The diagnosis I'd feared for Milo was confirmed.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

He has a tumor, and there's nothing they can do, considering its location in the nasal cavity and his age. But he's otherwise in decent shape for his age (almost 17) so they sent him home with some medication to help relieve his symptoms (prednisone, an antibiotic in case there's a secondary infection, and an analgesic). The vet thinks he can be kept comfortable for awhile yet. So that's what we'll do. He seems a little lethargic, probably from the meds, and he's not very interested in food though he ate well at the vet clinic. He has another appointment on Friday so we'll see what else can be done.

Just because of his age I knew he probably wouldn't be with me much longer anyhow, but having lost Jeoffry so suddenly last weekend, this diagnosis was a tough hit. I'll just keep loving him for as long as he's got.

Damn it all to hell.

[zeusdogmom]

1. That is a bummer of a diagnosis

You are right - just keep loving him for as long as he is with you.

[Mike 03]

2. I'm so sorry to hear this.

Any time is a terrible time for something like this, but especially now.

Prednisone can be a miracle. It gave one of my dogs who had lymphoma four really decent months she otherwise wouldn't have had.

Hoping for the best for you and Milo.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

11. That's good to hear about the prednisone.

I hope it helps my kitty for awhile.

[Mike 03]

18. Just in case your veterinarian didn't let you know,

prednisone can have some side effects initially, but Milo will likely adjust to them. I don't know how it affects cats, but it increased thirst and hunger in my dog, and she would occasionally get hot and pant, usually in the middle of the night (just for short periods). Depending on the situation, increasing thirst and hunger can be a good thing in some cases.

Truly, I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

19. Same side-effects for cats.

His appetite has been off lately; I want him to eat more because he's too thin. He's only been on it for a couple of days so we'll see how he does. I hope it at least reduces some inflammation so he feels better for as long as possible. Thanks for your kind thoughts.

[TEB]

3. Hugs of compassion

[irisblue]

4. I am so sorry.

[JudyM]

5. So sorry to read this, especially so soon...

Can imagine what you’re feeling, still so raw. Hang in there.

[Siwsan]

6. My heart goes out to you

It is just over a year since I lost Boudicca. Also cancer. I sometimes still expect her to come running when I shake the treat bag for Sophie Stinky Toes. More than once I've thought Sophie jumped up on the bed, next to me but when I look, she's not there. It makes me wonder if Boud's spirit might still hanging around.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. I think there are cat ghosts.

Could have sworn I caught a glimpse of Jeoffry out of the corner of my eye this morning - a brief flicker of him scooting around the corner into the dining room. Wishful thinking, maybe, but there have been other cat ghosts in my life that appeared for a bit before going to wherever they go. Boud's spirit might be hanging around, too.

[Midnight Writer]

15. I have a cat ghost now. She passed in March, but I swear she's still jumping on the bed at night.

[dewsgirl]

7. I am so sorry.

[UpInArms]

8. I am so sorry

Our fur babies are so precious to us

[shenmue]

9. Hug

[sinkingfeeling]

10. I am very sorry.

[still_one]

13. So sorry

[TygrBright]

14. Holding you and Milo in my hear. Such a difficult good-bye. n/t

[brer cat]

16. I'm so sorry.

[littlemissmartypants]

17. So sorry.

Hugs for you and Milo. ❤