Arwen's Osteosarcoma treatment

On family day weekend 2024 our day went from amazing to heartbreaking in what felt like seconds.

Nikki and I had been in the process of adopting a little black cat from a rescue in Guelph (black cats are usually rescued last because of superstition) and expanding our little fur family. Totally unplanned, we ended up picking up our little parkour, escape artist, bundle of joy on the same day that our furbaby Rogue had crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021 . We couldn't have been happier - introducing Pippin! Yes, like the Hobbit. Arwen finally has a sweet little brother and honestly they are so cute together and best friends already. She loves watching him have zoomies and they take daily naps together. He truly is awesome as you can probably tell from the videos/photos above.

Later that same day, we noticed what quite literally developed out of nowhere and overnight - a lump on Arwen's front leg. What we first thought sprung up as maybe an injury from play or a park visit turned out to be significantly worse. We all know our pets are not with us long enough - and big breeds especially may have shorter life spans - but this really took us by surprise since she is not even 6 yet and already had her fair share of major injury (forever thankful to all those who supported her with their donations, thoughts, and love).

After vet visits, testing and a consultation with an oncologist, it was found Arwen has aggressive Osteasarcoma - bone cancer. There's a few different options but the best one for Arwen and also for us based on where the cancer is (and isnt... yet!) is the standard of care for limb osteosarcoma - limb amputation + chemo. This will hopefully eliminate the pain which is the primary concern and can possibly extend her life by median 10-12 months with better quality of life (our number one priority). Prognosis currently is 2-3 months of life and possibly extreme pain without treatment and high risk of fracturing the now very fragile bone. No matter what we feel or want (if only they could live forever!) our decision is based on quality of life and comfort for Arwen first and foremost and will continue to be always.

All of this was a lot to consider both mentally and emotionally but we decided we will be proceeding with limb amputation and a mixture of chemo to give arwen a good chance. Arwen has accumulated more friends in the fitness industry and in life than most humans I know . She has so many 2 legged friends I've literally lost count. She's touched so many lives in her nearly 6 years here and helped save so many people emotionally, I've lost count. I'd never be able to say this in a video, I just break down every time crying - I tried.

We are heartbroken, but also hopeful. Arwen is strong and brave and jacked AF with perfect blood work and weight body condition otherwise. She's been through a lot already but I know she'll handle the triPAWd life and anything after in life like the boss she is.

She was there for me, my friends, my family, my gym family, and strangers as well. So, if she's helped put a smile on your face or saved you from your dark days and thoughts - please come get some cuddles in and help her get through hers.