Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat General => General Cat Chat => Topic started by: Millys Mum on April 02, 2009, 20:10:40 PM
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Does anybody have experiences they can share, good or bad, of cats having chemotherapy?
I dont know what to do :(
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:hug: No experiences but have heard quite a few times that cats don't suffer the ill effects that humans often do :hug:
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I hate having options, would be easier if there were none. It doesnt help having unsupportive family :(
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I would be very nervous about this too so can understand how you must feel, discuss it with your vet is what I would say, they will be the best people to ask having experience of how other cats have reacted, or tell you where to get advice :hug:
if you need support you can always pm me if you want a chat any time :hug:
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I have never had to make this sort of decision - yet - and I do so feel for you :hug:
I hope you will feel able to consider your own wellbeing as well as Millie's - you won't want her to suffer and she won't want you to either
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my mums cat Odo was 8 months old when they discovered an inoperable tumour in his throat. the options were chemo or pts. they were told that even if the tomour shrunk they still wouldnt be able to remove it and gave him around 18 months to live even with the treatment. my parents went ahead with the chemo on the condition that at soon as it became clear that he was suffering they would do the decent thing. Odo lived untill he was 5 and apart from never getting past the gangly 8 month stage (size wise) he suffered no side affects apart from feeling the cold more than the others. there used to be a cat at Foal Farm who'd had chemo (not sure if he's still there) and he had the softest fur i've ever felt, apparently that is a possible side affect.
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:hug:
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MM, i am so sorry about Milly.
Boy is having chemo (Leukeran) , it was December 2007 when i had to take him to RVC for tests but his case was complicated because he was given the wrong tablets by my vet (Norocarp) instead of synulux and the new vet didnt want to do any tests so they refer him to RVC, i am not going to post all the details here because there is a post about this in health section but basicly they never did a full thickness biopsy of his intestines due to increase risk of intestinal wound breakdown and also i told them from the begining chemotherapy not being an option, the reason i didnt want chemo was i was told by my first vet when DD had cancer that they need to do blood test every week and with DD being a nervous cat it wasnt an obtion but then when Boy had his biopsy from his stomac and intestines(not full one) and ultrasound scan it was revealed he has lymphoma and a likely mass in his pancreas, i did ask if the steroids would help him but was told only with chemotherapy. I had concern about the chemo but i was told by the vet in RVC and my vet Caroline that animals DONT react to chemo like humans do , also its todo with the dosage so its gentle for animal than humans. I was alo told that the blood tests are only done monthly which is not too bad, so he has been on steroids and Leukeran since 2007 December, they did say without the tratment he will have 6-8 weeks and with tratment months up to a year, its been 15 months now and i have to say he has good and bad days but he has Hyperthroidism as well , some days he has bad diarrhoea but i think that is bacause of his diet , they put him on Hills D/D Venison for his IBD but he doesnt eat and other foods are too rich, i think its different for each cat you have to see if Milly doesnt get stress with monthly blood tests and medication, and also for people who dont have insurance its a very costly tratment the test and medication is very expensive and i was told the chemo tratment is for life and you cant stop it at any time, he gets B12 injection every month which helps him but as i said he has Lymphoma, IBD and HTyroid . I know for fact if it was Phoebe who needed this i would say NO as i know the stress of treatment and tests for a cat like her would do more harm than good. I hope you can decide whats best for Milly, we are all here for you. :hug:
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One of my client's cats had chemo and he seemed to cope quite well with it. I think, with the treatment, he had about a year from when he was diagnosed and he always seemed well in himself whenever I went to groom him. It is a lot for them to go through though, and like Pav said, it depends how you think she would cope with treatment. :hug:
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We (my vet and I) have decided against Chemo at the moment.
Its true that cats seem to cope better with it than humans, however, my vet says the Chemo can cause different problems which could infact shorten her life
You need to chat a good chat with you vet hunny xx
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I have no experience of this MM, but am sending you a hug because this kind of decision is utterly terrifying. :hug: :care:
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I dont have any experience, other than when I have hypothetically discussed it with the vet, she has said that with some cancers it is worthwhile, but it also goes off the age of the cat, and MAbel was too old and poorly for it to be a consideration. Fingers crossed for you
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:thanks:
Im still struggling to decide whats for the best, Lymphoma is the 'best' cancer for being treated with chemo but theres no certainity it will react positively or even if her liver could repair the damage thats been done and its that what stops her from eating :'( :'(
Shes just been sleeping on my bed when out of her crate, hasnt wanted to leave the room, if i let her go now will i wonder what if for time to come :(
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Where will the treatment be given to Milly MM? Locally or further away? My business partner initially had to bring her cat Noodles to Bristol from Brum when he was receiving chemo treatment some years ago and follow up treatment was provided locally (by my current vet as it happens). The initial treatment involved him having to stay over in Bristol for some nights. I'm afraid it was not successful in Noodles' case :(.
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Locally Rosella with tablets given at home. Shes just got up for a wee and now laying on the doormat, the colour of her wee always upsets me :'(
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:thanks:
Im still struggling to decide whats for the best, Lymphoma is the 'best' cancer for being treated with chemo but theres no certainity it will react positively or even if her liver could repair the damage thats been done and its that what stops her from eating :'( :'(
Shes just been sleeping on my bed when out of her crate, hasnt wanted to leave the room, if i let her go now will i wonder what if for time to come :(
I am going to stick my neck out and say.....
I think you have nothing to lose by trying the Chemo MM
The way Milly is at the moment she isnt going to last long without it, So its worth trying :hug:
You can always stop the Chemo if you feel it is making her worse but if you dont try you will forever wish you had xxxxx
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:hug:
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Those were my first thoughts Michelle but today i have been off work and watching her. Iv got nothing to lose by trying it but she has :( and i think i will find it harder to live with the guilt then the what if.
I know what i have to do :'( :'(
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:hug: :hug: x
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I know what i have to do :'( :'(
I have just gone all cold.....
Not sure what you are saying....although i think i do :hug:
:'( :'( :'(
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So sorry to read your story. Thinking of you now.
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So sorry MM :'(
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so sorry MM - but no-one in the world knows what's better for Millie than you
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Those were my first thoughts Michelle but today i have been off work and watching her. Iv got nothing to lose by trying it but she has :( and i think i will find it harder to live with the guilt then the what if.
I know what i have to do :'( :'(
:grouphug:
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lots of support from me for whatever you decide :hug: :hug: :hug:
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Aw MM what an awful dilema but I know you will do what you think best in the long run for darling Milly...... :hug:
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:hug:
The hardest thing is knowing what to do for the best,from the sound of your post you have reached your decision, never feel guilty for choosing one option over another, you love and cherish Milly so very much,it is obvious you have chosen the best for her. :hug: :hug:
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:hug: :hug: Whatever you decide we will be here for you.
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Just echoing the others. You know what is best for your beloved Millie, we will support whatever decision you feel is best. You know her better than anyone and will do what is right for her. Having said that, an awful time for you. Lots of hugs winging their way to you.
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Can only echo what others have said, I know you will do whatever you think is best for Milly :hug:
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Those were my first thoughts Michelle but today i have been off work and watching her. Iv got nothing to lose by trying it but she has :( and i think i will find it harder to live with the guilt then the what if.
I know what i have to do :'( :'(
Have been in the position of treating or not myself and the decision is very hard and I have to say there's always what if's whatever option you go for so (still feel them now) at the end of the day you can only do what you feel is right in your heart at that time :hug:
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Other than what the others have already said, the only thing I will add is that the liver is the only organ that can regenerate, so of all the organs to be affected, it is the best. We are all here for you no matter what.
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Tough decision :hug: :hug: Whatever you decide will be the right one.
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:hug:
The hardest thing is knowing what to do for the best,from the sound of your post you have reached your decision, never feel guilty for choosing one option over another, you love and cherish Milly so very much,it is obvious you have chosen the best for her. :hug: :hug:
I agree absolutely.
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Thank you all :hug:
I let her go last night :'( :'( :'(
I watched her all day and could see she was tired, more vet visits would have been too much for her having been there so much over 3 weeks.
What made this so hard is having fought so much to keep her going in hope it was just hepatitis and we could make her better :(
She went straight to the bridge, an amazing ball of fire in the sky greeted us up the hill, there was no cloud just a brilliant red sun, my milly :Luv: :Luv:
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:hug: :hug: awwww, so sorry MM, you did your best for and she will know that
godbless Milly xx
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Really sorry to hear that MM :hug: She's safe and sound at the Bridge by now, waiting for you until you are ready to collect her xx
You know that you gave her the Greatest Gift...
I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.
It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.
It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.
The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow.
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.
For if there´s one thing you´ve taught me,
If there´s only one thing I´ve learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.
Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.
I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this; as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.
So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."
Forever and Always... Until Rainbow bridge....
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She went straight to the bridge, an amazing ball of fire in the sky greeted us up the hill, there was no cloud just a brilliant red sun, my milly :Luv: :Luv:
:hug: :hug: I can hardly type for the tears - thats so lovely and so terribly, terribly sad.
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Lovely poem Helen thank you :hug: :'(
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I'm so sorry, I've only just read this.
Glad Milly sent you a sign straight away; she must've been eager to use all that energy she'll have at the Bridge. :hug:
RIP Milly, a very loved lady.
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:'( :'( :'( :'( I am in bits for you MM. It's always so very hard but you did the best thing you could for her and didn't prolong the inevitable. My heart goes out to you :hug: :hug: :hug:
RIP beautiful Milly :(
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So sorry to hear this
:RIP: Milly
:candle: :candle: :candle:
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Just sitting here shedding a tear for you... so sorry to hear about Milly but i think you are very brave to completely put her first. Well done Milly for giving your mummy a sign so quick. Play hard at the bridge sweetheart- RIP Milly xxx
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I am so sorry MM. :hug: :hug:
RIP sweet Milly. :'( x
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Sorry MM :(
You must be in bits :hug:
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So sorry MM, XX :hug:
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Oh MM I am so so sorry :hug: I am crying with you :hug:
I havent stopped thinking about You and Milly since your post yesterday...I knew what You were going to do.
Can I just say, You are a brave, wonderful and caring Mummy...Who loved Milly so much that You have ended her suffering.
Sending You lots of love......
Michelle xx
RIP Milly.....Well done for sending Mummy a sign so quickly.
I have been telling Issey about You, Now i have just cried into her fur as I have told her You are now playing on the Bridge.
Have fun till Mummy comes to meet You xxxx
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RIP Milly :( So sorry to read your news, MM :hug:
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Oh MM I am so very sorry to hear this sad news and I am sure you did what was best for Milly. I am so pleased she sent you an amazing sign to say I have arrived safe and thank you for loving me so much :hug: :hug: :hug:
RIP Milly, play hard on the Bridge and you are loved for ever
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So very sorry to hear this , RIP Milly ,play hard at the bridge. :hug: :hug:
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I feel so much for you - you gave her a wonderful life, and the very best death you could - no owner can do more :hug:
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So sorry to hear the sad news...... :( :hug: :hug:
RIP Sweet Milly......Im sure it was you showing mummy you are at peace....
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So very sorry, take comfort that you were always able to put Milly`s needs before your own :hug:
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I am so very sorry to hear this, but you gave her the best chance possible in case it was something treatable, and then strong enough to set her free - what a wonderful sign she sent in return. RIP little one.
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Oh I didnt log on yesterday so only just seen this - so sorry to hear about Milly, so very sad and a hard decision, but I sounds like you made the right one for her :hug: What a lovely sign she sent you :Luv:
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Its so quiet without her :( and i have no one watching me go to the loo, strange how you get used to going with an observer :Luv2:
I wish i could have had much longer than 3 years together, Milly Moo Bags i miss you :'(
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Its so quiet without her :( and i have no one watching me go to the loo, strange how you get used to going with an observer :Luv2:
I wish i could have had much longer than 3 years together, Milly Moo Bags i miss you :'(
Know exactly how you feel. I miss Rufus every day but in time it does get easier. Even though you had a short time, it was a great time and that's what you will both have remembered. :hug:
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I am so sorry for your loss. Putting Milly's needs before your own was the greatest gift you could have given. My thoughts are with you.
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It was the final act of kindness you could do for her. God bless you for giving her the love and care she deserved during her time with you. Thinking of you.
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I am so sorry.
Take care
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So sorry to hear this MM, both you and Milly were so brave.
Enjoy yourself at the bridge Milly, go and see my Cleo and Sophie and all the other Purrs babes and they will look after you.
:hug:
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Oh MM Im so, so sorry hun :( But in the end you took the right decision to not let her suffer anymore :hug:
RIP Milly, run free at the Rainbow Bridge xxxx
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Sorry that you had to let her go MM - but what a wondrful sign she sent you from the Bridge :hug:
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How You doing MM ?
You are in my thoughts :hug:
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I'm so sorry sweetheart, I've only just seen this thread :hug: :hug:
RIP little one, safely on the Bridge now, and what an amazing sign you sent your mummy, play hard baby xxx
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The house just isnt right without her, she really did have such a presence around her, i always called her Queen Milly and its like loosing the boss :(
I havnt sorted out her things yet, theres a cupboard i wont open as its full of food for her. Havent washed her crate yet either so thats still in my room :'(
If i ignore everything i can pretend it never happened i guess
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:hug: :hug:
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I havnt sorted out her things yet...........
:hug: :hug:. I still have some of Tiny's toys and he went to the bridge over 5 years ago. I was heartbroken when I stood on his favourite multi-coloured ping-pong ball and squashed it beyond repair. We're all here for you.
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Millys ashes came home yesterday :Luv: the longest 2 weeks, there was 2 weekends in that including the long easter one but i was getting really impatient to have her home.
Tabitha has attempted to take over toilet duties but shes far too demanding so the vacancy is still open :(
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:hug:
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:hug:
I second that hug.
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Oh gosh, how did I manage to miss this? So sorry you have lost your beloved Milly, MM :hug: :(
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I have a box upstairs with all Kockas things in, I cant bear to open it yet and its 4 years this year.
I so understand how you feel and I am pleased that Milly is back with you :hug: :hug:
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:grouphug:
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The card inside reads
"Your presence we miss,
your memory we treasure.
Loving you always,
in our thoughts forever"
:hug: for you Gill, they say time heals but it never quite fills the void :(
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You made the right decision. Heartbreaking though it was, the poems have made me cry. Hugs to MM
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Thanks MM :hug:
The little card sounds lovely, a little touch like this makes all the difference :hug: :hug: