1/19 Salem is gone

Discussion in 'Lantus / Levemir / Biosimilars' started by Camille and Cyclone, Jan 19, 2013.

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  1. Camille and Cyclone

    Camille and Cyclone Well-Known Member

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    Dec 29, 2009
    This week Salem was diagnosed with highly probable intermediate stage lymphoma of the intestines. I scheduled an appointment with an oncologist to discuss chemo, but meanwhile Salem continued to lose ground slowly. He showed no interest in food, continued to lose weight despite tube feeding, in the last days became detached and uninterested in his surroundings, and starting Thursday night seemed uncomfortable and restless, meatloafing all the time and not sleeping in a natural position. I gave Tramadol which had little effect. The Prednisolone and antibiotics seem to have helped him very little if at all. Yesterday his eyes became sunken and he seemed unable to see much again. He'd purr when I petted and tube-fed him but otherwise just lay there with his head down except to go to the water bowl or the litterbox.

    I pretty much lost hope that chemo would restore him to any reasonable quality of life, and my vet said in his condition he'd probably not tolerate it as well as most cats. It was a very hard and painful decision, but this morning I decided to let him go. It was quiet and peaceful. I emailed Kim and she called me a few minutes later, and we both cried a good deal. Then I had the sad task of putting away the feeding syringes, fluids kits, medications, diabetic testing supplies, etc. I lost it when I picked up the magnifying headset I had gotten to help with measuring micro doses of insulin.

    Salem was a wonderful, bold, strong, fearless, friendly kitty, full to overflowing with personality. He was 16 years young, and happy and vigorous until this illness began three weeks ago. He had Kim and me, two parents who loved him very much. I'll miss him.
     
  2. Michelle & Scrabble (GA)

    Michelle & Scrabble (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2010
    So sorry to hear the news! Prayers and hugs being sent your way. What a good Mamabean you are helping Salem through all this. You made the right decision. Fly free sweet Salem!
     
  3. Blue

    Blue Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Fly free, Salem.
     
  4. ecurie

    ecurie Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2012
    I'm so very sorry you had to say good bye to Salem. He takes all your love with him and leaves all his here with you and with Kim. my deepest sympathihes to you - mary and oliver
     
  5. Sienne and Gabby (GA)

    Sienne and Gabby (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((((Camille)))))
    I am so sorry. My heart aches for you and Kim. You were Salem's hero and did so much to help him have the best possible life. There are so few words I can think of that will offer true comfort other than to acknowledge your decision was made based on what Salem was telling you he needed. And your decision was made out of love an devotion.

    WCF sent me this link some time ago. It is the fable of why we choose tears. I hope it offers some comfort.

    Fly free, Salem and land softly. Many who we dearly love will be at the Bridge to keep you safe until the ones you and the ones you love best are reunited.

    [​IMG]
     
  6. Deb & Spot

    Deb & Spot Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    rb_icon I am so sorry Camille. Fly free sweet Salem
     
  7. Tena and Curry(GA)

    Tena and Curry(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2010
    (((((Camille)))))

    I'm so sorry to hear about Salem. Salem was so very fortunate to have such a great mamabean. He was loved.

    Fly free sweet Salem and land softly where you will be surrounded and comforted by all the furbabies who have gone before you.

    Tena, Curry(GA), Sidney and Zeke
     
  8. Anne & Zener GA

    Anne & Zener GA Well-Known Member

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  9. JaniceandSpike

    JaniceandSpike Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Fly free sweet Salem. There are many that will meet you at the bridge.
     
  10. Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)

    Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2010
    Dear (((((Camille))))), Dear (((((Kim))))),

    Salem was such a lucky kitty to have two beans who loved him very much and whose love he returned in such abundance. Camille, Salem knew that it was his time. We are glad that his illness was brief and his passing peaceful. You did everything you could to make him comfortable and unafraid. His star will shine brightly in the heavens tonight. We will light Stu's candle to help guide him to the Bridge.

    Fly free, sweet Salem, on your beautiful new golden wings. You are much loved.

    In deepest sympathy,

    Ella & Edward, Rusty, and Stu (GA)
     
  11. Pat+Raja+Shadow (GA)

    Pat+Raja+Shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((Dear Camille))) I am so very very sorry to read your post ....my condolences to you and Kim.
    Salem will be missed....your beautiful memories will remain and hopefully they will give you comfort through your tears. Hugging you across the miles...
    Although very difficult for you to do, you did give Salem the final gift that was needed to be set free from pain....

    wings_cat Fly Free Dear Salem, until we meet again.....
     
  12. julie & punkin (ga)

    julie & punkin (ga) Well-Known Member

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    Feb 17, 2011
    my heart goes out to you & Kim - i'm so sorry to hear Salem's gone. :YMHUG:
     
  13. chubbabubba

    chubbabubba Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2012
    I am so very sorry for your loss.
    I lost my Sammy this past Sept.
    To intestinal Lymphoma. . Sending you such a tight hug!
    Again, I'm so very sorry.
     
  14. PeterDevonMocha

    PeterDevonMocha Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I am so sorry for your loss, and kim's too .. May you both take comfort in knowing salem is at the rainbow bridge completely healthy and happy, just waiting till you all meet again ..
     
  15. Linda and Bear Man

    Linda and Bear Man Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I am so very sorry. My deepest condolences to both you and Kim on this sad day. He was a lucky kitty to have been so loved.
     
  16. Josie & Ripley (GA)

    Josie & Ripley (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2012
    ((Camille)) and ((Kim)) ~ you are in my thoughts. I am very sorry about your sweet Salem. Take care of yourselves.
     
  17. Dyana

    Dyana Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I'm so sorry for your loss (((Camile))) & (((Kim)))
    [​IMG]
     
  18. MJ+Donovan

    MJ+Donovan Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    :cry: :cry: :cry:
    [​IMG]

    Many angel kitties are waiting to greet Salem.

    MJ
     
  19. Michelle and Mannie (GA)

    Michelle and Mannie (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Camille, I am so very sorry. I know you made the best decision for Salem, and he thanks you for it. Fly free little one, you will be missed. wings_cat
     
  20. jan and Hep and sara (GA)

    jan and Hep and sara (GA) Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    Camille,
    I am so sorry that your sweet boy had to leave you. He was very lucky to have to loving parents as you and Kim. That decision is never easy, but know that he knew how much he was loved. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Fly Free Sweet Salem. wings_cat
    (((Camille))) (((Kim)))
     
  21. Jill & Alex (GA)

    Jill & Alex (GA) Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I'm so very sorry, Camille and Kim. Making this kind of decision is hard, but is the ultimate gift of love we can give our kitties.
    This is so sad.

    wings_cat Fly free dear Salem...
     
  22. macal

    macal Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2012
    Oh dear.....it is so hard to lose ones we love. Thank heavens he had you and Kim, and thank heavens he was able to tell you that he was ready to pass. You nursed him and loved him and made him as comfortable as you could and he knew that. He is at peace. wings_cat
     
  23. Frosty

    Frosty Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2012
    Camille I'm so sorry for your and Kim's loss of Salem. You are in our Prayers. wings_cat
     
  24. Wendy&Tiggy(GA)

    Wendy&Tiggy(GA) Well-Known Member

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    Nov 15, 2011
    I am so sorry to hear that and sorry for your loss... He sounds like he was a wonderful boy.. ((Hugs))
     
  25. Bruce & Simon

    Bruce & Simon Well-Known Member

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    May 28, 2011
    So very sorry for your loss wings_cat
     
  26. Roni and Moonie

    Roni and Moonie Well-Known Member

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    Dec 28, 2009
    (((((CAMILLE))))) I am so so sorry for your loss!!! You had a wonderful life with Salem, and he had a life filled with love & caring from you...When they go, they take a piece of our hearts that can never be replaced--Feel proud & Glad you had such a wonderful Love in your Life=Salem!!
    Sorry he was taken so quickly, but it was better for him..Sending Comforting Hugs and LOve from us!!
    Fly Free Salem, feel well again--May your memories help you find peace!
     
  27. Marje and Gracie

    Marje and Gracie Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    May 30, 2010
    (((Camille)))) we are so terribly sorry that your sweet boy has crossed. But what a loving and amazing mom he had that you could give him the gift of freedom and health again. How lucky for him that you recognized he was ready to go and your great love for him was more important than the pain you knew you would feel when you were no longer able to hold and love him and witness his amazing spirit.

    Gentle journey, Salem. A life well loved and lived.

    [​IMG]
     
  28. CD and BigMac

    CD and BigMac Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Oh, no. I'm so sorry Camille. I had hoped the feeding tube would help Salem turn around and gain his strength back. It is sobering find out that there is so much going wrong and although you really tried heroic efforts to help him, there was just too much to fight. I'm glad you had the joy of loving Salem and he carries that love with him forever - as you always will carry his love for you.

    I know your heart is breaking but you did the kindest thing by setting him free. ((((((Camille)))))

    I lit a candle for Salem.

    http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/message.cfm?l=eng&cid=17729542
     
  29. rhiannon and shadow (GA)

    rhiannon and shadow (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 9, 2012
    ((((Camille)))))
    I'm so sorry for your loss. Fly Free Salem. rb_icon
    [​IMG]
     
  30. Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA)

    Caryl & Sebastian & Alex (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I am so sorry for your loss (((Camille)))
     
  31. Amy&TrixieCat

    Amy&TrixieCat Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2011
    I'm so very sorry, Camille...many prayers to you.
     
  32. Lisa and Do Lou (GA)

    Lisa and Do Lou (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2010
    I am soooo sorry for your loss of sweet Salem (((((((((((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))))))))))

    Fly Free Salem rb_icon wings_cat wings_cat
     
  33. Hillary & Maui (GA)

    Hillary & Maui (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    I am so sorry.
    Fly free sweet Salem.
    May you soar high and wide and land softly.
    You are so much loved and will be sorely missed.
     
  34. Doug N Libby

    Doug N Libby Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2012
    I am so sorry for your loss. Salem was fortunate to have someone who loved him so much.

    Libby (& Hershey, too!)
     
  35. Denise & Honey

    Denise & Honey Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2012
    So sorry to hear of your loss...fly free sweet Salem wings_cat
     
  36. Ann & Maggie11 (GA)

    Ann & Maggie11 (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2010
    Camille and Kim, so sorry for your loss of your sweet boy. Hugs and prayers.
     
  37. TheBowHuntress

    TheBowHuntress Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2012
    You and your family are in my thoughts are prayers. I am sorry for your loss of your beautiful friend rb_icon
     
  38. Libby and Lucy

    Libby and Lucy Senior Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    (((((((Camille and Kim)))))))

    You all have had quite a ride together. I'm so sorry to hear Salem is gone. He was such a lucky boy to have had both of you.

    Fly free, sweet sweet Salem. wings_cat
     
  39. Sarah and Velcro

    Sarah and Velcro Member

    Joined:
    Dec 28, 2009
    Run Free Salem

    My thoughts are with you and Kim. (((hugs)))
     
  40. Anne&Muffin (GA)

    Anne&Muffin (GA) Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2010
    Oh Camille, I'm just seeing this now. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
     
  41. Shelly/Boots

    Shelly/Boots Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2012
    Aaaah Honey...Losing a kitty is hard enough, but we who have connected with our own, even more, because of the daily treatment. We are
    with you Camille and all our hearts go out to you.
    God Bless you.
    Shelly
     
  42. pumpkins mom

    pumpkins mom Member

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2012
    Camille, I am so sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
     
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