What To Expect When Your Cat Has Cancer:

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2 What To Expect When Your Cat Has Cancer: A Survival Handbook For Feline Cancer & Treatment ALLYSON GOLDING

3 What To Expect When Your Cat Has Cancer: A Survival Handbook For Feline Cancer & Treatment ALLYSON GOLDING Copyright 2017 by Allyson Golding Book Website: All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system now known or hereafter devised, without the permission of the publisher. IMPORTANT: Cancer is a serious and deadly disease. The information provided herein is for informational and educational use on the subjects discussed and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Readers should consult with a qualified veterinarian. You should never delay seeking medical attention for your cat, disregard advice, or commence or discontinue any veterinary medical action because of information in this book. This book is not meant to be used, nor should it be used, to diagnose or treat cancer or any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment, please consult with a licensed veterinary oncologist. The publisher and author are not responsible for any specific health or needs of your cat that may require medical supervision or attention. We shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person, cat, or entity with respect to any loss, damage or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book. We are not liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application or preparation to any animal or person following the information in this book. The information provided in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. The author and publisher disclaim any liability in connection with the use of this information. A thorough review of information within this book was conducted, but it could contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Royal Catalysts Press and the author reserve the right to make changes and improvements to any information provided herein. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any professional, product, website or other sources. Readers should be aware that the websites and other resources listed in this book could change. All efforts were made to ensure that links or contact information provided here were correct at the time of publication. Royal Catalysts Press and the author cannot be held responsible for any inconveniences or damages caused by subsequent changes. While the publisher and author have designed this book to provide up-to-date information on the subject matter covered, readers should be aware that medical information is constantly evolving. Cover Design by Graphic Artist Asif Khan Publisher: Royal Catalysts Press, USA For information about special discounts available for bulk purchases, sales promotions, fund-raising and educational needs, contact Royal Catalysts Press Sales at or royalcatalystspress1@gmail.com ISBN: Library of Congress Control Number: Throughout this book, gender-specific terms may be used, to ease text flow. Whenever there is a gender-specific term, it should be understood as referring to both genders, unless explicitly stated.

4 DEDICATION This book is dedicated to Bohden (my amazing sphynx cat) and to all cats that have a diagnosis of cancer and battle with this disease, and to the wonderful humans that care for them. In Loving Memory of my father, Brian Golding

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 HOW IT ALL STARTED CHAPTER 2 WHAT IS CANCER AND ITS CAUSES? CHAPTER 3 THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF CANCER CHAPTER 4 HOW IS CANCER DIAGNOSED? CHAPTER 5 THE COMMON TYPES OF CANCERS IN CATS & SYMPTOMS CHAPTER 6 HOW IS FELINE CANCER TREATED (CONVENTIONAL TREATMENTS)? CHAPTER 7 MY CAT HAS CANCER, NOW, WHAT? CHAPTER 8 WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW TO HELP YOUR CAT WHO HAS CANCER & CANCER PREVENTION CHAPTER 9 WHAT TO FEED A CAT WITH CANCER CHAPTER 10 HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR FIRST VETERINARY ONCOLOGIST APPOINTMENT CHAPTER 11 WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST VETERINARY ONCOLOGIST APPOINTMENT CHAPTER 12 WHAT DOES A PROGNOSIS MEAN? CHAPTER 13 SHOULD MY CAT HAVE CANCER TREATMENT? CHAPTER 14 HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION/ WHY DOES MY DECISION ABOUT TREATMENT FEEL SO WRONG? CHAPTER 15 HOW TO COPE WHEN YOUR CAT HAS CANCER CHAPTER 16 HOW TO COPE WITH OTHER PEOPLE S REACTIONS TO YOUR TREATMENT DECISIONS CHAPTER 17 HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR CAT S CANCER TREATMENT CHAPTER 18 THE PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE YOUR CAT HAS CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT CHAPTER 19 THE SIDE EFFECTS OF CANCER TREATMENT CHAPTER 20 TAKING CARE OF A CAT WITH CANCER CHAPTER 21 WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT TREATMENT IS COMPLETED? WHAT IS REMISSION? CHAPTER 22 WHAT ABOUT ALTERNATIVE, HOLISTIC, HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE TREATMENT FOR FELINE CANCER? CHAPTER 23 BAC AND BOHDEN CHAPTER 24 FINANCIAL RESOURCES CHAPTER 25 PALLIATIVE CARE CHAPTER 26 WHAT IS RECURRENCE OF CANCER AFTER REMISSION? CHAPTER 27 HOW TO COPE WHEN YOUR CAT S CANCER RETURNS (RECURRENCE)

6 APPENDIX A Bohden s Medical Record & X-ray Results September 16, 2015 APPENDIX B Bohden s Medical Report & Ultrasound Results September 23, 2015 APPENDIX C Bohden s Cytology Report of the Pancreatic Mass FNA, September 23, 2015 APPENDIX D Bohden s Medical Report & Recommendation for Surgery September 24, 2015 APPENDIX E Bohden s Medical Report Surgery Details October 1, 2015 APPENDIX F Bohden s Histopathology Report & Diagnosis October 5, 2015 APPENDIX G Bohden s Diagnosis & Palliative Chemo Recommendation October 6, 2015 APPENDIX H Bohden s First Chemo Treatment Release Form October 14, 2015 APPENDIX I Bohden s Release Form Results of First Recheck Ultrasound December 2, 2015 APPENDIX J Bohden s Release Form Completing Four Cycles of Chemo January 20, 2016 APPENDIX K Bohden s In Remission Medical Record January 13, 2016 APPENDIX L Bohden s 2 nd Recheck Ultrasound & No Recurrence January 27, 2016 APPENDIX M Bohden Release Form Stopped IV Chemotherapy February 10, 2016 APPENDIX N Bohden s Internal Medicine Report & In Remission March 27, 2017 APPENDIX O Pictures of Bohden (Age 14) from March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) APPENDIX P Younger Pictures of Bohden

7 BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX Figure 1. Pictures of Bohden's skin allergy bumps from August 2007 Figure 2. Bohden's healed scar from surgery (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) Figure 3. Bohden in ICU after surgery on October 1, 2015 Figure 4. Bohden asleep after our first visit the day after surgery on October 2, 2015 Figure 5. Bohden's bandage after chemotherapy Figure 6. Closeup of Bohden retrieving his favorite soccer ball on March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) Figure 7. Bohden playing with his soccer ball on March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) Figure 8. Bohden pulling his wind-up toy on March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) Figure 9. Bohden eating on March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) Figure 10. Closeup of Bohden eating on March 19, 2017 (Photo Credit: Alexandra Draghici) FINANCIAL RESOURCES RESOURCES ABOUT THE AUTHOR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

8 INTRODUCTION Y CAT BOHDEN WAS 12 years old when a veterinarian discovered a mass in Mhis pancreas during a routine test. The bad news was a biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, which is one of the most aggressive and fatal types, in humans and animals. The worse news was that his prognosis was three months or less, to live. These revelations devastated and overwhelmed me. It was a shock to learn Bohden had cancer because there was no reason to suspect it. He appeared to be healthy, was energetic, active, and behaved normally. Surgery was recommended to remove the mass, which would be an invasive procedure. I was advised to decide expediently before cancer had time to grow and spread through his body, and the opportunity to remove it would pass. Bohden's well-being and his life were at risk, and it was my responsibility to make these serious medical care decisions. How would I know to make the right determination? It was my first time dealing with cancer in one of my cats. I knew nothing about the disease or what the therapeutics for it entailed. I did not know what to do next, and I required help. Whenever I need to learn about any subject, I turn to books to educate myself. I scoured libraries and bookstores, but there weren t any feline cancer books for pet guardians. That needed to change. The ASPCA estimates that in the United States alone, seven million cats will receive a diagnosis of cancer this year. This deadly disease affects a staggering number of households of cats worldwide, yet the void of literature on this subject, seemed strange. I was heartbroken, and I didn t want Bohden to be sick, suffer, or die from cancer. I was scared and ill-equipped to make tough treatment decisions, and I had nowhere to turn for help. A book like this one would have made a difference then.

9 This work of non-fiction was written with pet guardians of cats with cancer in mind and conjointly for anyone wanting to learn more about this disease, the warning signs, and about cancer prevention. Feline cancer awareness is crucial for every cat lover. I have great empathy and sympathy for anyone dealing with cat cancer. I know what that feels like, how arduous it is to experience, and I strive to help you. What to Expect When Your Cat Has Cancer is a complete guide to feline cancer and is an indispensable book for anyone whose beloved companion has this disease. I also share Bohden s miraculous true story of survival of pancreatic cancer and include supporting medical evidence and pictures. A fundamental message I want to convey is that a diagnosis of cancer isn t an automatic death sentence. There is hope. This essential handbook helps a reader to understand this disease better and how it is diagnosed, the different types of cancer and treatments, and includes expert and practical advice. It teaches but also supports as you endeavor to navigate through the difficult journey forward and learn how to cope with your cat s diagnosis. What to Expect When Your Cat Has Cancer contains volumes of relevant information aimed to prepare you for the upcoming challenges and the tough decision-making, caring for, and addressing the distinctive needs of a cat with cancer. Most importantly, you will learn what you can do now, to help your companion battle this lethal disease. Included resources are how to find a veterinary oncologist and a homeopathic or holistic veterinarian that has experience treating feline cancer, support groups, and financial aid for medical bills. Facing Bohden s mortality while confronting the dire situation amid desperately trying to save his life was a harrowing ordeal. My experiential learning was the inspiration for this book s creation, and my wish to help others was the motivating

10 force that allowed me to re-live the traumatic and painful memories during the writing process. This book accumulated from first-hand knowledge and years of research. I have since dedicated my life to helping people and their cats, and I hope one day soon, there will be a cure for cancer.

Author s NoteN. The loss of a beloved pet is devastating. Can the pain and sadness. Laurie Kaplan, MSC

Author s NoteN. The loss of a beloved pet is devastating. Can the pain and sadness. Laurie Kaplan, MSC Author s NoteN Laurie Kaplan, MSC The loss of a beloved pet is devastating. Can the pain and sadness of pet loss grief be eased by a book? I hope so! My objective is to not write a book that will sit on