Rutherford's sad news.

[jenluckenbach]

If you read the cat health forum, you know Rutherford has had his share of problems. The latest being a fibrosarcoma removed from his back and a few months later, another one.

As a cancer, fibrosarcoma can be bad news. And the worst has happened to dear Rutherford. It is moving into his lungs.

Rutherford began to breathe rather hard this past Thursday. With a real heavy purr to go along with it. And his appetite has been down. I watched him over the next few days before taking him to the vet this morning.

He lost 9 ounces in a month's time. They also did an xray and compared it to the one from 6 weeks ago and saw a lot more effected area of the lungs. It's spreading fast.

He was treated today with a steroid shot to help his breathing, make him more comfortable (hopefully) and as a side effect, help his appetite. And since it reduces swelling, it might buy him some time.

But the bottom line is.....we'll be losing him to lung cancer, and most likely, sooner rather than later.

Just thought you'd like to know.

[Killearn Kitties]

Oh Jen. All the good vibes I can muster are coming to you and Rutherford. I know how much he means to you.
I hope he stays comfortable a little longer.

[Barbara]

Jen I am so terribly sorry. Rutherford was one of the "early" kitties I met here at PT. I am sending good vibes and hope that the end will be as soft as possible.

[lvpets2002]

I am so saddened to read this.. I wish & send positive vibes for this wittle one.. Prayers

[Catlady711]

That is very sad to hear. I'm just happy he has a wonderful mommy like you to help him feel as comfortable as possible with what time he has left and will continue to love him despite his medical problems. He's a very lucky cat to have you there for him. Give him a head rubbing for me will you?

[ChrisH]

Oh, Jen, such sad news. My heart goes out to you and your boy.

[Randi]

Jen, I'm so sorry to hear how bad Rutherford is. I hope he'll be as comfortable as possible in his last days - I know you are doing what you can to ease his pain! Please give him some kisses from me.

(((Hugs))))

[Catty1]

Jen...I am SO sorry to hear this about Rutherford. I do hope he is as comfortable as possible.

Just as an aside, I was talking to my vet after Cole's recent visit. He, too, has noticed an incredible increase in cat cancers. He said that one theory is that the urinary foods dissolve and prevent crystals, but also might be compromising the immune system. Maybe that applies to a lot of special diets.

Please give him a hug and a kiss on the forehead for me. Poor baby...poor you!

Just look at your miracle Mr Meow...I hope you can get some comfort from that.

[smokey the elder]

I'm so sorry about Rutherford.

About the apparent increase in cat cancers: could it be that they can be detected, and/or the cats are living longer? I hear of many more cats living into their late teens than I had when I was a kid.

[Medusa]

Oh Jen, I'm so sorry. The only good there is in all this is that Rutherford had the good fortune to wind up in your loving home. As for the cancer, I forgot to mention that Dr. Lee told me that, upon reviewing Puddy's x-ray the day she died, she had cancer in her bones. It didn't show up the last time she was in for x-rays so it just recently developed and she would've had that battle to go through as well. It does seem that there have been many cat cancers lately but they're all lucky to have found so many wonderful PT people.

[rg_girlca]

Oh Jen, like the others, I am so, so sorry to hear this about precious Rutherford.

I know that you will make sure that he remains as comfortable as could be and will be loved ever more so. My heart goes out to.

Prayers and HUGS for you during these trying times.

This tough time will end. Just know in your heart that you don't need to go it alone. We will always be here for you.

[phesina]

Jen, I am so sorry to learn about Rutherford.

Be comfortable and happy, sweet boy, knowing you are loved beyond words and have the most wonderful home imaginable.

Hugs and purrs and gentle pets to you both.

Pat and cats

[GILL]

I am so sorry, at lest he was in a wonderful home, with a loving mom. Take hart in that he will be waiting at the bridge when the time comes. We all know that you have one of the biggest harts around and do every thing possible for your babies.

[Kirsten]

Oh Jen, I'm really sorry! You've been through so much lately with your kitties, and this one sounds really bad!

I hope there's still some quality time left for Rutherford where he's painfree and happy.

Please give him a hug from me, okay?

Kirsten

[catmandu]

NO, NOT BIG HANDSOME RUTHERFORD.
HES BEEN WITH YOU FOR SO MANY YEARS , THATS SUCH A SHAME TO LOSE ANY FRIEND THAT YOU HAVE LOVED FOR SO LONG AND SO WELL.
I WAS TRYING TO REMEMBER HOW RUTHERFORD CAME TO BE YOUR CAT.
COULD YOU PLEASE RETELL RUTHERFORDS STORY, AS I RECALL THAT WAS A TOUCHING STORY.
THE FOUND CATS AND I ARE PRAYING FOR THIER DEAR FRIEND RUTHERFORD , AND OF COURSE WE PRAY THAT HES GOT AT LEAST ONE CATMAS AHEAD OF HIM
PLESAE OUR ALL MIGHTY LORD GOD, LET RUTHERFORD HAVE AS LITTLE PAIN, AND BE AS HAPPY AS POSSIBLE