help with veteranarian costs for my dog

Hi, my name is Michelle..my pup is 16 1/2 years old. I just felt a pea sized lump on her left front arm and i need to get it removed but as you know, the vet is more expensive than doctors for humans. I am very scared for her and I do NOT have the money to even take her in to get checked and then to have it removed. I really need your guys' help with this expense because i know its going to be expensive to remove. Any thing you all can do will help me and my baby. We would both definitely appreciate it..she's my baby! And she is Very much so alive at her age and has lots of life left in her..shes sassy as ever! Thank you