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BPO Medical Forum => Medical Conditions & Diseases => : macybean December 21, 2006, 12:18:51 AM

: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: macybean December 21, 2006, 12:18:51 AM
I haven't posted in a week or so. This weekend, my cat, Thomas, started losing weight rapidly. I called the vet on Monday, and they said to bring him in Tuesday morning. X-rays showed a softball-sized mass on one of his kidneys. I took him back to the vet on Wednesday, and they did an ultrasound and an aspiration (drained some stuff out of the tumor). They wanted to see how to go about removing it, where it was attached, etc. They called me and told me that it is cancer, it's in both his kidneys and his intestines and is spreading elsewhere. They can't operate to remove it (can't take out both kidneys, of course, and all of that other stuff-it's too aggressive). They gave him a shot for the discomfort.

They sent him home with some pills. They should help fight the cancer a bit, but they are mostly for pain. If they work, he may have a week or two. If not, then it'll be in the next couple of days when I have to decide to take him in to be euthanized.

I have him and his two brothers in addition to Sadie and Riley. Thomas and his brothers, like Sadie, were some of my rescues. They have a fourth brother who I adopted out, and I originally meant to adopt out Turbo, too. But he stayed with Thomas and  Bevo. They're made-up birthday is January 4th. If he makes it, he will be 5.

It's so hard to see him like this, and it kills me that there's nothing I can do to fix it. He is uncomfortable (trying to lie down with a mass that size is difficult) and lethargic, but he is alert, his eyes are clear, he purrs... He got into bed with me this morning and waited for me outside of the shower to meow at me when I got out, but for the most part, he doesn't move much. He spent all evening on the kitchen counter, which is where I put him when I got home. I brought him to bed with me and he stayed there for a while before going into my bathroom to lay on the counter and drink some water. He's only eating a few treats here and there. He's never wanted canned food, so that's all I can think to give him to entice him to eat. He even turns his nose up at tuna (I tried again last night, just in case his taste buds have changed, but he didn't want it).

My foster, Drama/Kora(?) may go back with my friend who was taking care of her before. She is very hyper and I don't want Thomas to have to deal with telling her to back off. Aussie rescue here hasn't responded to my friend's emails. Sadie and Riley know he's the boss, so they don't bug him. In fact, they were angels when I brought him home yesterday-very concerned about me b/c I was crying, but keeping their distance from us for the most part... just laying on the bed watching me. :(

       
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: moonlitcroatia December 21, 2006, 12:44:10 AM
I'm sorry. Poor Thomas.
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: EllieAndBlu December 21, 2006, 12:49:46 AM
I am so sorry to hear about Thomas! My heart goes out to you both!
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: schelmischekitty December 21, 2006, 01:34:52 AM
so sorry to hear about this!  i know how hard it is, please give him a hug and a kiss for me!
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: LibbyP December 21, 2006, 02:15:34 AM
It very hard to watch a friend, please keep it in your mind that you WILL do what is best for him no matter how hard and heavy your heart will be. With our last three cats, their 'illness' came on very sudden and we had to decide right away for what was right for them. I'm sure you know cats have a very high pain tolerance, you will know when the time is right to let him go. His purring is comforting to you, have you tried a jar of meat baby food with broth (beef or chicken)warmed, maybe lay out a heating pad on one of his counters for him. I'll be thinking of you and sending a big hug ~ Kim
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: aggghgmom December 21, 2006, 02:20:46 AM
I am very sorry to hear about Thomas your beloved kitty.  It is just awful when we can't fix our babies.  Thomas knows that he is a loved member of a family. 

We will be thinking of you, Thomas and your entire fur and skin family at this very difficult time.

Randy & Harley
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: My Friend Joey December 21, 2006, 04:52:29 AM
I'm so sorry about your Thomas, it must be very difficult to see him suffering. It is agonizing how pets most often will come to you to "make it better". However, I'm sure he feels the energy of ALL your love. I will send a prayer up for you and Thomas.
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: Nicole December 21, 2006, 04:58:09 AM
Awwww...I'm sorry. I know this is hard.
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: macybean December 21, 2006, 09:38:13 AM
Thank you all. I thought I'd post some pictures of Thomas.

He's the most laid-back cat I've ever met, and I've fostered bunches of cats. He always seems like he's on valium. He's also the most confident cat I've ever met: You can take him anywhere and he'll walk around like he owns the place. He's even been to Petsmart and just rode around in the cart and then on the conveyor belt at the checkout. He's very social and nothing seems to scare of frustrate him. He's about as cool as cool can get. Everyone who meets him comments on his super easy-going personality. He is the ultimate "cool cat".

: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: macybean December 21, 2006, 09:42:09 AM
This one is from Christmas two years ago.
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: LibbyP December 21, 2006, 09:50:35 AM
Oh he is one handsome boy
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: shangrila December 21, 2006, 10:33:15 AM
I'm sorry to hear you are going through this  :'(

My thoughts are with Thomas
: Re: Thomas, my cat, is dying (long)
: 2Criminals December 21, 2006, 02:39:29 PM
Aww he looks like a big love bug. I'm sure it comforts him to no end that you are there to love him through his pain. I was there a year ago and it hurts immensely but just think of all the love you are giving him and how much he knows that you are there for him.