Last Friday, we discovered a drop of blood in Tach?ɬ’s urine. I immediately sent her to the vet that morning. After some urine and blood tests and further x-rays, the vet discovered that she has an abnormally enlarged kidney. With all the tests, our vet thinks that it’s an indication of lymphoma. But to be certain, we scheduled for a sonogram to get a better look at her internally.
Today, early in the morning, we sent her back to the vet for the sonogram and a tissue test, and both results confirmed that it is indeed lymphoma, which is a form of cancer.
The unwelcoming news is obviously devastating to Bruce and I. But we are focused on doing what’s best for her. So that she can live the rest of her life as comfortable and as best we can provide to her.
We are at a point where we have to decide if we want to put her on chemo therapy or should we just let her live the rest of her life with the least level of stress and at the maximum level of comfort. The decision isn’t easy. We have yet to come up with one concretely. We are leaning toward the latter. (She is next to me cleaning herself. We’re sharing a couch.)
Our vet already told us that surgery is already too late. Even if we were to give her chemo, it is merely going to prolong her life for weeks or perhaps months.
We try to make the best decision for her, and not selfishly for us.
What’s painful for me personally is thinking about having to send her to the vet when she’s too weak to live or suffering too much. The dilemma of wanting her with us and wanting the best for her. Taking her to the vet for the very last time is very painful for me. I dread the day. But I know that the day will come. It’s just a matter of how soon.
We will have to sit on this decision for at least another day.
UPDATED minutes later:
After reading what I just wrote, and looking at Tach?ɬ just being her good old self next to me, I realized perhaps I should focus more on her life and the time I have with her now. Otherwise, it’s a waste of her time.
The hardest decision pet parents ever have to make is what’s best for the pet and when is the right time. I’ve been there and you’re forever second guessing yourself. It’s been four years and sometimes I still wonder If I did the best for her and not for myself.
My kitty Bruiser is scheduled for a sonogram on Wednesday after having some issues. I’m caught between wanting to know and not wanting to know.
Here’s wishing you and Bruce and Tache the best.
I m so sorry to hear that 🙁 i lost my dog last month & I know the pains, be strong John, & Bruce, I will pray for Tache, make her the happiest cat while u still can.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. So much love to you, John!
I am very sorry to hear about your dear cat Tache. I have been in that same situation and it’s really aweful and dreadful feeling.
My prayers to your dear Tache.
Hi John,
I wanted to let you know that your Hawaii family (the human and the doggy members) are thinking of you, Bruce and Chai and praying for Girly Girl Tache. I told you before that I really believe that our pets are sent to us by some force in the universe – that they choose us even though we think that we chose them.
I know that Tache chose you and Bruce as her perfect parents. She knew that you would give her a loving home and when the time comes, will do your best to insure that she passes in peace and without pain. Someone once told me that our pets will give us a sign that they are ready to go home. They will stop eating or will no longer be able to control their urine or feces. They will meet your glance and you will just know that it is time to let them go.
I don’t know if you have any vets up there who do acupuncture but we have some holistic ones here who will give pets needles for pain relief. My friend who is a doc of Chinese Medicine said it also helps to do some accupressure or massage to help with their aches and pains.
Keep strong and believe.