Help Arrow with Radiation and Chemo Treatment
Donation protected
Hi everyone,
I really didn’t want to have to make this, but unfortunately it’s looking like we’re going to need some extra help with Arrow’s cancer treatment.
Here’s his story.
Arrow is a three year old Golden Retriever who unfortunately within the last few weeks of testing has been diagnosed with high grade (grade 3) soft tissue sarcoma (malignant tumor) on his upper thigh. This is a fast growing mass. Arrow didn’t start showing symptoms of anything being wrong before 5 weeks ago when he started to limp on his hind left. We did X-rays which showed a potential mass so we went ahead and did a CT and biopsy to confirm their suspicions. Although we know Goldens are prone to health concerns such as cancers, It left everyone in shock including his oncology team who were surprised to see this in such a young and previously very healthy dog.
Unfortunately due to his tumor growing into his pelvis, a “simple” leg amputation is out the window. A Hemipelvectomy would have to be performed. This is where a portion of the the affected pelvis and his leg would be removed. We decided not to go with this option for a multiple of reasons including the long recovery time, the rehab and physical therapy involved; as well as it would cause him more discomfort in the long run not giving him the best quality of life. This was not recommended for him. If it was “just” a leg amputation, it would have already been done, but unfortunately that’s not possible in Arrows case. So, our other option is aggressive radiation and chemotherapy. This is what has been highly recommended by two different oncologist. The radiation we’ve chosen is stereotactic radiation and is given in 3 large sessions. The hope is that it will stop the tumor from growing and shrink it. The chemo will help to diminish the chance of the cancer metastasizing. This is his best option. It will at least give him at least a year, BUT since he’s so young, the oncologist believes he could even live another 2-3 years COMFORTABLY. This is HUGE. Right now at the rate of growth and grade of his tumor, Arrow has been given 2-6 months before the cancer progresses to a point of no return.
I owe Arrow all I have. I’m here because of him. Arrow I came to be a team in April of 2019 when I was in need of a service dog prospect. Specifically a need for a psychiatric service dog. Without going into too much detail, I craved independence again. I was tired of my mental illnesses winning. Arrow was task trained to help me with these. He then was task trained to help with another medical condition called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). This condition caused me to become very dizzy, light headed or even pass out amongst many other symptoms. Because of Arrow, I regained my independence. We’ve gone to Disney world, Universal, moved across the country, and have been on many flights together. Most recently he accompanied me to Disney for my 21st birthday where I felt the most independent I have been in YEARS. Arrow started to retire from working in public a few months ago due to some genetic reactivity issues that were no fault of his own. He was and still is a solid service dog. Still even throughout this uncertain time, he’s chosen to still do what he was trained to do and help me. He breaks me out of a ball when I’m shutting down, stops me from scratching my skin raw when I’m in a panic attack, helps to get me out of a dissociation episode and still gets up and lays right by my side if I pass out. He’s always there. He’s been my saving grace. He’s more than just a pet to me. He’s my heart.
This is why I owe him so so much. I owe it to him to give him the best shot possible at life. A chance to beat this cancer best we can
The radiation and chemo is a pretty Penny. Between needing to get more CTs done, the cost of radiation and chemo and follow up appointments, this is going to add up very quickly. We’re looking at another $14,000 at least on top of the $3,000 for the past tests.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have any pet insurance before this and none will cover a pre existing condition. (Don’t be like me, get your animals on pet insurance asap!)
Whatever you can lend is more appreciated than you could ever understand. Please share so we can comfortably get Arrow the treatment he so much deserves.
Thank you,
Amelia & Arrow
I really didn’t want to have to make this, but unfortunately it’s looking like we’re going to need some extra help with Arrow’s cancer treatment.
Here’s his story.
Arrow is a three year old Golden Retriever who unfortunately within the last few weeks of testing has been diagnosed with high grade (grade 3) soft tissue sarcoma (malignant tumor) on his upper thigh. This is a fast growing mass. Arrow didn’t start showing symptoms of anything being wrong before 5 weeks ago when he started to limp on his hind left. We did X-rays which showed a potential mass so we went ahead and did a CT and biopsy to confirm their suspicions. Although we know Goldens are prone to health concerns such as cancers, It left everyone in shock including his oncology team who were surprised to see this in such a young and previously very healthy dog.
Unfortunately due to his tumor growing into his pelvis, a “simple” leg amputation is out the window. A Hemipelvectomy would have to be performed. This is where a portion of the the affected pelvis and his leg would be removed. We decided not to go with this option for a multiple of reasons including the long recovery time, the rehab and physical therapy involved; as well as it would cause him more discomfort in the long run not giving him the best quality of life. This was not recommended for him. If it was “just” a leg amputation, it would have already been done, but unfortunately that’s not possible in Arrows case. So, our other option is aggressive radiation and chemotherapy. This is what has been highly recommended by two different oncologist. The radiation we’ve chosen is stereotactic radiation and is given in 3 large sessions. The hope is that it will stop the tumor from growing and shrink it. The chemo will help to diminish the chance of the cancer metastasizing. This is his best option. It will at least give him at least a year, BUT since he’s so young, the oncologist believes he could even live another 2-3 years COMFORTABLY. This is HUGE. Right now at the rate of growth and grade of his tumor, Arrow has been given 2-6 months before the cancer progresses to a point of no return.
I owe Arrow all I have. I’m here because of him. Arrow I came to be a team in April of 2019 when I was in need of a service dog prospect. Specifically a need for a psychiatric service dog. Without going into too much detail, I craved independence again. I was tired of my mental illnesses winning. Arrow was task trained to help me with these. He then was task trained to help with another medical condition called POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome). This condition caused me to become very dizzy, light headed or even pass out amongst many other symptoms. Because of Arrow, I regained my independence. We’ve gone to Disney world, Universal, moved across the country, and have been on many flights together. Most recently he accompanied me to Disney for my 21st birthday where I felt the most independent I have been in YEARS. Arrow started to retire from working in public a few months ago due to some genetic reactivity issues that were no fault of his own. He was and still is a solid service dog. Still even throughout this uncertain time, he’s chosen to still do what he was trained to do and help me. He breaks me out of a ball when I’m shutting down, stops me from scratching my skin raw when I’m in a panic attack, helps to get me out of a dissociation episode and still gets up and lays right by my side if I pass out. He’s always there. He’s been my saving grace. He’s more than just a pet to me. He’s my heart.
This is why I owe him so so much. I owe it to him to give him the best shot possible at life. A chance to beat this cancer best we can
The radiation and chemo is a pretty Penny. Between needing to get more CTs done, the cost of radiation and chemo and follow up appointments, this is going to add up very quickly. We’re looking at another $14,000 at least on top of the $3,000 for the past tests.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have any pet insurance before this and none will cover a pre existing condition. (Don’t be like me, get your animals on pet insurance asap!)
Whatever you can lend is more appreciated than you could ever understand. Please share so we can comfortably get Arrow the treatment he so much deserves.
Thank you,
Amelia & Arrow
Organizer
Amelia Saad
Organizer
Fort Lauderdale, FL
