As you may know, Yukon, “Yūk”, “Yuki” was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer just 10 days after losing his life-long companion, ride-or-die, half-brother(Bruin). This diagnosis came less than a month ago when we saw the vet because Yuk had developed an inexplicable limp that wasn’t seeming to get better. Initially X-rays suggested that it had already spread to the lungs and there was no treatment for him in that case, the only thing was to manage the pain until the bone in his leg would breakdown and weaken to the point it would start to fracture, putting him in immense pain, ultimately leading to the inevitable end of him. They suggested 2-3 months as a timeline for this to take place. I made an appointment with an oncologist after that to find out more and get him on a treatment plan of some kind, to keep him as comfortable as possible for his final days…. 2.5 weeks later, we met with an oncologist, and after biopsies, ultrasound, X-rays, etc… it was determined that the cancer had NOT spread to the lungs just yet and because the kid is in impeccable shape there were more options than we thought. That was the best news we could have hoped for… the most viable option being removing the cancerous limb cutting of the source of the cancer, followed by chemotherapy … and because your boy is in exceptional health there’s no reason he wouldn’t be able to quickly recover and adapt to lead a happy, healthy, pain-free life with 3 legs. 

Although obviously bittersweet and a difficult decision to go thru with, this is the best case scenario for him after being diagnosed with such an aggressive form of cancer, Osteosarcoma, just 3 weeks ago. 

He went in for surgery today. Should be discharged on Friday at some point, if all goes well, with 3 feet and a heartbeat

As requested by his many supporters… a GoFundMe page has been set up for anyone that wants to help him in his fight with cancer… and be healthy, happy and pain-free for as long as possible❤️ 

Thanks, stay tuned for updates! 

❤️

Timeline of Events

Nov 4 - Bruin passes away. Yuk hadn’t been apart from Bruin for more than a day or two in his life before that. 

Nov 14 - Yukon is diagnosed with Osteosarcoma which is thought to have spread to his lungs. Considered to be terminally ill, given 2-3 months to live with no treatment option.

Dec 1 - Yukon meets with Oncologist and other specialists for further testing. 

Dec 2 - It is concluded that the cancer has not yet spread to the lungs. Yukon is deemed fit to have the cancerous limb removed which will drastically improve his odds of longevity and his quality of life moving forward. Surgery is then scheduled for Dec 7.

Dec 7 - Yukon is in considerable pain on the days leading up to surgery but he is a true warrior in good spirits, courageously cooperating. All is going according to plan and the surgery is a success.

Dec 8 - He is recovering well. Getting up on his own, moving around and walking. He’s in good spirits and has been nothing short of a brave little warrior, cooperating with and winning over his caregivers at the hospital. 

Dec 9 - Progressing well, Yuk is discharged from the hospital and is comfortable at home. Eager to learn and adapt to his new challenges. 

Dec 21 - Sutures are removed from the incision site. Healing as expected, motor function development is above normal. He is still in a considerable amount of 'phantom nerve pain' that comes in intense bursts when he is getting up or laying down.

Dec 22-24 - Travel from Vancouver to Saskatoon in less-than-favorable weather/road conditions. 40-hour drive (twice as long as it would normally take).

Dec 25 - His best day since having surgery. No pain, no meds, moving well, happy with lots of energy.

Dec 28-29 - Travel from Saskatoon to Vancouver for 1st chemotherapy appointment Dec 30.

Dec 30 - First chemo treatment. After Oncology assessment and initial tests... it's determined that Yuk is in good health, with a healthy immune system has no signs of metastasis(cancer spread) and that he is ready to receive treatment. Treatment goes smoothly with no complications, only some mild side effects. His treatment plan is scheduled for 4 more treatments, one every 3 weeks.

Jan 13 - Follow up testing. Bloodwork is normal except for low platelets. He is doing well only mild discomfort from bone marrow cell being affected.

Jan 20 - Second chemo treatment. Postponed due to suppression of neutrophils (cells that support the immune system). rescheduled for Jan 27.