So…… tough day yesterday. After 3 hours of sleep, I had to decide which meds to take and when since my emotional support furbaby Samantha had a vet appointment at 10:00 am. I  was already stressed, as I always am when taking Sam out. She doesn’t like the car at all! And after many years of car rides = poking and prodding, she’s onto me. With her meowing pitifully in her carrier, we set off. Last visit, Dr. Hayden discovered 2 mast cell tumors that needed to be removed. Sam’s previously had 6 others (all benign, thank goodness) and I’m praying these are too. This is a rare situation in cats, and my vet consults with an oncologist at NC State and Duke for ideas on how to proceed. It seems that the only curative treatment is to remove them, leaving large margins. I hate to put my baby through this again, but I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t do all I could. Samantha’s not only my best friend, my heart, my world, my soulmate, she’s also

my emotional support cat. She assists me with my chronic daily migraines, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. She knows exactly what I need and when I need it. I don’t know what I’d do without her! As those that follow my blog are aware, I have been unable to work for close to 5 years due to my medical and emotional issues. I’ve been fighting for SSI disability benefits for 4 years. I finally won my appeal hearing on a bench decision from the Judge. That was in October. I’ve contacted my lawyer and SSA several times about hurrying the process. I don’t want to harass Social Security, but I am desperate. I asked for a compassionate allowance and was told they were working on it. In the meantime, I have no income, no savings, and no one to help me. I’ve started a gofundme.com/Samantha-wins for Sam’s surgery. If anyone can contribute, I’d be most appreciative. Donations can also go directly to Dr. Amanda Hayden, Centerville Animal Hospital, 300 Centerville Turnpike S, Chesapeake, VA 23322 (757) 482-9410. Every dollar is a blessing! Thank y’all for your love and support! It means the world to us! 2016 will be a better year! #AlwaysKeepFighting