My Nipo is getting some intensive care

[Kater]

Nothing good to report. We got her blood work back and her liver values are much worse, which I expected. However I thought the change would be assumed to be a RESULT of not eating (and thus the damage would conceivably be "reversible"), Dr. T says it's probably not.

Woah. That's when my heart got stomped into the floor. We are still waiting on the liver aspirate results.

I hate to ask this, but I really must. Are there any PTers I could talk to over the phone about this? I feel so frustrated, unsupported and alone right now. I would be glad to make the call (& pay for it). If anyone is willing, please PM me and we can set it up. I should say that because of the time zone difference, it will probably have to be someone who stays up late.
I'm not up to writing more right now. Thanks so much for your prayers, they are deeply appreciated.

[Lizzie]

I can imagine how devastating this news must be to you, it's happened to me several times and it never gets easier.

While the news is bad, is it truly immediately hopeless? I ask because I had a cat, Simka, who stopped eating and became nauseous, and was diagnosed with both liver cancer (the results from her aspirate said it was a very aggresive type of cancer, but that must have been wrong) and chronic renal failure. I thought I would lose her very quickly and it was hopeless. However, like Nipo, Simka was still full of life and so, with the vet's approval, I decided to try treating her for a while. She was on anti-nausea medication and I force fed her for two weeks. After a few days, she kept most of her meals down and became stronger. I treated the CRT with daily sub-q fluids. After two weeks, she began eating by herself though it was always difficult to find out what she wanted to eat each day. She remained on the anti-nausea medications and I offered her a wide range of foods, both wet and dry, cat and human, each morning and evening. She lived for 2 years and 3 months past that terrible diagnosis. Good years, playing with her toys, demanding attention, lolling around in the sun on the deck. The mass did become larger and larger, but apart from making it harder for her to get up on the bed, didn't seem to bother her. When it did bother her, she was euthanized.

It was a great deal of work to take care of her. But when I remember how much she loved walking around talking to her felt mice, laying them in turn in front of the heat vent until there were three in a row when she would like down next to them, I'm very glad I was able to give her that time. I tucked three of the mice into the blanket I wrapped her in when I handed her body over for private cremation.

I've no desire to encourage you to prolong a life that has become painful and miserable, only to suggest you query your vet.

[popcornbird]

Oh Kater. I've been so scarce on PT lately I had no idea. I'm so sorry for not knowing about precious Nipo sooner.

I know how very dear Nipo is to you, and will keep her in my prayers. May your precious kitty have a speedy recovery, and come through this quickly. {{{hugs}}}

[caseysmom]

I losrt my RB gigi January 05 from Lymphoma. She declined very rapidly, one day being fine to one day I thought "she hasn't moved from that spot all day" and completely quite eating. No vomiting at all, I took her in a she had quite a large mass.

I am not trying to scare you just saying it doesn't sound like they have felt a large mass so I am hoping it is not cancer.

[jenluckenbach]

I feel so badly for you. Most of us have gone through this at one time or other (even if not with the exact same problem).

I'd be happy to PM with you, but I am phone-shy, so talking to me would certainly not help you cope.

Prayers for Nipo and prayers for you as well. Prayers that you have the strength to do whatever is needed.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Darling Nipo - sending you some positive blessings (and a few for meowmie)