Casper's Fight Against Lymphoma

Hello everyone,

We want to share a heartfelt story with you about our beloved dog, Casper, and our journey through a challenging time.

Casper is not just a pet; he's a cherished member of our family. A 2-year-old Pomsky full of life and energy. Our lives changed dramatically on August 23rd when he was diagnosed with stage 5 Polyostotic lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that has taken us all by surprise.

It all started back in June when we went on a camping trip filled with hikes and adventures. Casper's tail went from wagging with enthusiasm to drooping behind him, and he began to lag behind during walks. We initially thought he was just tired from our active days, but as time went on, it became clear that something was wrong. His tail remained down, and he was showing signs of discomfort. That's when we took him to the vet, expecting a simple explanation.

In pursuit of answers, we embarked on a series of veterinary consultations and treatment courses. Our journey led us through a labyrinth of uncertainty, initially hinting at a possible slipped disc, which in time proved insufficient to explain Casper's deteriorating condition. Increasingly unsteady gait and intensified pain thrust us into a realm of concern that ultimately unveiled the truth – stage 5 Polyostotic lymphoma, an exceptionally rare and aggressive form affecting multiple areas of Casper's body. At this point, we connected with an oncologist who helped us understand the different options available for Casper's next steps.

Navigating this landscape comes with its own set of complexities. Casper's aversion to veterinary visits, combined with his uncooperative nature during crucial blood work, often necessitates sedation. Informed by a dedication to Casper's wellbeing, we've chosen a chemotherapy regimen spanning five cycles every three weeks – a decision contingent upon his positive response and quality of life. Complementary blood work to safeguard against infections, a regimen of steroids, and daily pain management constitute the spectrum of Casper's treatment. Casper’s treatment will begin on Tuesday August 29th.

With already over $2,000 spent on diagnosis and tests, the cost of chemotherapy and the specialized care he needs is substantial. Each chemotherapy treatment is about 1000$, including blood work. The potential total cost could well exceed $5,000 for chemotherapy treatment alone.

This is where your kindness and support can truly make a difference. We have decided to start a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the expenses of Casper's treatment. Your contributions will not only assist in providing the best possible care for Casper but also alleviate some of the financial stress during this challenging time.

Casper isn't just a pet; he's a source of joy, comfort, and companionship for our family. He has been a ray of light even in our darkest moments, and we are determined to fight for him.

Any support you can offer, whether through donations or by sharing our story, will be deeply appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read our story and for any help you can provide.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Melinda & Mathieu