Public Forum Proceed to Auspet's New Discussion Forum | Pet Directory | Classifieds | Home | LinkXchange


Click here to make Auspet.com your default home page

  Auspet - Message Boards
  Cats - all types
  new here....just found out my cat has lymphoma

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search

UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   new here....just found out my cat has lymphoma
luvmycats
Member

Posts: 10
From:New Jersey
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-12-2003 10:36 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for luvmycats     Edit/Delete Message
Hi. I am in need of support and advice today. My black cat, Spookie, who is 11 was just diagnosed with lymphoma. He has not been eating for 2 weeks now. A week ago I took him in and he was given fluids. His bloodwork came back normal so we were able to bring him home. This last week I took him off to the shore to just spend time with him and try to get him to eat. We have 2 other cats, one of whom has pestered and harassed Spookie for the last year...basically since I got married and moved here with my 2 cats. I thought maybe the stress of the last year had caused all of this. After this last week of no eating or drinking he is now in the hospital. He had an xray which showed no obstruction. The vet felt thickening in his intestinal area and called saying that this just "screamed" lymphoma (although it's not officially verified) to her and that I would have to make a decision. I am so upset right now that I have no idea what to do. He's been my little buddy for all of these years and I just never thought he might go before my 18 yr. old who is still hanging in there. My options are to bring him home with basically little energy or appetite, give him daily meds (prednisone), or do the one thing none of us ever wants to have to do. I'm told that the meds will give him wks., maybe months, but not years. He's not in acute pain, but will just be in a state of chronic fatigue, probably getting weaker every day. Either prospect is just heartbreaking. I can hardly stand this pain. Today they are giving him an appetite stimulator and keeping him on fluids and steroids. They say he was alert and seeming good this morning, but still not eating. I'm to call back at 5 and maybe bring him home. How do I make this decision? I've read other posts on here of people who have brought their beloved pets home to die. The thought of watching and waiting every day for the inevitable is killing me, but the selfish part of me wants to just keep him with me as long as I can. He's my baby and I mostly don't want him to suffer. I apologize for the length of this. I guess I'm just reaching out for something, anything...to help me bear this and make the best decision. Is there anyone out there who has had a similar type of situation. Thanks for taking the time to read this. You seem like a really caring group.
Deb

IP: Logged

charmedagain
Member

Posts: 790
From:uk
Registered: Aug 2003

posted 10-12-2003 12:49 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for charmedagain     Edit/Delete Message
Hi, Deb sorry your having this to deal with i would like to add this link for you and its about lymphoma for you to read before you make your decision, It explains what can be done to help save your cat if this is at all possible.

The vet has no right in saying you have to make a choice if there is no proof this is actually what your cat has.

Did the vet do a biopsy on the problem here is the link i hope it gives you some idea of what it is and what you can do keep us posted..

mike xx
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1446

IP: Logged

luvmycats
Member

Posts: 10
From:New Jersey
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-12-2003 02:02 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for luvmycats     Edit/Delete Message
Thank you Mike. I did find that link earlier and have copied it for the vet. I should add that this vet is really wonderful, caring, and part of a great group. I am glad to have the extra questions to ask her though. I'm due to call back now and will keep you posted. Thanks again for your concern. I need all of that I can get right now.

Deb

IP: Logged

luvmycats
Member

Posts: 10
From:New Jersey
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-12-2003 05:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for luvmycats     Edit/Delete Message
Just thought I would update. My Spookie is still in the hospital tonight, still not eating, and still scared. I hate this feeling of helplessness. Tomorrow I'm going to go in first thing and am planning on getting the meds and taking him home. Maybe here, surrounded by love, he will eat. Please keep us in your prayers.

Blessings to all of those out there tonight struggling with hard choices and grief. My heart goes out to you.

Deb

IP: Logged

nern

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 10-12-2003 09:23 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for nern     Edit/Delete Message
Im so sorry to hear about your cat.
Sending prayers your way.....

IP: Logged

Kayliface
Member

Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-13-2003 01:14 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kayliface     Edit/Delete Message
Good luck *hugs*.

IP: Logged

luvmycats
Member

Posts: 10
From:New Jersey
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-13-2003 02:25 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for luvmycats     Edit/Delete Message
Today I brought Spookie home. He had started eating and was perking up a little bit. That was enough for me to bring him here where he can be loved and rest. He's on prednisone and an appetite stimulant. He seems so happy to be home. I'm glad I made this decision. He may only have a week or two, depending on how much he eats and responds to the meds....only a couple of months at the outside, but here I can say my goodbyes and let him know it's ok to go. And when I see that he's ready for that I will let him go. It's the most I can do now and I know I'll never regret it. Thank you all for your kind thoughts.

Deb

IP: Logged

spankysmom
unregistered
posted 10-15-2003 06:57 PM           Edit/Delete Message
Good luck with Spookie. Enjoy every minute you have with him because you don't know when he's ready to go. My Spanky (16 years old) died today. He's been battling a lot of health issues these past few months and has been getting weaker & weaker by the day and has stopped eating. I have been crying all day and I will cry all night but most of all, I will remember all of the love and affection he has brought me over the last 16 years. Enjoy and relish every minute.

IP: Logged

luvmycats
Member

Posts: 10
From:New Jersey
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-15-2003 09:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for luvmycats     Edit/Delete Message
Dear Spankysmom,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss today. I know how painful the whole process is and my heart goes out to you.

I am treasuring every moment with Spookie. He is eating now and moving around, but I know that every day is a gift now.

May your tears bring you healing, as tears usually do. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Spookie's mom,
Deb xox

IP: Logged

nern

Moderator

Posts: 1591
From:NY, USA
Registered: Oct 2002

posted 10-15-2003 09:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for nern     Edit/Delete Message
Im sorry for your loss Spankysmom.

IP: Logged

vanderlleef
Member

Posts: 19
From:NY
Registered: Sep 2003

posted 10-21-2003 01:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for vanderlleef     Edit/Delete Message
Dear Spankysmom,
I am so sorry for your loss. I went through the same thing last year, and reading stories make it seem like it happened only yesterday.

Good luck with Spookie, Deb. I made the same decision with my old girl, Chaucer, and I think it was what she wanted. Every minute was a gift.

My thoughts are with both of you.

IP: Logged

Kayliface
Member

Posts: 152
From:Ottawa, Ontario
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 10-21-2003 05:50 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Kayliface     Edit/Delete Message
Sorry for your loss *hugs*.

Deb - good to hear that your cat is feelin a lil better.

------------------
Visit me at www.daplayazclub.com

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Auspet.com


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c
















© 1999-2017 AusPet.com