Apologies and….smooth sailing

Hello and my apologies for not keeping up. First of all I wrecked my computer; it did not survive 2 direct hits of soda in one night so I had to get a new one. second: my favorite time to blog is in the middle of the night and this site doesn’t (or hasn’t so far) accepted those late night writings.

Anyway, I stopped going to this site and I need to go on here much earlier. I have A LOT to catch up with will get started right now. First of all Oscar’s update. Don’t remember what I wrote last so I may repeat some things.

Unfortunately after Oscar’s surgery on July 24th, he developed a serious infection (MRSA) and had to go to surg on Friday Aug 2nd to have his wound cleaned out. He came home on Aug 6th–mostly because he wasn’t eating and seemed depressed. He came home with a sore on his left leg (which I think he licked due to the stress of being in the hospital). He was placed on an antibiotic chloraphen a something and I had to wear plastic gloves to give it because it can cause anemia both to the giver and the dog. He had his staples out and his first dose of chemo on Aug 20th; no side effects. He will have 6 doses of chemo, 3 weeks apart. The doctor said they used to give 4 doses but recent studies show that 6 doses may have better results. Had his 1st month post op on aug 21st–which was Gus’s 7th birthday. Chest x-ray was clear and labs are good. Gave him a lot of protein while he was on the antibiotic and will continue to give him (mostly meat). His brother is happy–gets all the good stuff and doesn’t have to go to the hospital etc.

Last thing: I have finally become a member of the “No Regrets” club. Initially and for about 2-3 weeks, I had many 2nd thoughts, well actually I was sorry I had the amputation done. Finally Oscar is back to his old self and when I look at what the alternative would have been I am very glad I decided to have the surgery done; AND i COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF ALL OF YOU ON TRIPAWDS!!

I will do better with staying in touch and have adjusted to our “new normal”. Have also been leaving Oscar and am comfortable doing it. Am even back to rescuing!!

Hugs and blessings to you all!!

Lora, Gus and Oscar

Author: oscarsmom1

I'm a retired nurse; plan on going back to work--need more money. Have many hobbies and interests: knitting, needlepoint, sewing, gardening, refinish wood, cross stitch. Addicted to Pinterest. Also part of an animal rescue group-animals that are in shelters where they are euthanized are transported here to Wisconsin or Minnesota. Have 2 english mastiff's. Oscar just turned 6 in march; already has hip dysplasia and arthritis and just started limping a couple of weeks ago. He has osteosarcoma in his right front leg. I was totally against amputation, thought it was cruel etc but it looks like it's the only way to take away his pain. The vet told me about this site and I need to decide tonight what to do. View all posts by oscarsmom1