Large cell lymphoma. Is it time to euthanize?

rachel2194

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My cat, Todd, was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma in the beginning of May.  I noticed a mass beginning to grow in his neck and within two weeks it had grown to a size a bit smaller than a golf ball.  It was beginning to restrict his esophagus and we made an appointment with MedVet.  Chemo was approximately $8500 and, according to the specialist, would only get him about 7-8 more months, so we decided to put him on Prednisone.  It worked great and the masses quickly diminished in size and he had a fantastic 3-4 weeks. 

Unfortunately, the masses are growing again.  He's lost interest in food and only drinks when I assist him with a syringe.  I can't get him interested in cat food, so I've simply been trying anything that he's interested in.  The only things I've really gotten him to eat this week are cheese, whipped cream, bacon, and mashed potatoes (he's always had a strange palate).  He's dropped from a steady 14lb 11oz to 14lb 0oz in about two weeks.  I think in my heart I know that his time is coming, but the thing that makes it the most difficult for me is that he still acts normal despite all of this.  He's still taking 5mg of Prednisone daily.  He sleeps more than usual, but when I take him outside he runs and tries to stalk birds. 

I'm in need of advice.  I'm making this decision alone for the most part and it's really tearing me apart.  I can't bear the idea of him being so alert when I take him to the vet, but I also can't watch him starve to death in front of me. 

Has anyone else been through a similar experience?  How did you decide when it was time?
 

denice

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I am so sorry.  I know many people say that you will know when it is time.  I have always struggled with it.  As long as he is eating something, it doesn't matter what as long as it isn't something toxic for cats like chocolate, then he is fine on that front anyway.  

People who say that you will know say that they have a look in their eyes, a tired look that they don't have otherwise.  
 

tobilei

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I have had to take a few of mine in. The decision feels impossible and sometimes in hindsight I'm not always sure I got it right. I think that's a guilt thing though, you wonder if you left it too long or not long enough. For me, it's when they have almost no quality of life left, when there is no interest in food, or they're so lethargic they are merely existing not living, or the pain is so bad they are miserable. Then it is time. He will tell you when it's time. Something just gives it away. A look, something they do, or you realize they haven't looked happy or okay in days. I'm sorry you have to make this decision. He sounds as though he's still enjoying life though if he's running and chasing the birds.
 
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