Meet Camilla, an eight-year-old Pitbull mix whose story is one of resilience and hope. Rescued by Orange County Animal Control as a stray, Camilla arrived with a large tumor above her nose and between her eyes. Despite her rough start, Camilla’s spirit remained unbroken.
At first, the nature of her tumor was uncertain. It could have been swelling from a foreign body or a bite, but as her condition was assessed, it was discovered to be a soft tissue mass. Camilla’s medical journey began with x-rays and biopsies to determine the best course of action. The results revealed a Grade 2 Small Tissue Sarcoma (STS) of Peripheral Nerve Sheath origin. Encouragingly, it hadn’t invaded her sinus area or involved her bones.
However, further scans uncovered additional challenges. Camilla has three unrelated cancers: a mass on her bladder, a mass on her liver, and the STS on her face. Despite these serious diagnoses, Camilla remains happy, playful, and eager to be loved. She is currently asymptomatic for the tumors, which is a small but significant comfort.
The most pressing issue is her bladder tumor, suspected to be Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC), which poses the greatest risk to her life. The treatment plan is focused on addressing this tumor first. Camilla will start chemotherapy to see if it can shrink the tumor. If necessary, radiation therapy will follow. The goal is to improve her quality of life and manage her health as effectively as possible.
Camilla’s story is not just about her medical struggles; it’s about the love and care she has received since being taken in. Despite the complexity of her case, her caregivers are committed to providing her with the best possible care. They are focusing on her quality of life and are prepared to make decisions based on her response to treatment.
To celebrate Camilla’s birthday and support her journey, a fundraising campaign has been launched. Donations will go directly towards her treatment, ensuring that she receives the best possible care. For those who cannot donate, sharing her story and keeping her in your thoughts and prayers is greatly appreciated.
Camilla’s birthday is a reminder of her strength and the profound impact of compassion. Her story is a testament to the difference that love and support can make in the life of a deserving animal. She is a cherished member of the community, and her caregivers are dedicated to seeing her through this challenging time with as much comfort and joy as possible.
Please consider supporting Camilla in any way you can, and join us in celebrating her courage and the love she has brought into our lives.
