Help Frankie Fight Cancer

Frankie is a 4 year old Pembroke Welsh Corgi. On October 3rd, 2022, his parents, Ed and Geri De Guzman, received the devastating news that Frankie’s primary/initial diagnosis based on a biopsy performed on September 27th, 2022 is lymphoma. Ed and Geri noticed a lump under his left jaw that grew in size and had spread to his right side under his jaw as well. On October 5, 2022 Ed and Geri visited the internal medicine specialist at Pulse Vet for a consult on his diagnosis. That was when it was confirmed that Frankie has lymphoma, specifically multicentric lymphoma, based on the swelling to multiple lymph nodes in his body.

The specialist described Frankie's cancer as at least stage 3 and up because it has spread and caused swelling to multiple lymph nodes. The specialist gave Ed and Geri the option to run more diagnostics and tests to confirm what stage Frankie's cancer is and also if it is B-Cell or T-Cell lymphoma, but they have decided not to because of the cost, and as per what the specialist verbalized to them, they know that it is confirmed lymphoma and that treatment should be started right away if they wanted to do so.

Multicentric lymphoma, which involves multiple lymph nodes and may also affect the liver, spleen, and/or bone marrow, accounts for 80% of canine lymphoma cases. There are numerous chemotherapy treatment protocols for dogs with multicentric lymphoma. Most dogs with lymphoma experience cancer remission following treatment, and side effects are usually not severe.

The treatment that Ed and Geri decided to proceed with is called CCNU (Lomustine, CeeNU) chemotherapy. It is a form of chemotherapy that Frankie would take orally. This oral medication is given every three weeks to help address the cancer. He will need to come in, get blood work and, once that is ok, get the medication. This will cost $700-$1000 minimum per 3 weeks for about 6 weeks. This will go along with prednisone and a liver protectant, which can cause liver issues.

As of today (October 18, 2022), Frankie is doing well. Ed and Geri are happy to say that he still has his appetite and energy. Some of their family members have told them that they couldn’t even tell he was sick. However, the swelling has been worsening daily, making it harder for him to breathe. They have been monitoring him for any signs of distress.

Although Ed and Geri have pet insurance with Pet Secure, this only covers a maximum of $1000/condition. They have already used $500 to have the biopsy done. Ed and Geri are looking at costs between $4200 - $6000 for treatment. This does not include any additional costs that could arise due to complications or the need for hospitalization.

Ed and Geri have a challenging journey ahead, and it is not easy to ask for help. So, let's help them out, as the last thing they need to worry about is finances. Please donate if you can and help spread the word so that we can ensure that Frankie continues to live his best life.