Buster Takes Flight: Oncept Dose 1 Successfully Launched!
Today was a monumental day in Buster’s journey to keep his stars bright! We’re thrilled to report that our bestest boy successfully received his first dose of Oncept immunotherapy. It was a big step, and Buster, ever the brave astronaut, handled it with his usual grace and resilience.
Oncept Mission, Phase 1: Our visit to the oncologist today was a deep dive into the limited, but growing, research surrounding Buster’s rare melanocytic tumor. After a thorough review of his progress—including his excellent appetite, hydration, normal potty habits, lack of swelling or discharge, and clear breathing—we were given the green light to proceed with the first of four initial doses of Oncept. This innovative immunotherapy is designed to empower Buster’s own immune system to guard against the cancer, giving him the best chance at a long, high-quality life under our starry skies.
The Rocket Ship Ride: Getting to the clinic can be a stressful experience for any cat, but Buster was a true champion! About an hour before lift-off, he received his AM dose of gabapentin, ensuring a calm journey. His “rocket ship” carrier was decked out with a non-slip rug, clothing infused with the comforting scents of me and Jacob, and his favorite toy. To further enhance his cosmic calm, we even played a YouTube track of purring during the 35-minute drive. The clinic staff were captivated by his panther-like charm and unique meow, and his physical exam revealed no concerns. He reportedly took the Oncept treatment like a pro, and we’re expecting minimal side effects such as slight redness at the injection site (inside his remaining thigh), a mild fever, or lethargy. Immediately after the appointment, a quick snack in the car helped him refuel for the journey home!
The Path Ahead: This first dose marks the beginning of a crucial phase in Buster’s treatment. He will receive three more doses every two weeks, completing the initial series. Following this, he’ll transition to maintenance doses every six months to keep that cancer at bay. We also learned about additional diagnostic “checkpoints” that will be part of his ongoing mission: chest X-rays and ultrasounds every three months to monitor his progress.
The oncologist also presented an option for a specific chemotherapy that may offer additional benefits. This would involve four courses of chemo, each accompanied by bloodwork and a separate recheck exam. This is a significant decision, not only financially, but for Buster’s wellbeing too, and as my new mantra reminds us, “We don’t have to decide right now.” Since this chemotherapy can only begin once his amputation incision is fully healed, Jacob and I have time to carefully weigh all the information and options.
Our Next Waypoint: Today’s appointment cost the expected $1,288.81, and the invoice will be uploaded to our Transparency Page later today. While our overall fundraising goal of $6,000 remains, we’ve decided to focus on smaller, more immediate “waypoints” to help our community see the direct impact of their incredible support.
Our immediate mission is to fund Buster’s next Oncept dose. The next two appointments (Doses 2 and 3) are expected to be slightly less than today’s initial consultation, while Dose 4 will likely include new imaging, increasing its cost. Over the next two weeks, Jacob and I will be discussing our plan of action to ensure Buster continues his treatment, even as we continue to seek the generous support of his constellation.
A Soft Landing: When we returned home, Buster was greeted by his loving crew—Binx, Julius, and Melody Malone! After a bit more food and hydration, he settled back into his Recovery Shuttle and has been resting peacefully, ready for his next celestial adventure.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for being the brightest stars in Buster’s sky. Every twinkle of support helps us light his way forward!
With purrs and starlight,
Erin, Jacob, Buster, Binx, Melody Malone, and Julius