Tumor / SCC: Defying the Odds with Hospice Care - Living with a Terminally Ill Loved One, I share w

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 21, 2016

nerdgirl5 said:
Thanks so much for the reply and tips! I can't feed Lamont any dry food. He was diagnosed with diabetes in December and I got him into remission just by switching to a wet diet. I'm currently feeding him a mixture of Wellness Core Chicken, Fancy Feast Classic Salmon Feast and Cats in the Kitchen Chicken Frick A Zee. He loves them all.

They all are very very low in carbs, high(ish) in protein and high in fat, which I read is good for slowing down metasizes (sp?) I found a site--http://ww.catinfo.org -- that's run by a vet, Lisa Pierson, and it's been INVALUABLE to me. I was able to get Lamont into diabetic remission in 4 days just following the suggestions on the site (my vet was amazed--Lamont's never had to take insulin) and the site has really handly charts that list every wet food there is with the calories, fat, carbs & protein.

Yes, let's keep each other informed.

Best to you and Simon!

Those are all wet foods. Simon was strictly a dry food cat and despised any wet food, not even people. Just cheese and some dairy. So this has been fantastic for him. The little sun of a gun was looking in the fridge but when I blended his food he went to hide on me. LOL He's trying to be independent again and showing me whose boss, but he needs my help. LOL

Oh how proud our wee ones are. LOL

Thanks for the site link, look forward to checking it out. Be well...

misty8723 · Apr 21, 2016

I can't read this right now because I'm already crying, but God bless you for giving Simon as much love and time as you can. You won't regret it. We had 22 months with Cindy after her cancer diagnose and hoped to have her longer but it wasn't to be. We only had Darcy a month or so after her FIP diagnosis, but we gave her the best care we could for as long as we could. it's so hard to see it and go through it, but I could never have been so selfish as to euthanize so I didn't have to watch them go through it.

nerdgirl5 · Apr 21, 2016

Of course! You too..

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 21, 2016

Misty8723 said:
I can't read this right now because I'm already crying, but God bless you for giving Simon as much love and time as you can. You won't regret it. We had 22 months with Cindy after her cancer diagnose and hoped to have her longer but it wasn't to be. We only had Darcy a month or so after her FIP diagnosis, but we gave her the best care we could for as long as we could. it's so hard to see it and go through it, but I could never have been so selfish as to euthanize so I didn't have to watch them go through it.

I'm sorry for the loss of your "little ones". Right now I have to remember there is no time for sadness. There will be time to morn after God decides...

Thankfully he's been able enjoy the little things in life. I just wish he could eat on his own.

Simon and I thank you for your blessing, and support.

Warm regards..

inanna · Apr 21, 2016

Stew

Stewball said:
How old is toothless?

@Stewball - Toothless is 5 years old. She's named after a dragon

@2cats4everloved - I think you are on to something. I'll call her Feet again. Thank you so much for sharing Simon with us. I love reading your thread and getting the day by day play

@nerdgirl5 - my heart goes out to you and Lamont

@misty8723 - I'm so sorry for your losses

nerdgirl5 · Apr 21, 2016

Thank you!

stewball · Apr 22, 2016

2Cats4everLoved said:
I'm sorry for the loss of your "little ones". Right now I have to remember there is no time for sadness. There will be time to morn after God decides...

Thankfully he's been able enjoy the little things in life. I just wish he could eat on his own.

Simon and I thank you for your blessing, and support.

Warm regards..

My late lotto finished his life being hand fed recovery. He didn't eat much and wouldn't drink. In the end he asked me to let him go.

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 25, 2016

Simon's Diary: "Our Bittersweet Journey...the long goodbye"

April 2016 con't: Simon's been able to overcome the difficulties this cancer has presented thus far. Despite his poor little mouth shifting, again, he's managed to maintain his sweet, snarky, playful, loving disposition.

The biggest challenge for me is to not get relaxed or too excited when it comes to him acting "normal". This cancer is like a growing infant, as soon as there's a pattern (for better or worse) it changes.

I really need to remind myself that he is an animal and they have instincts we don't, so follow him, don't try to change his habits making him uncomfortable, or resentful of me. The only thing I do is make sure is his eating enough. I gave up on set times for feeding, but as said in earlier post, I just set a goal for 1 large can per day.

April 7th - Simon relaxing after a little luncheon.

9aebb0f7-0245-4e18-85aa-9dc06083ed08_zps5rrrir9s.J

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 23, 2016

Below - April 8th... Still enjoys grooming. I wet him down slightly to give him a head start.

april 9th.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 23, 2016

Below April 10th... Simon enjoying his "string" game.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

IMG_3919.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

My Sweet Boy.

IMG_3920.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

His right eye is sunken in, which started to happen back in March, but now his left eye is starting to pop out a little and seems larger, our latest concern and something else I need to start researching.

Has any one experienced a bulging eye syndrome? I don't want him to suffer a stroke or a painful seizure. He can still see out of it.

April 11th, 2 months since diagnosis.

IMG_3981.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

Later that afternoon, he shared a celebration nap with his adopted sis, Chestnut...

He really doesn't like Chess getting too close, but once he realizes she comes in peace, he relaxes to the sound of her purring as he drifts into a deep slumber.

simonchessyljljkjljkjl.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

The above picture is better for seeing how Simon's left eye is larger.

April 12th, Please note in the photo below, I'm not strangling Simon, I was massaging him. lol

IMG_3922.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

Above, you can see how the tumor is pushing his tongue up under his left side, making his tongue flop over to the right. It's not just shifted in that direction.

This made feeding difficult but once again, he gets the feel and he is able to suck the food from syringe as I feed him slowly.

April 13th, Simon being brushed after a nice sponge bath and then ready to play.

Washdown.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 25, 2016

What is it about cats and newspapers? LOL This was a good day, Simon stayed up with us and hung out in the kitchen, he ate more than a 1/2 cup in one sitting. I think the pain med's are too strong. They really space him out to the point of being nonfunctional. Realizing this we give him one dose a day, usually before bed, that way he can function and be active during the day and enjoy himself.

April 15th, Simon 30 minutes after taking Buprenorphine.

april 16.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

After 6 years of Chestnut living with us, Simon still gives us that look, "She's still here"...

That was his seat and when he got up she called "shot gun" lol, he's not thrilled.

April 15th chessy simon.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 24, 2016

For the first half of April Simon was still in good spirits, He's still drinking lots of water from the faucet and has been averaging 3/4 cups of food a day.

There were a few moments of sadness, but I need to save that for when he's not looking because he notices. I'm naturally not a sad or excitable person, neither is my husband so we need to remain calm, hard but required for this process. Also, I need to keep in mind the weather, this week happened to be filled with rainy, cold and windy mornings with sun in the afternoon. And that makes all the difference to Simon, always has.

My concern as said, is that eye. He's a trooper...

to be con't.

stewball · Apr 26, 2016

2Cats4everLoved said:
Simon's Diary: "Our Bittersweet Journey...the long goodbye"

April 2016 con't: Simon's been able to overcome the difficulties this cancer has presented thus far. Despite his poor little mouth shifting, again, he's managed to maintain his sweet, snarky, playful, loving disposition.

The biggest challenge for me is to not get relaxed or too excited when it comes to him acting "normal". This cancer is like a growing infant, as soon as there's a pattern (for better or worse) it changes.

I really need to remind myself that he is an animal and they have instincts we don't, so follow him, don't try to change his habits making him uncomfortable, or resentful of me. The only thing I do is make sure is his eating enough. I gave up on set times for feeding, but as said in earlier post, I just set a goal for 1 large can per day.

April 7th - Simon relaxing after a little luncheon.

9aebb0f7-0245-4e18-85aa-9dc06083ed08_zps5rrrir9s.J

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 23, 2016

Below - April 8th... Still enjoys grooming. I wet him down slightly to give him a head start.

April 9th, Sweet Slumbers...

april 9th.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 23, 2016

Below April 10th... Simon enjoying his "string" game.

I understand this video isn't too exciting to watch but for us it was actually exciting. Simon had been so groggy from the pain med's, all he's wanted to do is eat, sleep and look out the window. So to see him active and interested, was pleasing.

More from April 10th... Simon's getting some color back. However, the rust patch on his left cheek, I thought was the food discoloring his fur, it turns out, it's blood from his tooth rubbing his upper lip. I need to get a better look inside his mouth when he's sleeping.

IMG_3916.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

IMG_3919.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

My Sweet Boy.

IMG_3920.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

His right eye is sunken in, which started to happen back in March, but now his left eye is starting to pop out a little and seems larger, our latest concern and something else I need to start researching.

Has any one experienced a bulging eye syndrome? I don't want him to suffer a stroke or a painful seizure. He can still see out of it.

April 11th, 2 months since diagnosis.

IMG_3981.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

Later that afternoon, he shared a celebration nap with his adopted sis, Chestnut...
He really doesn't like Chess getting too close, but once he realizes she comes in peace, he relaxes to the sound of her purring as he drifts into a deep slumber.

simonchessyljljkjljkjl.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

The above picture is better for seeing how Simon's left eye is larger.

April 12th, Please note in the photo below, I'm not strangling Simon, I was massaging him. lol

IMG_3922.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

Above, you can see how the tumor is pushing his tongue up under his left side, making his tongue flop over to the right. It's not just shifted in that direction.
This made feeding difficult but once again, he gets the feel and he is able to suck the food from syringe as I feed him slowly.

April 13th, Simon being brushed after a nice sponge bath and then ready to play.

Washdown.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 25, 2016

What is it about cats and newspapers? LOL This was a good day, Simon stayed up with us and hung out in the kitchen, he ate more than a 1/2 cup in one sitting. I think the pain med's are too strong. They really space him out to the point of being nonfunctional. Realizing this we give him one dose a day, usually before bed, that way he can function and be active during the day and enjoy himself.

April 15th, Simon 30 minutes after taking Buprenorphine.

april 16.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

After 6 years of Chestnut living with us, Simon still gives us that look, "She's still here"...
That was his seat and when he got up she called "shot gun" lol, he's not thrilled.

April 15th chessy simon.JPG

2Cats4everLoved

Apr 24, 2016

For the first half of April Simon was still in good spirits, He's still drinking lots of water from the faucet and has been averaging 3/4 cups of food a day.

There were a few moments of sadness, but I need to save that for when he's not looking because he notices. I'm naturally not a sad or excitable person, neither is my husband so we need to remain calm, hard but required for this process. Also, I need to keep in mind the weather, this week happened to be filled with rainy, cold and windy mornings with sun in the afternoon. And that makes all the difference to Simon, always has.

My concern as said, is that eye. He's a trooper...

to be con't.

Lovely Simon. Hugs and kisses for both of you.

sherit · Apr 27, 2016

I wanted to say that I read your entire journal about Simon and your love and compassion for him.

He is a beautiful cat....love his color and marking..

Is he still with you or has he passed over the Rainbow Bridge ?

My heart goes out to you and those who love Simon..

including any other pets in the house

that love Simon too.

We were within one hour of euthanizing Bro for severe arthritis and had dug the grave and he had a miracle

from prayer...he is still with us and enjoying life.. 4 months later..we were given more time to enjoy 9 year old Bro

for a while..

He has a tumor or lipoma on his side about 2 inches long and wide now but the vet does not say he remained silent when I showed him earlier this month when Bro went to get his series of annual shots.

The first tumor area appeared after Bro got a steriod shot..it seemed but I have no way to know so we just

enjoy each day with Bro until his time to cross the Rainbow Bridge arrives....

SheriT, Bro and Lily in Alabama

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 27, 2016

Simon's Diary: "Our Bittersweet Journey...the long goodbye"

Much to our amazement, Simon is still with us and doing well, considering. I'm not in denial and do realize with each passing week, the end will be in sight sooner than later.

I really don't understand what's driving him to stick around week after week, perhaps he's not ready - he knows we're not ready, maybe both. Or could it be all the well wishes and prayers he's been receiving from the wonderful people here on "The Cat Site" and for that we couldn't be more grateful. The support has been heartwarming and has kept my spirits filled with hope. The advice, stories and information shared with me prove to be invaluable as we take on this merciless cancer.

Again, my sincere thanks

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

This was truly thrilling... he's been eating out of that bowl since he was 3 weeks old. This was a big boost for his ego too.

He received one dose of pain med's at 7 p.m, and ate a 1/4 cup of food at 9:30 p.m. it wasn't much, but he was drinking water throughout the day. And he was always the type of cat who would fuel up then go a day of not eating too much. I tried not to worry, well, not too much anyway.

Sunday April 17th, Simon was very engaged and acting sweet first thing in the morning and when feeding Chestnut, Simon heard the crunchies tinkling as they hit the bowl and he came running out wanting food. I put one down but his tongue knocked it around like a hockey puck, lol poor guy. He showed interest in eating and allowed me to feed him a 1/4 cup of food then drank a 1/4 of milk out of his bowl.

Simon checking out Chestnuts voluptuous bum while she was getting down from his chair to chow down. LOL

bumm.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

Simon had another healthy bowel movement, and decided to nap. I gave him pain med's at 1:30 p.m. and 1 dose of Clindamycin at 3:30. He slept for most of the day, and by the end of the day, he ate an entire can of high protein food, drank a good amount of water and milk and seemed very content, as were we.

below - I did notice though, his left eye is getting larger.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

Monday April 18th - Simon ate very little and drank normal amount, I didn't force the issue. He was a little crusty from all the drooling, and since the weather was going to be in the 70's, I gave him a decent bath. He was happy, annoyed then happy again. LOL He loved being brushed in the sun and very much liked being clean. He wasn't interested in med's so I didn't waste them, tomorrow's another day.

Simon after his bath...

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

April 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd, were pretty much the same with slight changes in behavior. I had to keep in mind, my husbands work schedule changed to evenings, and that usually messes up all of our internal clocks.

April 19th I did give Simon pain Med's at 6:30 a.m. and around 8 a.m. he started twitching with his eye open, I'm thinking it was a dream. I woke him gently and he seemed okay, it was a little strange for him. He ate very well, over a can of food, plus some vanilla ice cream, plus milk. All in all a good day.

below, Simon happy. He even hung out with daddy while he was getting ready for work and managed to get a brushing with daddy's brush, LOL - he snuggled into the fresh laundry on the bed so I left him there to sleep. I gave him his pain med's again at 12:45 a.m.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

April 20th - Simon wasn't too hungry but he did eat a lot yesterday. Urinating normal but no bowels. He drank his water and about a 1/4 cup of milk. He was his usually snarky old self to Chestnut and growled at her when she tried to hi jack his window seat. LOL I gave him his Clindamycin at 1 p.m., after he woke up he drank, slept more, then at 9:30 p.m.he sat by the fridge looking for food and ate 1/2 can of the Pro Plan CN.

You can see with all the eating, he's managed to put a few oz's on those bones.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

below... Chessy not too happy with this window situation. LOL

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

April 21st and April 22nd were good days with slight variations in cravings and habits. He only received the pain med's once a day, and no Clindamycin. He was very much interested in eating he's now back on the IAMS MAX CAL, he is still drinking milk but not as much.

Thursday the 21st, Simon pooped a healthy amount in the morning. Later on he sat in front of the fridge wanting food. He was acting completely normal showing no signs of discomfort. He was such a pleasure and was very loving. The mamma's boy I had been missing. I picked him up and he grabbed my hand with his paw as if we we're dancing, so cute. We hadn't done that in a while.

Simon enjoying his daily massage.

Friday the 22nd, Simon hesitated with the water, which was unnerving, if that happens then it's the end. Simon also gagged at the first feeding of food, it seems his tongue shifted again, but after the first syringe, he got the feel for it and sucked it all up, and by days end he ate 1 & 1/2 cans of the IAMS MAX CAL.YAY!!!!! I couldn't believe it.

I was on a very long phone call and Simon was trying to get my attention by climbing and hiding behind the T.V which is a no no...

Then he managed to crawl into a shopping bag filled with throw rugs ready to be laundered. LOL with a "I'll show her" attitude. LOL

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

Simon glad to finally get attention... typical male. LOL

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

Simon is "defying the odds" is an understatement. He's still able to live his life in a way I could never have imagined after leaving the vets back in February.

I can't say it enough if you are going through a similar situation, don't change your routine anymore than you have to. "Normal" is key.

Items I keep handy at all times:

Notebook and pen

Towels and Paper Towels

Wash cloth

Old tee shirts - for me when feeding

Syringes - cleaned after every feeding and after cleaning I keep them separated until use, I noticed that the rubber expands making it hard to press, I also rub a little olive oil on the rubber part so it slides easily, making the feeding process pleasant for both of us.

Camera

Food - I put on the counter to get room temperature, the max cal gets goopy from the protein.

By tomorrow, I WILL have "Simon's Diary: Journey" up to date. This past week was pretty good with the usual ups and down. and I think I finally have a handle on all things I actually do have control over, the rest is up to the "Big Guy" in the sky.

Thanks again for all your support.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 27, 2016

What a difference a year makes... I would have never guessed.

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 27, 2016

SheriT said:
I wanted to say that I read your entire journal about Simon and your love and compassion for him.

He is a beautiful cat....love his color and marking..

Is he still with you or has he passed over the Rainbow Bridge ?

My heart goes out to you and those who love Simon..

including any other pets in the house

that love Simon too.

We were within one hour of euthanizing Bro for severe arthritis and had dug the grave and he had a miracle

from prayer...he is still with us and enjoying life.. 4 months later..we were given more time to enjoy 9 year old Bro

for a while..

He has a tumor or lipoma on his side about 2 inches long and wide now but the vet does not say he remained silent when I showed him earlier this month when Bro went to get his series of annual shots.

The first tumor area appeared after Bro got a steriod shot..it seemed but I have no way to know so we just

enjoy each day with Bro until his time to cross the Rainbow Bridge arrives....

SheriT, Bro and Lily in Alabama

Yes, Simon is still with us. He's been incredible and such a trooper, I can't believe it. He amazes me every day.

Thank you very much for your support.

I hope Bro is doing well and you have many moments yet to share with one another. I can't believe Bro's story, wow, almost gone and yet he's still here. I guess God had another plan in mind for him. That story gives me chills...

Simon has an adopted sister Chestnut, but since he thinks he's human, he doesn't know what to make of her. LOL He is treating her a bit sweeter as of late. She is a sweetie pie, but this was his house first... so the story goes

sherit · Apr 28, 2016

thanks for letting me know that Simon is still with you.

and for writing back..

Sheri and bro and lily

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 28, 2016

Simon's Diary: "Our Bittersweet Journey...the long goodbye"

April Con't.

Saturday, April 23rd & Sunday, April 24th - Simon was consistent for the entire weekend,

Old habits were back... running out when hearing crunchies hit the bowl - sitting in the middle of the floor ready to play when he hearing the bells from his ball - sitting in the window, people & bird watching, He jumped in and out of bags when daddy wasn't paying attention to him acting like a little kitten, and even sat on his cat cat condo and played with the fish in the tank, something he hadn't done since February.

Simon received 1 dose of pain med's per day, and received 1 dose of Clindamycin on Sunday.

Eating started out to be a challenge with this latest shift in tongue, but once he and I realized his head needs to be tilted a certain way, it became a breeze. Simon had started growling while eating, but he stopped doing that, at least for now. Much to my surprise, Simon has averaged a little more than 1 can of IAMS Max Cal per day, not bad.

I won't lie, feeding time can be messy. I do wrap him in a towel but the key is paper towels and clean his chin as we go. Because his jaw is crooked, some of the food slips out the left side. But if I clean as we go, he keeps eating and puts his tongue out for more after each syringe. He even licked a wedge of cheese down to a nub and attempted to eat a crunchie. He drank his usual water and milk from his favorite bowl.

Bathroom habits are normal and healthy...

His left eye is becoming more enlarged - since we can't x-ray, I fear at this point I'll never know what is really going on in there.

Simon still loves to groom himself, but I do pat him down to give him a head start so his favorite pastime of lounging in the sun while grooming are still very much enjoyed.

Below are some pictures from the weekend.

Simon's Weekend Adventures!

April 23rd

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

Above, Simon not happy with daddy ignoring him, so he kept jumping in and out of the bag. LOL

Simon enjoying the morning sun, birds and crazy neighbors across the driveway.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

Here he is playing with the fish.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

With Simon looking left, you see a silver pictus catfish, who actually goes after Simon, they would play endlessly.

Simon grooming after a hearty meal.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

April 24th

Just hanging around...

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

below, Simon relaxing after pain med's looking a little loopy. You can see his left eye is a little larger and the tongue is sticking out a bit more.

BUT he's put on weight.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

Enjoying the beautiful weather and open windows,

Simon loves people & bird watching while on the lookout for strays who lounge on the garage roof.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 28, 2016

Soon after Simon took his place on the bed and slept until later that evening. Not a bad weekend. We had so much fun with him, and I believe he had fun too.

Simon's Journey continues...

,

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 29, 2016

Simon's Diary: "Our Bittersweet Journey...the long goodbye"

April Con't.

Strange beginning to the week: Pain Med's - Does Buprenorphine have a slight odor?

When Simon runs out of his Buprenorphine, I call the vet and walk over to pick it up. We've only been getting 4 days worth/8 syringes at a time, I don't know why, I feel buying more would jinx our situation. So this past Monday, I called to have ready by noon. I got there a little early, it wasn't ready, so I waited. They misunderstood and only gave me 4 syringes, it was okay I could walk back anytime.

When I got home, I noticed the syringes were filled a little more than 0.1, almost 0.2. I thought, okay, I can measure it, no problem. When I measured it into the other syringe, I noticed a slight odor which it never had before. I gave Simon the proper amount for 1 dose, and not even 15 minutes later he was walking around disorientated and extremely loopy. I remember another Member saying how their cat would get "stoned" like and start playing. But this never had this effect on Simon.

I got the syringe, tasted the tip and it had a strong flavor. In the past when I tested it, it had no odor and no flavor. You may find me strange, but I always dab a bit of their meds on my tongue to see what I'm up against, if the flavor is horrific, I know administering it will be difficult, I need to be prepared.

We need to get more tomorrow and I don't know how to ask the vet about this without sounding accusing. I feel like we've been getting water. Could it have been a different brand? I guess I could start with that question. lol

Monday, April 25th

Today actually started out very well, a good beginning to the day. We woke to Simon hiding under his dads desk an old bad habit, a big no no, and when he was scooted out, he hid slightly under the bed just on the side in his old spot where he'd lie in wait to ambush Chestnut getting down off the bed. Sure enough, that's what he was up to, she got a "love tap" on her butt.

I put down some milk in his favorite bowl which he enjoyed, and he also drank water from the faucet. He seemed slightly cranky, and besides being ill, the weather was very humid with rain in the forecast, this always played a factor in his moods, as well as mine. I didn't want to annoy him so I got into cleaning and painting the cabinet under the kitchen sink, I left it open to dry after I finished and took the walk to the vet to pick up meds.

When I got back he was hanging out inside the cabinets. LOL Soon after is when he received his dose of pain meds. Then got really loopy.

He ate a 1/4 cup of the IAMS Max Cal and then fell asleep on the bed. I let him sleep all day. Finally around 10:00 p.m. he woke up and ate another 1/4 cup of food, enjoyed a sponge bath, drank and retired for the evening.

below, Loopy Simon.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

loopy.JPG

2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Tuesday April 26th, Simon ate an entire can of IAMS Max Cal, drank milk from bowl and lots of water. All is normal. Bathroom habits great.

The pain meds have worn off, he was definitely rested. Simon was engaged, playful, and curious, so much so, he opened the kitchen cabinet to give his stamp of approval to the work I did yesterday. LOL

When he did eat though, the first syringe was difficult and he gagged. Then the food went down smoothly. Simon groomed himself and seemed content.

below, Simon getting on with his day after his drug induced coma yesterday.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Wednesday April 27th and Thursday 28th, Simon ate his usual amount, although Wednesday morning when I pulled out the hand blender to mix his food, he looked at me and ran off. I didn't go looking for him, I waited until he showed interest in eating. I guess that was his was of telling me he wasn't ready. LOL As long as he doesn't go deep into hiding, I won't worry.

His mannerism's and habits remain, sweet, playful, curious and extremely loving, hungry & thirsty. He's still putting his hand over my mouth and strokes my nose with his paw while we lay quietly on the bed, so sweet.

below, Wednesday...

Simon flirting with Chestnut...

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Simon caught flirting!

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Just hanging with Sis...

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Playing tether ball...

Thursday... Yesterday!

below, Simon making sure I'm cleaning the tank correctly.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Chestnut took over Simon's bag and when she settled,

I swear she stuck her tongue out at him, na na nana na...

.

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

Just relaxing after a busy morning of bossing around mommy!

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2Cats4everLoved
Apr 29, 2016

I keep saying to him, will you be around next week, or Daddy want's to spend time with you this weekend, from powers unknown, he's still here.

If he keeps eating & drinking, we'll be good for a little while longer anyway.

Many thanks to @Red Top Rescue for giving me wonderful advice on making arrangements ahead of time. I had a good idea on what needed to be done, it's something I had to do for several family members but for some reason, this seemed more personal and I was putting it off.

To be con't.

red top rescue · Apr 29, 2016

Glad to see he's still enjoying life and bossing mommy around. Very sensitive of you not to pursue him with the food and wait for him to show interest. Glad my PM message was helpful too. Hope you have a great weekend!

abby2932 · Apr 29, 2016

I'm following your thread with much interest. I've never been in the situation that you are in before.

I've only had 3 cats in my adult life that 100% depend on me. One passed away young and very suddenly in 2008 and the other 2 are here with me now, 10 years old and 5 years old.

I think you are taking great care of Simon and I'm sure he appreciates your concern for his comfort and well being.I hope of my cats ever need such special care that I'm able to do as wonderful of a job as you are with Simon.

stewball · Apr 29, 2016

I still think you are marvellous and Simon is lucky to have you as his mummy.

Margret · Apr 29, 2016

Did you ever find out what was in that syringe that made him loopy? You do need to ask any time there's some doubt about the medication. Mistakes happen to the best of us, and if there's been a mistake with medicines the vet needs to know about it.

The way you ask without being accusatory is to say "I think there may have been a mistake. This doesn't seem to be the same medicine Simon got before, and the intended dosage seems different." Notice that you're simply acknowledging that a mistake could have happened, not saying something like "Are you trying to kill my cat, giving him the wrong medicine?!" A good vet will not object to being asked when the client notices something wrong. Doctors also know that mistakes happen, and they're grateful when someone catches the mistake before it does major damage.

Margret

2Cats4everLoved · Apr 29, 2016

Red Top Rescue said:
Abby2932 said:

I'm following your thread with much interest. I've never been in the situation that you are in before.

I've only had 3 cats in my adult life that 100% depend on me. One passed away young and very suddenly in 2008 and the other 2 are here with me now, 10 years old and 5 years old.

I think you are taking great care of Simon and I'm sure he appreciates your concern for his comfort and well being.I hope of my cats ever need such special care that I'm able to do as wonderful of a job as you are with Simon.

Click to expand...

@Abby2932

Thank you so much for your kind words. I pray I'm taking great care and doing the right thing for my "baby boy", I suppose we will always question ourselves as to weather we do what's best. If only they could talk...

I'm sorry you lost one of your furry wee ones, it's never easy. And thank you again for your support, it really means a lot. I hope you have many years to enjoy your little ones, and I have no doubt, you'd be a wonderful caregiver to your little ones.

Tumor / SCC: Defying the Odds with Hospice Care - Living with a Terminally Ill Loved One, I share w

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