Professional photography by Bezdt Photography
You’ll remember darling Garfield from his Happy Tale published in August 2021
His mommy, Megan-ann Robertson, recently made contact to further share his recent challenging journey with us. What a brave boy! Sending love and healing light to Garfield, and love and strength to Megan!
Garfield’s journey with Renal Lymphoma
Why share Garfield’s cancer story? To let others know that they’re not alone, that a cancer diagnosis doesn’t need to become your whole life, and that full remission is real.
In 2021, Happy Tails shared an article about a neonate ginger kitten which I was supposed to wean and foster, but lucky me, after two feedings I decided that this weeny neonate is officially my first foster failure. He then became Garfield and he lives up to his name. What an amazing journey it’s been with the foster failure who became a piece of my heart that walks around outside my body (that excludes his other six siblings that each walk around with a piece too).
In the years that passed since Garfield’s article featured, our world was shaken by various trials and tribulations, but even through all that’s happened, Garfield remained patient with his Mommy who had so much to take care of, and he still continues to love me unconditionally.
Garfield’s precious life
I got in contact with Dee again and asked if we could do a follow-up story for Garfield’s third birthday this month and she didn’t even hesitate one bit. Due to the fact that I don’t have an exact date, we’ll be having celebrations for every day during September month to celebrate Garfield and his precious life.
When I found Garfield back in September 2020 as a 5-day-old, he was gravely ill with snuffles and an eye infection in both his eyes. Taking care of my very first sick bottle baby, it’s been quite a journey travelled, but one I wouldn’t exchange for all the millions if someone offered me.
He was a healthy, bouncy bundle of ginger joy when all of a sudden on the morning of the 25th of March 2023 Garfield presented with severe abdominal cramps and pains. Going from his usual love of being carried around the whole day, to not wanting to be held or touched was extremely scary.
A devastating diagnosis
On the first visit to the vet he was treated for constipation, but it got worse. By this time, complete appetite loss and constantly hiding and hearing my boy crying of pain just broke my heart. On Thursday the 30th of March 2023, back to the vet we went, where an angel of a vet performed an X-ray and an ultrasound. They found a nodule of 1.7 x 2.35cm on Garfield’s left kidney, whereupon we immediately got referred to a veterinary specialist.
That Monday morning, we took a 2-hour drive to Valley Farm Animal Hospital, which is a state-of-the-art veterinary practice. Garfield was seen by Dr Claudia Bakker who admitted him for observation and a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. And then we waited…
The next four nights felt like a lifetime. On the 5th of April 2023, I received a phone call from Dr Claudia with the most shocking and devastating news any parent could get: the diagnosis was Renal Lymphoma. Her voice left me cold and numb, and I just broke down on the floor of my bedroom crying of utter despair.
By writing this article it feels like my chest’s being stepped on all over again; it’s so, so scary. All I could think of at that time was that I’d be losing my boy whom I’d hand-reared since five days old and shared a very special bond with way too soon. All I could think of was: I need to get to my boy.
The way forward
On arrival at Valley Farm Animal Hospital we were greeted by Dr Claudia and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr Ryan Friedlein, who discussed the way forward. We were given two options: take Garfield home with palliative care or start chemotherapy.
We immediately opted for chemotherapy, because Garfield is worth a fight over and over again (the same, of course, going for his six just-as-adorable siblings).
We were told that remission isn’t guaranteed, but we serve an Almighty God, and if He can look after birds and bees in nature, how much more is He capable of doing for my boy. Because all God is asking of us is to just BELIEVE. Walk by Faith, not by sight.
The veterinary team were so supportive with amazing advice as to what to expect and how to treat side-effects, and even after all these months they still are so supportive, kind and so patient with little Garfield. I even get complimented on his good behaviour and the sweet child he is after a vet visit, and that makes him a boy to be extremely proud of.
Garfield is receiving what they call the CHOP protocol that consists of Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine and Prednisolone. I believe that, if it wasn’t for opting for chemotherapy, my Garfield wouldn’t have lived to tell the story.
Positive changes
When we went for a chemo session just before his first check-up with the specialist a month after starting chemotherapy, Dr Newton Sparks of Bergbos Animal Clinic performed an ultrasound out of curiosity. He handed Garfield over to me in his travelling cage, saying that the ultrasound was indicating a positive change. That was on the 26th of April 2023.
On the 3rd of May 2023, we returned to Valley Farm Animal Hospital for a check-up and Garfield was found to be in Renal Lymphoma remission – no lesions, nodules or masses present, his renal architecture looking good. His heart was normal and even the CBC count and renal values looked good.
On the 2nd of August 2023, Garfield returned for his second 3-monthly check-up with the specialist, and he’s still in remission with normal renal values and a normal ultrasound.
Apart from the chemotherapy, I’ve also decided to treat Garfield holistically, and I believe that has helped him remain in top shape.
I’m not writing this article to preach the Gospel but to tell the world how Great our God is. While the veterinary team and I work together in making sure Garfield gets all his treatments timeously, God is working behind the scenes – I can only imagine how tiring that must be sometimes, because this Mommy has a speed dial all the way to Heaven 24/7, seven days a week.
Garfield is currently on a 3-week chemotherapy cycle with 1-week rest and no treatment. He’s due for his third 3-monthly check-up at Valley Farm Animal Hospital with the specialist on the 8th of November, and hopefully then we can move to another cycle where Garfield will get two weeks of rest. I’m not in a hurry at all because he’ll have to stay on chemotherapy long-term, but I know my baby boy will remain strong and healthy and live a happy life while he’s willing to fight – and believe me, this little angel has got a lot of fight in him.
By the Grace of God and many nights spent on my knees praying, which I still do, we’ve come this far and will keep on fighting this. If I look back on these past few months, I see nothing but one row of footsteps and I know that was the time that God carried me and Garfield both.
Thank you
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the following people who play a tremendous role in Garfield’s life:
Coenie Prinsloo – Garfield’s Daddy (the only one he’s ever known), who absolutely loves him to bits and who offers up days at home to transport him to Valley Farm Animal Hospital, and keeps our little family well looked after and loved – we’re all spoilt.
Dr Newton Sparks at Bergbos Animal Clinic for your prompt diagnosis and being proactive throughout his journey.
Dr Claudia Bakker at Valley Farm Animal Hospital for taking care of Garfield while he was admitted for observation.
Dr Ryan Friedlein at Valley Farm Animal Hospital for being the best, for your patience, and for giving our Garfield a fighting chance. Words of gratitude aren’t enough. I owe you my life.
Aurora Carreira Miquel (Creator of Project Fight FIP in South Africa) for being supportive and just being there. You always offer me advice that’s of immeasurable value.
Magdel Wright, my very dear friend, for always checking in before chemo days and right after, for all your prayers and love.
Nancy Wizner, thank you! For explaining all the blood test results and just being there day or night, even though we’re worlds apart.
To everyone who reads this article who has a cat or might come across a cancer diagnosis with your fur baby, please give them a fighting chance. Even if financially you cannot afford it, opt for palliative care, which can also buy them more healthy months or even a few years.
And if you’re fighting the fight like Garfield and me, don’t ever, ever give up the fight.
There will be bad days, but trust me on this one, the good days will always outweigh the bad days, and on bad days let this following verse carry you through like it carries me and Garfield through: Exodus 14:14 The LORD shall fight for you, and you have only to be silent. The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm and remember to be kind and look after yourself too, and rest.
Two Rules:
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Equip yourself with a good veterinary and specialist team – they’ll make the difference between life and death.
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Remember, if you’re tired you’ll carry the vibes over to your baby, and during this time it’s of utmost importance to send good and positive vibes every single minute of the day.
Now, to the hunk of the day, happy third birthday, my Angel! I’m extremely proud of you and my wish for you is life and life in abundance. Love you to infinity and beyond, my Sweetheart!
