Jasper by Heather Stokes

In March 2001, I was faced with one of the most difficult decisions. Jasper was diagnosed with a vaccine induced fibrosarcoma. I was informed that this type of cancer was extremely aggressive and that there was no cure. The recommended treatment to prolong his life was surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Of course, just these terms sound very overwhelming and scary. It was important for me to take each step at a time and keep in perspective Jasper’s quality of life.

I did learn that most cats go through these treatments fairly well - meaning minimal side effects. I made many phone calls to various oncologists and surgeons and surprisingly was able to spend ample time speaking about my concerns and gathering information. Although the information I collected was grim, at least it was consistent among all.

One week after Jasper’s surgery, he was back to himself…playful, energetic and full of life. Two weeks later, radiation treatment began. This occurred five days a week for four weeks. Each day I kept in mind that if I noticed any suffering that I would immediately stop the treatment. Luckily, the only side effect was that he was sleeping much more…understandably so. Jasper then went through chemotherapy treatment once a month for four months. Again, no side effects. He was more tired a day or two after the treatment.

Jasper remained cancer free until July 2002. I again had to decide whether or not surgery was an option given the prognosis of this type of cancer. I decided to go ahead with the surgery and to my amazement, Jasper recovered in three days!!! The difference this time was that he did not come home with a pain patch. He was given pain medication the day of surgery and the next day. He did not appear to be in pain, therefore I did not give additional pain medication. I had spoken with a holistic vet (that also practiced western medicine) during the radiation phase of treatment. At that time, I opted not to do any holistic treatment because it might have interfered with the radiation and chemo. However, the second time around I went the holistic route. I began the holistic treatment about one month after surgery. Unfortunately, the cancer returned in September. The holistic vet recommended surgery with the notion that we may have waited too long to start the herbs and to try the holistic formula with a clean slate.