Darn OSA Rears Its Ugly Head…Bart & Darcy Prepared to Fight!

It has been a while since I have posted. Mostly I just enjoy reading posts here and on the FB page and supporting the pawrents who are celebrating milestones or having to make difficult decisions. I feel the pain of those who have to let their beloveds go and shed tears each time I find out that we have lost another Tripawd Soldier.

Bart has always been a hero no matter where he goes. He beat Osteosarcoma 6 years ago – virtually unheard of!! He competed until almost 9 years old in hunting events with 4-legged dogs with a following like no other!  He was awarded the AKC Humane Fund ACE Award for being an Exemplary Companion!  He has lived a charmed and blessed life.

Last week he had a tumor removed from the tissue surrounding and between his ribs at his old amputation site. Bart’s vet, Dr. Abby Huggins, enjoys surgery and enjoys a challenge but said that because she loves Bart so much she wished she didn’t have to have such a challenging surgery with him. When she saw Bart’s tumor, she knew it was a sarcoma of some sorts but didn’t want to “be sad” until the pathology results came back. She was also concerned that due to the location and size of the tumor she was unable to get the needed clean margins.

Bart recovered from a very difficult surgery in true Bart style and I was fortunate to be reminded of the sheer tenacity and strength in this amazing creature.  During the first night after the surgery Bart had some discomfort, but I could see in his eyes that he trusted me so that when I consoled him he knew I had his back and that he would be OK. During that dark night, there was the light of love. The next morning, he wanted nothing more than to run around the living room carrying random shoes and slippers. He’s back…

Yesterday we got the pathology report back – Osteosarcoma has returned 6 years later. My heart sunk and the tears flowed. I contacted Bart’s breeder who was my rock during the last go around and who I know will  be there again. She was devastated, but hopeful. As word spread through our FB community, hope, love and prayers have come pouring into our life…not surprising at all.  There was also a small miracle in the path report – BART’S INCREDIBLE VET SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY GOT CLEAN MARGINS!!!! Additionally, she had taken an X-ray of his chest and organs and there is not a dot of cancer anywhere in his sweet body! So, at least we have that to start with…

Bart has an appointment with his previous oncologist, Dr. Terrence Hamilton, next week and an appointment with his holistic Vet, Dr. Susan Wynn, the week after. My goal this time around is to try to fend off any new or microscopic cancer in whatever way Dr. Hamilton advises and if at 9 years old he either can’t handle the chemo treatment or if the dreaded dots appear on an X-ray he will be allowed to remain happy and comfortable.  I am prepared to deal with either or both.

Bart’s entire life has been about Love and Happy-ness and cancer cannot take any of that away from us – ever!  He & I have lived the most incredible life to its fullest and cancer cannot diminish that either. Cancer has been a part of Bart’s life and if it is a component of what makes Bart “Bart” then I embrace it whole heartedly. I just love everything about him…good or bad.

We are prepared to fight and we are prepared to love and we are prepared to laugh!!!

Darcy & Bart