It started innocently enough. Murphy had a small sore on his back hind leg. It was so small we wouldn’t have even noticed it but our other golden retriever, Molson, started following him around the house smelling at his leg.
Off we went to the vet the next day where we were told it was an infection and antibiotics were started. Fast forward six months. After various antibiotics and being seen by a dermatologist we were finally referred to an oncologist.
She was blunt. Told us that there was no way they could get clean margains and the entire leg would need to be amputated. He’s only 5 years old. We knew we had to give him a fighting chance so we agreed. On September 28th 2018 Murph had his right back leg amputated.
He had a couple of bumps post surgery. A pain crisis in the middle of the night post op day 3 when his fentanyl patch decided to wear off and a small dehiscence of his incision post op day 10 but he got through it.
Murphy’s final biopsy results on his leg showed a very rare form of cancer ; lymphangiosarcoma. There’s not a lot known about it so the oncologist has decided to try chemotherapy, doxorubicin, as he has spread to a pelvic lymph node. He had his first of five treatments this week. Fingers crossed that this will buy our lovely Murphy some time.
This week Murphy got to go with his brother to the park for a walk for the first time in a month. It was short but he was beaming!
Welcome and thanks you for sharing Murphy’s Story! We look forward to following his progress. Your future blog posts will not require moderation.
I’m so happy to hear Murphy is doing better! Here’s to more walks!
We are glad you started a blog because you’re right, that IS a rare cancer and I think Murph is the first here who has been diagnosed with it. So THANK YOU for sharing his story, because some day it will be here to help someone else.
Keep us posted and remember we are cheering you on!
Thanks Jerry. I will keep everyone updated. We’ll all learn about lymphangiosarcoma together through this!
Just catching up on your Miracle Boy Murphy. GOOD JOB from Molson for finding that nasty lump!
Since no one is really familiar with the type of crap thst has shown up, we’re gonna all move forward believing Murphy can kock this crap disease to the curb!
Continue to make every moment the best moment ever! And remember, Murphy doesn’t care about anymore prognosis schmognosis!! He doesn’t care about days on a calendar and certainly doesn’t have a time frame stamped anywhere on his butt!!
I had a huge grin PLASTERED ACROSS MY face when I read how much he enjoyed his walk with Molson😁 Those kinds of moments are more therapeutic than any medicine!
Murphy now has his very own Fan Club here cheering for him!😎 TEAM MURPHY ROCKS!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Aww thanks Sally! He’s doing pretty good. He has his 3rd chemo next week and they’ll scan him after that to see if there’s any progress. He has quite a fan following up at the park and he’s loving all the extra love and attention from his fans!