Cancer is Ruff!

March 23, 2017:  On the night before Emma's 7th birthday, I discovered a quarter-sized lump on her chest while dematting her in preparation for her celebratory haircut the next morning.  At first I thought it was a bone, but when I noticed it wasn't symmetrical, my heart sank fearing the worst.  Luckily her groomer works out of Emma's veterinary office, so I asked them to take a look.  Because it was so hard, they felt it was necessary to surgically remove it instead of just aspirating it and I agreed.  A week later, the biopsy came back positive for an aggresive Soft Tissue Sarcoma and the prognosis wasn't good:  months.  I was referred to a Veterinary Oncologist 30 minutes away where they performed a CT scan.  That day's appointment cost me just over $2000, but the doctor's recommendation was for 16-19 treatments of radiation therapy, which he felt if successful would give Emma years, not just months. 

Emma is the most precious thing in the world to me.  I value her more than anything.  People say dogs are family, and yes, I agree, but somehow that sounds cliche and just falls flat.  To me, she's more than the label of dog or family.  She is my companion for everything.  She is my kindred spirit.  She is the love of my life.  How could I not give her a fighting chance?  How could I not for my own sake?  She is only now 7 afterall.  I have been counting on at least another 7 years to have her as my companion.  Now I feel I am in a  losing race against time, always with this cloud known as cancer casting its shadow over me.

The care she requires isn't cheap.  In fact, for many, they have to make the hard choice to let cancer run its course because of the steep cost.  How much?  About $10,000.

I've given to 3 causes online, but I never thought I'd be the one on this platform asking for assistance.  If I can earn it, I would prefer to do that.  If I can sell things of value, I'd prefer that.  But handouts are welcome, just the same.

I have been trying to document this experience by vlogging, something I've never done before.  It's very time consuming and has actually been taking away quality time that I really should just focus on Emma.  But as I can, I will try to keep my YouTube channel current.  I'd love for you to subscribe.  Click here and you will be directed to my channel:  Bravehearted .

Thank you for reading this.  For caring to donate.  It means more to me than you know that you're helping me to have these extra days, maybe years with my Emma.  

-Mark