So 2 years and 11 months after osteosarcoma diagnosis and amputation of his front right leg, we lost our beautiful brave boy.
With all eyes on spread to his lungs, he actually developed a tumour in his front left leg which fractured. Only 4 weeks before we had a clear scan of his lungs, and he was so strong. The morning of his last day he pulled me down the street chasing a fox on his walk so a fighter to the end!
His end came quickly, the vets gave him some pain relief while they examined him and gave us the heart breaking news. He went to sleep in my arms with his family around him and I’m so grateful he had a calm and peaceful end.
He was always a happy boy. He never noticed he had lost a leg, and dealt with a lung lobectomy and a secondary tumour removed from his skin. He initially had 12 rounds of carboplatin, some months on metronomic therapies and then another 15 rounds of carboplatin. Every week he would go to his hydrotherapy session to keep him strong and he’d run up the ramp to the pool.
We got so much extra time with him from the 6-12 month prognosis back in 2015 and I know I’m so lucky compared to others. We take comfort from the fact we never wasted a day of that 2 years and 11 months so have no regrets, only happy memories and lots of photos!
Rest in peace Orinoco – 2007-2018
Rest in peace, Orinoco. And may you, too, find peace in knowing you gave him so many fulfilled days and all that love.
So many parallels to Manni: we also expected lung mets every day only to be caught by surprise by a new primary tumor on his bones. He, too, was born in 07, amputated in 15 but died in Dec 17. I know your pain.
Hugs
Tina
Thank you Tina
I am so sorry for your loss of Orinoco. He won his battle. Cancer didn’t win. Remember that. He was a warrior 2 years plus he fought and continued to win.
This part of the journey is the hardest. No one can tell you when it won’t hurt anymore. Watch for his signs and he will let you know he is still around.
hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
Thank you
Thanks for sharing your wonderful story. I’m glad you have such great memories of your warrior to cherish.
Ohhh you guys I am so sorry. As much as we think we are prepared, and know that we are living on borrowed time, it’s still so hard. My deepest condolences.
You were such terrific parents to Orinoco. You balanced great treatment with quality of life, and always put his needs first. Kudos to you for always showing strength and pawsitivity through thick and thin.
He may be an angel now, but his life story and loving spirit will live forever in the Tripawds Nation.
We are keeping you close in our hearts and lighting a candle for our hero.
What a Greyt, fierce and brave warrior Orinoco was. A hero, through and through – he fought to stay at your side for as long as he could.
Wishing him the sweetest dreams of bunnies to chase and endless stretches of sand to run on. Wishing you comfort in memories and the knowledge he knew great love and care in his life with your.
Lisa