Help Noodle Fight Cancer

If you’ve known me within the past 9.5 years, then you know what an important role Noodle has played in my life. I adopted her at the tender age of 6 months. She was an emaciated, traumatized puppy found on the streets of East Oakland. In our time together, I have watched her transform from an exceptionally neurotic, timid stray into a slightly less neurotic, loving family dog. She’s been there for me through grad school, my first professional jobs, the first years of marriage, and for the birth of our daughter, Nina. In a month, our second daughter will arrive. The thought that Noodle might not be here for the birth, or that we may be simultaneously processing her decline and death is unbearable for us.

Noodle was recently diagnosed with nasal cancer. The recommended treatment for nasal tumors is stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT). This involves a 3-day course of extremely targeted radiation. It has minimal side effects compared to conventional radiation and has similar outcomes. The average dog with nasal cancer survives 1 to 1.5 YEARS after receiving SRT and quality of life is preserved.

Without this treatment, Noodle’s expectancy is 3-5 months (from symptom onset). We’re already 3 months in at this point.

Noodle is barely symptomatic right now. She is happy, energetic, and comfortable. She is exhibiting no signs that she is experiencing pain. Her quality of life is excellent, and it’s inconceivable to me that, statistically, she would likely be dead within two months.

I know she’s no spring chicken, but she is so special, and it would be such an amazing opportunity to spend more time with her. Nina has an incredibly special relationship with her “Snoopy girl.” We would be lucky to give her potentially another one to two year’s worth of memories of her first dog.

Unfortunately, the cost of SRT is wildly expensive. The estimate for a diagnostic CT scan and the 3-day treatment is $16,000-$20,000. We have already utilized most of our available funds on diagnostics and preliminary treatment, and our pet insurance is maxed out. I am about to go on maternity leave and will make 60% of my usual monthly income, half of which is used to make mandatory student loan payments.

Any contribution to this goal will help us greatly. 100% of the contributions will be applied directly toward Noodle’s SRT treatment. If she were suffering at all, I would not be considering any treatment other than palliative care, but she has so much life left in her! Please help us keep this wondrous, quirky spirit with us.

We understand that we are extremely privileged to even consider costly veterinary treatment. We are somewhat uncomfortable asking for help with this when there are so many worthy causes to support. PLEASE do not feel obligated to donate if you are unable to or do not feel comfortable. We will happily accept your love and support while we navigate this chapter in our family’s journey.

**Every donor will receive a custom piece of Noodle art as a token of our endless gratitude. Unless you choose to donate anonymously, I will reach out to you for your mailing address.**