TroyTroy Treatments
Donation protected
Last week I found some lumps in my boy Troy's throat that didn't seem normal. The next day I took him to the vet and 24 hours later I got the awful news that the cytology came back positive for cancer. After doing more tests and an ultrasound it was confirmed to be stage III lymphoma, which means it is already in all of his lymph nodes throughout his body.
For the next few days I struggled with what is the right thing to do for this dog who I love more than anything in the world. It's definitely a much easier decision when it's a simple question and not actually happening to you.
According to Troy's oncologist, he has an average of 60 days to live with no chemotherapy. With treatments, an average of 60% of dogs go into remission after 6 months of chemo, which gives him one more full year. 20% live for another two years after the start of treatment. Dogs have a better chance of responding to the chemo the healthier they are at the start. This was encouraging for me, since Troy so far has shown no symptoms except for actual swollen lumps and according to the ultrasound his liver, kidneys, and bone marrow were clear. After a week of going back and forth and asking everyone's opinion I realized I had to go with my gut feeling and do what's best for Troy. I decided we needed to at least try chemo. We can always stop if he's not responding well to it, but there was no way for me to not give him the chance to live another year running swimming playing eating barking and pretty much doing whatever Troy wants to do because he's a spoiled pup.
A week after the diagnosis Troy went for his first treatment. I waited 45 minutes for him and he came running down the lobby afterwards as happy as he always is. So far, he has had nothing but positive reactions. The lumps in his throat have already shrunk after only 2 days!!
So anyway, that's me and T's story and unfortunately neither of us has won the lottery or become millionaires just yet. Fortunately... six months ago I made the decision to leave my job as a dog walker and go work for a vet. I can't imagine going through this as a typical client walking in to the vet with absolutely no discounts. My work has been so amazing with Troy so far, and the discounts are a huge help. BUT I do have to go to a different vet for the actual chemotherapy treatments. The estimated cost over the next six months ranges from $5-9k.
I have been amazed by the amount of phone calls, text messages, and facebook/instagram messages from family and friends all concerned for us. I am so lucky to have so many people who care about me and realize how much I care about this dog and how much he really means to me.
So after all that being said, anything you can donate to help my boy go through chemo would be greatly appreciated. I really don't expect anything from anyone, but my mom always taught me if you don't ask the answer is always no. So, why not try? Please feel free to pass this along to everyone and anyone you may know... preferably dog lovers with lots of extra money laying around. just kidding... but seriously, thank you everyone for being there for me through this. All good thoughts for Troy, TroyTroy, TT, T-Tot, Stink, Tink, Tinka, T. <3
For the next few days I struggled with what is the right thing to do for this dog who I love more than anything in the world. It's definitely a much easier decision when it's a simple question and not actually happening to you.
According to Troy's oncologist, he has an average of 60 days to live with no chemotherapy. With treatments, an average of 60% of dogs go into remission after 6 months of chemo, which gives him one more full year. 20% live for another two years after the start of treatment. Dogs have a better chance of responding to the chemo the healthier they are at the start. This was encouraging for me, since Troy so far has shown no symptoms except for actual swollen lumps and according to the ultrasound his liver, kidneys, and bone marrow were clear. After a week of going back and forth and asking everyone's opinion I realized I had to go with my gut feeling and do what's best for Troy. I decided we needed to at least try chemo. We can always stop if he's not responding well to it, but there was no way for me to not give him the chance to live another year running swimming playing eating barking and pretty much doing whatever Troy wants to do because he's a spoiled pup.
A week after the diagnosis Troy went for his first treatment. I waited 45 minutes for him and he came running down the lobby afterwards as happy as he always is. So far, he has had nothing but positive reactions. The lumps in his throat have already shrunk after only 2 days!!
So anyway, that's me and T's story and unfortunately neither of us has won the lottery or become millionaires just yet. Fortunately... six months ago I made the decision to leave my job as a dog walker and go work for a vet. I can't imagine going through this as a typical client walking in to the vet with absolutely no discounts. My work has been so amazing with Troy so far, and the discounts are a huge help. BUT I do have to go to a different vet for the actual chemotherapy treatments. The estimated cost over the next six months ranges from $5-9k.
I have been amazed by the amount of phone calls, text messages, and facebook/instagram messages from family and friends all concerned for us. I am so lucky to have so many people who care about me and realize how much I care about this dog and how much he really means to me.
So after all that being said, anything you can donate to help my boy go through chemo would be greatly appreciated. I really don't expect anything from anyone, but my mom always taught me if you don't ask the answer is always no. So, why not try? Please feel free to pass this along to everyone and anyone you may know... preferably dog lovers with lots of extra money laying around. just kidding... but seriously, thank you everyone for being there for me through this. All good thoughts for Troy, TroyTroy, TT, T-Tot, Stink, Tink, Tinka, T. <3
Organizer
Janelle Repko
Organizer
Redondo Beach, CA
