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Thursday, September 11, 2008, ( 8 views ) - Diagnosis - Posted by Emily

Following the bone scan, a Radiologist talked to me, but an Oncologist didn't. I was told that I needed to schedule an Oncology Consult. I had thought that is what I had done when I had booked the original appointment at CSU (at least that is what I was told), but it didn't appear to be the case. The thing that I learned is that you have to be very specific with the folks who are scheduling the appointments. What I should have booked was 3 appointments for a single day: Oncology Consult, Bone Scan, and Follow-up Oncology Consult.

Today, we were greeted by Katie Kennedy (a 4th year student) and 2 vet students visiting from Japan. They conducted a physical exam and took down Newton's history. Then, Dr. Ehrhart met with us. Dr. Roberts had provided me with a disk of Newton's X-Rays. Dr. Ehrhart said that based on the X-Rays and the bone scan that she was 85% sure that it was Osteosarcoma.

Dr. Ehrhart laid out the various treatment options and prognosis. Due to the location (proximal humerus), Newton is not a candidate for limb-spare. She also talked about palliative treatment, amputation, and chemotherapy. One of my concerns is if a giant breed would do well with only 3 legs. She indicated that Newton would make a good amputation candidate based on his body structure, especially since he has a fairly narrow chest.

CSU has some clinical trials that they currently have going on that Newton may be a candidate for, so Dr. Ehrhart had Dr. Momont discuss the clinical trials with me. I got a degree in Biochemistry and know the value that clinical trials can have for treatment in the future, so it was something that I inquired about.

The three Dr. Momont discussed with me were: Gene therapy for Canine Osteosarcoma, Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Treatment of Osteosarcoma, and Radiation Therapy with or without Bisphosphonate for Palliative Treatment of Canine Osteosarcoma.

I was surprised that I was not more upset when Dr. Ehrhart told me that she suspects Newton has Osteosarcoma. I guess that I prepared myself a bit before the second set of X-Rays. I have to do what is right for Newton. He needs to be happy and comfortable. So, now I am faced with the challenge: how do I want to proceed???



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