Team Approach

Compassionate care of your pet can only be accomplished with a team, and you are at the center of that team. As your pet's primary care giver, you are in the best position to know and meet your pet's needs. Your first task is to find a veterinary health care team that is experienced in cancer care, and that is committed to working with you as a member of the team. Compassionate care requires that steps be taken to ensure that your pet is as free as possible from the adverse effects that may be associated with cancer and cancer treatment. This includes freedom from pain, nausea and starvation.
       
Empower yourself with knowledge
You can defeat the darkness of cancer with knowledge. The first step is to work with your veterinary health care team to learn as much about the disease and its treatment as possible. Be proactive. Ask questions and obtain resources to educate yourself about cancer and cancer therapeutics. Tackling tough questions about cancer and cancer therapies can enhance your ability to think clearly and make decisions.

Hints for empowering yourself with knowledge:

1. Write things down: Write down questions you may have before each visit. Take notes during all discussions with the veterinary health care team about your pet's disease or treatment options. Recite information back to ensure that you understand completely.
2. Seek support: Bring a friend or spouse with you when you talk to the veterinary health care team.  
3. Include the whole family: All discussions about your pet should involve everyone who loves your pet, including your children. Allow everyone to ask questions and express their opinions.
4. Ask for printed materials or information: Obtain resources to help you understand your pet's disease and treatment options. Work with your health care team to understand the validity of all information you obtain.
5. Understand there are no incorrect decisions: Do not worry about what other people will think about your decisions. You know your pet better than anyone else in the world. Once you have gathered the information you need, listen to your heart and you will make the right decisions.