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- Nov 24, 2012
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Hi, I'm new to this site, having just found it while researching feline lymphoma. My boy Gryphon (who has never had any health issues AT ALL! in his 16 years) was diagnosed with lymphoma about 5 weeks ago. I have studiously avoided thinking about any negative outcome of this diagnosis, preferring instead to focus strictly on hope and possitive vibes while we underwent chemo. Several of the stories/threads I've read on this site have enabled me to maintain my hope for a good outcome.
Unfortunately, this past Tuesday night, Gryphon had a bloody vomit episode following his doxorubicin treatment. He was taken to the emergency clinic for fluids, etc; and then transferred to his regular vet's office for a blood tranfusion and ultrasound the next morning. The results of the ultrasound showed that the lymphoma has now spread to his intestines, kidneys and spleen. There is nothing left to be done.
The vet and I had the quality of life discussion, made plans for him to come to my house when it's time, and discussed how I'll know when that time has come.
I've read many similiar stories here, and found some great advice, but nobody tells you how to behave / cope with the devestation while he's still here.
It can't be helpful to him that I can't stop crying. I'm also sure that the hovering isn't good for him either. I'm trying to let him be, but I find myself wanting to spend every moment of the day with him now that I know that his time is almost gone. Most of the time he is amenable to marathon snuggles, but that is not our norm. Although he has become slightly more needy for attention since he's gotten sick, he still maintains the cat credo of wanting attention only when he wants it. We have our daily rituals of togetherness, but now that's not enough for me.
So, can anybody tell me how to reassert some normalcy for his sake? How does one go about business as usual? Being a holiday weekend, I've had excessive time off to do nothing but obsess over his every move. I don't know how long he has left, and I want to make it as comfortable for him as possible. Right now, he is still eating, drinking and using the litterbox ok. His back leg isn't cooperating all that well following the chronic anemia he experienced after the blood filled vomit, but he still manages to get everywhere he wants to go. Trying to process that this is the end, and not knowing how long we have is killing me. I don't want him to suffer for my heartbreak.
I'd like to be able to function as close to our normal routine as possible with the exception of extra love when he wants it, anything he wants to eat or do, etc. He will be even more spoiled than he's ever been.
For the most awesome kitty boy ever, please help me deal with this.....
Unfortunately, this past Tuesday night, Gryphon had a bloody vomit episode following his doxorubicin treatment. He was taken to the emergency clinic for fluids, etc; and then transferred to his regular vet's office for a blood tranfusion and ultrasound the next morning. The results of the ultrasound showed that the lymphoma has now spread to his intestines, kidneys and spleen. There is nothing left to be done.
The vet and I had the quality of life discussion, made plans for him to come to my house when it's time, and discussed how I'll know when that time has come.
I've read many similiar stories here, and found some great advice, but nobody tells you how to behave / cope with the devestation while he's still here.
It can't be helpful to him that I can't stop crying. I'm also sure that the hovering isn't good for him either. I'm trying to let him be, but I find myself wanting to spend every moment of the day with him now that I know that his time is almost gone. Most of the time he is amenable to marathon snuggles, but that is not our norm. Although he has become slightly more needy for attention since he's gotten sick, he still maintains the cat credo of wanting attention only when he wants it. We have our daily rituals of togetherness, but now that's not enough for me.
So, can anybody tell me how to reassert some normalcy for his sake? How does one go about business as usual? Being a holiday weekend, I've had excessive time off to do nothing but obsess over his every move. I don't know how long he has left, and I want to make it as comfortable for him as possible. Right now, he is still eating, drinking and using the litterbox ok. His back leg isn't cooperating all that well following the chronic anemia he experienced after the blood filled vomit, but he still manages to get everywhere he wants to go. Trying to process that this is the end, and not knowing how long we have is killing me. I don't want him to suffer for my heartbreak.
I'd like to be able to function as close to our normal routine as possible with the exception of extra love when he wants it, anything he wants to eat or do, etc. He will be even more spoiled than he's ever been.
For the most awesome kitty boy ever, please help me deal with this.....