Sophie's Chemo Treatment

On 10/17, Sophie was diagnosed with stage 5 lymphoma. Lymphoma is not a cureable disease, but is treatable with the right drugs. At the time of diagnosis, Sophie was very sick and the oncologist did not feel comfortable with pursuing chemotherapy as an option, as she did not feel that Sophie was strong enough for the battle ahead. We then discussed treatment options to make her comfortable and pain free, and at that time, had come to peace with the idea that we would have a month or two with our baby and would make the best of the time we had left. Sophie began treatment with a protein (Elspar) and steroids to minimize the effects of the lymphoma. Our most recent follow-up with the oncologist brought good news for us. To match the turn-around in Sophie's mood, energy, and appetite levels; lab work revealed less lymphocytes in the blood and the size of the lymphnodes had reduced in size by nearly 20 percent. Following this visit, our oncologist was more optimistic about chemotherapy as a treatment option and is encouraging us to pursue it, if financially viable. 

At first the thought of committing to the price tag for chemo was intimidating. Lymphoma, in dogs, always comes back. Even with a successful treatment plan and remission, life expectancy ranges anywhere from 8 months to a year until the disease comes back.  A $7000 investment for possibly 8 months seems unreasonable on paper. However, that's another 8 months we get with her and we want to do everything we can. Sophie has shown that she is willing to keep fighting, and as long as she fights, so will we. Unfortunately, we don't have the financial resources to put up the necessary fight, which is why we are turning to GoFundMe and asking for help. Every little bit is greatly appreciated.

Due to the progressed stage of the lymphoma, Sophie will need to receive one treatment per week for the first 10 weeks, and then one treatment per month for the next 4 months. Each visit and treatment roughly equals $500, which brings us to the total of $7000.  Every treatment she receives gives her more time. If we fall short, we at least have to know that we took advantage of every option available to allow her to continue her fight. 

Chemotherapy does not have the same adverse effects in dogs as it does humans, and the dosage is intentionally small to avoid making dogs too sick. In human treatment, we know that we are being made sick with the intention of ultimately getting better. That communication can't occur with dogs, so there is a greater emphasis on ensuring dogs are not sick and miserable during chemo. This is important for us, as we would not pursue the treatment otherwise. The quality of life for her remaining time is important to us, and we want to make sure that is communicated, as we are sure it is also important to potential donors.

We are going to continue pursuing every resource on our end. We set the goal at the treatment cost, but will not rely solely on contributions from this page.  We have already maxed out our Care Credit card while pursuing previous attempts at managing her symptoms, but are also exploring other credit options. If we are fortunate enough to run into the issue of receiving more than we need, we plan to donate back to causes that benefit animals in need. All transactions will be documented, as it is important for us that we show that no contribution will be used for personal expenses by us, and will only be used for Sophie's treatment. 

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit our page and we appreciate any and all assistance in giving us more time with Sophie!