Cancer: Tears or Treatment

Life has a beginning and an end. Humans, animals, or any other biological organism are all bound to end. The question, however, is when the end will come. Some die due to accidents, to crimes; others to illnesses, like cancer.

I am writing this article with my heart bleeding in profound sadness. I’ve had previously written about fighting the “Big C.” I’ve mentioned about my cousin in the US whose family dog, Crimmie, was diagnosed with mammary tumors. 

Crimmie underwent surgery to remove the tumors, samples of which were sent to the laboratory for further diagnosis. After a week or two, bad news came back – the tumor was found to be the aggressive type.

After the surgery, life was not easy for Crimmie. For sure it was also difficult for my cousin and her husband. Right before their very eyes, Crimmie deteriorated. They witnessed how bad it was for Crimmie.

They asked me if they were right to have decided to subject their dear dog to treatment. Somehow, they thought that the procedure made things worse for Crimmie. My answer was a yes and a no – it would all depend on the dog’s response to the treatment.

If they had not consulted a veterinarian and had her treated, maybe some other complications would have come out. Maybe, Crimmie would not have been so stressed and enjoy a better quality of life. Or maybe, her treatment could have also alleviated her condition. But she was 10 years old, and her healing and physiological reactions would not be as good as when she was younger.

Sometimes, we just have to know the truth and learn to embrace it, regardless of the outcome. Otherwise, we spend most of the time thinking of “what could have beens.”

Yes, it is a sad ending. Crimmie eventually died – but her memories live on. Her final moments were heartbreaking. But, before that, Crimmie had given them a decade of happiness. Now, they’d have to do their very best not to let those few sad months spoil those happy memories.

The grieving process over a dear pet’s passing is the same as with humans’. To some people, it doesn’t matter if the loss is of a human being, a dog, a cat, or any other pet animal. What matters are the happy times shared with the dear one, whose passing leave a void in those they leave behind. But there are always special memories to cherish.

We shed tears for our fallen love ones not only as a symbol of sadness but also as a symbol of love. Let us all be reminded to be thankful for the loved ones who are still with us, and create many happy memories as we can. No illness or cancer can take away these memories from us, as long as we live.