CeCe 12/96 to 10/5/04 and lessons learned on Osteosarcoma
CeCe was the best, both smart and very sweet to the end. We will miss her greatly. She didn't deserve this, but its God's plan somehow. Back before Memorial Day I noticed that her front knee joint was swolen and she'd developed a mild limp. Thinking infection or joint problem I took her to the vet. After X'rays they discovered it was bone cancer. I guess I was just floored and shocked at the prognosis. They took a biopsy a painful and expensive procedure and the lab tests agreed. The vet said basically the bone is expoding from within and the pain would be unbearable for her. I took her home and began to ponder the option of amputation of the front leg. I relented and allowed that surgery. When she first came out of it I was so disheartened that she couldn't get up and was horribly depressed. The Vet hospital tried physical therapy and finally not much progess suggested she go home. From there things grew hugely better fast. I was just amazed how a 90 lb dog could manage with a missing front leg but she was back to playing ball and running some and great attitude in 30 days. We discussed chemo with the vet but its really futile for the risks and the costs. Not much new has been learned about bone cancer. After the affected limb is taken typically it shows back up in other forms. Often to the lungs. Chemo is maybe $5,000 and the time it buys is questionable. About Labor Day she got sick, throwing up and such. She recovered somewhat from this with medicine and antibiotics, now the cancer started up with a vengence. Apparently internal tumors in the throat area and lungs and then huge tumors came up on her body. She grew weaker by the day. But was still trying to make it. Finally on the Sunday before her death she grew limp and couldn't walk witheven a towel under her for assistance as she'd learned first after the amputation. Finally she couldn't hold her head up. She stayed in my bed, and overnight she begain moaning with pain. Gave her the torbutrol for pain (btw we'd had a bad bad incident with remedyl -causing her to bleed in her stomach) and we saw the time had come, its funny how she knew and I knew. The vet and his staff were so gentle with her and she drifted off from me. With his final words "she's gone now" she left for a better place. I'd not wanted to do this hoping for her to pass at home. But now I know It was me that had to have the courage to help her from the pain. Osteosarcoma is a sneaky thing that comes to big dogs, it starts up so mild that when you get told the outcome you can't belive it. But do. Mainly I'd say although I was horrified about the amputation I'd do it again if ever in that situation. I hope never again in my lifetime but we had a wonderful summer with her. Dogs don't have the same images and hang-ups as we people do, they just deal with it and go. Hope to meet y'all in the forums soon when I find that special dog again. For now I've got to take a rest. |
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i don't think i've ever read so sad a story. i'm sorry. |
| Rest and remember all the joy she brought to you. My heart goes out to you at this time. I truely beleive that you gave her the best life and last wonderful summer she could have hoped for.
Thank you for the information and the story about Cece, it was timely and important. As guardians of our sheepies, sometimes what we "want" is not the best for them. The decision to not go with Chemo was for her, you had her best interests at heart. My best wishes to you in finding another companion to love and deserves the love and care you can give. Our best to you and your family. |
| I'm sorry for your loss. I know she's waiting at the Bridge with my Jakester, who is trying to keep up with her while showing her the ropes. |
| I am so sorry for your loss. Your story was so beautiful and so sad. Your Cece teaches us valuable lessons in courage and optimism, as well as when it is time to let go. There are no words to ease your pain right now, but there are many happy times to remember. Cece is healthy and happy, playing with the other puppies, and waiting patiently for you.
Thank you for taking the time in the midst of your grief to educate us about osteosarcoma. It won't ease the shock and sorrow if another one of our babies is diagnosed with this cancer, but having your story and information helps us understand the treatment options so that we, like you, can make the best decisions for our sweet puppies. Take care of yourself, Henry's Mom |
| Thank you so much for your story,I can not even imagine what it is like looseing your best buddy.As I look down at Mickey w/ an empty can of dog food next to him(garbage digger!!!!)while he is sleeping it breaks my heart knowing someone lost one of these wonderful beast to an aweful disease like bone cancer.Being a nurse bone cancer attacks people the same way w/ the same results,alot of pain,and then death.Sounds like your a very strong person w/ alot of love to give,and your CeCe surrounds you still.......please fill us in when you get another wonderful OES. Best wishes!! |
| My heart breaks for you! It's so hard to let our furry family members go - no matter what age - but when it's before they've gotten a chance to live a full life - it's even more heartbreaking! Osteocarcoma is common in OES - and as you have witnessed it's a very difficult disease to overcome.
CeCe will be with you forever and she will guide the next special sheepie into your life! Take care of yourself and please feel free to join us again at any time. God Speed CeCe! Kristen |
| I am so sorry for your loss.... thank you for sharing your story with us.... |
| You are in my prayers that somehow you are comforted with beautiful memories of your CeCe. Im so sorry that she passed. Thanks for sharing with us.
Becky |
| I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family our in our prayers.
Stormi |
| I try not to read The Rainbow Bridge stories, 'cause i just break down crying. But, I end up always coming back to it later on... I am so sorry for your loss. Its heartbreaking to see your loved one slip away due to an illness, or old age. I pray that you are comforted in the fact that she is in a better place, as we all will be. When you are ready maybe you can post pictures of your beautiful girl. |
| I am so very sorry about your loss. I think joining the forum is a wonderful idea for you. There are many here who understand where you are at right now and can help if you decide you want some. Chatting with sheepie people is healthy and it will help you through these most hard days ahead. I have had to put 2 of my sheepie dogs down and I look at as the final gift that I could give them. May you soon feel peace, and welcome to the forum. Dolores |
| Another lesson that has been reinforced for me, is that we were the richer for having had CeCe, but when one door closes, another opens, if you're receptive to it.
(Sounds too Opra I know, but.....) As amazing as it can be, I just got a call last night and we'll will be getting a new baby girl sheepdog tomorrow. CeCe's gift to us. Thanks to all! See you back soon. |
| Hooray and congratulations on your new baby! I am sure she will bring great joy and love to you. And when she has worn you out, eaten your favorite shoes, left a mess in the wrong spot for the third time that day, and then curled up in your lap so sweetly, you know where to come to share an exasperated laugh. Also we really love puppy pictures. Hint, hint.
Whoever said you can't buy love doesn't know about puppies! |
| Oh....Cece has really sent you a gift. I bet she's with our lost loves at the bridge, running and playing with each other...and feeling no pain. And...they are all up there, planning our futures, and finding us new lovies to take care of, and for them to take care of us. I know, cuz Cupcake sent me Pirate. My heart goes out to you, filled both with sorrow and joy. And I know you know exactly what I mean! |
| I agee CeCe sent a gift, and one I was not expecting.
Well the girl turned out to be a blue eyed boy! He picked me and he's just wonderful. I'll have some pictures up tomorrow. Just got in from the trip to pick him up and he's asleep on my foot. |
| I've gone thru this horrible disease with two dogs and you've summed it up very well. The first dog we tried the chemotherapy......which kept the disease at bay while it was being administered, but not six weeks after stopping, new tumors were discovered. It wasn't worth the money. The second dog developed tumors in both front legs and fought the pain with great dignity. Strangely the two dogs were great buddies, playing and chewing face for hours each day. It was sad they both got the same disease and died within months of each other. That was nearly 10 years ago and I still tear up thinking about it. |
| Hi
I too was very saddened to hear about Cece's passing and very sorry about your loss. I could identify with your pain having lost my Shaggy this past year and she too seemed to have gone to great lengths to hang in there, but, finally her time too had come. It's sad that we only have our friends for such a short time and it never gets any easier to say goodbye - no matter how many we've had in our homes. The solace we have is that we provided them with a loving home and we always have the memory of them. The consolation I felt was that I too could now open up my home to yet another dog that needed a home, and like you, know that each is unique and can't be replaced but happy to be able to have yet another sheepie in the house. Best of luck with you new one and CeCe I'm sure is smiling down at you. Marianne |
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