I am sorry to have to introduce myself under such sad circumstances. But I need all the support I can get.
Callym was adopted into my home over 4 years ago now, and had been a very sad rescue case at the no-kill shelter who found him - just a few pounds with frostbitten ears. I was deliberately looking to adopt a senior cat who needed a good retirement home when I found Callym (I had the space in my home for another cat, and wanted to help and old kitty out who needed a nice loving home) - he joined my family of 5 other cats. He is hyperthryoid and I've given him meds for 4 years now. We think Callym is about 16 years old now. Callym fit in with my cat family so well, and has been nothing but joy to have around. He is a part of my soul.
A little over a month ago my cat Callym was diagnosed with oral cancer at the back of the mouth. I decided on palliative pain management, and not to put him through chemo/radiation which are not that useful for oral cancer and I thought was too much to put him through given his age. So far he has been doing quite well, and he has quality of life and wants to be here still. He is eating quite well all things considered, and still purrs in my arms and is interested in life. The tumour does not physically impinge on his eating due to its position, but rather on occasion during the few downturns he has, it seems to get sore and ouchy (most of the time his pain meds control this). He's had about 3 downturns in the past month, but he has always rallied back. But at each downturn I think the end is near (I do not want him to suffer, so once he has a few days lacking quality of life I will let him pass peacefully) - and then he rallies and keeps on going with quality of life back again. The emotional rollercoaster this past month is beyond anything words can express. And I know that one time, he won't rally and I will have to let him go.
I've cried enough tears to fill an ocean, but every single day I have with him is a blessing. But now I am getting scared that his body won't be able to keep rallying back and sooner than later I will have to let him go. I don't know if I am seeking advice so much as words of support that I will somehow get through this. Right now I feel like I will never be happy again...my world has been torn apart by this.
This is Callym (orange and white kitty) snoozing with his sister Rexy about a week ago.
Callym was adopted into my home over 4 years ago now, and had been a very sad rescue case at the no-kill shelter who found him - just a few pounds with frostbitten ears. I was deliberately looking to adopt a senior cat who needed a good retirement home when I found Callym (I had the space in my home for another cat, and wanted to help and old kitty out who needed a nice loving home) - he joined my family of 5 other cats. He is hyperthryoid and I've given him meds for 4 years now. We think Callym is about 16 years old now. Callym fit in with my cat family so well, and has been nothing but joy to have around. He is a part of my soul.
A little over a month ago my cat Callym was diagnosed with oral cancer at the back of the mouth. I decided on palliative pain management, and not to put him through chemo/radiation which are not that useful for oral cancer and I thought was too much to put him through given his age. So far he has been doing quite well, and he has quality of life and wants to be here still. He is eating quite well all things considered, and still purrs in my arms and is interested in life. The tumour does not physically impinge on his eating due to its position, but rather on occasion during the few downturns he has, it seems to get sore and ouchy (most of the time his pain meds control this). He's had about 3 downturns in the past month, but he has always rallied back. But at each downturn I think the end is near (I do not want him to suffer, so once he has a few days lacking quality of life I will let him pass peacefully) - and then he rallies and keeps on going with quality of life back again. The emotional rollercoaster this past month is beyond anything words can express. And I know that one time, he won't rally and I will have to let him go.
I've cried enough tears to fill an ocean, but every single day I have with him is a blessing. But now I am getting scared that his body won't be able to keep rallying back and sooner than later I will have to let him go. I don't know if I am seeking advice so much as words of support that I will somehow get through this. Right now I feel like I will never be happy again...my world has been torn apart by this.
This is Callym (orange and white kitty) snoozing with his sister Rexy about a week ago.