Yeah, this is just what I need right now

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Yeah, this is just what I need right now
11
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 11:31am

With everything else that is going on in my life, my kitty cat has cancer.

She's 12 years old, and although has been diabetic for the last five years, has always been very well controlled and has always gotten a clean bill of health at the vet.

But about four weeks ago, I noticed some nodules on her belly. This has upgraded to a skin infection (she's on antibiotics now), but the nodules aren't going away.

The took a sample of one, and basically they're pre-cancerous. More than likely (because it's not definite yet) she's got kitty breast cancer.

I'm more than likely not going to pursue surgery and for sure not going to do chemotherapy because that would only extend her life for a few months. (And what kind of life would that be?)

It's pretty sad to say that I love this cat more than anything. She was with me through my abusive relationship and she's been there when pretty much no one else was. This is killing me. She's okay right now, but I know she's not going to be around for more than another year or so.

Thanks for listening.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 11-21-2005
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 11:34am
Awww!!!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-01-2005
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 11:46am

Oh, I am so sorry.

It is not sad to say you love her more than anything. Pets are family, and they can often be our greatest supporters and friends when nobody else is around to listen or care. I have felt that way about all of my dogs, and it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye when that time comes.

My thoughts are with you and your kitty. Poor little girl. :(

AJ, enjoying life with C.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2006
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 11:50am
Aww, I'm sorry....I know how that is, I've always had cats and they're like a member of your family. Good luck to you and the kitty.
Avatar for floridagirl52
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-16-2006
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 12:13pm

I am so sorry. I have two cats and I love them dearly. When they go, it will be very very hard. I had to have my poor sweet kitty put down about a year and a half ago. She was 19 1/2 years old but it was still really hard. At least I was able to say a long goodbye to her as her health failed.

I lost another one rather suddenly about 10 years ago. She was the most beloved pet I had every had (went through my divorce with me). I cried every day for 6 weeks, and still cried about it 5 years down the road. So, I know how hard it is to lose a kitty.

I had a choice to prolong treatment for my old kitty, but I just felt she wouldn't want that. I let her go in peace.

Take care. --FG

Avatar for cfk_3
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-1999
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 12:33pm
I'm so sorry Emdeesea. I lost a dog to cancer when I was in my teens and as you may know, I have a 7 year old terrier mix now. I dread when the end is near for her. Pets are so loyal and really are like a part of the family. My heart goes out to you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-16-2007
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 12:44pm

I am SO sorry to hear this! :( I can't even imagine what you are feeling! I FEAR the day my girl leaves me (or I have to prepare for it like you are). My baby has been with me for 14 years and like you, she is my everything!

I hurt for you!!!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2005
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 12:55pm

I'm so sorry.

I've lost several Bassets to cancer of the spleen (very common to the breed) and it's so hard.

Hugs.


iVillage Member
Registered: 11-17-2004
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 7:01pm

***hugs***

I'm so sorry to hear this :( I have a dog who I love to death so I understand where you are coming from. I hope that whatever she goes through she doesn't have a lot of pain.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2003
Fri, 05-18-2007 - 8:51pm

Thanks for everyone's support.

I should say that this diagnosis isn't official or anything... it was suggested by the vet as a worst-case scenario. Unfortunately I think she's right. My cat is displaying all the symptoms of cancer - she's lost weight, she doesn't want to eat, and so forth.

So I'm going with the tiny hope that *maybe* she doesn't have cancer. Maybe it's something else. Maybe it's the infection she picked up because of her diabetes. The ODDS are that it wouldn't be mammary cancer because she was spayed before her first heat, but that's no guarantee.

I hope it isn't. I was hoping to have her around for another few years. I need someone to sit on my homework while I'm trying to read and barf up hairballs on my shoes for a while longer yet. :)

Thanks again.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-20-2007 - 5:23pm

Awww, I am sorry to hear your kitty isn't feeling well. I sincerely hope it isn't as bad as you think. :( Like the others, I'd say it isn't sad that she's the most important thing to you. I love my kitty like a family member. Unfortunately for me, she's not actually mine. She belongs to my sister, but she's the kitty I always wanted. We live together, and have for several years, but honestly when my sis said she was moving out this year, I was more sad about losing my kitty than about the extra $750 I'll be paying each month. I am trying to think of ways to convince her to stay. :( It's not like I'll be able to call up my kitty or see her at family gatherings. Sure, I can visit, but it won't be the same. I am contemplating getting another cat when she moves, but I'm so bonded to this one (and EVERYONE who meets her loves her- even non-cat people- she just oozes kitty charm ;) so I don't know how I'd feel about another cat and I'll still miss this one. Just thinking about her passing someday can make me cry. I sometimes think it would be better not to get another one so I don't ever have to experience THAT pain. But last night I was at a friend's house and they had a neighbor kitty hanging around and she was so sweet and cuddly and resembled my kitty and I thought maybe I could bond with another one and try to fill the hole and just not think about the "someday".

Anyway, just wanted you to know you aren't alone. This cat has been there for me through my divorce and subsequent painful relationships and at times I have felt she is the only one who is ALWAYS there for me. I can't imagine how it will feel when she isn't.

I really hope your kitty is ok. Positive thoughts and hugs to you both..

Michelle

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