Allow me to introduce you to Honey, a pitiable creature whom Dumaguete Animal Sanctuary came to the rescue of today. Honey was heartlessly abandoned in a dreadful state, burdened with an enormous tumor on her face. Suffering in agony for an extended period, she endured significant swelling and infection.
Right now, we are currently at Animal Wellness with her, where she is undergoing X-rays to determine if the mass present in her body can be treated. Based on her initial blood tests, her organs were found to be functioning properly, but she is suffering from anemia. Additionally, she has been diagnosed with heartworm.
To address these issues, the veterinary team will prescribe her a two-week course of anti-inflammatory medication and focus on increasing her red blood cell count. Following this, she will need to undergo surgery and undergo chemotherapy. However, there is a positive outlook as she has a significant chance of leading a normal and joyful life moving forward.
In order to ensure Honey’s best possible chance of recovery, it is necessary for her to undergo surgery to eliminate the mass. Subsequently, if the mass is found to be cancerous, she will also require chemotherapy. Due to the specific location of the tumor, the surgical procedure will be carried out at Animal Wellness, where they possess the necessary equipment and gas anesthesia, thereby maximizing Honey’s chances of survival.
After spending 15 days at the center, her red blood cell count remains low, prompting the need for a transfusion. The much-anticipated surgery is expected to take place shortly thereafter.
Today marks the 17th day, and Honey’s operation has finally commenced. Just before being sedated, she had a heartwarming moment captured in a photograph with Rina and Rudylyn. The procedure will be carried out at Animal Wellness, as using gas anesthesia is deemed safer for more critical cases like Honey’s. Given the tumor’s proximity to her brain, the surgery is anticipated to be both time-consuming and intricate.
Day 19: The surgery on Honey yielded satisfying results considering the tumor had encroached upon numerous facial and optical nerves. Regrettably, the operation required severing the nerves responsible for controlling her left eyelid, resulting in a slight droop.
The size of the tumor was enormous, which in turn resulted in a considerable surgical incision. It’s a positive indication that she is consuming chicken, suggesting a promising recovery. It’s worth noting that she can lead a regular life even without it. Although she is already managing to eat independently, her facial swelling from the surgery and inflammation persists. However, doctors remain optimistic that her appetite will improve once the swelling diminishes.
She is currently in the early stages of recovery from an extensive surgery, and we are grateful for each complication-free day she experiences. She successfully underwent the procedure! Although Honey’s condition is still critical, she is conscious and breathing.
“We have just received the results of Honey’s tumor biopsy and unfortunately, it is cancerous. In order to prevent any potential remaining cancer from spreading, the most effective chemotherapy treatment for her specific type of cancer is Doxorubicin. It is crucial that we take immediate action.”
Another tumor was discovered in her vaginal area, but there is some amazing news: since starting chemotherapy, the tumor in her vagina has already reduced in size by 60% after just two sessions.
After more than three months, Honey has started to gain weight and maintains a generally positive outlook despite undergoing chemotherapy. Her prognosis is still uncertain due to the impact of chemo on her organs, but we have confidence that she will make a full recovery.