Hima's Malignant Melanoma Treatment

***Update*** I want to try and send cards to ALL donors, regardless of amount-- but in case I have limited time for the holidays, they will be 2018 Year of the Dog celebration cards instead... More fitting, I think :)

In October of this year we found a growth on Hima's shoulder that the vet wasn't too concerned about, but agreed to have it removed and biopsied to be safe. It showed up within a week's time and hurt her when touched. 


After it was removed, we received a call that the tests showed it to be a malignant melanoma. Their words were "in cases of melanoma, 85% are harmless and benign. Hima's was part of the 15%". 

Since then, we have been taking her back for more testing to see how much this has spread, and how grim of an outcome we are facing. The best case scenario is that all the results will come back negative, however they are still strongly urging us to have more of the affected area surgically removed, as well as preemptive chemotherapy treatments started to avoid any potential signs that are flying under the radar. The worst case scenario, well... We are not sure if we're looking at another good 5 - 7 years of time with her, or as little as 1.5 - 3.

We are looking at a period of uncertainty, heartache, and sadness ahead-- but yet we are going to try and remain optimistic and driven to keep Hima healthy, and above all, happy. 



If you know me, you know Hima. She's my 6.5 year old, sweet, amazing, gentle, and friendly girl. She's moved continents with me, she's become a little bit of a celebrity with different groups online, and she is one of a kind. She's my kid, and I'm never apart from her if I can help it.


This year has been incredibly difficult - for me, for us. I was laid off of my job at the end of this summer and it's shaken us financially more than I have cared to admit. On top of that, my own health issues with Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis have led me back to the hospital on 3 separate occasions this year, twice in the past month, and I am still not in remission. The magnitude of financial stress on top of worry for Hima has kept me from fully recovering, which has impeded my ability to jump back into my old "go get 'em" self. I have taken time the past few months away from social media and some of my most meaningful relationships to handle the depression I've been combatting from losing my job, as well as the undeniable loneliness I've found living in a new country with a new language and new surroundings. Although I love my new home more than any place I've ever lived, it's hard to know exactly how to feel "wanted" in the job market as an outsider.

So, what can you do to help? Anything. Anything will help us. If I wasn't unemployed, if I wasn't still sick, I wouldn't be sharing this burden with anyone but my own household. However I am trying to swallow my pride in a time of weakness, call upon the people who I care about (and who I know care about me) to help us avoid any more financial stress while I look to secure work to help pay for these things myself. 

In addition to this, I will be offering custom paintings and illustrations for those who are able to give. Depending on the amount, I will be able to offer more time and dedication in several mediums, either by digitally sending them to you, or shipping the originals to you, that you can use give as gifts, or have for your own. From me to you. Here are some of my drawings to give you an idea of what I can offer you.

Thank you for anything you can offer to help release some of the burden of what we are facing. All we want for Christmas is to know we can comfortably pay for her to be OK, and that her health is something we don't have to "weigh the pros and cons of" solely because this is happening in a period of slightly more famine than feast for us. That's out of the question.