Help with Smoki's Cancer Treatment
Donation protected
Pictures of Smoki and invoices
In November 2020 we brought our beloved 11-year-old Schnauzer mix, Smoki, to the vet when we found a growth under his arm. A diagnostic test was done to identify if the growth was malignant, but it came back inconclusive. Our vet was concerned enough to recommend immediate removal, so Smoki had a surgery to remove the growth.
Smoki recovered well from the surgery but unfortunately the growth grew back very quickly and began to spread. Based on this, our family vet gave us the news no pet owner ever wants to hear: he suspected Smoki had cancer. We were referred to specialists including a veterinary surgeon and veterinary oncologist for more testing and diagnosis.
After a biopsy of the tumour and CT scan were done in January 2021, we got the results that we had been dreading. Smoki was diagnosed with a cancerous Mast Cell Tumour, with possible spread (metastasis) to his lymph nodes. Because of the tumour's location and Smoki's age, the veterinary surgeon recommended against another surgery to remove the tumour because it would be dangerous and very invasive, involving amputation of Smoki's leg.
After giving Smoki a couple of weeks to recover from the biopsy, we started seeing the veterinary oncologist who recommended chemotherapy. Smoki is currently undergoing his first round of chemotherapy and is doing well but we're not seeing ideal results of the chemo treatment. Our veterinary oncologist has recommended switching to a different drug which we'll be doing after the first round of treatment is over.
Smoki is a happy, healthy boy other than his cancer diagnosis. He loves his family, off leash walks in the woods, chasing squirrels, is obsessed with water/swimming, and of course he LOVES to eat. He knows so many tricks and is still learning new ones. He's happy to show them all off as long as he's rewarded with something tasty. He's our first dog and our baby and we're doing everything we can to make sure he has a great quality of life and stays with us for as long as possible.
At this point the chemotherapy is not meant to cure the cancer. It's a treatment that is meant to slow the spread of cancer in order to prolong Smoki's life and to make sure he can keep doing his favourite things without pain.
Of course with all these treatments our vet bills have been piling up. We have spent around $6,000 on vet bills including consultations, fine needle aspiration, biopsy, surgery, medications, exams, a CT scan, and chemotherapy. We plan to continue with treatments as long as Smoki isn't suffering. We've been making it work so far, but the bills continue to roll in and we're hoping that you can spare ANY amount to help us with Smoki's vet bills. Any amount is greatly appreciated and we're so grateful to anyone that can spare anything especially in these hard times. If you're not able to donate, we greatly appreciate you sharing the link to the GoFundMe.
During the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smoki has been there for our whole family, making sure we get exercise, cuddling with us when we're feeling down, and always offering a little paw and nose whistle for more pets. His presence has been incredibly helpful to our mental and physical health. We want to make sure we're there for him too.
Smoki and the Simic Family thank you for reading, sharing, and/or donating.
In November 2020 we brought our beloved 11-year-old Schnauzer mix, Smoki, to the vet when we found a growth under his arm. A diagnostic test was done to identify if the growth was malignant, but it came back inconclusive. Our vet was concerned enough to recommend immediate removal, so Smoki had a surgery to remove the growth.
Smoki recovered well from the surgery but unfortunately the growth grew back very quickly and began to spread. Based on this, our family vet gave us the news no pet owner ever wants to hear: he suspected Smoki had cancer. We were referred to specialists including a veterinary surgeon and veterinary oncologist for more testing and diagnosis.
After a biopsy of the tumour and CT scan were done in January 2021, we got the results that we had been dreading. Smoki was diagnosed with a cancerous Mast Cell Tumour, with possible spread (metastasis) to his lymph nodes. Because of the tumour's location and Smoki's age, the veterinary surgeon recommended against another surgery to remove the tumour because it would be dangerous and very invasive, involving amputation of Smoki's leg.
After giving Smoki a couple of weeks to recover from the biopsy, we started seeing the veterinary oncologist who recommended chemotherapy. Smoki is currently undergoing his first round of chemotherapy and is doing well but we're not seeing ideal results of the chemo treatment. Our veterinary oncologist has recommended switching to a different drug which we'll be doing after the first round of treatment is over.
Smoki is a happy, healthy boy other than his cancer diagnosis. He loves his family, off leash walks in the woods, chasing squirrels, is obsessed with water/swimming, and of course he LOVES to eat. He knows so many tricks and is still learning new ones. He's happy to show them all off as long as he's rewarded with something tasty. He's our first dog and our baby and we're doing everything we can to make sure he has a great quality of life and stays with us for as long as possible.
At this point the chemotherapy is not meant to cure the cancer. It's a treatment that is meant to slow the spread of cancer in order to prolong Smoki's life and to make sure he can keep doing his favourite things without pain.
Of course with all these treatments our vet bills have been piling up. We have spent around $6,000 on vet bills including consultations, fine needle aspiration, biopsy, surgery, medications, exams, a CT scan, and chemotherapy. We plan to continue with treatments as long as Smoki isn't suffering. We've been making it work so far, but the bills continue to roll in and we're hoping that you can spare ANY amount to help us with Smoki's vet bills. Any amount is greatly appreciated and we're so grateful to anyone that can spare anything especially in these hard times. If you're not able to donate, we greatly appreciate you sharing the link to the GoFundMe.
During the last year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Smoki has been there for our whole family, making sure we get exercise, cuddling with us when we're feeling down, and always offering a little paw and nose whistle for more pets. His presence has been incredibly helpful to our mental and physical health. We want to make sure we're there for him too.
Smoki and the Simic Family thank you for reading, sharing, and/or donating.
Co-organizers (2)
Ena Simic
Organizer
Hamilton, ON
Ivana Simic
Co-organizer