My dog Wilson’s Pancreas Cancer Fundraiser

RECENT UPDATES: FEB 21 & 22

On February 21, we received official hospital paperwork with an updated diagnosis.

"An abdominal ultrasound today showed a large mass in the pancreatic area, with locally enlarged lymph nodes; this is most consistent with a cancerous process that has metastasized (spread)... The most common cancer causing this is pancreatic carcinoma with carcinomatosis, an aggressive form of cancer, that can be seen in younger animals"

On February 22, we received further confirmation from the hospital that cancerous masses were found in the lungs. At this point curative treatment is not a recommended option.

We are pursuing palliative/end-of-life care due to the severity of the diagnosis.

Please keep us in your prayers.

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ORIGINAL POST:

On February 20, I received the heartbreaking news that my dog Wilson has several cancerous nodules around his stomach/intestines.

We have pet insurance (ASPCA) but have maxed it out at this point (it only covers up to $5k). Continuing tests and potential treatment/care will be very costly and we would appreciate any help.

POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS:

- Once additional results are back from radiology, we could continue more diagnostic testing (to judge spread + severity) to help form a treatment plan (possibly surgery, chemo)

- In advanced cases where curative treatment is not possible, palliative care will be considered. Palliative care aims to provide relief from symptoms and maintaining the best possible quality of life. It’s about keeping them comfortable as much as possible until the end. This can include medications for pain and nausea.

FOR TRANSPARENCY: COST ESTIMATES

Continued Diagnostic Testing: $6220.44

Uncovered costs: $717.15

+ Estimated GoFundMe Fees

Total estimated costs: $7150

Not inclusive of treatment plan or long term palliative care (as we have not decided the course of action yet as info is still pending), but we will start from here and update when more information is available.

Thank you taking the time to read through this + for your generous support. My family appreciates all of the support as we navigate what this means for Wilson and our family.

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MORE IN DEPTH TIMELINE (for those who are curious)

- Adopted September 10, 2017 at 5 months old

- Prior to February 2024: Seemingly healthy dog. Very energetic, plenty of zoomies. Very food motivated. Gets yearly vet visits and is up to date on all vaccines. Last year August, had routine bloodwork that looked great.

- Mon February 12, first vet visit at his primary vet for diarrhea + beginning to show decreased appetite. X-rays showed no blockage. Prescribed flagyl and cerenia and a bland diet

- Thurs Feb 15, beginning to refuse bland food, received prescription diet, endosorb and fortiflora from the vet

- Sat Feb 17, barely wanting to eat anything (tried so many different bland foods and in many different bowls). He became a pro at spitting out pills.

- Sun Feb 18, bloody stool, brought to VEG Hoboken. Bloodwork came back with some concerning levels. Preliminary X-rays and ultrasound come back with results that concern the vet enough to recommend us taking Wilson to an Internal Medicine specialist to rule out pancreatitis, gastroenteritis, or cancer. Received cerenia and famotidine injections to help with the nausea. Eating a bit.

- Mon Feb 19, still bloody stool. Ate a bit in the morning. Ate a lot at night

- Tues Feb 20, still bloody stool, fasting in the morning in order to take him for a more in-depth ultrasound + other tests. Brought to Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital in Paramus. Received the heartbreaking news. Was sent home with Cerenia (anti-nausea), Metronidazole (antibiotic for antidiarhea), Sucralfate (coat GI tract), Prednisone (ease inflammation).

- Awaiting Radiology review to judge if it has spread to the lungs (can take a few days for results)

Once again, thanks for taking the time to read through and for your support through this very heartbreaking time.