Shimmer's Medical Expenses
Donation protected
In Marcella's words:
Shimmer is my heart. I've always called her my other half. This dog is the reason I'm here today. At almost 13 years old, she's seen me through many ups and downs in life. From personal struggles to several moves and being my service dog. We competed together in agility, rally and she has numerous titles. But none of that is as important as having my best girl feeling healthy and happy.
On 8/30/2018 I got a call that Shimmer has a soft tissue sarcoma. The vet thinks it's a peripheral nerve sheath tumor but without a histopathology we won't know for. It is likely intermediate to high risk and more than likely malignant. To see if th tumor has metastasized starts with 3 X-ray views. Radiation is an option to give a better chance for clean margins since the tumor has finger like projections that grow out and around it. An oncology visit isn't out of the question. If X-rays don't show any metastasis that still doesn't mean we don't have growth. Only a CT scan could show that. Regardless, blood work will need to be done and her toe removed.
In the past year Shimmer has had some benign lumps removed and was diagnosed with a heart murmur. All was paid for by myself but I'm running on empty. I struggle with my own medical issues and don't know how to do it alone anymore. I want to give my girl the best chance of fighting. And while she is older, she is in overall wonderful health. She deserves my very best. Marcella
Shimmer is my heart. I've always called her my other half. This dog is the reason I'm here today. At almost 13 years old, she's seen me through many ups and downs in life. From personal struggles to several moves and being my service dog. We competed together in agility, rally and she has numerous titles. But none of that is as important as having my best girl feeling healthy and happy.
On 8/30/2018 I got a call that Shimmer has a soft tissue sarcoma. The vet thinks it's a peripheral nerve sheath tumor but without a histopathology we won't know for. It is likely intermediate to high risk and more than likely malignant. To see if th tumor has metastasized starts with 3 X-ray views. Radiation is an option to give a better chance for clean margins since the tumor has finger like projections that grow out and around it. An oncology visit isn't out of the question. If X-rays don't show any metastasis that still doesn't mean we don't have growth. Only a CT scan could show that. Regardless, blood work will need to be done and her toe removed.
In the past year Shimmer has had some benign lumps removed and was diagnosed with a heart murmur. All was paid for by myself but I'm running on empty. I struggle with my own medical issues and don't know how to do it alone anymore. I want to give my girl the best chance of fighting. And while she is older, she is in overall wonderful health. She deserves my very best. Marcella
Organizer and beneficiary
Debra Alons
Organizer
Houston, TX
Marcella Ward
Beneficiary
