Help Save Winston: Cancer Removal

On Monday September 10th, 2018, Winston Bankston was diagnosed with a fast growing, aggressive cancer in his mouth: Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Canine oral squamous cell carcinomas are characterized by aggressive local infiltration. In Winston's case, the tumor has infiltrated into his jaw bone and has displaced several of his teeth. In one study, the 1 -year + survival rate for dogs that receive surgical treatment is 93.5%  versus 0% for dogs not treated surgically. Winston needs help to fund the surgical removal of the tumor which will also take a portion of his jaw bone. The surgery is called a rostral mandibulectomy. The total cost of the procedure, including anesthesia, the tumor removal, x-rays, CT scans and pain medicine is a little over $5,000. The soonest he can have this surgery is Friday, September 21st, 2018 in Ontario, California. We have already spent $2,000 to complete the biopsy surgery, do the blood work and go to dental specialist and oncologist consultations. Our regular veterinarian, the oral veterinary specialist and the oncologist both say that they believe it was caught early enough that it likely has not spread to other organs and they are confident this surgery would save his life, giving him many happy years left with the ability to eat normally and play normally after 8 weeks of recovery. Due to the aggressive and fast growing rate of metastasis of this cancer, we don't have much time. 

This dog is the entire world to me. I am completely devastated and lost at the thought of being without him and having his life cut short. Winston has been there for me during the most difficult times of my life and the happiest times. He is the most resilient dog, and despite lots of stress and moving several times in the last year (even to a new state), he stayed grounded and constant for me when I needed him the most. My silly boy brings me joy and purpose in life. So much so, that his face is tattooed on my arm forever. Without this surgery, he has less than 12 months to live. Please consider a donation in any amount to help Winston. It would mean so much to me, and to him.