Mon 14 Apr 2008
My cat friend called Phoebe is in a bad way. I took her to the vet’s
because she’s lost so much weight - she’s under 6 lbs. That is 2 lbs
lighter than she was not so long ago. Her bones are too prominent.

The vet could feel that her abdomen and maybe lymph nodes
are swollen. X-rays and ultrasound confirmed this.

She can either have a surgery to see what’s really going on,
probably cancer, and try to remove affected areas. Maybe, just
maybe, the affected areas can be removed and she’ll have a good
recovery. Sometimes during the surgery the cat is put to sleep
because the extent of the damage is too much and then she is
already ’sleeping.’ Or she can be put on medicine, no cure, a short
term treatment helpful in reducing swelling.

Today I waited for blood test results to determine if other areas
of her body are affected, in which case surgery would not be done…
The tests reveal she is otherwise okay.
I am keeping her indoors which is no easy feat with all the other
cats wanting ins & outs. I’m trying to help her be comfy and feed
her anything she’ll eat like people tuna, ham and baby food.

There’s no easy answer. With the surgery I may be
accelerating her demise. Without it, I’m not providing
her with a chance, however slight, to recover.
April 15th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Oh Jenny, that’s such a tough call. I do know how you feel, because when Victor was poorly last year we faced exactly the same decision. Fortunately he was okay, but you do have to think of these things (and unfortunately money does come into it too). Have you asked your vet their opinion? Sometimes that can be helpful. I think you have to ultimately it weigh up in terms of quality of life, which only you truly know. Big hugs to you and Phoebe xxxx
April 15th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Thanks so much, Fliss, for your caring thoughts & understanding.
April 19th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I’m so sorry Jenny to hear that you have such a tough call to make! I wish that I would have an easy anwser for you, but I don’t… I will keep you and your kitty in my thoughts and I’m sure that you will do best in those circumstances…
many hugs
April 20th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Aww, thank you Kasia. That is comforting and I really appreciate it.
April 22nd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
So sorry to read about Phoebe — and you — going through such a difficult experience. Earlier this year, I went through a similar situation with my kitty, Maggie. The only thing I can say is: trust your instincts; whatever you decide will be the right thing, because your decisions are guided by love. Sending healing thoughts Phoebe’s way.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Thank you, Hannah. That’s really sweet. I’m sorry about Maggie.
April 28th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
Oh Jenny, I’m *so* sorry about Phoebe. What a truly difficult situation for you both :( I wish I had some good advice, but I’m afraid I’m at a loss on this one. But I’ll be keeping you both in my thoughts and I’m wishing the best for you. Take care and big hugs to you both!
May 1st, 2008 at 9:27 am
Thanks Maryanne. Your kind words mean a lot.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I´m sorry to hear about your cat… I know how you feel, my cat died last year- 17 years old. Still miss him a lot..
May 15th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Thank you, Pia. They become part of your family, these dear felines.