Greyhound with osteo-sarcoma

Question
Hi.  My 8 year old retired greyhound was just diagnosed with oseto-scaroma of the left hind leg.  Our regular vet said that with amputation she could live several more years as a happy 3 legged pet. The specialist who did the biopsy said that in greyhounds, this diagnosis is not uncommon and even with amputation, she may only survive max a year.  The specialist says that it would probably go to her lungs but even if Xrayed now, it might not show up for a couple of months.  Hmmm.  Have the surgery and 4 months later find out it is in her lungs?  I trust both doctors but need another opinion.  My question is: How long on average do greyhounds survive osteo-sarcoma with & without surgery?  I have pretty much decided what I will do, but, again, I don't want to cut her life short, nor do I want her to be in pain repeatedly.  Thank you for your response.  

Answer
Osteosarcoma is a very aggressive cancer and studies have shown that even with amputation and chemotherapy survival times are about ONE year in any large breed.  Without any treatment at all, several months.  The cancer does spread to the lungs quite commonly and quickly and is usually what leads to their demise.  By the time the osteosarcoma is diagnosed, you can bet there are already tiny mets in the lungs.

I would lean toward keeping her comfortable and not do surgery.  Amputating a limb is quite painful and will take weeks to recover from and if you only have a few months with her...do you really want to put her through that?