Gravely ill kitty....help!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Whew! I'm so glad he made it through the night and seems to be doing better! Now I just hope and pray they can figure it out so they can start treating him correctly.

{{{hugs}}} going out to you and prayers for little Sammy!

(I feel like hospital room mates here.... )

[slick]

Jen, I'm so glad he made it through the night. What a little fighter!! But the thought of not knowing exactly what the problem is must be so frustrating. Please know that you and Sam continue to be in my daily prayers.

BTW, do you happen to have a picture to post of this precious furbaby?

[RedHedd]

Thank you for the uppydate. Sam and Peanut (and Mishi) are all in our prayers. Please, kitties, get and stay healthy for your meowmies!

[Jennie Lu]

We got fluid!! Using ultrasound doc got 100cc of fluid from Sam's chest cavity. There was an immediate improvement in his breathing, and about 1/2 hour after he began drinking water like it was going out of style and ate a little food!! (his first of either since Friday) I left the room for about 15 minutes, and when I went back in he looked up, STOOD UP, WALKED to me and meowed for me twice. Then he purred up a storm, made biscuits, and gave me head bumpies...one happy cat. Amazing considering that this attempt to get fluid was a last desparate act. He could barely breathe this evening and doc was determined to get the fluid off to make him more comfortable.

The bad news is that there were many, many atypical cells in the fluid probably indicating cancer. At least now, though, we have an answer and know what we're up against. Doc said the cells were what she would expect from cancer, but were very strange, more like melanoma cells. She also said there were cells engulfed inside of cells and that overall they just looked strange. They will be analyzed in the morning by the lab tech and sent off for diagnosis. Doc is looking through a photo comparison book to get a better idea tonight. Tomorrow looks like drain off as much fluid as possible, then ultrasound and xray to try and see if there is a tumor in front of the heart.

I'm still convinced that all your prayers and mine produced a mighty miracle in Sammy boy. It's just too amazing the difference between him being at death's door last night and him up and eating/drinking tonight. THANK YOU GOD! and thank you all.

P.S. I'm sure God is channeling even more of our prayers and energy to Sammy girl in Cincinnati. He's too good to get them confused

[Karen]

How exciting! Hope they can figure it out, but I'm just so glad he was so much happier - purrs and headbumpies - that's a grateful kitty! Prayers continue.

[Jennie Lu]

Here's an attached photo of my Sammy as requested. He is the cuddliest lapcat in the house - just can't stand not to be the center of attention and scritches!

I missed the "hospital roommate" first time around...so true!

Jen

[RedHedd]

That is SUCH good news! I hope your Sammy continues to improve. Cancer in kitties is a toughie, but it sounds like he's in very good hands and you're doing everything you can to help Sammy, although I'd hate to see the bills. He's lucky to have you as his meowmie. PT prayers continue.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Woo hoo!!! What great news that he's feeling so much better!

But what scary news about the abnormal cells. However, like you say, at least you know what you're up against now and can hopefully start treating it and he'll get better real soon.

{{{hugs}}} to you. I know you're relieved, and yet still worried.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad to hear that Sam is feeling and doing much better. Hopefully the abnormal cells aren't as bad as the vet thinks they are and can be treated. Lots of prayers and positive thoughts are still being sent your way. Please take care.

[Barbara]

I'm so glad Sammy pulled through and that you now know what's going on.

It will be tough -but it is a relief to know how he can be helped to feel better at least

[furrykidsmother]

So glad he made it through the night and is showing signs of improvement. Eating and drinking is a great sign. I hope that they can determine exactly what is causing his problems and hopefully it isn't cancer. Prayers continue!

[Medusa]

So glad to hear that Sammy is doing better. The word cancer is scary but knowing is better than not. I'm sure you'll do what you must for the good of Sammy. You can do it w/God's help. I'll keep praying positive for you and sweet Sammy.

Blessings,
M

[TopCat3]

Still thinking of you. So heartworm was negative, but may be cancer - Hobson's choice really, isn't it? Glad there are some positive signs in Sam's behaviour, he seems like a fighter! Will continue to watch as things unfold and hold you and all the other sick kitties on PT in my thoughts and heart. My girls have their annual checkup tomorrow, I'll definitely be asking about feline heartworm - wonder if it's worse in USA than Australia? I'll give feedback for other Aussies on the site. Best wishes PS-remember to take care of YOU too!

[kittycats_delight]

[Jennie Lu]

Originally posted by RedHedd
it sounds like he's in very good hands and you're doing everything you can to help Sammy, although I'd hate to see the bills.

The bill has crossed my mind but I'm trying not to think about it. I know it will be ASTRONOMICAL ! I'm just glad that he's more comfortable now, and we'll cross the financial bridge when we'll get to it

Sam greeted me again this morning and drank more water for me. His IV is out and I'm sure he's thankful for that. We're waiting now on lab, xray, and ultrasound results. Hopefully I'll have an uppydate tonight on the results. Thanks again to all, and thank you kittycats_delight for the beautiful get well picture! I told Sammy today that he's one lucky kitty to get all these prayers and to be loved so much!

Jen