My baby, Daisy, is not feeling well . . .

[HelpinUtah]

Daisy is a 5 year old Maine Coon.  You can see her picture in my pictures (she's the white one and deaf).  Anyway, she has a tumor on her thyroid and I've been worried about it because it's getting bigger.  I am taking her to the vet on Saturday, but I've noticed the past couple days she's lethargic and tonight she had diarhea so bad and it was everywhere!  It was a horrible green and foul smelling.  We had to clean her and shave her hair around her anus and her anus is sore looking.  She let us do most of it but toward the end she had had enough.  I feel so bad for her and I'm worried!  

I'm wondering if this is related to the tumor on her thyroid.  The vet looked at it about 6 months ago and said it was slow growing and did not FEEL like cancer and so not to worry if she didn't lose weight or gain weight. He told me then that when you remove tumors from a cat's thyroid it causes other major problems.  

Anyway, I'm worried about her.  I'm sitting here crying.  She and I have a super duper connection.  All I have to do is think her name and she comes to me.  I know it seems strange, but that's how we are with each other.  

Please pray for her for me!  I would appreciate it!

Thanks,
Janet

[amandakav]

Hiya, I've just read through your story, and it's got me in tears. I feel for you soo much. I lost my Dog Max when he was 10, to me that was pretty young to loose him, he was like my brother :) He too listened to me when I was sad or anything. I know how heart breaking it is, and all I can say to give moral support is keep strong, you are doing so well. My thoughts and prayers are with you :)

Love and Hugs

Amanda xxx

[HelpinUtah]

Daisy is still hanging in there and seems to be enjoying life right now.  She has mostly good days right now.  I think the pain meds, prednisone and the Pro Gut have given her a quality of life back.  I know she is terminal, but I'm thankful she is not suffering and happy right now!  My heart breaks when she lays on my chest at night and falls asleep there - because I know she will be leaving us way too soon!  I can't believe how much my heart hurts when I think about it - shoot I'm crying now as I type this!  UGH!!  I am closer to her now than ever.  It's interesting how when we nurse someone how much more we come to love them and they us!  Our bond is actually stronger and I didn't think that was possible.  I take a warm washcloth every night and wipe down her face, her eyes, ears and she loves it.  I clean her chin (she's getting it dirty from her wet food) and she just loves it!  Our youngest cat, tries to rub into the washcloth while I'm doing this - it's hilarious and then she'll start licking Daisy.  

Anyway, that's an update for now.  God is good and I'm thankful he has blessed us with such a sweet spirit in our home!

Hugs,
Janet

[zodiacqueen]

Hi sweetie!!

I know that everyone is sooooo happy for you!  It sounds like the pain meds are really doing the trick!  =D  It's obvious to me that Daisy is comfortable and feels well.  

What a wonderful update!!!  You put a big smile on my face!!  =D

Hugs
ZQ

[HelpinUtah]

Daisy is doing so much better on the pain meds and not just laying around like she was - I'm so excited.  I am so thankful that God is allowing us to have some precious time together.  She is walking around, eating a TON, and rubbing into me when I pet her again.  I'm just so happy!  I am treasuring every moment we have together!!!  

I appreciate all the prayers - it's obvious prayers do wonders and that God is great!

Hugs,
Janet

[Kaydey]

Keeping you and you Kitten in my thoughts

Blessings

[zodiacqueen]

That's wonderful, Janet!!  It sounds like you will have more precious time with Daisy!!  The pain meds are an excellent idea, too.  It sounds like she's getting stronger because she's eating more.  It sounds like she might start playing again, too!!

YAYYYYYYY!!!!

HMMMMM,  Our prayers are working!  =D

[HelpinUtah]

I came home from work and Daisy is SOOOO MUCH more alert!  WOOHOO!!!  I walked in the door and she was sitting up and looking at me with her beautiful eyes!  I went over to pet her and she let out a happy meow.  She's sitting up, looking around, and watching our other babies play.  She ate for me when I got home too!  She likes to chase shadows and so I made shadows on the floor in front of her and she was watching them with interest.  She didn't play, but is responding now.  I'm so thrilled.  I love her so much!!!

[Savas]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I will say that what you're doing is very brave. Most people can't stand to watch a loved pet suffer and won't take the time to be with it until the end.

Best wishes to your whole clan, and my our thoughts are with you over here.

[Piparskeggr]

I just read your progress reports about Daisy; I'm so sorry.

It is no real comfort now, but you have been doing the best you can for her.  Hold on to that, please.

My wife and I had a kitty (April Dancer) pass on at 6 1/2; she was our good little house-gremlin.  17 years, 2 states and 390 miles later, I still see her around the house; guarding us from whatever she saw that we didn't.  :-)

[dominosarah]

I posted this in your journal too but her spirit WILL live in your house Janet......Am glad to hear she is responding to the meds......She will let you know when it is time......until then give her tons and tons of love just as you have been doing.....hugs to you    sara

[HelpinUtah]

Last night, hubby and I prayed while each of gently stroked Daisy.  I felt as though it's not time to put her down yet and hubby felt the same.  This morning when I woke up, I looked over the side of my bed and there Daisy was looking up at me wide eyed.  Not bushy-tailed but much happier and more alert.  So, hubby stayed home and went to the vet to get some pain medication for her to keep her feeling better until the time is right.  We know it's inevitable, but I never want to put them down to soon or too late - it's quite tough realzing that balance.  She started the pain medication this afternoon and hubby said she's moving around more and seems brighter.  She's eating more again too.  So, we may have her for a few more weeks or less, but at least she's no longer hurting so badly.  

I can't say I'm not still sad - because just the thought of not having her sweet spirit alive in our home, makes me very sad.  But, I do believe she will stay with us on a different level after she's gone.  I truly believe that - I hope it doesn't sound crazy!  :)

[Maddie6]

Hi Janet,
I'm so sorry.  Thanks for the update on Daisy.  I think she's comfortable there at home and feels the love.  I know it's so hard to see our furbabies sick.  Hugs and prayers.

[HelpinUtah]

I was up until 8:30 a.m. with Daisy and layed by her side, rubbed a warm washcloth on her face and talked to her.  She's deaf but somehow I think she knew I was talking with her.  I prayed while laying next to her.  I put one of my hubbies shirts on top of her and she seemed to like that.  I finally fell asleep but only slept an hour at a time and would get up and check on her.  Right now, she's resting comfortably with her head up.  She has good times and bad times.  But, the bad are starting to outweigh the good.  I know it will be time soon to let her go.  It's breaking my heart, but when I prayed last night I thanked God for bringing her and her love into to my life.  I have been so blessed to have her!  One of my other cats, Katie, kept rubbing into the washcloth last night and purred and she layed down next to Daisy and groomed her a touch and was so sweet.  

Thanks for asking.  I'll keep you all updated on her and I really appreciate the prayers!  

Hugs,
Janet

[Maddie6]

Hi Janet,

How is Daisy today?

[dominosarah]

Janet, I am so sorry to hear the news about Daisy......She knows she is loved by you.  You have given her a wonderful life just as she has given you.  Daisy knows you will make the right decision when it is time.  You will hold her memories close to your heart forever and she will always be with you in spirit.  I know this is so very tough for you but just know that Daisy is a very lucky girl to have you........sara

[April2]

Oh Janet, I'm so sorry. I know you were hopeful, as we were too. Enjoy her. We are praying.

[HelpinUtah]

It's too wide spread.  We know it's just a matter of time when we will lose her.  Thanks!

[Maddie6]

Hi Janet,

I'm so sorry and sad to hear the news.   I'm glad she likes the chicken broth.  Did the Vet discuss any other treatments, or does he think it's just too widespread.? Daisy is lucky to have you and knows how much you love her.  God bless.

[HelpinUtah]

I just got home from vet.  He showed us the x-rays and the cancer has spread to her other organs.  He gives her 2 months at the most.  He gave her a shot of prednisone which will help her feel better and told us we'd be okay to take her home.  He told us to call him anytime no matter how late if we need him.  We wanted to bring her home and love on her and say our goodbyes and will probably put her down very soon.  My heart hurts so bad and I can't stop sobbing!  

I'm giving her chicken broth now since she is only taking liquids.  She loves it and just gobbled a bunch down.  That's a good thing that she is still eating and is still alert.  I don't know how much longer that will last and I want her to know she is loved!!!

[Maddie6]

I'm so sorry, too, Janet about your cat.  She is beautiful!  Hang in there, as there is always hope.  ZodiacQueen is right; cats can and do tolerate chemo much better than us.  I had a cat that had lymphoma, and he tolerated oral chemo okay, but in the end he also had kidney disease and arthritis and his age against him.   Your cat is still very young, so that's a plus, as my cat was much older.  You have a good opportunity to research everything about it and with your Vet make decisions.  Keep us up to date.   I'm praying for Daisy and you.

[zodiacqueen]

OMG!!!!  =(  I'm sorry Janet!!!  Thanks for the update, but I wish it had been better news.  I think that lymphoma is a common cancer in kitties-I had one that had it(also a long haired cat).  I don't remember much about it-symptoms and what not.  I do remember he got chemo and had NO side effects from it!!  Chemo might be something that you want to consider.  From what I've seen and read, they handle chemo MUCH better than we do.  I would do as much research on lymphoma as possible, and I think that you'll get some more control back and feel a little bit better.  I'm gonna do some research, too.  If I see anything, I can let you know if you'd like.

It sounds like she's doing well and has more energy....that's a good thing!  You can try to entice her more with some chicken gizzards(sp?).  I give my cats this when they are being nit picky w/ foods.  It works every time.

Take care.  We care about you over here and want the best for Daisy and your family.  If you need any help, let any of us know.  I'm sure that everyone thinks you're a very sweet special person, like I do!

Zillions of hugs and prayers coming at ya!!

ZQ

[HelpinUtah]

I'm sick to my stomach!  I just found out today that Daisy as lymphoma based on the findings of the pathologist.  She's at the vet's office right now for them to take some pictures to see if it has spread to any other place.  That will determine the treatment we can give her or if it's fair to her.  I'm heart-broken and feel such a deep sadness.  As you probably already can guess, I'm worried.

On the bright side, she's eating soft foods with added broth to the food - she mostly drinks the liquid and appears to have more energy.  She actually played with me just a touch yesterday and this morning she was alert.  She has good times and bad times.  

I don't want to lose her!!!

Anyway, I'll give another update once we have the pictures.  I'm still away from MH for awhile, but I promised I'd keep you updated on Daisy.

Thanks for your prayers!  They have helped tremendously.

Hugs,
Janet

[zodiacqueen]

Well, Daisy could not ask for better parents than you and Tom.  She's a lucky girl!!  I'm glad that she did well w/ the biopsy.  Everyone on the cat forum is hoping for the best and wishing you well.  My fingers are crossed!!

Take care and stay positive.  Take comfort that you will have some definite answers soon!  Stay calm (or at least...try) and find some ways to relax and destress-a nice walk or a nice calming bubble bath.  That's what I do, and it really works!  =)

[HelpinUtah]

The vet took the fluid and Hubby said he did three slides for the pathologist.  He told us not to worry about the wet food Daisy is eating - just to make sure she eats.  He said he's hoping to get results back before the 4th.  He also agrees it could be the parathyroid but since it's so rare he has to rule out cancer.  He also said that she is not in pain, but probaby discomfort from being sick and so he does not think she needs anything for pain.  Tom said she did great and now she's resting.