Navigating New Horizons: Updates on Polar's Battle Against Cancer - Month 3
Introduction:
Disclaimer: This post shares our personal experience with our pet, Polar. It is not medical advice. We are not promoting the use of fenbendazole or any other treatment mentioned here. Always seek professional veterinary advice before altering your pet's treatment.
As we enter the third month of Polar's battle against his malignant perianal cancer, we've encountered setbacks. Initially, there were signs of regression, but complacency led to excess bleeding and reinfection, allowing the cancer to progress. Our current focus is on managing the bleeding to facilitate efficient and effective wound care, while continuing our primary strategy of combining a metabolic ketogenic diet, which Polar has been on since just before his cancer diagnosis, with the press pulse method using fenbendazole (fenben).
Metabolic Ketogenic Diet:
Current Status: Polar has been on the ketogenic diet, which initially showed promise in managing the cancer by altering the body's metabolic state.
Next Steps: We'll continue to fine-tune this diet to support Polar's health, especially focusing on reducing inflammation and aiding in wound healing.
Fenbendazole (Fenben) Dosage Adjustment:
Current Status: Polar has undergone 7 weeks of press pulse therapy with fenbendazole at 222mg.
New Dosage Strategy:
Bridging Week: The 8th week served as a transition period where we increased the dose to 333mg to monitor any side effects.
Full Dose: Now, if all goes well, we will continue with a suggested 444mg of fenbendazole, following the press pulse treatment regimen of 3 days on and 4 days off, hoping to regain control over the disease.
Press Pulse Schedule with Fenbendazole:
Press Phase: Administer fenbendazole for 3 days to target cancer cells.
Pulse (Rest) Phase: Follow with 4 days off for immune recovery and liver health.
Fasting Introduction:
To potentially boost the efficacy of the press pulse treatment in conjunction with the ketogenic diet, we've introduced fasting. Polar will fast for 32-36 hours during the latter part of the 4-day off period, gradually aiming for 48-hour fasts. This fasting might help by altering metabolic conditions that could be less favorable for cancer cell proliferation and assist in managing the bleeding.
Monitoring and Next Steps:
Observation: Our immediate goal is to control the bleeding, allowing us to manage wound care more effectively. We'll closely watch for any signs of side effects or changes in Polar's condition.
Regular Vet Consultations: Scheduled check-ups will continue to monitor the cancer's progression and our treatment's effectiveness.
Looking Ahead:
Entering this third month, we're cautiously optimistic about regaining some ground. The combination of the metabolic ketogenic diet and the press pulse method with fenbendazole remains our strategy, with a renewed focus on managing complications. The community's support has been invaluable, and we continue to learn from each other's experiences. While the journey is challenging, we hold onto hope that we can make progress.
Community Engagement:
Documentation: We'll keep detailed logs of Polar's reactions to these changes for community sharing and vet consultations.
Communication: An open line with our vet remains crucial for any further adjustments.
Conclusion:
As we adapt Polar's treatment, our focus is now on managing the immediate issues of bleeding and wound care, while still pursuing our broader strategy. The journey with Polar is about finding the balance between aggressive treatment and ensuring his well-being. We're sharing this to inspire hope and discussion, not to dictate treatment. Any pet health decisions should be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Join us in this journey, share your knowledge or questions in our Telegram community. Together, we can navigate these new horizons with hope.