Cancer…….What does that word mean to you?

Often times  when a person hears the word cancer you can see the immediate impact that word has on them, no matter what setting or context it is used in.  It is a scary word that carries a tremendous amount of weight with it. But I believe it means something different to everyone.  Webster’s defines the word cancer as a malignant tumor of potentially unlimited growth that expands locally by invasion and systemically by metastasis.  I don’t know about you but to me that means very little. 

In its simplest form and to some people cancer means sick, very sick, life threatening sickness.   To others cancer can mean a far different thing.  Maybe it means facing the biggest challenge of your life, maybe it means finding a newfound perspective on life, maybe it means growing a moustache every November to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer (which a number of men at The VCC were  doing and if you would like to check it out you can go to www.movember.com and search “The Burly Beards of VCC”), maybe it means fear, anxiety and distress. 

The meaning changes for everyone based on their own personal experiences with cancer.  And we all have had an experience with cancer.  Half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer at some point during their lifetime. That means virtually all of us will be touched by the disease in some way, either personally, or through a friend, relative, coworker or neighbor.  The statistics for our furry friends are almost identical.  Fifty percent of dogs over the age of 10 develop cancer at some point in their life.  Put these together and it’s safe to say that you will have an experience with cancer at some point in your life. 

I mention these statistics not to be the bearer of bad news but to give you some perspective on the prevalence of cancer.  It is because of this that places like The Veterinary Cancer Center exist.  A place solely dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in animals.  A place that helps its clients to understand that a diagnosis of cancer is not a death sentence.  A place that provides compassionate care, support and most importantly - hope.

 

Ryan Shepherd

 

Life Lessons

Most of my inspiration for writing these blogs comes from the patients we treat here.  I am always so amazed by them…how they handle coming in week after week, being treated and not having a clue why they are here, dealing with the side effects that come with some of the these treatments, but always happy, wagging their tails or purring, as if nothing is wrong.   They are true examples of what being brave means.   We can learn a lot from their outlook on life and the how they deal with their diagnosis.   Their hopeful and positive spirit is contagious, and gives their owners and others around them hope that all animals can be cured of this awful disease.

One example of this is when I met Tria; a 9 year old Belgian Sheep dog, who has been in remission for 3 years with B-cell Lymphoma.  She is an adorable dog with the sweetest disposition. What struck me the most during her recent visit was the interaction between her mom and a new client that was in the waiting room.  When she heard my conversation with Tria’s mom about her remission, the woman was so happy to hear that.  By seeing Tria, she knew she was doing the right thing for her dog and was reassured that there is hope.   Tria is a true example of what we are working so hard to achieve with each and every patient that we treat. 

Her success, I believe, is partly due to her lack of knowledge about her disease and living solely to bring joy to others.  Most of our pets have an “ignorance is bliss” life.  Which leads me to believe this is why they tend to cope with their diagnosis and treatment so well.  They have wonderful owners who have brought them here to try to cure them or, at the very least, give them a better quality of life as they are affected by cancer.   They are greeted (with lots of cookies and kisses), loved, and cared for every moment of their visit here with us.   And get to go back home to be pampered and spoiled again.   I feel that as humans, when we know too much, we put a tremendous amount of stress on ourselves.  I believe, that stress hinders our healing process and how our body fights disease.  We are too busy worrying about everything rather than enjoying the life we have.  Luckily, our pets have that luxury and we can learn from them.   I am so lucky to be able to in their circle and hopefully, learn something along the way, myself.

 

TaraMcNama, LVT