<div>UPDATE (October 20, 2026): Buffy has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Carcinoma (lung cancer), which has spread throughout her lungs. Unfortunately, surgery is no longer an option. She started chemotherapy on October 13th, and I'm happy to say she's been handling it pretty well so far! The plan is to continue with weekly treatments as long as she's doing well and tolerating them. My biggest priority is still making sure Buffy is happy, comfortable, and enjoying whatever time we have together. ❤️
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<div>For anyone who knows me, you already know how much Buffy means to me. She’s 12 years old now, and I’ve had her since she was just three months old. She has been my best friend, my constant companion, and has been there with me through just about everything.
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<div>Recently, Buffy developed a persistent cough, so I brought her in for chest X-rays. Unfortunately, those X-rays revealed a very large mass in her right lung. A radiologist reviewed the images and measured it at approximately 14.2 × 10.2 centimeters - roughly the size of a grapefruit, located in her right middle lung lobe.
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<div>The radiologist indicated that the mass is most consistent with a primary pulmonary neoplasm, but we do not know exactly what it is yet. I’m trying very hard not to get ahead of myself or assume the worst. Right now, I just want to get the answers we need and understand what options Buffy has.
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<div>Thankfully, I was able to get her oncology specialist appointment moved up, and she will now be seen in Boston on Wednesday, September 16th. This consultation is expected to cost about $375.
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<div>The doctor will review Buffy’s X-rays, radiology report and medical history, examine her, and confirm what comes next.
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<div>The likely next step will be a CT scan, which would give the doctors a much more detailed look at the mass — including whether there are concerning changes elsewhere, what the mass may be attached to, and whether it may be possible to safely obtain a tissue sample for testing. Those answers would help determine what the mass actually is and whether surgery or another form of treatment could potentially be an option.
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<div>Buffy's chest X-rays and the radiologist’s review cost $515.62, and I know the costs can increase very quickly from here. The CT scan alone can cost multiple thousands of dollars, and they informed me that sometimes, depending on what imaging shows from a CT scan, additional procedures or even surgical decisions can happen immediately.
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<div>That is the reason I’m asking for help now rather than waiting until I have every exact number.
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<div>Buffy does have pet insurance, but her policy works by reimbursement, meaning I have to pay the veterinary hospital upfront and then submit the claim afterward. In my current situation I have no ability to front these costs and it kills me. I need help, and most importantly Buffy needs help.
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<div>Any money raised will go toward Buffy’s specialist care, CT imaging, diagnostic testing, procedures and any treatment that is ultimately recommended and appropriate for her.
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<div>If insurance later reimburses expenses that were paid using fundraiser money, I will account for that and adjust or stop fundraising as appropriate. I do not want anyone paying toward expenses that are ultimately covered elsewhere.
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<div>More than anything, I want to give Buffy the opportunity to get answers and, if there is a safe and reasonable treatment available to her, to be able to pursue it. My goal is not to put her through treatment at any cost. Her comfort, quality of life, and what is best for her will always come first.
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<div>I know everyone has their own expenses and things going on, so please do not feel obligated to donate at all. Even sharing this would help tremendously and would mean more to me than I can say.
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<div>Buffy has given me almost 12 years of unconditional love and companionship. I just want to do everything reasonably possible to take care of her now.
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<div>Thank you so much for reading, sharing, donating, or simply keeping Buffy in your thoughts. I’ll continue posting updates as we learn more, starting with what we find out at her appointment on Wednesday. ❤️
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Takako Murakami

Kyle Bowlin

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Help Buffy Fight Lung Cancer & Have More Good Days

Help Buffy Fight Lung Cancer & Have More Good Days

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