My cat has pancreatic cancer.

[Strong Atheist]

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

He has not been eating well, or at all in recent weeks, so I took him to the vet friday and...

and...

they did some tests, but they needed to do more, so finally on Wednesday they did an ultrasound and ...


and...

when I came to pick him up after work yesterday, they showed me the pictures, and told me the results. They are looking into options today and tomorrow, but there is not much hope. It is 2.5 cm big...

I know this does not seem like much with all that is
wrong with the world. I'm sorry ...

[Lavender Brown]

1. I'm sorry

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

2. Thank you. nt.

[lukasahero]

3. I'm so sorry

Don't give up hope. :hug:

[Strong Atheist]

5. Thank you. Not much can be done,

I understand ...

[Call Me Wesley]

4. Prayers for your cat.

I'm sorry to hear.

[Strong Atheist]

7. Thank you. nt.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Wow. I am so sorry!

And I know what you're facing, since I went through a similar experience with my dog. But don't feel that this is absolutely hopeless. My vet threw everything he knew at my dog's illness and I had every hope. Unfortunately, she also had Cushing's Syndrome, which he said compromised her immune system.;(

But I'll tell you what he prescribed and you can take this up with your vet. My dog was on Science Diet N/D, a special anti-cancer diet, which feeds the animal, but not the cancer. And he put her on essential fatty acids and prescribed a special anti-cancer tea which he has used with a lot of success. I recently gave some to my friend who was treating a cat with cancer, but she never used it. My vet also used acupuncture, though I know most vets aren't trained in this. He also used this for my cat, who was eventually diagnosed with an inoperable tumor, and though it didn't cure her, it helped her feel much better.:shrug:

I know that you feel hopeless, and your cat may have a shorter lifespan than you anticipated, but veterinary medicine has come a long way and there are things that he can use to prolong his life while making him more comfortable. Discuss this with your vet and let us know how you both are doing. Believe me, I really do understand and I care.;(

Rhiannon:hug:

on edit: links about Essiac tea, which my vet prescribed for my dog, and also gave me a dosage for my friend's cat. It depends on weight.

http://www.essiacinfo.org/

http://essiac-info.org/Pets/index.html

[Strong Atheist]

14. Thank you! I will look into all of

that!

I have to get back to work now.:pals:

[Rhiannon12866]

24. I'll even speak to my vet for you, if you'd like. He may have a suggestion

I have to see him on Friday to pick up dog meds. He's a liberal kindred spirit and has come up with suggestions when I've talked to him about other posts about cats on DU. He treats both cats and dogs, but cats are his favorites, and he's brilliant. Get back to work, and have a good day, but don't forget that your friends on DU are thinking of you, and your kitty.

Rhiannon:pals:

[Strong Atheist]

26. That would be fantastic, as long as it does not

violate the "no medical advice" rule. Maybe a PM? Thank you so much!

[Rhiannon12866]

36. Absolutely. He just gives his opinion, but he really is very good, and a

professional, so he's not violating DU rules, and would just be making suggestions to run by your own vet, some fresh ideas and another perspective. He just loves animals, so is willing to help. If you were closer, I'd recommend that you see him, since I was first sent to him by my local vet who felt he could do nothing more for my cat. This guy has gone to the mat for all of my animals. I'll let you know.

Rhiannon :hug:

[Shell Beau]

8. I am sorry! It is hard to accept when our pets get sick!

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

15. Thank you. You are always kind to everyone.

:hug:

[Shell Beau]

19. Aw, thanks.

I hope that your cat can somehow come out of this. I have 3 dogs and they are my babies, so I know how much love we have for our animals. :hug:

[Strong Atheist]

27. Yeah, I am

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[bigwillq]

9. What terrible news.

I'm very sorry, Strong Atheist. :hug: :( :cry:

[Strong Atheist]

16. Thank you. nt.

[MissMillie]

10. Yes, it seems like much

You're facing the prospect of losing a family member. I'd say that's a lot.

I'll keep you both in my thoughts.

[Strong Atheist]

17. Thank you. You are very kind. nt.

[auntAgonist]

11. Illness and yes

even death of the pets that we love is "much". I'm so sorry your kitty has pancreatic cancer. I don't have a lot to offer but I do have a :hug: for you. Please don't apologize for your post. Take care of your cat and yourself!

:grouphug:

aA

[Strong Atheist]

18. Thank you for the kind words.

:hug:

[NaturalHigh]

12. I'm very sorry.

[Strong Atheist]

20. Thanks. nt.

[ET Awful]

13. Major well wishes to you and your kitty

:(

Poor little guy.

[Strong Atheist]

21. Yeah, poor little guy.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[henslee]

22. PC is a tough one. We know how it feels for you and can only imagine

how the patient feels. How old is your cat?

[Strong Atheist]

28. 16 years. He has had rough places in his life,

which has not helped. Lost when we moved once, for 66 days, lost 9 pounds (exactly half his weight). He also after this period had to be on steroids for quite a while9 about a year); he could not hold down food otherwise.


Then, when getting a teeth cleaning several years ago, got a virus at the vet's that made him deaf :mad: . Really mad about that.

It terrible, he is such a happy cat....

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[henslee]

31. Doesn't that resilience break your heart. It is so true... we learn

from our pets if we are lucky.

[Strong Atheist]

41. Yeah, he loves life. It's just ....

..... tough .....

[henslee]

47. Forgot to mention.....16 years?! That cat has done alright. And it's

as an owner, you have done well. All you can do is love him up, now. Not to be crass or state the obvious but when it was time for my guy to check out, I put him down at the beach. It does not have to be in a vets office.

[Strong Atheist]

55. Oh, cats can get much older. I have heard of several

in the twenties, and two stories of ones in the thirties. I had another cat a long time ago who was seventeen and going strong (catching squirrels, etc.) when someone deliberately hit her with a car; she always looked both ways before crossing the street ...

[henslee]

32. deleted

[henslee]

33. deleted.

[BuelahWitch]

23. I'm sorry

It's so hard when our pets are sick. They're family. :hug:

[Strong Atheist]

29. Yeah, it is, and they are. Thank you.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[crispini]

25. Aw.

:hug::hug::hug:

[Strong Atheist]

30. Thank you.

:hug:

:cry:

[Left Is Write]

34. Oh, no...

I'm so sorry, SA.

[Strong Atheist]

40. Thank you. nt.

[lizziegrace]

35. This is huge for you

and for any of us with pets. They're the closest thing to unconditional love on this planet and they truly live in the moment. I will be devastated when I lose my cats. I'm so sorry for you and your dear cat.

:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Strong Atheist]

42. Yes, it is huge for

me.

Thank you for understanding.


:cry: :cry: :cry:

[GOPisEvil]

37. I'm sorry to hear that. Best wishes to you both.

:(

[Strong Atheist]

43. Thanks. I take back what I said that bothered you.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[GOPisEvil]

46. Thank you as well.

I struggle with that issue myself at times.

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

61. Ok.

:pals:

[Dangerously Amused]

38. Oh no! My heart goes out to you and kitty!

I've been through it with my dog. It isn't easy, but don't give up hope. Your love is the best medicine your kitty could ever have under any circumstances. Love and good energy from me and my kitties to you and your kitty.

[Strong Atheist]

44. Thank you. It always helps

when other people understand.:pals:

[Sanity Claws]

39. I'm sorry to hear this

I'm sure you'll cherish your cat and let him know how loved he is, before his time comes.
In case this helps, I genuinely think one of my past cats reincarnated and came back to live with me. Feel free to call me crazy but I like to think that he liked his other life so much that he came back for more.

[Strong Atheist]

45. Ah. It is at times like this that I do

wish that I could believe in such things.

But I can't.

I am glad that you can.

Thank you for the kind thoughts.

[SoCalDem]

48. I am very sad for you and your baby..

Even though there are bigger problems in the world, it does not lessen our own grief when something happens to as loved one..and yes.. our pets are definetely loved ones.. Hug your baby and when the time comes, you'll know what to do.. Try to make the best of the time you have left, and take pictures.. I wish I had taken more pics when our Miss Kitty was leaving us (breast cancer for her)..:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

50. "and take pictures.. "

Wise advice. I was already planning to do that. Thank you for your kind words...:pals:

[Rhiannon12866]

69. Inspired advice, as usual, coming from you, my friend.

I always take lots of pix, but it never seems like you have enough after you lose someone, pet or human.;(

[newyawker99]

49. I am sorry to hear this S A.

:cry: :-(

[Strong Atheist]

52. Thank you. You always treat everyone here so well

coming for welcomes, and birthdays, and milestones, and things like this... Thank you.

[newyawker99]

65. You're welcome!

:hug:

[graywarrior]

51. Oh man, that really sucks. Sorry about that.

I will cry for him.

[Strong Atheist]

53. Thank you. He is a great cat. nt.

[miss_american_pie]

54. I'm sorry

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

56. Thank you.

:hug:

[Beaverhausen]

57. Oh man that sucks

Getting this news about our fur family is so hard. :cry:

Sounds like your kitty had a good long life though- he went through several of his nine alloted lives. Maybe he does still have one or two left but if not, you will do the right thing when the time comes.

I'm so sorry. :hug:

What is his name by the way? And if you can, post a picture or two.

[Strong Atheist]

58. Oliver. He was the fatter of two

twin orange cats, Stanley and Oliver. The other got hit by a car when young. No pictures, have not yet explored photobucket enough to post AND scanner not working. Sorry ...

He is a large orange cat though. Think "Morris", but all orange....

[Ladyhawk]

59. I am really sorry. Don't feel badly about your emotions.

Pets become part of the family. Your grief is a totally normal reaction.

I know I'd be full of despair if something happened to my wonderful pet. Even thinking about it makes me tear up.

(((((Strong Atheist)))))

May the Flying Spaghetti Monster touch you with His Noodly Appendage. :) (Okay, it was a weak attempt at humor, but hey. :shrug:)

[Strong Atheist]

60. Thank you. See my post to your own thread, hope

it helps.

[AzDar]

62. I am so sorry to hear that.. remember..where there's life, there's hope.

Best to you and your Sweetie.

[Strong Atheist]

63. Thank you. nt.

[RevCheesehead]

64. My heart breaks for you.

I lost my cat, Roo last spring, and it was gut-wrenchingly awful.
My only advice is to spend as much time with him as you can, give him lots and lots of love, and cherish the time you have left with each other. Trust me, you will never, ever regret it.

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

66. I am sorry about your cat.

Thank you for the advice. Great, as always. I had planned to.:hug:


BTW: What ever happened to "not nice"? lol.;-)

[RevCheesehead]

67. This ain't "nice".

It's empathy and compassion. :hug:
(Even Rabrrrrrr would agree. ;))

[Strong Atheist]

68. Oh, ok I see.

Suuuuuuuure! Keep telling yourself that!:evilgrin:

[imperial jedi]

70. I'm so sorry. I'ts hard when a furkid gets sick.

n/t

[Strong Atheist]

74. Yep, poor guy. nt.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

71. So sorry!

[Strong Atheist]

81. Thank you. nt.

[samplegirl]

72. Very very sorry

yes and it is alot. Wish I could change it for
you. Sending my prayers.

[Strong Atheist]

73. Yeah, it's tough. Thank you. nt.

[FLSurfer]

75. No need for the disclaimer SA

It IS a big deal when our furkids get ill. Best of wishes to you and let him know its all right to get old. Being there for him is all you can do now.

I am going through the same thing with my dog "Mullet". She has failing kidneys and isn't going to get better. Its difficult to accept but we have to be strong for their sake.

Listen to Rhiannon and look into acupuncture. It has been a blessing for us. Has provided some better days in the midst of the illness.

Best wishes to you and your cat.

:hug:

[Strong Atheist]

77. I am so sorry about you dog. My cat, in theory,

has had kidney problems for years, but they have really had no effect (x-rays showed some years ago that one of his kidneys was smaller than the other; they could not tell which was "normal").

Good luck with your dog!:hug:

[GreenPartyVoter]

76. I am so sorry *hugs*

[Strong Atheist]

78. Thank you!

:hug:

[Mz Pip]

79. I lost one of my kitties

to pancreatic cancer last summer. It was a month between diagnosis and when it became obvious that he needed to be put down. His belly swelled up with fluid.

He didn't seem to be in pain but when he stopped being able to jump on the bed and no longer wanted his treats I knew it was time.

I know what you're going through. It's awful seeing your animal suffer. Give him all the love you can, cuddles and pets. He'll let you know when it's time. :cry:

Mz Pip
:dem:

[Strong Atheist]

80. I am so sorry about your cat!

:cry:
:hug: