Bam Bam's Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
I write this overwhelmed with sadness, but clinging to hope for my good friend Rebecca. As many people know, her dog Bam Bam is the light of her life. Rescuing him literally on the streets of Skid Row 8 years ago was something she had never planned for - in the end, he has saved her more than she has saved him. Most everyone she knows has met and loved Bam Bam from their first interaction. He is the sweetest, most lively dog with the cutest quirks. You really can’t help but to adore him.
On Monday of this week, he was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma, which is a form of cancer. The tumor is located in his cheek and has been progressing rather quickly all within the last 5 weeks. It is defined as a type of oral melanoma cancer. 5 weeks ago when the swelling began, she immediately took him to 3 vets. Three weeks ago, he had 11 teeth extracted and what we thought was a tooth abscess never healed. After additional skull x-rays and a biopsy 8 days ago - the results came back as cancer.
Due to Bam Bam's size and the location of the tumor, her primary vet said the best course of treatment would be surgical removal by an expert surgeon. The tumor is located between his right eye and upper lip - there is no room for error.
Yesterday she met with a top surgeon at Access Animal Hospital in Culver City. In order to successfully remove the tumor and take an extensive biopsy of the entire tumor they need to cut 1-2 CM around it for a "clean margin.” This would require removing part of his upper jaw bone if the cancer has spread to it. While it is a fairly common surgery and the prognosis is good -it is out of her budget. The pre-surgery bloodwork, the CT scan (which is the most important part prior to surgery) to see the exact location and extent of the tumor, the echocardiogram, chest x-rays, radiographs, anesthesia, and additional hospital fees it will be between $9,293- $12,170. This is in addition to the few thousands she’s already spent.
While it is always hard to ask people for help, especially monetarily, I know Becca would be appreciative for the rest of her life and so would Bam.
Our dogs become our best friends, family in fact. For those of us that have them we know how hard it is to imagine a life without them. While I know everyone has their own expenses in life, I would greatly appreciate any help we could give Rebecca so that she can do all she can to save the life of her little angel.
On Monday of this week, he was diagnosed with Spindle Cell Sarcoma, which is a form of cancer. The tumor is located in his cheek and has been progressing rather quickly all within the last 5 weeks. It is defined as a type of oral melanoma cancer. 5 weeks ago when the swelling began, she immediately took him to 3 vets. Three weeks ago, he had 11 teeth extracted and what we thought was a tooth abscess never healed. After additional skull x-rays and a biopsy 8 days ago - the results came back as cancer.
Due to Bam Bam's size and the location of the tumor, her primary vet said the best course of treatment would be surgical removal by an expert surgeon. The tumor is located between his right eye and upper lip - there is no room for error.
Yesterday she met with a top surgeon at Access Animal Hospital in Culver City. In order to successfully remove the tumor and take an extensive biopsy of the entire tumor they need to cut 1-2 CM around it for a "clean margin.” This would require removing part of his upper jaw bone if the cancer has spread to it. While it is a fairly common surgery and the prognosis is good -it is out of her budget. The pre-surgery bloodwork, the CT scan (which is the most important part prior to surgery) to see the exact location and extent of the tumor, the echocardiogram, chest x-rays, radiographs, anesthesia, and additional hospital fees it will be between $9,293- $12,170. This is in addition to the few thousands she’s already spent.
While it is always hard to ask people for help, especially monetarily, I know Becca would be appreciative for the rest of her life and so would Bam.
Our dogs become our best friends, family in fact. For those of us that have them we know how hard it is to imagine a life without them. While I know everyone has their own expenses in life, I would greatly appreciate any help we could give Rebecca so that she can do all she can to save the life of her little angel.
Organizer and beneficiary
Megan Soloway
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Rebecca Abergel
Beneficiary