Host Molly Jacobson speaks with Dr. Lauren Barrow, a veterinarian who sees cancer in her patients and a mother whose son has a brain tumor. Are vets just after your money? She has some sage insights to offer!

Dr. Barrow offers heartfelt and compassionate advice for pet parents trying to make the best decisions for their dogs while dealing with financial limitations. Whether you're struggling to afford treatments or feeling guilt over cancer's impact on your family, this episode offers encouragement and practical tips to help you move forward with grace.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of giving yourself grace when dealing with a dog’s cancer diagnosis and financial concerns.


• Understanding the range of cancer treatments and how to discuss costs with your veterinarian.


• Why it’s crucial to avoid self-blame and how to cope with a dog’s cancer emotionally.


• How veterinarians approach cancer diagnoses and why they’re not "just after your money."


• Practical steps for handling the financial reality of cancer treatment for your dog.

Your Voice Matters!

If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.

Related Videos:           

This veterinarian thinks pet health insurance is well worth it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPY3U2fRRas

Why dog cancer treatments are so expensive (from a veterinary oncologist): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X82_irtOlE

How to handle guilt when you can’t afford to treat dog cancer – and how to find funds! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znb5nxqTHrU

Related Links:

Dr. Barrow’s article about being a team leader in dog cancer care: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/building-your-team/team-leader/

Our article about CareCredit: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/carecredit-for-dogs/

Dr. Barrow’s article about the costs of cancer treatments for dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/stress-and-finances/cost-of-cancer-treatment-for-dogs/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Barrow and her own cancer journey

03:15 – The Emotional Burden of Cancer

06:45 – Understanding Financial Shame

10:30 – Why Vets Aren’t In It for the Money

14:45 – What Goes Through a Vet’s Mind When Giving a Cancer Diagnosis

18:00 – The Financial Spectrum of Cancer Care

22:30 – Asking Your Vet About Costs

25:00 – When to Involve a Veterinary Oncologist

28:15 – Partnering with Your Vet

30:00 – Final Thoughts on Navigating Cancer with Grace

19:30 – Outro and Resources

Get to know Dr. Lauren Barrow: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/lauren-harper-barrow-dvm-cna/

For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/

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