Suzy's Cancer Journey
Join us on my pup's Suzy's Cancer Journey
Unfortunately, we officially confirmed on July 2, 2024, that our pup Suzy has a rare form of Lymphoma. Because of her unwavering attitude and spirit, we are fighting hard to keep her in treatment with oncologists at Sage Oncology in Dublin. I am grateful that I get to spend time with her and make sure she is regularly medicated as prescribed. I have made some changes to her diet by making homemade food, and I can already see her improving. The doctor told me to let her lead, and this is Suzy leading me and inspiring me to work hard not only towards our goal of fundraising for her treatment, but to also raise more awareness of canine cancer, especially in dogs over the age of 10. This completely blindsided me, and I hope by telling Suzy's story, more pet owners can learn more about cancers in pups, and even Lymphoma, because it is a common form of cancer. I regularly update her GoFundMe page and social media sites with photos of her progression, feeding times, and reports of her behavior and overall mood. She is taking the treatment well so far. I invite you to follow Suzy's journey and learn more about this beautiful pup with her sweet pack-leader spirit, who has touched many lives.
Thank you!
Suzy-Herstory
Suzy was born on June 16, 2012, the day before Father's Day in 2012.
In 2012, I lived in San Francisco alone. I wanted a puppy to keep me company and to love on. I went on Craigslist, found her, and was making my way toward Fremont on Bart from San Francisco. The moment I set eyes on her, I instantly fell in love. I knew I had found a great companion.
She was a handful of a puppy but so beautiful, and I loved watching her learn. Because I lived in the city and there were noises all day and night, she would bark excessively, so I would take her on walks, careful that she didn’t eat a chicken bone or any other garbage on the street. She loved to play, especially tug-of-war, and after about two months, she was able to jump on my bed, a huge accomplishment. She also started learning commands like stay, sit, and shake. To this day, I could never get her to roll.
When she was six months old, I was walking Suzy and getting groceries when my nylon leash smoothly slid out of my hands. Of course, she bolted outside and, unfortunately, was hit by a speeding white commercial van going down Geary. If she weren’t a puppy, she wouldn’t be here, but she survived with a fractured hip. Taxis wouldn’t take us to the vet because she was bleeding, and there was no Uber or Lyft. A kind standby offered to help get Suzy and me to the hospital, and we made it. I followed along in a taxi, and she recovered very quickly. It was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life.
To Be Continued... Mommy is working hard to earn money and raise funds for my cancer treatment. I have more to my story to tell!
Growing up Suzy Style
My dog Suzy has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. I am raising Canine Cancer Awareness and hoping for support, as she is a good candidate for Chemotherapy and has made significant improvement. It started in her left eye, which was bulging; thinking it was a tooth abscess, but we found out it was a tumor. Since the loss of my father, I have been working hard to keep her healthy and hopefully cancer-free with help from anyone, and I am applying for funding. I would appreciate it if you could spread the word or donate. Every penny counts. From my heart to yours!
One Morning on May 19th, she woke up looking like this. Her whole left side of her face was inflamed, her eye was bulging, and half the skin on her nose was raw. It was terrifying seeing her go from her usual self to seeing this overnight.
Update - 7/11/2024
Since the beginning of treatment, Suzy's Progression with the left side of her face- The tumor was making her eye bulge forward with bloody pus and biofluids weeping, there was swelling around her jaw, and the left side of her nose was raw. Through many different kinds of medicines, including antibiotics and five different eye drops, which are given every two hours, she has made significant improvements. Luckily, through scans and various tests, the cancer has not spread, which makes me hopeful that she can keep her eye and that chemotherapy will be the next step. She is returning to her normal behavior of wanting to follow me everywhere, and her face looks like her beautiful self.
Thank you all for your support and understanding through this difficult time period.
I took Suzy to her primary vet on May 21st. They had a hands-off approach, did not give me any medicine, and told me to see an ophthalmologist. I scheduled her appointment right away, bought over-the-counter artificial tears, and put a donut on her to avoid her scratching or rubbing her eye.
After seeing an ophthalmologist and an emergency/specialty clinic on the same week, May 28th and May 30th, I was given the diagnosis. Lymphoma. I was given antibiotics, eye drops, and pain medicine for Suzy's eye and nose. The left side of her face started getting better, as fast as the onset
Two weeks after giving her three different eye drops, up to 10xs a day, with her antibiotics, and prednisone. she was healing fast and looking good. Her spirits have been up the whole time, and she's been acting like her usual self.
Three weeks after her eye medication, it has vastly improved. She can now close her left eye, and the feeling has returned since she flinches when I give her the drops.
Suzy going at her kibble/treat puzzle. She is energetic and passionate, trying to eat every last bite of her kibble, vitamin treats, and other tasty goodies. I opted for this instead of her regular feedings to get her interactive.
Three weeks after her eye medication, it has vastly improved. She can now close her left eye, and the feeling has returned since she flinches when I give her the drops.
Suzy going at her kibble/treat puzzle. She is energetic and passionate, trying to eat every last bite of her kibble, vitamin treats, and other tasty goodies. I opted for this instead of her regular feedings to get her interactive.
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Thank you!
