“What greater gift than the love of a cat.”
Charles Dickens
I had planned to get back to blogging more regularly, but then I got some very bad news about Tinsel. Since then, I've felt like my heart is breaking apart.
Sweet Tinsel, our buddy for the past 16 years, has been diagnosed with cancer. She has a growth along her jaw line which I had hoped was an abscessed tooth but is in fact a very invasive, fast-growing malignancy.
I'm terribly sad that there's nothing that can be done to stop this awful disease. Surgery would involve removing part of her jaw and, at her age and with her other medical issues, she's not a good risk for such an operation, and this type of cancer always comes right back. So it was really, really hard to hear the vet say that there is nothing we can do for her to change this outcome. I've cried a river of tears that I can't take this burden from her.
I'm terribly sad that there's nothing that can be done to stop this awful disease. Surgery would involve removing part of her jaw and, at her age and with her other medical issues, she's not a good risk for such an operation, and this type of cancer always comes right back. So it was really, really hard to hear the vet say that there is nothing we can do for her to change this outcome. I've cried a river of tears that I can't take this burden from her.
So I'm left with the one thing I CAN do, which is to help
her live the best life she can in the time she has left -- a few weeks or months most likely. Thankfully at this time she does not appear to be in any pain and is still doing most of her usual activities. But since the tumor is in the jaw, it will likely affect her ability to eat and drink in the coming weeks. Tinsel has had long-standing appetite issues, so getting her to eat is even more difficult now.
At the end of the day, this is about Tinsel -- not about me. Her quality of life is my priority, so I will provide her with all the care and love she needs on her journey. In the meantime, please send extra love to Tinsel and hug your kitty a little more tightly.:(
At the end of the day, this is about Tinsel -- not about me. Her quality of life is my priority, so I will provide her with all the care and love she needs on her journey. In the meantime, please send extra love to Tinsel and hug your kitty a little more tightly.:(
jp
I'm so sorry to hear of Tinsel's health issues. I came to your blog for the crafting aspect and fell in love with Tinsel and Lily. I'm wishing you both peace and love when the time comes for her to leave your loving embrace.
ReplyDeleteTake care, Wendy
Oh, Janet! I'm so very sorry to hear this news! Believe me when I say my heart is breaking right along with yours! My eyes are welled up with tears, for I know the deep love we have for our fur babies, and how hard it is to let them go. :( Please know that I'll be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Tinsel is a such a blessed girl to have the wonderfully loving and caring family that she does. You all have given her the best and most beautiful life, I just know it! Hugs to you, my dear friend.....
ReplyDeleteI am very very sorry for you and Tinsel. Praying for you both.
ReplyDeleteWendy, Kimberly Marie, and friend - Thank you all for stopping by and offering your kind words. We deeply appreciate your sweet thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. It means so much to me that you care about our kitties! Hugs! -jp
ReplyDeleteOh Janet, this breaks my heart. I lost one of my cats in December and it's just like losing a family member. I am so sorry to hear this. I have enjoyed learning all about Tinsel in your blog. You have given her a great life and she knows that. Just keep doing what you're doing. My thoughts and prayers will be with you thru this journey. I'm already crying just knowing what you are and will be going thru. Hugs being sent your way.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Judy. I know you understand...I'm so sorry about your kitty. I feel really unsure of myself right now, not knowing if I will know what to do. I so appreciate your kind words. Hugs back to you!
ReplyDeleteI'm just reading this now and I'm so sorry. Did you have it biopsied? Three years ago, Tucker was thought to have had cancer in his jaw and had a cyst coming out between his teeth. We got a second opinion, the area was biopsied and it was a raging infection and within a week, the cyst was gone. Tucker lost some teeth over the whole thing but he's still alive....diabetic, but still here. I'll be thinking of you and Tinsel.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kristina - Thanks so much for your comment. Thank goodness Tucker's mass did not turn out to be cancer. What a huge relief.
ReplyDeleteThe vet did a needle biopsy which ruled out infection and identified cancer cells. I opted not to do a more invasive excisional biopsy and have it sent to Iowa State to determine the exact type of cancer (it's most likely squamous but could be another type) because the vet is concerned about putting her under to do even that type of biopsy. He lightly sedated her to do a series of detailed x-rays and I could see the tumor clearly, with the bone being destroyed. It's heartbreaking. I've been in tears every day since her diagnosis. Hug your kitties, Kristina!