Merlin

[Karen]

Karen, thank you so very much. He is still eating well but I can see signs of slight struggle when swallowing. I sure wish I could get that radio show up here. Do you happen to know what extension the audio files will have? Just want to make sure I am able to open it. Thanks again. Now it's time for Merlin's Magical Blend (that's what I call the med combo).

They are mp3 files. Most everyone can open them!

[slick]

The doses of antibiotic and steroid will be finished tomorrow and I don't plan on renewing it. Today I stopped by the vets to pick up some more pain medication as it seems to be working. Last night he was actually playing with his catnip pillow for a bit. His output is good and his input is adequate. I feed him whatever he wants and whenever he wants it. He deserves that now.

Tonight I'm going to give him a bit of my short ribs - all chopped up of course.

[Karen]

Aww, glad to hear he's doing well, all things considered!

[phesina]

Good boy, Merlin, your Meowmie loves you very, very much. We are so glad the pain medication is working and you are enjoying your food and playing with your catnip pillow.

We love you very, very much too, darling Merlin. We are sending all our love and prayers to you.



P.S., your beloved Sparkler especially sends her love.

[Catty1]

MMmmm all that yummy food, and you so deserve it!

Slick - just wondering about the steroids. Are they a 'comfort' drug - do they shrink the tumour a tad so Merlin can swallow more easily? I can see stopping the ABs, just wondering where the steroids fit in.

Please give Merlin hugs and scritchies and kisses from me - and yourself a hugs!

[slick]

Catty: The steroids are supposed to help shrink the tumour. Honestly, I don't see the point as technically he's at stage 4 and there really isn't anything we can do for him except keep him as comfortable as possible with the pain med. I do see signs of struggle when eating and today he has not eaten very much at all.

The antibiotics are usually prescribed after tooth extractions and he's had his dosage so I feel comfortable in stopping that one.

He can still jump on and off the couch and he still uses the litter box OK but if he continues to struggle to eat then I fear I may have to make a decision sooner rather than later.

[Moesha]

That was what helped me to determine when to let Morgan go. When I got the terminal diagnosis, I made up my mind then that I was not going to let him suffer at all. I didn't think it was fair to him and I didn't want to remember him suffering at all. We tried the pain medicine. He absolutely hated getting it. He loved his food, but as soon as I saw that the tumor was affecting his ability to eat, even preventing him from doing so, I knew that was time to say good bye. We had great times together in those few weeks after his cancer was confirmed. I even stayed home from a trip to Disney to be with him. I don't regret it a bit. We spent quality time together that I will always cherish. I wish the same for you and Merlin. I'm so sad thinking of you going through this with your baby.