Just what I needed...

Was brushing over my little Pomeranian this morning - she's one of those dogs who absolutely hates being groomed, so it's always a hit or miss type of thing. I get a few strokes and she either takes off or bites. Anyway, this morning I noticed a lump on her side, and she actually let me examine it. A little smaller than a penny in diameter, raised up just over a quarter inch, and a mottled red. So I'm thinking it's what they call a mast cell tumor. Which can be very serious. So that means a trip to the vet next week, to have it biopsied and see what it's going to cost to have it removed if necessary. And considering the cost of surgery... I may not be going on that cruise after all. :-(  All depends on whether or not my brother and son are willing to help pay for it (she's more the family dog than just mine, having been my mother's to begin with). She's 15, so I know the question will be raised (either by the vet or by my brother) as to whether or not it's worth putting her through the surgery (if it's even cancerous). It certainly doesn't seem to be bothering her at all - she's as active and alert as my 6-year-old terrier. Okay, she's a bit senile, but...

Crap.