In a word, cancer is dreadful. It’s not simply that it’s repulsive, horrifying, and vicious. It’s that it’s cunning, devious, and adept at finding out how to elude our attempts to contain it.
When you’re up against an opponent like this, it’s helpful to have some help. That is why, in order to address the question, I have been gathering responses from other dog lovers who are battling this sickness.
Take a Deep Breath
A cancer diagnosis might leave you gasping for air. It’s critical you take deep breaths and try to calm yourself.
We can’t learn until we’re resting and digesting, and we need to be able to learn in order to grasp our dog’s cancer and decide what steps to take next. Plus, when we are relaxed, our dog is calmer. Our reactions are felt by our dogs.
The “rest and digest” aspect of your neurological system is activated when you take three deep, deliberate breaths. Your “fight or flight” system MUST go to sleep when that system is triggered. Recent research has revealed that we can activate the rest and digest mechanism just by breathing to cease the adrenaline cocktail of fight or flight.
Breathe in through the nose for a count of five. Breathe out for a count of five. Repeat at least 8-10 times.
Serve as Your Dog’s Health Advocate
Your dog depends on you for their health and well-being. That’s why it’s critical to be your dog’s advocate. This means fighting for what you feel is right for your individual dog.
Don’t Place Blame
It’s tempting to point the finger at vets for failing to detect it sooner, but the truth is that ALL tumors are discovered “too late.” Cancerous cells are undoubtedly present in our bodies (and our dogs’ bodies) all the time, but they need a perfect storm to take root and thrive.
Search for an Oncologist
We often believe that our veterinarian, who has managed everything so successfully thus far, should also be able to handle cancer. Would you expect your doctor to know all the best ways to treat cancer and how to effectively test for it if you had it?
A second opinion from a board-certified oncologist is always a good idea, but it’s especially important if you’re considering chemotherapy or radiation. Having an oncologist oversee your tests, including the biopsy, can actually save you money.
Don’t Be Discouraged with the Prognosis
Are you familiar with the term “prognosis”?
The word “prognosis” literally means “guess.”
So remember that when you hear “six weeks” or “two months,” it’s simply an estimate!
Make Decisions with a Clear Mind
That’s all for now, but it’s a start. Remember, stay calm, and make decisions when your head is as clear as possible.
Sources:
https://www.arcvic.org.au/34-resources/402-vagus-nerve-exercises
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