Help Haylee's Dog Tegan Beat Cancer

Hello Friends, Family, and Animal Lovers,

My name is Haylee and - bummer alert - I'm reaching out with a heavy heart but hopeful spirit on behalf of my beloved dog, Tegan. Tegan is not just a dog but an infinite universe housed within a tail-wagging, love-emanating furball. This four-legged muse has been my confidante in every epoch of my existence for the last 11 years. She is the light of my life, my reason for being.

But lo and behold – like a thunderbolt from a clear blue sky – Tegan has been diagnosed with GI lymphoma, or intestinal cancer.

Most of you know I found T as a stray on the street while I was in college in Lubbock, Texas when she was 3 months old. I don’t know where she came from. I’ve asked her. But I’ve resigned to the fact that she fell from the sky right into my front yard at the exact moment that I was the most alone I had ever been. Every single thing I’ve done since - leaving Texas, finding a community in Boston, moving to New York, starting a business, fielding a house fire, falling in love - hasn’t just been done with her, but because she’s given me the essential practice of loving something with my whole heart every day. That practice changed me fundamentally. If there is something you love about me, Haylee, that thing came from my relationship with this dog. She has made me unconditionally kind, unapologetic, brave, fun, grateful, happy. She makes me so happy.

I’m opting for the most aggressive treatment of Tegan’s cancer, which consists of a weekly treatment for 2 months, then if in remission, every other week for 4 months. This treatment offers the hope of more happy years together, as Tegan’s oncologist is encouraged by her “dramatic response” so far.

PLEASE KNOW that dogs are not affected by cancer treatment the same way people are - they handle it extremely well. Tegan’s quality of life right now has surpassed pre-cancer levels - we are using up every second of this time together and we wouldn’t be able to do that if she wasn’t happy and healthy. I would never make a decision for Tegan that would keep her here if she was hopelessly suffering. Seeing the difference that this healthcare has made so quickly has me determined to make sure she keeps getting it.

--What We Need--

Fortunately, Tegan has a pet insurance policy through Lemonade. This policy covers 80% of her diagnostics, care and medications. It does not cover exam fees, consultations, prescription food, supplements, or transport.

As of 5/20/24, I have spent $3,394.72 out of pocket after insurance on T’s care. I have not quantified the wages I’ve lost to the time spent navigating this circumstance because it would give me too much anxiety, but that is some sort of number also. With this campaign, I am not asking for reimbursement of what has been spent on her diagnostics and care, but for assistance with her continued treatment. The proceeds of this campaign will go solely to VERG Brooklyn's oncology department for Tegan’s care. This ask comes from the overwhelming onslaught of weekly medical invoices - proceeds will not go towards non-medical, routine costs like her food, insurance premiums or deductibles, and it will not replace any of my income.

The estimated cost, after insurance, for Tegan's 6-month chemotherapy and supportive care is $6,571. This includes the chemotherapy drugs, regular vet visits, tests to monitor her progress, and any additional medications to help manage symptoms.

--How You Can Help--

Every donation, no matter how small, brings Tegan closer to beating cancer. Your support means the world to us and directly contributes to Tegan's fighting chance.

You can:

I pledge to be transparent about Tegan's treatment and progress. I will provide updates through this GoFundMe page so you can keep an eye on your investment and see just how much your support affects our little lives.

Each contribution to this fund is more than a transaction; it is an act of solidarity, a testament to the belief that the depth of our connections can outshine the fear of loss. It’s about giving Tegan a chance to continue her quiet crusade of love, to keep her at the helm of our lives, her spirit undimmed.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any support you can offer. It means the world to me and to Tegan.

With Gratitude,

Haylee and Tegan

--Updates--

At 4:00 AM on May 3, Tegan had a very sudden onset of symptoms. That morning, she went to the Kent Ave Veterinary Emergency Group, where doctors ran extensive blood panels and diagnostics which revealed a Protein Losing Enteropathy. PLE is a syndrome accompanying various diseases wherein excessive protein loss occurs through the gastrointestinal tract. VEG sent us home with instructions to see an internal medicine specialist.

The next morning, May 4, Tegan still wouldn’t eat, had quickly lost a noticeable amount of weight and was heartbreakingly lethargic. Max and I took Tegan to VERG Brooklyn right away as a referral from VEG. At VERG, Tegan was quickly admitted and we agreed to keep her there overnight as she waited to get an ultrasound the next day, May 5.

May 5, there were numerous abnormal findings in the ultrasound, the most concerning being numerous nodules throughout her small intestines and loss of normal tissue layering of parts of her small intestines – findings suspicious of cancer. Tegan was moved to the ICU in the hospital and her supportive care was increased with broad-spectrum antibiotics in case of infection in the gallbladder, anti-nausea medications, IV fluids and a feeding tube to keep her stomach empty and hopefully improve her nausea.

On May 6, moving forward with additional testing, a needle aspiration obtained a sample of cells from the abnormal masses in Tegan’s intestine to submit to a pathologist, who identified a round cell cancer in the sample. At this time her doctor told me she actually had the feeding tube removed and started eating, her elevated liver levels had subsided, and she had significantly more energy. VERG’s in-house oncologist was not in the hospital this day and had a full schedule the following week, but her incredible critical care doctor, presumably enamored with her, swiftly administered Tegan’s first dose of chemotherapy, began her steroid treatment, got us an appointment with their very busy oncologist, and said she was well enough to go home.

When Tegan got home, she was tired but very happy and we were all glad to get her some rest outside of a bright, noisy animal hospital. The next few days, she ate everything in sight and her energy was back to a 10. She was my sweet chicken head again. She ended up gaining back 3.5 pounds within these few days.

May 9, Tegan and I met with her oncologist, Dr. Cohen. She explained that round cell tumor is a broad category of tumors that include lymphoma, plasma cell tumor, histiocytic sarcomas. The pathologist looking at Tegan’s cell sample is favoring lymphoma, which is most likely, given clinical exam findings and lab results. Because different cancers require different treatment protocols, we opted to run a test called a PARR to confirm the type of Tegan’s cancer.