Please help save Sydney's life!

[Catty1]

Such a sweet face, after all the testing and stuff!

I hope the prednisone kicks in soon, and major PT Prayers going out to you and her for the first chemo treatment tomorrow.

HUGS!

[momtomany]

Oh Sydney is so beautiful. Head bumps, purrs and scritches from the Dunn gang. We will keep the prayers going up.

[kittykatharine]

Newest problem to develop. I was supposed to take Sydney to the vet this morning for her first chemo treatment. I called before hand to see if she could be fed and given her medication(Prednisone). The tech was not sure, so she said she would call the vet and ask and call me right back. Five minutes later, she calls back and says, "i have some good news and some bad news". "The good news is that they can still do the chemo (i was thinking was there ever an issue that you couldnt do the chemo?), the bad news is, the pharmacy sent over the wrong dosage of drugs, so we cant start the chemo untill Friday". I was again very upset by this. The tech then had the nerve to say, "a few days wont make much of a difference". I had to stop her and say, "she has had a tumor growing on her face for THREE WEEKS!". The cancer probably spread to her kidneys while we were being thrown through rings of fires with testing and mistakes and traveling back and forth and waiting for results. I have spent $2000, just to be told how to treat her, and once again I have no treatment!!!!! I asked if I could pick it up and bring it over, and they said because of the type of drug it cant be delivered like that. Meanwhile, Sydney is getting worse - I had to give her another pain injection because I could tell me little baby wasnt feeling well. The tumor is making her teeth and mouth sore, so eating has become difficult as well. I just want my baby girl to be comfortable, it is so hard being her mommy and watching her suffer like she is. She comes to me for comfort and I cant help her because of these incompetent, heartless people. Has anyone ever put their cat to sleep before? Do they know what is happening? Do they just go to sleep? This may be my only option soon and I need to know more about it. Thank you.

[Emeraldgreen]

You must be so frustrated!!!
I hope that all will get back on track on Friday and that the chemo will make a difference.
If you find that you do have to put her to sleep, I can tell you how it has been for my cats. I've had to put down quite a few over the last 15-20 years, as I'm sure many of the PT'rs here have. Most of my cats were very old at the time. I've been fortunate to have the vet come to my home on some occasions and it sounds like this would be available to you as well? This is much more peaceful I think for both the owner and the pet.
I have always asked that a sedative be given (by injection) prior to them being put down. Within 5-10 minutes they become very drowsy and during this time I cuddle with them. When they are almost asleep, the doctor shaves their arm and gives them the final injection. It takes only seconds.
It is still very hard, very emotional and it takes awhile to get over it.
Please know that if you decide to do this, we're here for you.

On a brighter note... I pray that the chemo does it's job and that Sydney has an amazing future with you! Don't give up hope.

[GILL]

I am so sorry to hear of the pain and trouble that you are going through. We have lost babies out of respect to their pain and problems. It is never easy. Ginger had arthritis so bad that she could not use her hind legs. After watching her suffer we had no choice but to let her go. Four months later Missy through a clot that destroyed her rear nerves. 2 months later Patches realized that her sister Ginger was gone and just stopped eating. When a 6 lb. cat goes to 4 lbs. in two weeks there is no choice. Yes I’m crying as I write this even though they have been gone for over 6 years. But sometimes you have to love enough too let go. As I said it is never easy and as long as you have a memory they are always with you.
Our vet uses a sedative that lets them go to sleep, then the final injection is given. We have been with each of ours at passing.

[Medusa]

Should the time come when you have to help Sydney to the Bridge, please know that it's painless and quick and you can be right there w/her, holding her, soothing her and giving her the love that she has given you. It's the last act of kindness that we can do for our beloved pets. Unfortunately, I've had to do it several times through the years w/both dogs and cats and it isn't easy but then, it isn't about us, it's about helping our fur friend out of pain and suffering. God bless you for all that you're doing and have done for Sydney but never give up hope. I know that it's frustrating w/all that you're experiencing but things just may turn around. Know that we're all here for you, no matter what course you decide to take. (((HUGS)))

[Catty1]

KK - How frustrating and painful and maddening for you! And poor Sydney.

Please call back and see if Sydney at least can get a pain injection or patch; maybe a shot of pred as well...

Tell the vet how uncomfy she is.

Also...you might try syringe feeding - mixing A/D food with warm water and gently syringing it in...the vet would have a syringe.

It's darkest before the dawn, hon....PT Prayers flying to you.

{{{hugs}}}

[Grace]

Has anyone ever put their cat to sleep before? Do they know what is happening? Do they just go to sleep? This may be my only option soon and I need to know more about it. Thank you.

We have had to do this several times over the years. It is never easy, but I truly feel it is worse for the ones left behind. We were always with ours; as others have said, the pet is sedated and then put to sleep.

[kittykatharine]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful support. I truly appreciate the info and comforting words. I sat down with my mom, and we decided that the plan of action is we are going to try the chemo for a few weeks (we will stop sooner if it seems to be too much), mainly to see how she handles it. If it becomes too much, we will immediately stop the chemo and switch her to palliative care - mainly steroid shots and pain medicine. Once those stop working, we will call the vet to come over and say our goodbyes. My mom and I just can't give up on her just yet, so hopefully the chemo will work and reduce the swelling in her face so that she can breathe better. It is like Catty1 said, some times it has to get worse before it gets better. I will bring Sydney in Friday, if there are no more problems, and I will keep you all updated to how she is doing. Thanks again.

[Moesha]

I've been faithfully following this thread even though sometimes I can't comment. It sounds like you and your mom have come up with a good plan. That way if things work out and Sydney improves, that's great. If she doesn't respond well to the treatments, then at least you will know that you did everything possible to help her and you'll know when it is time to let her go. I did that with my dear Simone. She had congestive heart failure. Simone was full of life and a little spitfire kitty. Somehow the vet and his staff were able to stick a needle into her chest and drain the fluid while she was fully awake. We then gave her lasix treaments for as long as it seemed that they were helping. The fluid kept getting less. Then one day I came home and I was there by myself, but I just took one look at my baby and knew that she was having too much trouble breathing and it wasn't working anymore. I've never had a vet come to the house, but think that would be easier. I called my brother to take me to the vet's office and my sister and her husband met us there. It was terribly hard to let her go and I still miss her and am crying thinking about it, but it was time. You'll know when it is time. In fact, I had a dream last night and Simone was in it. I could feel her as I held her. She'll always be alive in my mind and heart. I didn't mean to hijack a thread about your kitty but just wanted you to know that many of us have been where you are and can really sympathize. Sydney is a very loved kitty, and I truly hope you have many more happy memories with her. No matter what, treasure each moment you have now and those from the past. Thanks for keeping us posted, and I'm so sorry for all the difficulties you are encountering!