Making preparations and arrangements

  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #21

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
Thanks for the support, everyone--I genuinely appreciate it.

Kyle and I cried about it and talked about it, and we decided that we owe it to Simon and to ourselves to speak to a vet oncologist to get their opinion before making the toughest choice for Simon.

It's selfish on our part, I know, but at the same time I feel like there's still hope. If the specialist says that Simon probably wouldn't respond well to treatment considering his age (he's 17 or 18!), then we'll know that it's time. At most, we're only putting the decision off by a week.

Is this wrong to do?

:::Sigh.:::

If anyone's interested, Simon's pictures are here.

Again, thanks for the support everyone. It makes me feel better knowing there are others out there--complete strangers, even!--who are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers right now. It means a lot.


Daniel

P.S. BTW, the original point of this thread was about making preparations for when a pet passes away. Our vet here in Chicago pointed us to St. Francis Pet Funeral Services and Crematory, if that's ever of use to anyone. We'll be using them when the time comes.
 

rosiemac

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2003
Messages
54,358
Purraise
100
Location
ENGLAND... LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY!
This is so sad
I think by having a word with the specialist to ask his/her advice on Simons quality of life, then you'll know?.

It's quite obvious that you and Kyle havent done all you can for Simon, and if the worst comes to the worst and you have to let him go then you did it out of love


Whatever the outcome Daniel, Simon is a gorgeous boy, and one that will live on in both your hearts forever


Keep us updated though
 

jaffacake

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Feb 25, 2007
Messages
4,243
Purraise
13
Location
1066 Country
Simon is such a beautiful, wise looking cat. I hope you get to spend more time with that handsome boy
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #24

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
Originally Posted by Rosiemac

This is so sad
I think by having a word with the specialist to ask his/her advice on Simons quality of life, then you'll know?.
Thats the plan, Rosiemac. We have an appointment with the oncologist tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. Hopefully, she'll tell us that she knows exactly what to do to treat his cancer and he'll be good to go in no time flat.

Originally Posted by Jaffacake

Simon is such a beautiful, wise looking cat. I hope you get to spend more time with that handsome boy
Thank you, Jaffacake...he does look pretty wise, doesn't he?


He's mad at me right now, because I keep giving him kisses when he's trying to take a nap! (Of course, turnabout its fair play: he like to wake us up at all hours by gently touching our faces and walking all over the bed, LOL!)
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #25

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
UPDATE!!!

We took Simon to the specialist this morning, and he just got out of surgery a few minutes ago.

The surgeon removed the main tumor we knew about and two smaller ones. She said that there is a deeper one that she left for right now. The good news is that she thinks they're probably benign, but we'll know more next week once the report comes back on them.


When I spoke to the surgeon on the phone, she told me that he's groggy, but mad as hell--which is just like him! I would expect nothing less, haha!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to everyone who prayed for us and sent us good energy! I cannot tell you how much it means to me!!!


Simon's not out of the woods just yet, so please keep on praying for him. I'm just so relieved right now. I will continue to keep everyone updated on his progress.

I don't know why I was worried...Simon's so ornery, he'll live to be a thousand, LOL!
 

graciecat

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 23, 2006
Messages
3,365
Purraise
4
Location
In Steelers Country!
That's wonderful news!
I'm so happy for you, Kyle and Simon...I'll bet you feel like a ton of bricks has been taken off your shoulders.

I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and Prayers
 

abbycats

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 12, 2005
Messages
2,544
Purraise
19
Location
Nebraska
That is wonderful news that Simon got through his surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kyle and Simon.
 

laureen227

Darksome Duo!
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 3, 2003
Messages
19,260
Purraise
387
Location
Denton TX
Originally Posted by abbycats

That is wonderful news that Simon got through his surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Kyle and Simon.
continuing healing headed out west!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #30

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
Thank you everyone for the good wishes!

UPDATE

Simon came home from the hospital this afternoon. He was curious about what was going on when we were in the car, but eventually fell asleep.

He had an accident and pottied on himself on the way home, but we didn't realize that until we let him out of the carried when we got here...I don't think he was very happy about his sponge bath.

The vet has him on a Fentanyl patch for the pain, which I guess is some serious medication. Simon has to wear that for the next several days.

Let's see, what else? This morning, they were a little concerned because his PCV levels were a little low, which could have indicated that there was some internal bleeding, but they came back up by this afternoon. If they hadn't, the vet would have kept Simon in the hospital for another night.

We got one of those disposable litter boxes that comes with litter included to keep in the computer room with him. He thought it was a great place...for a nap, because he got comfy there, and got mad at us when we picked him up and put him in the easy chair.

The Fentanyl patch decreases his appetite, but the vet said that we needed to make sure Simon was eating and to try baby food. Kyle went to the store and got him some chicken--and can I just say that I understand now why babies don't want that stuff? It's STINKY!! Anyway, he wasn't interested in that either, so Kyle put some on his lips and he licked it off. So I guess that's what we're gonna have to do until he's off the patch and eating on his own.

Poor guy has a pretty big incision down his tummy and it's stapled shut, so that can't be comfortable--those come out in 10 - 14 days. I just hope the surgeon was right and the pathology report comes back benign, because I don't know if I can put him through chemotherapy. But I'm hoping that at the very least, with that big tumor gone, which was pressing on his stomach, he'll have a better appetite and will gain some weight.

OK, that's all I have for tonight.

Daniel
 

rosiemac

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Dec 3, 2003
Messages
54,358
Purraise
100
Location
ENGLAND... LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY!
Oh Daniel this is great if they are benign!


Lot's of healing coming over fror Simon, along with mega benign

I think we can move Simon out the bridge and into the Health forum now
 

tab

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
1,963
Purraise
2
Location
South Coast, UK
Originally Posted by Rosiemac

I think we can move Simon out the bridge and into the Health forum now
fantastic news about your beautiful boy! sending masses of healing and
for you and kyle, this time happy ones!
 

caroleen

TCS Member
Young Cat
Joined
Apr 21, 2008
Messages
38
Purraise
0
Location
Memphis, Tennessee
Mine lived to be 22......

=)

So I have lots of hope for yours.......

Have you tried lamb? I know that sounds odd but when mine was recovering from a traumatic surgery he dis'ed the chicken and my vet told me to try the lamb...and warm it up.....I put it on my fingers and he would actually lick it off.....I supplemented him with Nutrical with is highly palatable to most cats and gets them up and going too....If your cat will eat the various hairball glops out there he will love Nutrical....Mine was quite sluggish with the patch too......but I made feeding just a big deal....I fed him...talked to him...spoiled him rotten....and he ate for me.....

I admire you for having fore thought on his death....I placed mine in a pet cemetary which was rather costly I will admit but at the time she did not have a crematorium (which she does now) and I did not want Sock's ashes in mass.......and I have no regrets......Boyds Bears made a kitty angel stuffed toy that I put in with him between his paws to take with him to heaven......I put our picture....a baby blanket he loved that I wrapped him in and a St. Francis Medallion around his neck......Folded up tight in the corner was his instructions for when he got to heaven....because I opted to put the Rainbow Bridge in there with him.......last but not least I put a toy he loved to fetch in there.....I sent him to heaven prepared.......I'll fess that was the hardest thing I ever did....But depending on your personal preference there are beautiful urns. My best friend has hers in a cat shaped urn that has her little mans name and and an inscription on the back......and then there is burial....and there is the ability to plan for either.....but I personally think you have a few more years! I am glad you got a better outcome than you anticipated......It'll continue!

Good Luck!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #34

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
I just can't thank everyone enough for all the kind words, advice, support, PMs, and good vibes you've all sent our way. I really appreciate every single one of them, and I know Simon does too (even though he'd never admit it...ugh...to condescend to a human's level...unthinkable!)


Originally Posted by Caroleen

Have you tried lamb? I know that sounds odd but when mine was recovering from a traumatic surgery he dis'ed the chicken and my vet told me to try the lamb...and warm it up.....I put it on my fingers and he would actually lick it off.....I supplemented him with Nutrical with is highly palatable to most cats and gets them up and going too....If your cat will eat the various hairball glops out there he will love Nutrical....Mine was quite sluggish with the patch too......but I made feeding just a big deal....I fed him...talked to him...spoiled him rotten....and he ate for me.....
You know, the vet tech mentioned lamb the first thing when we picked Simon us, but we went with chicken, because it's his favorite. He's interested in tuna fish, too, but I better go down to the store in a minute and get some lamb and try that out. He's eating a little better now, but probably not enough yet. I know a lot of it has to do with the patch, but still. I've never heard of Nutrical, but I'll try it.

Originally Posted by Caroleen

I admire you for having fore thought on his death.... ....but I personally think you have a few more years! I am glad you got a better outcome than you anticipated......It'll continue!
Simon's just given us so much joy and happiness over the years, and he's such a big part of our lives, so to me he deserves to have some planning and thought put into what we're going to do when the time comes. I found a brushed silver urn online that I like and I think it's the one. I also like the idea of some instructions to take with him to heaven. I'm going to do that. I hope you're right that we going to have a lot more time together.

Originally Posted by tab

fantastic news about your beautiful boy! sending masses of healing and for you and kyle, this time happy ones!
Thanks, tab!!


Originally Posted by Rosiemac

I think we can move Simon out the bridge and into the Health forum now
Thanks Susan!


So I don't have too much to report on his condition, except that he's definitely feeling better, especially yesterday and today.

Yesterday, when I got up at about 6:45, Simon was sitting by the bedroom door, and wanted to jump up on the bed. Normally, he would jump up there at 3, 4, 5 o'clock in the morning and lavish us with sweet kisses, purrs, and brushing his paws across our faces until we dragged our butts out of bed and fed him. Simon purred for the first time yesterday when he was on the bed, but that was only because he was hungry, LOL! I thought I'd try some Fancy Feast to see if he'd eat any of that, and he came running (well, not running) into the kitchen, but decided he didn't want it after all.

Finally, Simon ate some tuna fish, which is his absolute favorite treat ever!, as he was resting in his cat bed and I held the plate up to him. (He's gonna get used to that...)

Today, he wasn't at the door when I got up, but he started purring when I walked in to check on him. I think he was actually glad to see me for a change. He had some more tuna fish, and got up and drank some water. He seems like he's more interested today in seeing what's going on in the house.

Our other cat, Gryffin, is very curious as to what's going on, and why Simon gets his own special bed and food and stuff in the computer room, and tries to sneak up on Simon to sniff Simon's butt where they shaved him. I think Gryffin was very worried when his friend didn't come back from the vet the other day, and wants to make sure he's OK now. Gryffin's a worrier anyway...sometimes you can just watch him sitting here worrying about something, LOL! It's the truth.

Still waiting on the pathology reports, but the surgeon did say it could be five to seven business days until we know, so maybe by this Thursday or next Monday. I can't remember if I said, but she did tell us that there was another tumor that was deeper down that she didn't remove, but I don't remember why. I just hope they turn out to be benign and we can treat this one somehow, because I don't know if I can put Simon through another surgery.
 

darlili

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
3,310
Purraise
14
Location
Illinois
Just best wishes for your Simon and the rest of your family - and Simon is definitely as handsome as Captain Jack (speaking of the Face of Boe).

Simon is blessed to have such a loving family.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #40

dlestarjette

TCS Member
Thread starter
Young Cat
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
49
Purraise
1
Location
Chicago, Illinois USA
Good morning, all.


Simon had his best day yet, yesterday. He drank a lot of water and ate about a can and a half of Fancy Feast, which is a TON for him. He still spends a lot of time in his little bed in the computer room, but he did get up and walk around a little. I'm thinking of moving his bed into the living room so that he can start interact with the family a little more.

I have to take the Fentanyl patch off today that's been delivering his pain medication. I'm actually a little apprehensive about that, because even though he's feeling better, I don't want him to suddenly be in pain. The surgeon gave us some Butorphanol 5 mg tablets for pain if Simon needs them: a quarter of a pill, two to three times a day, as needed. I hate giving Simon pills.

Also, the patch seems like it's glued to Simon's butt. I may have to wait til Kyle gets home this evening and after I get home from work tonight. :/ I think I'm gonna need help with this one--anyone have any suggestions? I was thinking maybe holding a warm, damp washcloth on it for a few minutes might loosen the adhesive.

That's all I have right now.


Originally Posted by darlili

Just best wishes for your Simon and the rest of your family - and Simon is definitely as handsome as Captain Jack (speaking of the Face of Boe).
Hehe...thanks! I told (the Face of) Simon his next operation would be to put his big ol' head in a jar!
He didn't seem very amused by that. (And did you know that the man who plays Captain Jack grew up right by us in Aurora? It's true.)
 
Top