I Have Cancer

It's confirmed--my mysterious illness has been diagnosed, and it's cancer. I am a VERY sick kitty.

I spent a lot of time with doctors last week, and I got to visit at Mom's office again. (Here I am in her lap at her computer.) Physical examinations, soakings, pills, X-rays, sub-Q fluids, IVs, sonograms, needle biopsies: I had 'em all. But it's cancer and I'm an old kitty. I told Mom that I don't want extraordinary treatments; I want my dignity and I want to be comfortable. She promises to try to do the right thing by me.

Can you see how swollen my right paw is here?. What started out as a sore paw that seemed to have an infection between the toes, morphed into full blown cancer of my two middle toes. The toes are growing ever larger, and I don't put weight on that paw. My holistic vet took X-rays of my paw and sent them to a radiologist because she feared it could be something called lung-digit syndrome found in cats. The radiologist suspected cancer and recommended a chest x-ray. What showed up on that x-ray (and I wish that Mom knew how to post the x-ray since she has the disk) was shocking, but turned out to be incidental and not related. I have a (small) BULLET lodged in my chest. Now, am I a manly ManCat or what! It's an old injury, but puzzling. Mom never knew when it happened. As most of you know, I was indoor-outdoor, but how I managed to take a bullet without my mom knowing is beyond her comprehension.

Anyway, back to my X-ray. My right lung is collapsed and apparently my heart has shifted its position. I also have some fluid on my lung. My next medical procedure was a sonogram which revealed that I have one very small kidney, yet my kidney function is fine for now. I do have a large mass on my small intestine. That lead to some needle biopsies which concluded that all three areas (foot, lung, intestine) are malignant carcinomas. Mom and I got the ultimate news today.

Mom asked the doctor how much time I have left and she said that it's probably only a matter of weeks unless I'm able to eat better. I did get a new appetite stimulant and ate a little more tonight. Mom also made me some boneless chicken breast which has always been one of my favorites. See all the foods she offers me: chicken, Fancy Feast, Whiskas duck and chicken from a pouch (suggested by one of you!) and my regular crunchies.

Here is another photo of my paw. It is discolored from betadine soaks. You can also see where my leg was shaved for the IV.

So, that's my story. I'm hanging in there for now, but I have had a wonderful life and done most things that would be on a cat's bucket list. Tomorrow Mom is going to consult with a vet about comfort care.

~Jake

P.S. Thank you for the Catster Valentine, dear DaisyMae Maus. You are the best girlfriend cat ever!