8/26 Jesse Update - Cancer

It's been a long time since I've posted (okay, it's been a really long time), but I do still read posts pretty regularly (and have even learned a thing or two).

A little history: Jesse was born with a chronic respiratory issue (mainly on the right side) and continually blew big boogers. I dealt with that since I adopted him in July 2002. He was a normal kitty except for that (and his diabetes diagnosed in 2009 of course).

One day I noticed he wasn't blowing snot anymore and he wouldn't let me clean his eye. I took him in on June 26th because his nose was swollen. He had blood work done and a head X-Ray and was put on antibiotics. The X-Ray was inconclusive and the vet said the next step would be to do a needle biopsy. His blood work showed increased kidney values - BUN 52 (range 14-36) and Creatinine 2.8 (range .6-2.4). The antibiotics didn't help. This vet told me (after she had to "research it") that I should start him on Purina NF. What?! 20 carbs - I don't think so.

I took him back on July 13 (and this time requested to see the owner vet). She said she would not compromise his kidneys by anesthetizing him to do a needle biopsy that probably would yield no results due to the complexity of the sinus cavity. She suggested a CT scan and surgical biopsy. She suggested a titer test for cryptococcus because if it was positive, we wouldn't need to go further with diagnostics. The test was negative.

I took him to a Veterinary Specialist practice on Aug 2nd for an exam and hopefully a CT scan. My appointment was with an internist. He can't breathe out of his nose so he's swallowing air - confirmed with an abdominal X-Ray. She said his neck lymph nodes were swollen and I agreed to a needle biopsy before going any further. She had to knock him out because he gets very distressed (but used a reversible anesthesia that would not tax the kidneys). She said her initial exam of the sample told her that it was either cancer or very inflamed lymph cells. So she sent it out to a lab. The lab results said it was not cancer.

I scheduled a CT scan and surgical biopsy which he had on the 15th. The surgeon called when she was done and said that he has a large tumor in the nasal cavity which is eating away at the bone. She sent out the samples out to the lab, but said there's hardly any hope that it isn't cancer. And his Creatinine is up to 3.6. I received the results of the biopsy on the 22nd - Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

I've lost 3 cats since May and now Jesse cancer.

I lost my civvie Twizzler on April 19th. He had fluid drained from his abdomen, had an ultrasound and was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. The vet said he could last a year - he lasted two weeks.

I lost Mandy on May 22nd. She was FIV+ and I had taken her in awhile ago for what they thought was Horner's Syndrome. Despite antibiotics, it never got better and the whole side of her face became numb. Head X-rays on May 11th showed a slight shadow near or in her trachea. The vet said an endoscopy could be done, but it wouldn't show anything if it was outside the trachea. I took her back in on June 15th (and saw a different vet because the one I'd seen before doesn't work very many days - the trouble with a practice with a lot of vets). Even though I told her about the previous X-Ray findings, she only X-Rayed her abdomen because it was distended. She found it full of air and gave her a nebulizer treatment (what!?) and said she probably had asthma. She was full of air most likely because whatever was going on near or in her trachea was making her gulp air. I had to let her go one week later.

Johnny (also FIV+) had blood work done because he was losing weight. His kidney values were very high. All the vet said to do was support him with SubQ fluids and I could think about switching to a low protein diet. He had a long history of intermittent coughing but the vets told me it wasn't asthma. Two months later on July 27th I had to let him go.

I don't know if I can go through losing yet another cat. I only have one friend that understands the fact that these are my children. I can't even talk to anyone else about this because their words make me angry and prove that they don't understand. I now just hope that his kidneys take him before the SCC. I had another cat with SCC and it was awful.

Sorry this is so long, I just needed to put this out there to someone who understands....

 

Re: 8/26 Jesse Update AMPS 94

Hi Carolyn . . . I don't think I've "met" you and your kitties before in LL. I just wanted to send a big hug your way. :YMHUG: I'm so sorry you have had so many seriously ill kitties and now have bad news about Jesse. It's hard for people who don't have cats, or even for those who have cats but who don't spend the time and effort looking after their special needs that people here do, to understand how much a part of the family they become. Please take comfort in knowing how many people there are here on this board that DO understand. I'm glad you posted so you're not alone with this. Take care . . .

 

Re: 8/26 Jesse Update AMPS 94

(((Carolyn)))
I am so sorry you had to say good-bye to 3 of your babies in such a short period of time.
And I am also sorry to hear about the Jesse's cancer.
My heart goes out to you.
Sending prayers to you and your Jesse.

 

Thanks for the replies Amy & Mariko. It means a lot.

 

I am so sorry to hear this, Carolyn. You are among people who truly understand here, so please lean on us. We are sending tons of prayers your way :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: .

 

I am so sorry. Sending good thoughts to you and Jesse.

 

:sad: I'm sorry you are dealing with this .. I can't imagine losing so many kitties so close together .. ((hugs)) Know that every person on this board understands the love you have for your babies and we are all here for you, whenever you need us ...

 

Carolyn... I am SO SORRY to read about Jesse. My heart goes out to you. it is so difficult when they go so close together, That is si tough. After loosing Mannie this past April I can so understand how you feel. These kitties are our children. We love them, as they do us, unconditionally. I think all of us understand... I will keep you in my thoughts. Hugs, and scritches coupled with feel good vines for Jesse.

 

(((((Caroline)))))
I am just so sorry to hear about all your babies :cry: There will always be those that just don't understand your sorrow and pain and that is always so hard. But you have come back to the place that totally understands what you are going thru and we will be there for you ♥♥ You and Jesse are in our prayers ♥♥

 

(((((Carolyn))))) Yes, we understand. I am so sorry. Sending tons of vines to you and Jesse.
Liz

 

Oh Carolyn

So sorry that you have to see your babies go through these illnesses and then leave you for the peaceful Bridge. It is so hard to lose them from your life. They leave a hole that only cat lovers like us can imagine. I feel and know your pain and am crying with you.

I am praying for your peace and comfort during this time.

Robin

 

Oh (((((Carolyn)))))
I'm so sorry you are having to go thru it one after another.
They are a part of you and it's so difficult to lose them.
Did I read correctly.... that it's 3 cats with respiratory cancers? (although Jesse was born with problems) And Twizzler with a different cancer too.
I am wondering if there is something environmental affecting your furbabies. There are so many possibilities.

Sending many prayers and hugs as you deal with Jesse.

 

Carolyn, I'm so sorry to hear that you've had to lose 3 of your babies so close together & now Jesse has concer. They are your family & a part of you.

If it helps at all, I lost 3 pets within 4 months of each other - 1 dog & 2 cats, rescues that grew up together. 2 were ill, but little Tonto was fine. I worried about Tonto without his clan, but he ended up passing first in a freak accident. I realized then with a shock they were all going to leave together. Pooh Bear passed 4 months to the day of his little brother Tonto, and Scooter our dog (their "Mom") passed in-between. Scooter graced us with a rainbow the day he passed.

I've lost other "tight sets" of cats very close together -another was 8 months apart to the day & both from a stroke.

For me, it feels their bonds are so strong they can't bear to be apart in their new life, & until we can cross over to be with them. As hard as it was at the time to lose them all, it made it easier for me to accept their passing, but not the pain of their loss.

You sound like an amazing caregiver and these precious kitties have received so much love and kindness from you - I'm so sorry you're going through all this - you're in our thoughts & prayers.

 

Carolyn, First {{{{{{{{{{BIG HUGS}}}}}}}}}}

I'm so sorry all these beloved family members have had to leave you too soon. Sending prayers for Jesse. Please, you know that people here understand and are heartbroken along with you. We share your disbelief that yet one more of your cats is gravely ill.

Please, love Jesse and spend time with him every day. Take good care of yourself and reach out to us here for the moral and emotional support you need and will get.

 

Carolyn - We have missed you. I am so very sorry to hear about Jesse. Healing vines for your sweet boy and big hugs for you.

 

Oh no You've had so many losses already and to hear such sad news about Jesse. So many hugs to you. :YMHUG:

Hugs to Jesse too.

 

The last several months had to have been excruciating. I'm so, so sorry. Have no doubt that we are here for you and Jesse. Give Jesse as much love as you can. He will guide you in whatever steps you need to take. Our kitties tell us what they need; we just need to be smart enough to listen.

 

Hi Carolyn - I'm really sorry to hear about all you have been going through. I hope it helps that everyone here certainly understands what you are dealing with. Losing a beloved pet is the WORST! I hope you can focus on what wonderful lives I'm certain they had with you - how fortunate for them and you. So many animals don't get to have good lives. I pray for peace and healing for you and Jesse.

 

{{hugs}}

It sucks.