Remmy’s Chemotherapy

Remmy (Remington if you’re sassy) is my ride or die Weimaraner. My Velcro dog. My family’s protector, river guide, and playmate. He’s raised my kids with me…alerted me to every skinned knee & kissed every boo boo my kids have ever had since he came to us an underweight 1yo rescue, scared of every hand gesture anyone made almost 9 years ago.

Aside from our recent, devastating lymphoma diagnosis, he’s ridiculously healthy, strong, and full of an amazing zest for life!

Our vet found a mass in Remmy’s chest, I cried, asked ALL the questions, was referred to an oncologist, and he was diagnosed: Mediastinal lymphoma: a single mass in his chest. This hit HARD. He either had around a month left without pain OR we begin a proven chemo (CHOP) protocol. The cancer hadn’t spread, making his case ideal, but it would grow fast without intervention. Before this, I assumed chemo would impede quality of life, so I thought that if we were ever faced with cancer, we’d brace for good bye & try to heal our hearts. Now, I know that most dogs actually handle this very well, and that remission in his case is highly likely giving him at worst, another year of his happy life, or at best, he’ll get to live out the rest of his years in remission happy at home with his family!

You guys…he’s handling it like a CHAMP! He bounced back to life from death’s door immediately & our oncologist continues to be really excited for him! He’s running, playing, happy, and wants to keep going. So, we will!

We’re almost 3 cycles of the 6 cycle regimen into this very expensive, life saving treatment, and plan to continue a remission diet & supplement protocol post chemo. So, we are about $4k into our $9k+ treatment. I’m a single mom. I’ve taken on extra work, sold off belongings, accepted modest donations from family, and maxed out our care credit. I’ve pushed beyond my limits and will keep pushing. It’s been a huge strain & beyond stressful, but I’m his advocate & keeping the fight going for him, especially now that we know how well it’s working!

Anything you can do…money, of course, is desperately needed, but prayers, healing energies, anything at all is just so very much appreciated on this journey. Thank you for taking the time to read about my sweet baby boy!