Samson's tumor removal surgery

Samson is a full-blooded rescued boxer who has been with me for almost 7 years now. As a small pup Samson was abandoned and dumped in a vacant house in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. When he was found he was in such poor condition they did not think he would survive. Luckily he made a full recovery and has lived a happy and healthy life with me, traveling all over the country, sharing many laughs, tears and memories. Samson has been shoulder to cry on and at many times the only reason I could get out of bed and go to work. His love and loyalty has helped carry me through the darkest depression and through the loss of loved ones and friends. Now, his health is in danger and we need the help of our friends, family and fellow dog lovers! Samson has protected and cared for me for many years and now its time to return the favor. Back in February of this year Samson had a small mass appear on his ear. We went to a vet in Georgia who has a good reputation, and at one point was a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia. At the time the doctor did not think it was anything to be concerned about, however, he warned that if it began to grow and change in color we should be worried and come back immediately. Well about 2 months ago it began to grow and even quickly got infected. Since we are currently living in Charleston, SC we decided to get it checked out at a vet close to hime instead of traveling to Georgia. The initial prognosis wasn't great but the vet in Charleston wanted more than I could afford at the time to run the test so we went on antibiotics and after a couple of weeks on those it seemed to be improving and even looked like the swelling was from infection. However, we were wrong. It has now grown so large it is almost engulfing is entire ear and has even spread. This week we made the trip to Georgia to see the vet here and got the news we were dreading. Its cancer. We ran test, did a full body scan and found another mass on his lymph nodes. Samples of both masses were sent off to the University of Georgia for testing. The one on his ear came back malignant and the one in his lymph nodes was inconclusive. This means the one in his lymph nodes may be benign or it could mean the doctor did not get a good enough sample to receive a definite result. However, because these are the only two masses we can see with our eyes or on the scan, we have decided to have surgery. His surgery is scheduled for December 17th (less then 2 weeks from now!). We are going to have a penectomy (ear amputation) and will attempt to remove the mass in his lymph nodes as well. This surgery is going to cost right around $1,000 and his vet visit this week cost me close to $400, neither of which are including travel expenses or missed work. We cannot do this without your help as these cost are more than I can afford. We are now asking that you would please help me save the life of best friend who has rescued me from the depths of depression many times. The vet has also said that without the surgery, based off of how rapidly it is progressing, he does not not think Samson will last more than 3 to 4 months before we have to plan for euthanasia, however, they are very confident that this will give him ample more time as a happy and healthy boy. If they cannot remove both masses at the same time the cost, which I attached below, will increase about $100-$200 and cause us to have to travel back and forth from Charleston to Georgia multiple times. For my friends and family who have known me for a while, you all know how much this boy means to me and know that he truly is more than just a dog to me. My heart is heavy already with the reality that without this surgery I will lose my baby sooner than I should have to.  In the event that I raise more than the cost of the procedure, after care and travel expenses, the excess will be donated to the Boxer Rescue of Oklahoma, who originally aided in saving the life of my baby when he was a pup and continues to save the lives of this beautiful breed and give them a second chance at life.