Gus has cancer

Gus had exploratory surgery today and they found a large tumor behind his soft pallette. It must be growing very fast this started about 2 months ago and he gets worse every week. How do you make the decision?? He has been my best friend for 12 years, we've been inseparable. I don't think I can do what I know should be done.My vet is not recommending chemo or radiation because he is a high stress kitty and the repeated visits to the vet are very tough on him. My heart is breaking, I always expected him to live much longer.

I'm so sorry to hear about Gus. I wish I had some advice to give you but I don't. I'm sure the choices you have are difficult ones to make. Just thinking about what you are going through makes me sad.
If you decide to go with the "worse" option please take someone with you.
My thoughts are with you.

I am so sorry about Gus. I lost my soul-mate cat Hippocrate to cancer and it broke my heart. I really feel what you are going thru!

If you even consider chemo or radiation therapy, find out the prognosis from the doctor. It is very hard on them, and if it only prolongs their lives a short while, would you want to put them thru that stress for a few short weeks? I think most folks at this forum would agree that unless it made their quality of life better and they lived a while longer, it is not worth their suffering. Is surgerical removal even an option?

This will be one of the hardest decisions that you will make in your life. Many cats will tell you that they've had enough and it is their time. Oftentimes it is hard to tell because you love them so much and can't see it through your own emotion. I look at their overall quality of life. If their bad times far outweigh their good, could you be doing a favor by letting him go? One of my vets gave me council once by asking me - are you keeping him alive for you or are you keeping him alive for him? Your heart will ultimately guide you in the right direction.

Sending emotional healing vibes your way.....

Oh I am so sorry - my heart goes out to you. I know you will make the right choice for Gus.

I am so sorry that is such a hard choice to make, exspeical when they have good and bad days you and your kitty will be in my thoughts (((Hugs)))

Oh my gosh, I am SO sad for you. I know both my kitties have been sick the past few weeks, and the one day, Missy was SO, SO ill, I brought her to the Vets, but thought she really was dying. I cried and cried so hard that day, and KNOW how you are feeling. It is such a difficult, difficult thing to decide. But none of us here, ever want our beloved pets to ever suffer. My heart is with you...

Originally posted by Gus's Mom
Gus had exploratory surgery today and they found a large tumor behind his soft pallette. It must be growing very fast this started about 2 months ago and he gets worse every week. How do you make the decision?? He has been my best friend for 12 years, we've been inseparable. I don't think I can do what I know should be done.My vet is not recommending chemo or radiation because he is a high stress kitty and the repeated visits to the vet are very tough on him. My heart is breaking, I always expected him to live much longer.

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I am so sorry for Gus and for you. I know what you are going through right now, and wish you and Gus the sweetest of times with what remains. Gus will tell you when it is time.

<<<hugs>>>

I'm so sorry, poor Gus, poor you ((Hug)).

I know that road you are on right now. We had to make this decision last year with Dunkin, a cat we rescued after someone tried to drown her. We had her almost 10 years and then she was diagnosed with cancer. We discussed putting her through chemo and the subsequent vet vists but decided against it, and let her slip off peacefully in our arms. It was the hardest decision but the right one. Our selfish desires to keep her was put aside for what was best for her.

Make the most of the time that you have and know that somewhere deep inside you have the courage to do right- I am so sorry for this turn of events-

I still cannot believe he's sick. Other than having difficulty breathing, he seems perfectly fine, does all the stuff he usually does, eats OK, wants to play but it makes him choke so he gives up. The vet said that because of where the tumor is, it's inoperable but you're right, if we tried chemo, it would be for me, not him. I don't think I can put him through the stress of it only to gain maybe 6 months. I know what I have to do, I just can't accept it.

I'm so sorry to hear about Gus. *Hugs*.

He'll tell you when its time, but until then enjoy the time you have with him.

I'm so sorry. I know how difficult it is. I had a cat that was very ill and dying and its extremely heartwrenching to go through

It is soooooo hard to watch your pal go down. We watched Gryphon several years ago, probably from cancer, though they never found a mass. My heart breaks for you, and for Gus. He'll let you know when it's time, and in your love for him you'll find the courage. Meanwhile, we're all here hangin' in with you.


And I've just seen your other thread with Gus's picture-- I thought I'd dissolve. He's so handsome and VERY like Gryph. Sending you lots of hugs.