Bruno’s Battle

Are you a dog mom or dad? Those of us that answered yes to that can all admit we’ve spent hours talking to that dog, knowing that dog understands every word. We’ve all laid in the same uncomfortable position for hours just because we don’t want to move and wake that dog. We’ve given that dog the last bite of everything because we’d rather not feel the guilt and shame when that dog gives us “the look”. We all keep the lint roller in our purses, our cars, and our closets because we’d rather lint roll everything than ever think of getting rid of that dog! And...I’d even guess many of us have gotten rid of friends because they didn’t treat that dog like that dog should be treated. If you nodded your head to any of these things mentioned, welcome, you’re a dog mom/dad. For those of us that have been lucky enough to be a dog lover CRINGE at the thought of getting to “the day” when we have to let go of that dog. And many of us, myself included, have spent many dollars to push “that day” as far into the future as possible. Get some Kleenex... Joe’s cousin Chelsea has a sweet little French Bulldog named Bruno that needs you to help him go to battle to fight for his little four year old life. As you all can relate and understand, Chelsea loves that dog. I mean...LOVES THAT DOG! Sweet lil Bruno was recently diagnosed with stage 3 mast cell cancer. This is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer that a doggie can have. Here’s how it all happened... Chelsea is an attentive mama and noticed about 3 years ago that Bruno had developed a bump on his left flank. To be safe, in May 2017, Bruno had a biopsy of the bump. The results revealed it was “just” a histiocytoma and was nothing to worry about. A histiocytoma is a benign tumor which may go away on its own...or... ...it may grow. While it was ultimately up to Chelsea to make the call on the tumor removal, she was not comfortable with the risks of putting a flat nose breed under anesthesia for a cosmetic surgery. So, she trusted the diagnosis and left the bump to run its course, thinking she and Bruno could breathe a sigh of relief and live happily ever after... Then... Fast forward to summer 2019. The bump began to grow quicker. At his yearly checkup in November, Chelsea asked Bruno’s new veterinarian about the bump. She was told this could happen with histiocytomas and it needn’t be removed if it doesn’t bother him because, again, surgery would only be for cosmetic purposes, and they wanted what was best for our lil flat nosed friend. Another sigh, more happy days ahead... But...   On May 2nd, Chelsea woke up and the bump had significantly grown overnight, becoming very discolored and lumpy. Suddenly, it had become bothersome to Bruno to the point that he would rub up against things and scratch at it, causing it to bleed. Chelsea made the call to have it removed the very next day and anxiously waited for pathology. “The day”, that we all dread and don’t want to talk about, came barging into Chelsea and Bruno’s world like a wet, heavy fog. The big C. The bump is a high grade (very aggressive) mast cell tumor. Heartbreakingly, Chelsea was told that because the tumor wasn’t removed sooner, it likely has spread (enter mom guilt). This news hurt the most because Chelsea did what we all try to do, rely on the professionals. But now, instead of living happy days, she and Bruno are faced with what to do, where to go, to stop and smell the roses or prepare for battle. Like any good mama, Chelsea dove into the research. She called and got appointments and opinions and asked a million questions.   Since lil Bruno’s diagnosis, this lil Frenchie fighter has been in Dr. Vos' care, an oncologist at Medvet Chicago. He has undergone many diagnostic tests to determine if the cancer has spread. Mast cells most commonly spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Luckily, so far, it has not spread to any of those sites. But...   That does not mean our Bruno is in the clear quite yet. The original surgery did not clearly remove all of the cancer. So...poor Bruno now needs another surgery to get all the cancer out. Some good news...sigh. He will not need radiation to that site. But... He will need 3 months of chemotherapy to prevent spread to those 3 key areas. Which means...Bruno has to fight like the bulldog he is, and mama Chelsea has to pay for it.   The treatments and care that Bruno requires are very costly. The best news... Bruno is young and otherwise very healthy. The doggie oncologist and Chelsea strongly believe he will live a long, happy life when this is OVER. Bruno has touched the lives of many and remains Chelsea’s pride and joy. Despite the cost, Chelsea is committed to taking every measure to ensure he wins this battle. But you are needed. It’s going to cost some coin. His testing cost $903.00, his next surgery will cost $4000.00 and chemotherapy will cost $6000.00. Dig deeeeeep people. Many of you wouldn’t consider spending that kind of money on “just” a dog. I get that and no judgement. But, to those of us that are crazy (my dog Blue should be insured), we throw money at the vet bills like it’s a wishing well. 2020 has sucked! PLEASE come together for Bruno and help make 2020 a little better for a sweet lil Frenchie and his hard working, scared mama. If you are able to donate-thank you on Bruno’s behalf. If you are not able to donate, please help Bruno’s battle by sharing this message and again-thank you on Bruno’s behalf. As you can see from the pictures, Bruno has brought Chelsea so much joy, just like our dogs have for the rest of us. This sweet lil boy has so much more life to live. Bruno and Chelsea are both ready for a sigh of relief and more happily ever afters of last bites, couch cuddles and dog hair everywhere... From one dog mom to another please do what you can to help... Thank you.