Lucas has cancer (5-22-06)

[rg_girlca]

If I Should Be;

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep.
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand.
Selflessness might stay you hand
But on this day, move than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You do not want me to suffer. So,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only...stay with me until the end.
Hold my firm and speak to me.
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you too will see
It is a kindness, that you do for me.
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years.
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Just look in my eyes,
It is I, who will let you know
When it is time to let me go,
To say goodbye.

((((((HUGS)))))) Jen and Charlie

[jenluckenbach]

Thank you all.

I have yet to speak to my regular vet (ultrasound specialist only gives his finding, treament and other options are fro my regular vet) So I don't really know anyting at this time except I don't feel a lot of hope.

Lorraine, the poem rings true, but it sure brings the tears.

I really don't even know what to say right now, but I sure appreciate all the good thoughts.

Of course ALL our pets are special in their way, but Lucas has always been such a good boy. Cheerful, loving of both people and the other cats, never a bad or evil thought or action. Just as gentle as could be.


Needless to say, a whole lot of squishing is going on!

[Catty1]

Oh, Jen....how awful. I am so sorry for you and Lucas...

Yes, I wonder WHY the specialist thought that chemo would be the option???? It will sure be good to get the point of view from a vet that knows you and your baby.

It sounds hopeless...maybe your vet will have a reason why it might be worth a shot? Prayers are with you.

Good luck, and you will make the best and most loving decision, I know that.

hugs hugs hugs
Catty1

[prechrswife]

((((Hugs)))) I am so sorry to hear this. Give Lucas lots of cuddles...

[G535]

I'm so sorry to hear this too, I'm sure you'll make the time left as comfortable as possible for him.

[Uabassoon]

Jen I'm so sorry to hear about Lucas. You will be in my thoughts, those shots sound like a good option for him.

[Karen]

Oh dear, Jenn, I hope the tumors are small enough and the depo injections can help 'em shrink. But for now, you still have your Lucas-sunshine.

My brother and his wife (Lady's Human and Lady's Other Human) lost their Lukas to cancer. But in his case, the tumor had gotten too large to do anything about before he showed any real signs of sickness. He was also a very, very fluffy boy (black longhair) otherwise they might have noticed something.

[kuhio98]

Prayers for you and Charlie and Lucas. I'm glad to hear that there may be some options.

[rosethecopycat]

No matter what happens, it's not the number of days he is with you, it's about how strongly you love with the days you have.

All the Best.

[Lizzie]

Dude, one of my FIV+ cats, gets monthly depo injections to keep his stomatitis under control. It's an intramuscular injection that you can do at home after they show you how. Of course, being a steroid, it also makes him feel good overall. Hopefully, the injections can shrink the tumors for some time or at the very least greatly slow their growth. It would be great if a side effect of the injections helps with his diarrhoea also.

I mentioned the possibility of following through on chemotherapy because I have seen cases where it has worked, and I've met a few cats on the therapy who didn't have any side effects apart from throwing up for a day after the therapy. I've also heard about many cases where it hasn't worked and both cat and guardian have gone through the trauma for nothing. I was told by one vet that the problem with giving cats chemotherapy is not that it's hell on them but that cats (and don't we know this to be true!) don't show symptoms until the cancer is far enough advanced that treatment is more last-minute than it should be. It works better on dogs only because they show symptoms much sooner. When I was offered chemotherapy for a few of my cats, I asked about the chances of it working and they were not good because the cancer was too far advanced, so I didn't take that route either. I think vets offer chemotherapy because they know the caregiver/guardian wants to hear there could be some form of treatment. I'm sure your vet will talk about the odds with you.

Are you spending the evening cuddling Lucas close?

[catmandu]

Jen We Are Praying That These Shots Will Help Lucas.
Y.lee Angel Has Returned To See Lucas With Angels Angel To See If They Cant Help.
The Pet Angels Will Bring Lucas Special Kitty Bags From The Hotels, And Kitty Angel Kisses.
We Are Praying For Lucas.

[shais_mom]

so sorry to hear this Jen.
hugs on the way

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

I'm so sorry.... !!

I hope that this treatment brings improvement. But if not, giving him all the love and care he needs is the best answer

[ChrisH]

Oh, Jen, I am so sorry. Prayers, love and many hugs on the way for Lucas and you.

[CultureJunky]

That is terrible news, I'm so sorry. I'm sure you'l do what's best for Lucas and that he'll have the best possible options.
Me, Jack and Sunny send prayers and hugs for Lucas.