11/13/2025
A cancer patient, a care team and a cat’s story of comfort
When John Bradbury talks about his cat, Butterscotch, his face lights up. The 81-year-old laughs as he describes the orange tabby’s daily antics: running laps around the house after using his litter box, demanding attention with a playful paw tap and curling up beside him after chemotherapy treatments.
“He has a lot of personality,” Bradbury says. “He’s my baby.”
For Bradbury, who is receiving care at IU Health Ball’s Cancer Center for stage four esophageal cancer, Butterscotch is more than a pet. He’s a constant source of companionship and comfort.
Bradbury was first diagnosed in late 2023 after experiencing shortness of breath and chest discomfort. Imaging revealed abnormalities in his esophagus, leading to surgery and months of treatment.
After recovering from surgery, he continued with regular oncology appointments. Nearly a year later, additional scans revealed the cancer had spread to his liver and bones.
“When I went back to see my doctor, he told me it was stage four,” Bradbury says. “He said the mean average was 12 to 14 months. I’ve just about reached that now, but I feel great.”
Despite the diagnosis, he remains optimistic. He continues treatment under the care of oncologist Marwan Mounayar, MD and his team, who closely monitor his chemotherapy and blood counts.
“They’ve treated me so well,” he says. “The nurses are just unbelievable. Everyone here is so kind and caring.”
That kindness inspired a story that quickly spread throughout the Cancer Center. Concerned about what would happen to Butterscotch if he could no longer care for him, Bradbury wrote a letter from the cat’s perspective, asking a team member to consider adoption.
“I wrote it as if Butterscotch dictated it,” he says. “The nurses went bananas when they read it.”
The letter made its way to Whitney Smith, medical assistant, who shared it with her grandmother, a fellow animal lover who had lost her own cat two years earlier. She immediately offered to adopt Butterscotch when the time comes.
“It made me feel good knowing he’ll have a home,” Bradbury says. “Her grandmother sounds nice. I called her and told her, when I’m ready—when I’m in hospice—he can go live with her.”
Until then, Butterscotch remains by his side, keeping him company through every appointment and quiet night at home.
Through it all, Bradbury says he feels supported by his care team, his family and the faith that grounds him. He continues to hold on to hope.
“Maybe the chemo will destroy everything,” he says. “And if not, I’ve lived a good life. I’m thankful for every day I get.”
And of course, he’s thankful for Butterscotch. “He’s my best buddy,” Bradbury says. “I can’t imagine going through this without him.”
