Sasha has lost a lot of body mass~!

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captiva

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I had company this weekend so I haven't been able to check in. I'm sorry about Sasha's diagnosis. He looks so spunky in those photos, E. I hope that he surprises his mommy and lives out many more months. McKenzie was diagnosed with liver cancer a year ago and she's still here. I don't know for certain if that is really what it is since they were unable to do a biopsy (too risky at her age) She is still getting thinner and she vomits almost every day, but she is still pretty sassy for a sick kitty!
 

kluchetta

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I did want to mention that although his white count is quite high, I got the idea from our vet that it was kind of a good thing. Smudge's white count never kicked in - he wasn't fighting it. So good old Sasha's immune system is doing great!
(And by the way, I've lost SO many cats to coyotes - GO SASHA!!!!)
 

missy&spikesmom

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Oh, I am so, so sorry about Sasha. I know the pain too, of trying and trying to decide what IS best, for our furbabies. And when it was said, that we DO know them, on a deeper level, that is SO correct. We know, by having shared so much with them, what is normal for their usual behaviors. We can, just by watching them, know when things are good.... or not-so-good. So, maybe just keep watching Sasha and you will know how things are going. Hopefully, they will go much smoother than you think and Sasha will stay comfortable for a long time. My heart is with you, and am so sad you have to take this "journey" with your dear sweet cat...
 
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sashacat421

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Originally Posted by captiva

............ I hope that he surprises his mommy and lives out many more months. McKenzie was diagnosed with liver cancer a year ago and she's still here. I don't know for certain if that is really what it is since they were unable to do a biopsy (too risky at her age) She is still getting thinner and she vomits almost every day, but she is still pretty sassy for a sick kitty!
Talk to me about this, Chrissie. McKenzie is a beautiful girl. Do you know the type of liver cancer? was it tumors or diffused like Sasha's? And is she on meds of some sort? How old is she now?
 

squirtle

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I have just had the opportunity to read about Sasha's diagnosis E, and I am so terribly sorry
I am literally fighting back tears as I sit here at my desk. I felt so optimistic last week when we found out if wasn't FIP and prayed so hard that it was just some odd illness and that Sasha would fully recover. Sasha is a big part of us here at TCS
Who hasn't heard of your big strong Coyote Clubber? He is going to be missed so much by all of us.
We are all here for you E, and there isn't one doubt in my mind that you made the right decision about the chemo. I know how much this hurts for you, but I hope that you can find some comfort when you think about Sisi, Freddie, and Sasha running around together at the RB. All I know, is that one day I hope I can see the big smile on your face when you are running and playing right along with them
 

laureen227

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Originally Posted by Pat & Alix

I am sorry..no words to say how much, to hear this. No one can question your soul bond, and your love for Sasha...you will do what's best for him.
glad to hear he's still enjoying his spring days! i know you'll know when/if the time is right - till then, enjoy that handsome boy to the fullest!
 

captiva

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She's 16 this year - She does have a mass that he said appears to have spread to her kidneys also. I don't know what type. I don't know if I even asked. He feels the reason she is throwing up is because her tumor is not pushing on her stomach and has pushed it in kind of a weird angle. I don't know about any drugs. He did not discuss with me. I do struggle every day in getting her to eat. Usually only about 4 or 5 oz of wet food per day. The vet did give me some appetite inducing drugs but said it would very well make her jittery. At this age, I don't feel she needs to be walking around with the shakes. He said the ultrasound showed a tumor consistent with cancer, but since the liver is such a risky organ to biopsy he felt it was not worth the risk. At first he felt it was CRF until they did the ultrasound and xray. I just wanted to share my story because I never would have thought she would be with me today still and she is. I hoped it might be a little bit of encouragement for you.
 
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sashacat421

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Originally Posted by captiva

............. I just wanted to share my story because I never would have thought she would be with me today still and she is. I hoped it might be a little bit of encouragement for you.
You are so right....it gives me great hope and encouragement, especially since you are not on a med plan right now. The good thing is that Sasha's red blood cells showed perfect and the cancer has not spread to other areas...but it's a diffused sarcoma, so instead of being in one place it's the entire liver, and stage 4. I can only hope his symptoms and any discomfort have been alleviated by the medicine. I rushed home from work and scooped him up in my arms, so delicately, and he was happy.
 

rosiemac

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Awwwww i'm so pleased Chris has given you some engouraging words Eddie


It's strange but i was just thinking about little Kenzie the other day as well, and i didn't realise that it was that long ago that she was diagnosed
 

lorie d.

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Oh my gosh!
Elizabeth, I'm so very very sorry it turned out to be cancer after all! Sasha has a special place in all our hearts, and I fully agree with and support the decision you've made about his treatment. He'll let you know when he's ready to let you and the vet help him cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. Until then, cherish the time you have left with him.

Again, I'm so sorry to learn he has cancer.
 

gailc

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Just doing some catching up on the update on Sasha. Enjoy every day you have with him!!!
As you remember Sheba was taken from me quite suddenly and I never had any time to prepare myself to her not being here anymore. What I did is I write down a list of things I dont' want to forget about her and keep it with her picture on my desk.
Sending hugs from mine to yours!!
 
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sashacat421

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Sasha is doing ok. Not great but not really bad, either. He has now had the oral meds for a week and they increased his responsiveness just a tad, hardly noticeable if you didn't know him. For instance, just turning his head in the direction of a sound, etc., which he wasn't doing all that much before. He still sleeps about 20 hrs per day and he's still eating a lot - which is good, he can eat as much as he wants - and is thirst has increased due to the meds.
So we're keeping little bowl of water and pillows all over the house, so he can feel comfy wherever he is. It's like he's been put into a holding pattern of sorts, and although he continues to lose weight and become thinner, he is in remarkably good spirits. Thanks to all who asked how he was doing. I've been spending every ounce of available time with my big guy~~
 

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I am glad to hear that he is still doing OK, and that you are spending lots of quality time with him.
 

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You and sweet Sasha remain in my prayers.
 

jcat

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Twenty hours really isn't too long for a cat his age to sleep. He might still be with you for a while, Eddie. One of our dogs had kidney cancer (inoperable), and he lasted a whole year after the diagnosis. He did a lot of sleeping, but enjoyed his meals, and went for walks, right up until the end. We did the same thing you're doing - made up comfortable beds for him, and placed food and water bowls all over. He really enjoyed lots of cuddles.
 

rapunzel47

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Glad to hear there's some response to the meds, even if it is small, and that our big fella is doing OK. Still sending lotsa vibes and prayers for you both. Enjoy every moment.
 
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sashacat421

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Originally Posted by jcat

Twenty hours really isn't too long for a cat his age to sleep. He might still be with you for a while, Eddie. One of our dogs had kidney cancer (inoperable), and he lasted a whole year after the diagnosis. He did a lot of sleeping, but enjoyed his meals, and went for walks, right up until the end. We did the same thing you're doing - made up comfortable beds for him, and placed food and water bowls all over. He really enjoyed lots of cuddles.
Thanks Tricia, everyone's stories and experiences bring great comfort.
How much weight did your dog lose and was it rapid and did he get really lean? Sasha keeps losing and he's so bony now, when he sits I can see it and when I pick him up, I feel everything. He doesn't seem to mind, I mean his spirits are always good. WHen I get near he starts to puurrr, it's so endearing. But nobody has mentioned a lot of weight loss so I'm trying to guage that in other experiences...?
 
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