May 21, 2025 – The News We Prayed For

@haleyandthedane
This morning, we got the update we’ve been holding our breath for: Dior’s lymph node came back clear. “Just normal lymph node cells doing normal lymph node things,” as Dr. Vos said. It’s the news we’ve been praying for, and it means we can move forward with surgery—hopefully next week. From there, we’ll start chemo and continue exploring every possible option to give him the best chance. We’re still looking into a promising clinical trial through Ardent that could offer immunotherapy, and I’ll be calling the participating clinic tomorrow to see what’s possible. For now, we’re holding onto hope—and soaking up the love and support you’ve all sent our way. 💬 Read the full update and next steps at the link in my bio. #haleyandthedane #diorandthedane #osteosarcoma #dogcancer #greatdanelove #dogmomlife #servicedogjourney #caninecancer #hopefulheart #dogsofinstagram #dogsoftiktok #fightingcancer #cancersucks #dogloversunite
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At 9:45 this morning, we got the update we’ve been holding our breath for:

The cells aspirated from Dior’s lymph node all “look like normal lymph node cells doing normal lymph node things,” as Dr. Voss put it.

This is the moment we’ve been praying for – you’ve been praying for – and we are so, so grateful. In spite of everything, Dior is still in good health, and we get to move forward.

Next step: surgery.

Weighing Our Options

As always, I’ve been researching every option, every path that might give us the most time, the best quality of life, the right balance of care and comfort. Here’s where we are:

Texas A&M has been great for diagnostics and overall care. I trust them. They’re sharp, thoughtful, and I know Dior is safe there. He’s already making quite the name for himself, and I am so proud of him. 🖤

However, TAMU is not offering immunotherapy, and they’ve been pretty closed off to the options I’ve brought forward. I understand – it’s a teaching hospital, and protocols matter – but it’s been a bit disheartening. Especially when their oncology lead is out on (I’m sure much-needed) vacation, so decisions are slower.

BluePearl, on the other hand, has been incredible. Dr. Snyder has been kind, open, and willing to support whatever treatment we feel is best. Our top choice was ELIAS Immunotherapy, and I’ve connected with a few people who’ve gone that route and had nothing but amazing things to say. I hope it becomes more accessible and well-known in vet med in the future – but right now, it’s simply out of our budget.

To break it down:

BluePearl Surgery: $7–8k
Chemo: $1,299/treatment (4 total)
Plus appointments, rechecks, labs… it adds up fast.

TAMU’s cost is slightly lower:

Surgery: $7–8k
Chemo: $800–1,000/treatment (4 total)
Again, not including follow-ups, diagnostics, etc.

Ardent Clinical Trial

Yesterday, I heard back from Ardent, a company offering a clinical trial using their K9-ACV immunotherapy combined with a checkpoint inhibitor (CD200AR-L). This trial compares their therapy to standard chemotherapy for canine osteosarcoma.

It’s promising. It’s immune-based. And it *might* check all the boxes we’ve been trying to fill.

Here’s what I learned:

Patients are assigned to either the immunotherapy or chemo group after amputation. (Some patients who receive chemo can also receive the vaccine).
Vaccines are given every 3 weeks x 3, with follow-ups at 4, 6, and 8 months.
The closest trial site is about 90 minutes from us (same distance as TAMU, just the other direction).
The site may accept Dior’s current diagnostics, depending on how recent they are (🙏).

I haven’t heard back from the participating vet clinic yet, but I plan to call them tomorrow if I don’t receive a response. This could be a way to ease some of the financial burden and still move forward with a treatment plan I believe in.

Fundraising & Transparency

I’m currently putting together a spreadsheet with a breakdown of all:

GoFundMe donations
Venmo/Zelle contributions
T-shirt fundraiser sales
Medical expenses

I want to be as transparent as possible with how every dollar is being used. This community has shown up for us in ways I’ll never forget, and you deserve to see exactly how you’re helping us fight.

We’ve sold 25/1400 shirts so far, and every one counts. Thank you.

A Quick Note on Integrity

Today, a dear friend of mine – Andrea, who lost her Dane, Iris, to this same awful disease – shared that someone was stealing her story and using her photos to scam people for fake donations. It shook me. I hate that this even has to be said, but I will never fundraise on anyone else’s behalf without transparency, context, and consent.

If you ever see something suspicious involving Dior or our story – please reach out to me directly.

I know there’s still a long road ahead, and I’m bracing for the twists and dips, but for the first time in weeks, I feel like we’re standing on solid ground.

Today, we got good news. And that’s enough to breathe a little easier.

Thank you for every word, every prayer, every shirt, every dollar, and every single ounce of love you’ve sent our way. I promise it hasn’t gone unnoticed.

More updates soon.
With love,
Haley, Dior & Family 🐾

Haley's signature next to Dior's pawprint