A moment of seriousness April 20, 2007 ~ 7:24 am
Posted by Julie in : Da Cats , trackbackJoe’s biospy came back yesterday. It turns out that the lump on his gum was something called a mast cell tumor, which is a type of cancer. The doctor told me that if it was on Joe’s skin, it would be something they would consider benign, but since it was on the gum, he wasn’t sure - he’d actually never seen a mast cell tumor on a cat’s gums before. Basically, if it was on the skin, they could remove a large amount of skin to make sure they’d gotten all of it. However, since it was on his gum, there was only so much that could be removed before they hit the bone, and none of us wants a radical bone surgery for Joe.
I cried when I got this news, of course, but the vet told me there was no reason to cry. (This man never ever shows emotion.) Joe is old, he explained to me (16, by Mom’s latest reckoning), and Joe will probably die of old age rather than the mast cell cancer. But he does have to be on Prednizone for the rest of his life, and we do have to watch out for returning lumps on his gums. If we notice one, then we have to bring him back in, but otherwise, we don’t have to, at least for the cancer (thyroid problem is still in effect).
Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever contemplated a time when Joe might not be around. A time when I might have to put him down because it might be his time, although not nearly the time I would have chosen for him. I had hopes that he would live a Maynard-like lifespan - 25 years would still not be enough time, but it would be better. I can’t even begin to tell you all this little black cat has meant to me over the years. He’s been my best friend, my baby, a companion, and so much more. I love him so much.
For the time being, I’ll try not to borrow trouble. He’s alive now and sitting on my lap, purring, trying to get me to rub his chin. Excuse me while I go do that. I’ll give you the Freddie update later.
Comments
Oh honey–You both have been in my prayers since I heard the news last night. I hope he does live many more years!
I know what you mean. A pet like that becomes part of the family and it’s hard to think about them not being around. The Wife’s cat is at least that old and I think she’s going to take it hard as well.
You have my prayers.
Oh Julie I’m sorry.
Oh no!! I have never owned a pet so not sure how that would feel. But I pray that your little companion stays with yoU!
I’m sorry to hear about Joe. I have to say had I been in your position and had the vet tell me there was no reason to cry, I would have seriously thought about punching him out. I mean I understand the point he was trying to make but it was a pretty damn cold way of doing it.
I can understand (to some extent anyway) what you are going through. I had my first dog for 16 years - got her when I was 3 and she was my best pal who always followed me around. I truly couldn’t imagine not having her there.
One cold December day when I was 19, I woke up and she was gone. She had passed during the middle of the night sleeping beside me on my bed. I can remember being so sad but also comforted by the fact that I knew she had a long good life and she was now free of her ailments.
Not long after that, I had found the poem about Rainbow Bridge and although I wouldn’t say I’m an overly spiritual person and such, there was something about those words which gave me some additional comfort.
Sorry bout your kitty. You have more problems with your kitties than anybody I know, poor thing!
Sorry, Julie. I hope you can find solace in remember all those years you had with Joe.
I’m so very sorry.
Enjoy every minute with Joe though cause he’s still here! I know you will give him tons of extra hugs, cuddles and sweet talk. I understand how sad you must be, but while Joe is with you try and treasure every moment, you know?
At first, I thought this was about Your Boyfriend! Then, I realized, you were talking about Your Cat. That’s what I get for Not Reading Your Blog Often Enough. I hope your Kitty feels better! Pets are like People to us Pet People.
xoxo,
TDR
Awwww, honey, I’m sorry!
My heart goes out to you and Joe.
Give those kitties hugs and kisses for me!