April 26, 2018 – When owners receive news that their beloved pet has cancer, they often are left with more questions than answers, and wonder what the future holds. Violet Gaines has been on that cancer journey more than once with her beloved pets, so she has a good idea of what’s in store. But, this time, with her cat Precious, the outcome so far is good.
Violet, who hails from Plano, Texas, is a longtime Morris Animal Foundation donor. Her love of animals is immediately evident by looking at the pets she’s honored through our Tribute Program: Ginger, Fred, Harriet, Ozzie, Whimpie, Wilbur, Muttley, Wesley the Wonder Dog and Whoozle. One name is currently missing from the list; Precious, who currently is winning her fight with cancer.
Precious and Violet’s cancer journey started in May 2017 when a friend was petting Precious and found a lump. Violet knew right away that the lump on Precious’ leg was probably cancer, and she knew what she needed to do. Violet immediately went to her veterinarian, Dr. Jeffrey Ellis of VCA Preston Park Animal Hospital in Dallas, Texas, who scheduled surgery as soon as possible. The growth was removed, but it turned out to be a high-grade fibrosarcoma.
Violet held her breath as Precious had several rounds of chemotherapy. But the pair received good news in August, when Precious was pronounced cancer free. She’s still doing well and, while Violet is optimistic, she’s no stranger to the ups, downs and disappointments of cancer.
One of Violet’s first encounters with cat cancer was when her cat Fred was diagnosed with lung cancer, a cancer that is uncommon in cats. Fred had chemotherapy, and Violet tenderly cared for him, even tube feeding him for a time. Unfortunately, despite the best care Violet and her veterinary team could give, Fred died nine months later.
When asked about the most challenging part about treating Precious, Violet replied with a laugh, “Getting Precious into the carrier.” Knowing what to expect helped Violet negotiate through the first few tense days of diagnosis and surgery.
Violet says that love for her pets drives her to seek the best care she can regardless of the diagnosis.
“When I found out about Fred and then Precious,” said Violet, “I thought I’ll do what I can to make sure they’re comfortable, and that they’re going to have a happy life.”
Violet also had some advice for pet owners who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
“Ask a lot of questions,” said Violet. “Make sure you understand exactly what is being done. When I went through it with Fred, I didn’t understand a lot about what would happen with his cancer. Now I know exactly what to ask my veterinarian.”
Unfortunately, Violet’s experience with animal cancer isn’t unique. At Morris Animal Foundation, we’re passionate about fighting cancer wherever it rears its ugly head, from our friendly house cat companions like Precious, to the feisty Tasmanian devil, to the playful sea lion. By finding novel treatments, learning about risk factors, and discovering new diagnostic tests, we hope that a cancer diagnosis will mean effective treatment and even cures.
Since we funded our first feline cancer-related study in 1979, Morris Animal Foundation has been a global leader in feline cancer research, with more than 50 studies on eight major cancers in cats. From our early work on feline leukemia to today’s work in investigating a new treatment for oral cancer, your donation helps us fund researchers from around the world who are passionate about keeping cats healthy. For cat owners like Violet, and cats like Precious, that help can’t come too soon.
