Cello's Cancer and Medical Fund! Please Help!

Cello is a lovable and caring Siamese Snowshoe cat, whom I have had since he was 2 months old. He is my absolute best friend and he has been by my side through my own medical and life struggles. He is the most intelligent, loving, and caring cat I've ever had. All of his life he has been in exceptional health until on Friday, August 13, 2021, Cello began to have symptoms of no defecation, stopped eating and drinking, and became rapidly lethargic and weak. The bright, sparkling blue eyes I so loved had lost their shimmer. 

After taking him to several ER vets over the course of 4 days and nights, he still continued to struggle, and at one of the ER's a vet did an ultrasound which came back that he had a complete colonic blockage. He would need a $7000 - $10,000 dollar surgery or put him down and we were also told that even if you had a million dollars it's most likely this surgery won't help. I am chronically ill and am on a very limited income and at this point, I did not know what I could do because I did not have the money readily available and time was running. 

So, at first, we took the advice and prepared to have Cello put down. But then we knew how much he loved his own vet and so decided to bring him home and take him there to be euthanized. But then we felt it best to let him be at home and if it got too bad we would then take him in. So, we brought Cello home to await his death. 

After my fiance did more research, we were able to find a hospital that had financing programs and so we decided to at least get a surgery consult, if it didn't work out then we'd be in the same boat. So, off we went to yet another vet ER hospital on Tuesday, August 17 at about 8:30 PM. Due to COVID, only one pet parent could stay with the pet, so I chose to stay with him. He and I endured 13 hours of waiting until on Wednesday morning Dr. Victoria Goodman of North Star Vets saw him and yes, it was true he did have a complete blockage and surgery was the only way to make him well but she said in regards to putting him down, "He's so bright, and I'm not about gloom and doom, so let's see what we can do first, Ok Love." 

She also explained the hospital and surgery estimate and I decided to give him a chance since this vet was fighting for him. I then proceeded out to the reception area where a receptionist advised me about a bank loan they had for offer. So, I applied and was approved, and then with the remaining of my government stimulus money, I put down half of his surgery.

So, he was then prepped for surgery, I received a call from Dr. Gregory Zuendt, the surgeon that day that his cat scan showed that all of his other organ systems were doing great and there was no metastasis anywhere. So, we were a go for surgery but this was a very risky surgery. He had to have a Colon Resection and Anastomosis where they would remove the tumor and reconnect the healthy tissues back together. After the surgery, I received the great news that Cello made it through and was doing well but now the long road to recovery began and the concern that the colon heals properly as these are prone to leakage and major infection.

He remained in the hospital for 48 hours and on his last day there they finally got him to eat about 50% of his meal, which was none other than Salmon, his favorite of all meals! So, I knew he was in great hands! Finally, we got word that we could bring Cello home and for two weeks he was to remain quiet and when out kept on a leash at all times. Up-to-this point he is recovering very well and we are very blessed for the capable hands of Dr. Zuendt and all of the staff at North Star Vets.

Sadly, we were informed that Cello's tumor was Adenocarcinoma, it was cancer. Our hearts once again melted. But Dr. Zuendt informed us that Cello's tumor was removed with clean margins and it's hopeful that he at this point does not have any metastasis from any of the tests run thus far in his other organ systems. However, this is a very rapid spreading cancer and it is very hard to treat but we want to do all we can for Cello. 

So, we are now getting him through his recovery period and set up to see an oncologist, Dr. Matthew Hamilton a mobile oncology department, the only one in the nation, and after a lot of doors were closed to us Dr. Hamilton and his staff and the staff at Stockton Vet Hospital opened up a window and had an appointment for Cello on September 16, 2021, to learn about his case and see how best we can help Cello to live out whatever days, months, or years he has left.

Cello was on the brink of death and we were told to put him down but it was through the Holy Spirit's guidance, our love and the capable hands of an amazing surgeon, and the financial guidance of a tremendous hospital that Cello is still here with us today. He is so very loved and we are so blessed that he is still with us and that we sought the surgery consult.

However, we have a long journey ahead of us, and thus far between the four ER hospital visits and his surgery and hospitalization, we have incurred $7,500.00 in medical costs thus far and we will continue to face financial hardships as we go forward with Cello's care. 

So, we're reaching out to all of you who already love and care for Cello to please give to his cause and help him continue on his journey, and keep those blue eyes sparkling for many years to come! Whatever you are able to give will be so greatly appreciated and all funds received will be used for Cello's cancer and medical care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Cello loves you so much and so do we!

Below is a photo of him recovering!