BJ will be 13 this October. He was brought into the animal hospital to be euthanized three days shy of his 10th birthday. The vet had the owner relinquish him and long story short, he has since wiggled his way into my heart and home. He has been the sweetest, most mellow dog I have ever known. This was a welcomed addition to my now soon to be 15-year-old mixed breed Lady (who was also scheduled to be euthanized by an owner who did not want her at the age of eight) and my three-year-old crazy cat Dinky (who was found on the side of the road at two weeks of age). In April I noticed that BJ's lymph nodes were enlarged and he was diagnosed with lymphoma. My heart sank as I had just lost my favorite aunt to lymphoma earlier that month after a 10-year remission. Immediately I was interested in pursuing chemo in hopes of achieving the ultimate goal of remission for my sweet baby boy. The nurse gave me the estimate and I started to cry because there was no way that I would be able to afford the treatment. I decided to take it one week at a time and approved the first treatment and swiped my nearly maxed out credit card. The nurse and vet then turned my world right side up again when they mentioned Frankie’s Friends. To my delight BJ was approved for 75 percent coverage!
After his first treatment his lymph nodes literally shrank right before my eyes…unbelievable! He just received the third treatment of the Madison-Wisconsin protocol and his lymph nodes are now normal sizes. He did suffer from vomiting and diarrhea after the second treatment but that was short-lived with the help of anti-diarrheal and anti-nausea medication. He is back to his normal self and is just as warm and fuzzy as ever.
The stars have shined on us thanks to Frankie’s Friends. I saw a picture and story of Frankie and lit a candle in his honor. I plan on donating regularly to the fund as soon as I get back on my feet. This support has literally saved BJ's life and for that I will be eternally grateful.
Thank you again for all your thoughtfulness and support,
xoxo
BJ and mom