2/19/24 UPDATE : Lucio finally got into the oncologist at Lois Bates Acheson Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Oregon State University on January 5th, 2024 after a few months on the waiting list. The resident and the Dr. were amazing, as was the facility, being a teaching hospital.

Unfortunately , during this appointment, I received some differing news from the veterinarian's office where Lucio had the surgery in November. Lucio's cancer is actually a more advanced level stage 2 , and he has some new growths that I have discovered in December/ January only a few months after the surgical removals. OSU is ideally recommending a CT scan with and a liver and spleen biopsy which is unfortunately where this specific cancer takes the opportunity to metastasize, and that is estimated to cost $2,921.00. Already so many people have assisted us so much, and I am so very grateful, I could not have had the surgery in November performed otherwise. At this time, I have no choice but to open this fundraiser back up to have him seen for these scans and biopsies as soon as possible, being that these growths seem to be occurring fast so we need answers. I was informed that the CT scan will show everything, and differentiate between fatty tumors or any cancerous locations, and while he is under sedation they will also biopsy the liver and spleen to ensure the cancer has not spread to these areas or the bone. I am continuing to have hope for Lucio's chance to heal. If the scans show that it has spread, I sadly have choices in front of me, but with this knowledge I can make the best decisions to manage this cancer and any pain he may be enduring. He deserves nothing less. Thank you all. Every small donation helps, and know that my gratitude is boundless.

Last week, I received horrible news, amidst others, that Lucio, my Catahoula Leopard Dog mix whose required various medical procedures over the last 7 years already since I have rescued him, was diagnosed with cancer, and needs immediate ultrasound, X-ray and lymph node procedures and surgery on November 1, 2023, to potentially save his life before this disease metastasizes throughout his body. The cost for these medical procedures will exceed $2,500. The veterinarian will know more details about his future prognosis when he undergoes this surgery at the beginning of next month. He will also most likely need a regiment of medications for the duration of his life.

Without sharing all of the minute details of my own personal life on social media, over the last decade plus, to put it mildly, I have been thrown one curveball after the next. There have been no breaks. My own day-to-day has been extremely challenging, so I do not have this monetary balance at my disposal at this time with so little time to prepare, I wish I did. I feel like I do have to share this to justify why I am asking for support with funding. Facing a myriad of health issues myself, and enduring a multitude of surgeries, with a few more looming in my immediate future, and the extenuating circumstances caused by all of this and more, the events in my timeline have caused hardship, and I cannot catch up no matter how hard I have battled to do so. I still am each day. I am never ahead of this, which is the reason why I am publicly asking for support. In a rush to get this posted, this surely lacks eloquence, so my apologies.

I do not have much at all in the means of possessions, but I do have the love and loyalty of this gentle giant, who was found abandoned, sick and emaciated down near the South Coast of Oregon many years ago. He's been by my side ever since; through thick and thin. Some of the worst of times, and some of the best, he's been a constant presence. He's been a bearer of my pain, my worries, my fears, my struggles, as well, as being there for every small joy and happiness, and the very rare moments of peace I can find. So, therefore, I owe him the world. And the best attempt I can give.

With everything else currently happening, I cannot bear the thought of losing him if there is any way to save or prolong his life. So, I am requesting your help. Please know that I completely understand and RESPECT if you cannot and are not able to donate. Believe me, I know how it is. Even just a share will help. Please know, there is NO pressure and NO judgement. Every penny becomes a dollar. This funding will be accounted for, and going towards saving his life, and towards prolonging and extending genuine unconditional love from a canine who had a very tumultuous beginning himself.

In advance, thank you for reading, thank you for sharing. Thank you for understanding this unbreakable bond. Please help me try my best to save Lucio, by offering him the care of an experienced surgeon that he so deserves, and my public plea to extend his days, and for any more time I can garner with him.

THANK YOU