Tierna's surgery

June 16, 2003

So, I called the vet's last week to get a quote on what a tumor removal would cost on Tierna and the receptionist said it varies on several factors. I then asked for a simple price range, knowing that Tierna's tumor is no longer of the "small" variety. She said she couldn't give me any price range because each case is separate. Fair enough. So she forwarded me to Tierna's vet's voice mail and I left a message asking for a quote.

When I didn't get a call by the end of the next work day, I decided to call back and find out if he had gotten my message. He said he had (I got to talk to him directly this time). He pulled Tierna's chart and said that based on anesthetic and the size of her tumor, the cost would be $320.

I was expecting him to say something drastically more, like $500 or more, which I wouldn't be able to pay (at least not in time to get the surgery done safely). I told myself beforehand that if the cost was over $500, I wouldn't do it. I was very relieved to know I could help my little girl and have it not hurt my finances TOO much.

So, as it turns out, Tierna will have to stay overnight for observation following the surgery, because the first 48 hours are the most critical. If she is fine by the next morning (or later, not exactly sure on the details until I bring her in), I will get to take her home.

As for how I'm financing this, well, the last of my savings from Wisconsin are getting used as well as an advancement on money from Ryan. I feel that my savings was for emergencies or other things that were just too much more than my weekly stipend could afford. This is the perfect reason to use it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt that I will have NOTHING left after this surgery is paid for. Tierna means a lot to me, and if this money I've squirreled away can help her, then that's what it's purpose has been all along. (I have to keep telling myself that).

As of late, I haven't had much money because of all the vet visits for Tierna and DirecTV costs more than it used to (I fixed it a bit by dropping Starz SuperPak). I am very thankful for Ryan, and sometimes I don't express it enough.

In a few days (hopefully), I'll write about what I found out from the surgery. I hope everything goes well for my little girl. I have been telling her to be brave and strong.

FYI: She's got a nifty new hammock that I need to take a picture of so I can post it to the website -- that and an exercise wheel and a taller aquarium (thanks to Michael from EA). When I get a new baby rat, she/he will go into the taller aquarium until I move them in together. I'm so excited for Tierna to be better and to get a new companion for her.

Carisa

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