Help Darcie Beat Cancer

On 8/20/19, a veterinary ophthalmologist diagnosed Darcie with iris melanoma in her right eye. She will need to have her eye removed to stop the spread of the cancer to the rest of her body.

Darcie has had iris melanosis (discolorations of her iris) since we adopted her in 2016.  Because she was found as a stray before we rescued her, we did not know her history and condition of her eye previously.

About 6 weeks ago, I noticed her pupil was no longer dilating the same and looked cloudy rather than her normal black.  We visited her regular vet on 8/1/19, who referred us to the ophthalmology specialist.

On 8/20, the specialist performed a lengthy exam and determined that she currently meets 3 of the 4 criteria that indicate the melanosis has transformed to melanoma (cancerous cells).  The 4th criteria is eye pressure, which was normal at her visit, but the doctor saw indications that her pressure has gone high in the past.  When the pressure in the eye increases, it can force the cancer cells into the bloodstream, spreading the cancer to other organs.  The doctor checked Darcie’s lymph nodes and did not feel any swelling, an indication that the cancer may not yet have spread.

Though Darcie can still see out of her right eye, the doctor recommended removal of her eye as soon as possible to minimize the chance of the cancer spreading.  Once her eye is removed, it will be sent to a pathologist who can determine malignancy, the stage of the cancer, and also whether or not it has spread.  If the cancer has been contained to the eye by removal, Darcie will be considered “cancer free” and can continue to lead a long and happy life with one remaining eye.

As you can imagine, this is all an unexpected expense.  I am a single mother with a daughter starting her second year of college.  We just paid her fall semester bill and our funds are currently depleted.

Before Darcie can have surgery, she needs to have a full physical exam, bloodwork panel, and blood pressure screen.  This appointment is scheduled for 9/11/19 and will cost $325.  Our specialist visit on 8/20 cost $176.  The eye removal procedure will be scheduled after her physical exam and is estimated at $1800.  I am anticipating she will need 1-2 follow up visits after the surgery at $176 each and possible medication expenses.  Any funds donated to this campaign will solely be used for her current and future medical expenses.

This good girl still has a long and fulfilling life ahead of her if we can beat this cancer.  She is my sole companion when my daughter lives at school and I would be devastated to lose her.  She sleeps on her pillow next to me every night, she loves to play, and she loves treats.

We are so grateful for any help you can give towards saving this girl, and if you can’t donate, please consider helping by sharing this campaign.  Thank you. ❤️