Melinda, Bella & Frankie - Stronger together

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In November 2022, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C Triple Positive Ductal Carcinoma Breast Cancer with lymph nodes positive as well. I am currently in treatment at McGlinn Cancer Institute at the Reading Hospital. I have completed six rounds of TCHP Chemotherapy treatments, I have had lumpectomy surgery and also had four lymph nodes removed. Though the lymph nodes were clear after treatment, the tumor removed was still very active with cancer cells putting me at very high risk for reoccurrence. My oncologist had a clinical trial treatment plan in place for me but with the lymph nodes now clear I am no longer a candidate so I am in the process of receiving additional targeted chemotherapy IV treatments through December 2023 along with 33 consecutive radiation treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence. My specific type of cancer is more likely to reappear in the brain, bones, liver or lungs since it has already left the breast and been present in my lymph nodes so we are continuing to treat it very aggressively. At a recent appointment with my Oncologist, I found out that my fight is far from over.

For over nine years, I have owned and operated K9 Camp, which is a dog boarding and training business, out of my home which I am extremely proud of. Before my diagnosis, I was working 15 hours a day, every day (including holidays), to support my business and my amazing campers! I had to close the camp right after my diagnosis and start my treatments. While in treatment, I just do not have the energy to work the way I always have plus there is a much higher risk of infection from even a minor scratch or bite. I miss all my clients so much and the crazy, chaotic, happy unconditional love and joy they bring me. Closing my business left me with no source of income and I am struggling to make ends meet. At the recommendation of my Oncology team, my business will remain closed for at least the rest of 2023 during treatment.

In addition to running my business, I had been volunteering with local rescues and supporting rescue organizations through training, fostering and fundraising for over 25 years. I am the proud mama of 6 dogs - several of whom have special needs and all of which are rescues. My dog, Frankie, was paralyzed last year and requires constant care and weekly physical therapy. My alpha girl, Bella, has been with me for 13 years but recently had a medical emergency requiring hospitalization and emergency surgery. I just couldn't lose her during the fight of my life. Thankfully she is improving every day, however, the unexpected costs have been very difficult to manage, especially with the sudden loss of income and continued treatment plan ahead.

Because I run my business out of my home, it is a more comfortable experience for my clients, many of whom also have special needs. These unique circumstances make it more difficult for me to reopen because rest and relaxation are the main requirements for recovery.

This experience has been so challenging for me, as I have always been extremely independent and used to helping others in need. For the first time, I have had to put my health first and prepare for whatever it takes to kick Cancer's butt so I can get back to life, my campers & running my business at 100%. This boxing match is only in the first round, but I am in it for the long haul! I will just keep on swinging and taking it one round at a time.

I am single and live alone so my work is my life. I miss it every day! The encouraging support of my family, friends, clients and my fur babies have been giving me a reason to keep fighting and I am so grateful to have my Bella back home and recovering. Between the loss of income, and the additional emergency costs incurred from Bella's surgery (in addition to the treatments required for Frankie), I could really use your support and appreciate any donations or sharing of my story until I am healthy and back to running my business!

Right now my weeks are full of doctor appts and treatments but when I come home I have unconditional, unwavering love & support from my canine crew waiting for me. Watching Frankie Ears, my partially paralyzed boy, fight through every day, still beating the odds to gain more mobility than any doctor gave him hope for after his spinal cord surgery. Bella returning home to me after a major emergency throat surgery & finding out her pathology was negative for cancer was a huge win for us!! Kasper, my white French Bulldog, who is deaf, and Squirrel, the smallest of my pack, is a miracle baby, born with 100% no hard or soft pallet development, fought through life for 2 years until she was healthy enough for surgery and is now thriving!! Frenchy came from Kuwait to be adopted and Karma was my last rescue addition. They all give me the strength to continue my fight!! The power of puppy love is real.

My fur babies have given me more reasons to appreciate life through their struggles because they just keep pushing forward finding new ways to adapt and enjoy life all the same. I am a dog trainer, however, it is my pack that has been teaching me a lot through my journey with breast cancer. What a wonderful feeling.