Canine Osteosarcoma; Soft Tissue variety (Spleen)

We received the worst news ... our Lexi does have cancer. She has Osteosarcoma but intead of it affecting her bones, it is her Spleen (soft tissue). The mass was the size of an orange.

I am completely heartsick.

After two weeks, when Lexi has completely recovered from the spleenectomy, we can meet with an Oncologist. I think my husband wants to do that. I am the one who received the call with the news and was told this form is aggressive and that chemo might not be beneficial. I don't know if I want to put Lexi through that. I'm not saying I want to "give up" on her - I'm saying she has gone through quite a bit and the side effects of chemo can be dreadfull. She is nearly 14 years old and I don't want her to suffer.

Here is our beautiful girl from 2004 with Spencer.

I am researching Pet Insurance before Spencer gets too "old". I've noticed that there is a vast variety; some won't insure over 8 yrs. old; some will take but fees are much higher. Considering "PurinaCare"; they have a Preventative option also.

Please send "puppy hugs" for our Lexi

I haven't felt much like myself for a little while now. Our beloved Beagle, Lexi has been scaring me. A severe trembling incident over the weekend prompted a visit to our Vet on Jan. 11th. No cause for the trembling; could be muscle weakness. Given Lexi's age (13) they ran a "senior panel" of tests ... blood work and X-ray. The blood work wasn't 'great' but the X-ray showed a mass and it needed to be removed.

Lexi underwent surgery yesterday (Jan. 18) and I hope she'll be home today; no call yet. The reason for the "puppy hugs" request ... the mass is her spleen and given the size of the mass and its location, she has a 50-50 chance that it IS cancer. What's worse is the type of cancer ... I don't recall the name; just that it is "blood" related and the doctor said Lexi would pass away within 2-3 months. Biopsy results will be in Weds. or Thurs.

I am just heartsick. We've had our Lexi from 6 Weeks Old and we love her very much. I can't imagine losing her already.

Also during this time our little Spencer (Papillion-Chihuahua Mix, 7 yrs.) was not acting himself. He didn't want to play - shocking. He didn't want to be in my lap - shocking. I thought perhaps I was hyper-sensitive given what was going on with Lexi. He had the same tests; his X-ray showed the beginning of Arthritis in his hip joints. We also had a "scare" with diabetes but that proved negative yesterday - thank goodness. Spencer is on pain meds and a joint supplement and he's back to his old perky, playful, silly self. It's nice to have something to smile at right now.

Thank you for reading/listening.
"Mommy" to Lexi and Spencer