back. She wasn’t better. Xrays were done and the diagnosis of cancer was delivered. Total devastation ensued.
I found an ocologist just north of Seattle (we live just south of Seattle) so off we went on Dec 2, 2009. She began chemo and bisphosphonate treatment.
On Jan 20, 2010, her leg was amputated. She again amazed me with her drive and determination. We live in a split-level home, meaning…stairs. She learned quicky how to navigate going up and down and has to this day, never missed a beat.
She completed chemo in June 2010 and has remained cancer free 🙂
On October 28th, 2010, she turned 5 years old and today, January 23rd, 2011, she is 14 months out and going strong.
Her oncologist as has asked for pics and updates from us . I am glady providing them as I understand what a story like Ravyn’s can mean for someone newly disgnosed. I know the stats on this horrible disease.
- Ravyn in her birthday collar, Oct 28, 2010
But to see her doing so well, vibrant, strong, happy and a tripaw who is flourishing, can only serve to inspire and give hope to those who are in the depths of the newly disgnosed.
Anyway, that’s why I am here. I am very new here and haven’t been able to spend a lot of time on the site yet. I am looking foreward to getting to know the dogs and their people on here and to be a contributer as well.
Becky and Ravyn, January 23, 2011
Hi Becky and Ravyn,
Welcome to Tripawds. What a great story of survival!! Please be sure to share your story in the forums (if you haven’t already). Most people on the site spend more time there. We are always happy to hear about a tripawd kicking the big C’s butt!!!
We had another rottie Raven here, she was a front amp. After losing her Raven, Dawn adopted another tripawd rottie she renamed Miles (you should look for his story here, he was rescued from the southwest and transported by Tripawd parents here to CA).
And we have a few tripawd members around Seattle, maybe you can meet up with them sometime.
Karen and the pugapalooza
Wow, Becky, I don’t even know where to start. Lincoln, too, had TPLOs in both knees prior to his amputation. We live near Seattle too, although a bit north.
We had a super quick diagnosis. When Lincoln started to limp, I was sure something had gone haywire with the TPLO, so were were ten days from limp onset to amputation. Good in the long run, but a lot for me to get my head around at first.
Lincoln’s amputation was in March, so we’re just a couple of months behind you. As Karen said, we get together every now and again with the other local tripawds, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the forums.
Great to hear Ravyn’s story. Thanks for sharing.
Lincoln’s Mom
Ravyn, you are such a beauty (LOVE that collar!) You have been through so much in your short life, you really are an inspiration!
Thank you for joining and sharing Ravyn’s story. It is certain to help others going down the same road, and we look forward to following her progress.
Becky, thank you for sharing Ravyn’s inspiring story. And doesn’t she just look darling in pink?! 🙂