BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(

Subject: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 07:34 AM

Homer the Cat, who we have had since before he should have left his mother really, is now over 11 years old - Same as me I believe in 'human years' (55). Anyway - He has the big C. He wasn't in any distress or obvious pain but he was eating lots and loosing weight. He went to the vets yesterday and had the bad news that he had a large tuma under his ribcage and it looks like it has spread to his lungs. I was really quite distraught but on sleeping on it I am still very sad but, more acceptant and determined to make his last few days weeks or months, whatever he has left, happy ones for him.

A bit of mixed news came this morning. they did some exploratory surgery to find that the tuma had taken his whole right kidney. He had tests earlier for kidney function which came back fine so they had no doubts that his left one was functioning fine. They have taken the right kidney out and, hopefuly, he will be back home later today or sometime tomorrow.

There is still the worry about how bad his lungs are but at least they have got the big mass of tuma out and, hopefuly, he will be able to stay boss of the house for a while longer yet. Keep your fingers crossed for him:-)

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 07:39 AM

Good thoughts coming your way Dave - it is hard when a beloved pet gets toward the end of their life.

It sounds as of this boy has had a good life with you and will be well cared for for as long as he is not hurting.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 08:23 AM

Poor kitty. Let him have his favorite chair, his favorite treats and lots of love.
My Ed is 11 and getting a bit arthritic. A cranky old love.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 08:44 AM

Dave, best wishes to Homer from our girls Bianca and Binky - they lost their mate Belle not long ago, so are sympathetic to his plight. Lots of pats and cuddles for him, and let's hope he continues as boss of the household for a long time yet.


Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: GUEST,lox
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 09:11 AM

I once lived in a flat which was squatted permanently by the neighbours cat.

He was a cutey. Old, yet with the fastest paws I've ever seen (and devilish claws to boot)

Anyway, what seemed like a gradually worsening case of fur balls in the windpipe turned out to be a larynx tumor which explained his silent, seemingly mimed mews.

I took him to the vet where he was pronounced inoperable and at deaths door.

I made the decision to have him put down as he lay in a (sorry) catatonic state on the operating table.

I then wrote a letter to the neighbours explaining what had happened and they asked for the body so he could be buried in their garden.

They hed been under the impression that he had already died some years previously as they hadn't seen him for that long, due to his taking up residence on the kitchen floor of the flat I was living in.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 09:25 AM

Good thoughts and good wishes, Dave, to you and your lady, and love from Maisie and Smutts to Homer.

Kindest, Erica and Bryn

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Maryrrf
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 09:43 AM

I know how you feel Dave. I dread the day when something like that happens to my dog, who has been my companion for many years. And as she is approaching 16 years of age I know the time can't be far away. Take comfort in the fact that Homer has surely had a wonderful life for a kitty, full of affection and companionship.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Bee
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 10:37 AM

So sorry, Dave. Cats and dogs have lives too short anyway, it seems extra unfair when they don't get the full quota of years.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: gnu
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 12:35 PM

Fingers crossed, Dave.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 01:34 PM

I've just realised how I spelled tumer - Freudian slip - Tuna is Homers favourite food - Especaily the stuff in sunflower oil. Must make sure he has enough - mixed with the proper science diet of course! He won't be home today but he has come round well from the op. Hopefully I will pick him up before lunch tomorrow.

Thanks (and purrs) for all the kind thoughts.

Dave and Homer

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: maire-aine
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 05:53 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about Homer. Here's wishing you strength through whatever the future brings.

Maryanne

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Sorcha
Date: 15 Aug 08 - 11:11 PM

Dave, I'm sorry about your kit. (It's still spelt/spelled either tumor or tumour)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Anne Lister
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 03:02 AM

Give the mog a tickle from us ...we're still grieving for our beloved tortoiseshell, and need to get around to buying a suitable plant for the sunny spot in the garden which was her favourite basking place and we'll put her ashes there.

Our new feline friend, Persia (aka Sausage), has been brightening our lives where possible (Steve's Dad died a week and a day after the tortie, so it's all been a bit dark). She's just gone thundering down the stairs with a wild kittenish look about her so it's going to be another duel to the death with her felt orange fish on a string.

Anne

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 07:26 AM

Well, he's back home I'm glad to say. Very happy to see us and purring away happily. Back for a post op-check on Monday and we should have the biopsy results within a week. Not very hopeful seeing as they did say there were shadows on his lungs but you never know - We will still expect the worst but hope for the best.

Two or three years ago he started licking his right side over and over until it bled. We never got to the bottom of why he did it an it lasted a few months on two seperate ocasions - Seeing as the tumour was on his right kidney I guess the over-licking must have been something he felt but no-one could see. And some people call them dumb animals!

Thanks again for your support and keep up with the good wishes - he still needs them.

Cheers

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: katlaughing
Date: 16 Aug 08 - 11:50 AM

Well, I know I typed a best wishes from me and the boyz, Trystan and Kipling, but it seems to have disappeared. I made note that I thought you were being creative and "tuma" was a plural of tumour!:-) Anyway, here's the best thoughts for all good things for Homer and {{{{{HUGS}}}} for the rest of you.

kat

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Charley Noble
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 10:31 AM

Dave-

We do all we can for our feline love ones, and then some!

Our kitties seem so immortal when they are young. It's hard to believe they can become old and frail (unlike humans!), or mortally afflicted when they are relatively young.

Give Homer an extra hug from JudyB and me.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 17 Aug 08 - 11:08 AM

The good wishes must be working - He decided to give Molly (the one year old patchwork kitty) a good bashing this morning before deigning to share a bed with her:-)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 02:40 PM

His bandage is off and the wound is healing fine. Needs to wear a lampshade for a while to stop him licking the wound. Back next week for another check.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 09:47 PM

Tiger Tom, Ahbib, Felicity, Poe and Em send their best --- we had to deal with this about a year ago when Tucker was diagnosed with the BigC. My daughter is a vet tech and we were lucky enough to have the vet come here to our home to euthanize him. Mim (my daughter) spent the whole day playing with him and SWEARS the other cats knew something was going on............

Good luck!

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: olddude
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 09:55 PM

I am sorry to hear that Dave. My dogs and cats are so much a part of my life that when I lose one it is crushing. I lost my old Lab a few years ago from the big C. It was awful.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 04:43 AM

Well. we thought he was a gonner last Saturday. 2am there was a knock on our bedroom door and it was son number three telling us Homer was ill. We went down and the poor old lad could hardly stand. He kept falling over and, even stood still, was swaying badly. We assumed the worst and managed to get him to settle into into a cat bed, something he never does normaly.

Anyway, it was all very tearful as we thought we were saying our goodbyes. There was someone with him all night and he rallied a little but taking him to the vet next morning we were sure we would not bring him back:-(

But here he is again! A course of anti-biotics. Some medication to make him eat. A little rehydration and he was much better. He is still very tired and we know he won't run round like a kitten again but we are grateful for a while longer. He seems quite happy to spend his days asleeep on one bed or anther and getting away wih all sorts things he would get in trouble for a few weeks ago:-)

Keep up the good wishes.

Dave

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: SINSULL
Date: 05 Sep 08 - 08:18 AM

Poor baby. Try Gerber's baby food - Veal #1 for infants. And an eyedropper with a bit of water now and then will help keep him hydrated.
Poor kitty.
I hate this part of having a furry friend. It is so hard to say goodbye.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 02:57 AM

Get well soon Daves cat.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: My guru always said
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 08:38 AM

So sorry to see this Dave, know just how you feel, been through this. Make the best of the time you have left together & try not to let Homer feel your distress. Positive thoughts to you all.
Hil

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: katlaughing
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 12:09 PM

I am really glad he is still able to be with you and I'll bet he's quite happy soaking up all of the extra attention. Good on all of you!

I hope it doesn't get to having to rehydrate sub-cutaneously. We went through that with two cats and I will never subject another one to such stress. It's just not a kind thing to do, imo.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Bee
Date: 06 Sep 08 - 12:32 PM

As long as a pet's still happy, I'm for medicating and assisting. You'll know when it's time.

I'm grateful right now that both my cats are very young, and appear healthy. Especially as I just recently realized that it has taken me almost two years to actually bond with Tommy. I've liked him since he was a tiny kitten, and cared about him, and was anxious for him if he was hurt or absent too long, and admired his kitty-ness. But I think I was too hurt still by the loss of our dog to let myself love another pet so much.

Then, a couple weeks ago, Tommy came over and put his paw on my leg, a habit of his that means he wants lap time and cuddles. As I picked him up, I suddenly felt a deep affection for this purring bundle, who has his own definite independent-minded personality, and his own ideas about affection and comfort. I was at that moment amazed that these little animals, little carnivores, are so desirous of living with us, not just for the food and shelter, but for the love of our company. It is a great gift, I think.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:18 PM

Well, thanks ever so for all the good wishes but unfortunately the good vibes and all nine lives ran out today. It was sad, we stayed with him to the end, but we know he didn't suffer at all until around lunchtime today when he went downhill very fast. We took him in and they quickly spotted he was very anaemic and what was more there was another mass round his remaining kidney, both inicating that his last kidney was failing as well. He obviously would not stand up to much more so we took the hard decision to let him out in peace and while he was still our Homer.

Remember that between us - Homers 'family' and all the good wishes out there we got him a good six weeks of sunbathing when it was sunny, rolling over in front of the fire when it wasn't and causing general havoc and mayem all the times in between. He had a good life and we have no regrets about giving him the extra time and calling it a day when he was ready.

I will go to the folk club tonight - Don't think I will manage a song but to paraphrase Mr Kipling, I was shaking and I'll want my beer today.

Thanks again for all the support.

Cheers

Dave (and Homer!)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:44 PM

RIP Homer

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Ebbie
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:54 PM

Commiserations to you. It's hard. My ol' cat does not have cancer but his kidneys are failing and I have to hydrate him at least once a month. At this point, just like Homer, he is happy, affectionate and not in pain. He even purrs as the liquid is being squeezed under his skin. As long as he remains thus I'm happy to have him - between me and my book, between me and my computer screen, between me and my pillow. :)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: gnu
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:55 PM

Awwww... RIP Homer.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Maryrrf
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 02:56 PM

I'm so sorry Dave. RIP Homer.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 03:51 PM

What a good life he had! Thanks for letting us be a part of the last few weeks. RIP Homer and {{{{HUGS}}}}} to you Dave and family.

kat, Trystan, Kipling, and Merlee (the cats and dog)

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Hawker
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 05:57 PM

Sorry to hear puss didnt make it, but you saw him out in style, he was a lucky cat to have you as his companions.
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Anne Lister
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 06:00 PM

So sorry to hear about the inevitable end but I'm glad he had a good few extra weeks. He'll be somewhere warm and comfortable now - a sunny patch of carpet or a lap up there.

Anne, Persia (currently sitting on my printer, checking what I write) and Steve.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: olddude
Date: 22 Sep 08 - 07:35 PM

A Parting Prayer

Dear Lord, please open your gates
and call St. Francis
to come escort this beloved companion
across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign HIM to a place of honor,
for he has been a faithful servant
and has always done HIs best to please me.

Bless the hands that send HIM to you,
for they are doing so in love and compassion,
freeing HIM from pain and suffering.

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of HIS life
with the love he has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor HIM
by sharing those memories with others.

Let HIM remember me as well
and let HIM know that I will always love HIM.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow HIM to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of HIS companionship
and for the time we've had together.

And thank you, Lord,
for granting me the strength
to give HIM to you now.

Amen.

Subject: RE: BS: Our poor old puss has the big C:-(
From: Genie
Date: 23 Sep 08 - 01:39 AM

Dave,
My not-so-young and not-altogether-healthy feline companion Grisabella send our sincere condolences.    (Grizzy is licking a bare patch on her hind leg as we speak, making me pray that it's just the residue of her 'secondary flea-bitis' that's the culprit and not something more serious, but she really does send positive kitty vibes your way.)

I'm so glad you were able to be with Homer at his leave-taking.   So sad to lose him so soon, but I'm sure he knew how much he was loved.

And thanks for the song, Old Dude.

Genie