I am very sorry that I kinda left you all just hanging, but I wanted to a) pull myself together before I posted and, b) get all the info I could from the vet.
Ralph weighed in on Monday for his dental at 7.8 pounds. A loss of a half of pound since 3/21. Since the pancreatitis episode, he has been steadily losing weigh which was attributed to vomiting and not eating with his usual gusto. No masses were seen on his ultrasound done in February. However, while Ralph was under anesthesia, the vet was able to palpate his abdomen. She said his intestines were " thick and ropey, " which are not the way they normally feel. Considering Ralph's overall status of weigh loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc...the vet thinks that Ralph has intestinal lymphoma. She expalined that he would have to have abdominal surgery to get a section of the intestine for biopsy/diagnosis. Then there would be the chemo and bloodwork. Or if that was not the way to go, then Ralph would be put on prednisone to allay the symptoms.
Needless to say, it was as if someone pulled the rug out from under Barry and me. We had more questions once we got Ralph home. I asked the vet. And got the answers. The chemo would be initially a twice a week event. Weekly blood work. And there is always the chance it might not work.
Barry and I decided NOT to go that route. Ralph has been started on the prednisone. We know Ralph fairly well(after nearly 14 yrs), and KNOW that is not the way to have Ralph treated. If he were younger and in better shape(he has a bad heart). Cachexia(wasting way, happens in cancer patients), is Ralph. Right now, Ralph is comfortable. He is happy to be in his house, napping in HIS Grainger box, and not carted about, he is eating, and that is what we want for Ralph. We do not know how long he has, but it will be good quality time. I remember telling Boo when she was nearing the end, I cannot make you better, you are not going to get better, and you are not going to live forever. But I promise you your dignity and no pain. That is what we are going to give Ralph(who is sitting on my lap, purring away). We love him very much. I said to Barry how many cats do you know have vacationed 13 years on Cape Cod?? Ralph was a wonderful therapy cat, an award winner. He has lived a very good life, and will continue to do so for as long as possible.
This has not been an easy decision for us to make. And knowing Ralph, he could fool us all...after is is my ORANGEMAN! Sandra
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), make sure the box is always available to him, and if possible, maybe get one or two more around for him. Do whatever you can think of to make his remaining days as happy and loved as possible. ......but I know you'd do that anyway. 
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