Ignatz--lymphoma--am I doing the right thing?

Hello all.

My beloved cat Ignatz who has been with me for 14 years was diagnosed last week with gastrointestinal lymphoma, affecting his stomach, intestines and kidneys.

He started chemotherapy on Friday. Saturday he was more alert than he had been for days, and he had a very good appetite. Sunday morning he ate breakfast and has not eaten since, although he has still been drinking a bit of water. Last night I gave him about 6cc of tuna water, which he swallowed and kept down.

This morning he was terribly weak. I took him to the vet where they have him on IVs and fluids, more cortisone and antibiotics. They say I can take him home tonight but he may have to go back tomorrow. He is supposed to have his 2nd course of chemo on Friday.

I want to give the chemo a chance to work, but his current state distresses me so, and I can't help wondering if I'm doing the right thing.

I am sorry for what you are going through with your cat. I don't know anything about what you are experiencing. But I think you have to do what you feel is right in your heart and what you can live with. I pray that your kitty will improve and that you will have some more time to love him before he leaves you.

You will know in your heart what you need to do. God Bless you and your sweet kitty.

Originally Posted by Yosemite

You will know in your heart what you need to do. God Bless you and your sweet kitty.

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Very true...when you look in Ignatz's eyes you'll find the answer. My prayers are with you and your darling kitty.

So sorry to hear about Ignatz illness. Hard to know what to do in these cases. Just pray and ask God to guide you.

I'll be praying that God will comfort and guide you and heal Ignatz.

I am so sorry you have to go through this! Just follow your heart.

I am really sorry about your kitty. It is always heartwrenching when this happens.

What has your vet said about the prognosis? Is there any chance the chemo will get rid of the cancer, or is the goal simply to try something and see how he responds?

From what I understand, the chemo doses given to pets are lower than human doses, so the side effects aren't as severe. I'm sure it's pretty miserable, though, and your kitty doesn't understand what's being done to him or why.

I guess you need to consider Ignatz's quality of life, his age and what he is likely to gain if you continue with the next treatment. If you weigh all these things, you might be able to make the right decision on his behalf.

Again, I am sorry about your baby. My thoughts go with you.

I'm sorry to have to say that we had to let our beloved Ignatz go last week.

I took him home from the vet Tuesday night. He had a very bad night and showed no signs of improvement in the morning. By the afternoon (Wednesday) it was clear that he was miserable. He couldn't even stand up by then. We called and made an appointment for the vet to come at 10AM Thursday morning. As soon as I hung up the phone Iggy cried at me several times. This was the first time I'd heard him vocalize since Saturday. I knew what he was saying. I called the vet back and asked him to come right away. He arrived in 35 minutes. Then he spent about 20 mins with us discussing the medical records, then he did a short exam of Iggy, and said that he agreed with our decision. So he gave Iggy a shot and he passed peacefully in our arms.

Oh my, I am so sorry about your precious baby. God bless you as you mourn. I pray that you will have peace in your heart. Your kitty is out of the pain now. Rest in peace sweet baby.

I am so sorry that it ended like that, but I am sure it was best for him. RIP Iggy, you were much loved right to the end.

May God grant you serenity and peace and comfort at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.

I am so sorry for your loss. How wonderful, though, that your vet was able to come to your home. I'm sure that was more comfortable for Ignatz. Rest in peace, Ignatz!

Iâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]m so sorry Iggy didnâ€[emoji]8482[/emoji]t respond well to the treatments. I know how much it hurt to lose him. He knows you loved him very much and tried your best to help him. May your many years of good memories comfort you, and know he is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

RIP Ignatz.

I'm so sorry for your loss I'm sure Iggy knew you did your best

RIP Iggy sweetheart