- L
- V
- E
Hi Everyone! First I would like to say thank you for taking the time to reach out to me, donate and share this campaign. Your kind words and support have helped keep me in a much calmer state while dealing with all of this.
A few weeks ago I noticed a lump on the top of Waffles back left paw. At first I thought it was maybe a bug bite or environmental irritation (everyone knows how bad his allergies can be during the summer) and I started washing it twice a day with antibacterial dog shampoo. Unfortunately this had no affect and the lump continued to grow.
I called his veterinarian and scheduled the first available appointment to have it looked at on 6/17. The vet inspected his paw and ordered a cytology test / biopsy to be done of the cells inside the lump and the waiting game continued. A few days later I received notice that the results did show mast cells (there are several forms of mast cells some to be concerned about and some to be less concerned about - all cancerous) but the results could not determine which kind. He suggested a surgery consultation with a specialized surgeon due to the placement of the tumor (now that results are back it is being referred to as a tumor).
On 6/27 we met with the surgeon. He explained in more depth the different types of mast cells and ordered an additional biopsy to be done that he thought would be able to tell us exactly what kind they were. He explained that depending on what type they were that some of his toes may need to be removed to decrease the risk of cancer returning. The waiting game continued.
One week later we received the additional results which determined that the cells were "Well Differentiated" which means that they grow and spread at a much slower rate. Finally, a bit of relief. Knowing that this wasn't an aggressive form of cancer made things feel a lot less scary. The surgeon advised that regardless the tumor needs to be removed as it will no doubt continue to grow and eventually make him not be able to walk on that paw.
The estimate for surgery is $5600 in addition to the large amount I have already spent with biopsies, consults and vet visits.
While it is hard for me to ask for help from anyone, Waffles means too much to me to let my pride get in the way. He is my best friend and his health is the most important thing in my world. There have been many days over the 11 years we have shared together that he was the only reason I could get out of bed that day. I'm reminding myself that this isn't just for me but for him.
He and I have will be forever grateful for any support that comes our way. We're looking forward to sharing many more years together with the amazing community of friends we have built.
Thank you,
Waffles and Andrea
A few weeks ago I noticed a lump on the top of Waffles back left paw. At first I thought it was maybe a bug bite or environmental irritation (everyone knows how bad his allergies can be during the summer) and I started washing it twice a day with antibacterial dog shampoo. Unfortunately this had no affect and the lump continued to grow.
I called his veterinarian and scheduled the first available appointment to have it looked at on 6/17. The vet inspected his paw and ordered a cytology test / biopsy to be done of the cells inside the lump and the waiting game continued. A few days later I received notice that the results did show mast cells (there are several forms of mast cells some to be concerned about and some to be less concerned about - all cancerous) but the results could not determine which kind. He suggested a surgery consultation with a specialized surgeon due to the placement of the tumor (now that results are back it is being referred to as a tumor).
On 6/27 we met with the surgeon. He explained in more depth the different types of mast cells and ordered an additional biopsy to be done that he thought would be able to tell us exactly what kind they were. He explained that depending on what type they were that some of his toes may need to be removed to decrease the risk of cancer returning. The waiting game continued.
One week later we received the additional results which determined that the cells were "Well Differentiated" which means that they grow and spread at a much slower rate. Finally, a bit of relief. Knowing that this wasn't an aggressive form of cancer made things feel a lot less scary. The surgeon advised that regardless the tumor needs to be removed as it will no doubt continue to grow and eventually make him not be able to walk on that paw.
The estimate for surgery is $5600 in addition to the large amount I have already spent with biopsies, consults and vet visits.
While it is hard for me to ask for help from anyone, Waffles means too much to me to let my pride get in the way. He is my best friend and his health is the most important thing in my world. There have been many days over the 11 years we have shared together that he was the only reason I could get out of bed that day. I'm reminding myself that this isn't just for me but for him.
He and I have will be forever grateful for any support that comes our way. We're looking forward to sharing many more years together with the amazing community of friends we have built.
Thank you,
Waffles and Andrea