update 4/25:

the pathology report came back and it is excellent news!! The surgeon says that we can hold off on the second mastectomy for now. All the tissue from the right mastectomy is complete and there is no need to remove the left chain at this time. Also good news: no chemo needed!

I am so glad and grateful for all the love and support shown to Kitten and me during this time. We will have to keep a close eye on her for any evidence of cancer popping up as she continues to age, but for now - she can relax and enjoy munching her crunchies and biting folks. She’s the best fuzzy jerk to ever walk on four legs and I am so so happy and relieved that she will be around for a while still.

update 4/10:

Post op, doing well, and rocking her leopard print compression pyjamas! The surgeons at BARC were able to remove the right mammary chain. They couldn’t remove the left because “she’s just so rotund” there wouldn’t be enough loose skin to close the incision. Every time I talked to the staff on the phone, they kept referring to Kitten as “a spicy burrito,” which was hilarious and comforting that she was being her regular self, even under such stressful conditions.

Kitten will need a second surgery (this first one totaled $3756.93) and, depending on the report from the pathology, possibly chemo. So please keep sharing and inviting donations. It is helping! I’m amazed and in awe that $1800 has been raised so far to help Kitten! Non exhaustive total so far of all mammary cancer related medical expenses is about $8,500. Please reach out if you are interested in the breakdown of costs! Some itemized invoices can be found on Kitten’s insta.

update 3/13:

formal CT results were reported to me today and we are a go for surgery! There were a couple cofactors that have caused surgery to be pushed out a few weeks so our new surgery date is 4/10. I am calling the two other surgical providers in our area to see if we may get in sooner somewhere else. We have had a wonderful experience with BARC so far though!

update:

I am humbled and in awe of all the generosity and support from you all! Barring any surprises on the formal radiology report due Monday or Tuesday at the latest, we will proceed with surgery as early as the end of next week or early the following the week.

Non exhaustive total of everything spent so far for vet care since I first noticed the masses and her appetite change has been just over $5,500 including the CT scan on Tuesday. If you’re interested in receipts to see the breakdown and just how much each diagnostic tool and visit costs in Seattle WA, just let me know.

****

This feisty lady has been with me through thick and thin. She’s been my ride or die through my own illness, through divorce and trauma, through moves, through school.. she’s been by my side through it all.

We found out a few weeks ago that Kitten has mammary cancer. It has taken two months, a couple thousand dollars in vet bills, and just now a specialty consult to get good imaging, a clear diagnosis, and a consult for treatment.

After a $1,800 CT scan today, we have learned that her prognosis for several more happy and healthy years is good with one $4-5k surgery. I’ve already maxed out most of my credit on the journey just to diagnosis and would not be soliciting help here if it weren’t absolutely necessary. You know me and my pride.

Please consider pitching in a few bucks to keep this spicy brawd healthy and in our lives a bit longer. As you can see from her Instagram: https://instagram.com/kitten_is_a_fuzzy_jerk?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= she is not through with us yet.