I feel badly that we haven’t posted in such a long time. Tripawds got us through an unprecedented time in our lives with our boy Tundra. Against all odds he survived bone cancer and a front leg amputation for nearly two years – in fact, in 6 weeks it would have been two years since the amputation.
In August of this year Tundra was diagnosed with a completely different cancer that was constricting his intestine just at the outflow of the stomach. He had what I will call a miraculous surgery (thank you to the doctors on that surgical team) on August 14th, but because of the location of the cancer it couldn’t all be removed and it was aggressive. They didn’t think it would be more than a few weeks before he would succumb to the cancer for the last time. We got to the point of having to hand feed him with a feeding syringe, but two weeks after the surgery he was back to ‘normal’.
We knew that there would be no more surgeries and as long as he enjoyed eating and being comfortable at home that was where he would be and live out his last days. Yesterday morning, 10/16 started out as a normal morning, but at some point during the day Tundra went to his doghouse, got himself comfortable and passed away. Just like that.
He was a loving, beautiful boy who loved food and family.
Rest in Peace my beautiful boy.
Thank you for posting Tundra’s story. Our Mal Maya was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma in her front right leg. We are facing the same emotions and decisions you were. Maya has a big brother Kodi who had ACL surgery last year, and your descriptions of your two could have been written about mine. Tundra’s journal has lifted our spirits knowing that Mals can thrive after amputation.
Mark, so glad that this was of use. It has been so long since we did anything with this site. The few times I have received e-mails about comments they have been SPAM or hacking of some sort. I wish Maya and parents the best. It isn’t easy, but you do what you can for your children. Steven