Hello, this is Maya Louise. She’s a 9-year old, spayed German Shepherd/Border Collie mix that I adopted when I was 19 and she was 8 weeks old. She is my whole world and has been with me through all of my adult life. Maya was diagnosed with Apocrine Gland Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma (AGASACA) earlier this month which is a very aggressive cancer. She currently has an 8cm tumor on her left anal gland which is making it difficult for her to pass stool and if left untreated, will spread quickly to her lymph nodes and organs and the tumor will continue to grow preventing her from passing stool at all.

Maya is an otherwise very healthy and energetic 9-year old dog with a LOT of personality. We were not recommended to go through with surgery to remove the tumor as it is fairly large and good margins would not be achieved, it would essentially be a de-bulking surgery and would cost an additional $10k+. The surgery carries very high risks of incontinence and dehiscing with the tumor being as large as it is and located where it is.

We have the option to pursue radiation and chemotherapy for her, the landmark study for this cancer has positive control results from this treatment with an average progression-free interval of 18-months and overall survival time of 3-years with radiation and therapy alone. Maya’s cancer currently has not spread to her lymph nodes or organs which gives her more of a fighting chance.

So far, we have spent $4,380 out of pocket for diagnostics and consultations this month and the radiation therapy that starts tomorrow will cost $8,051-$8,238. Prior to this, we paid $3,000 for 3 surgeries for our other dog Jasmine between February and June of this year. Maya will also need chemo after the radiation as well as follow up visits every 3 months for x-rays and ultrasounds.

Josh and I try to manage everything ourselves and rarely ask for help but this is really scary and overwhelming. We don’t want to put her down when she’s still so full of life and can have several more great years with us. Anything is appreciated including shares. ❤️ Any funds will only go directly to her vet bills that I’ve been unfortunately putting on a credit card, I will post any recipes here to show the paid invoices when I can.