Suspected cat cancer - cannot afford vet fees

Murphybear

Katiehound said:

My beautiful hound- the real Katie hound got a lymphoma which progressed at a' spectacular' rate. (the vet's description) Whilst we tried non- invasive diet & CV247 solution it did not work.  She was only 9 years old and I decided that the kind thing was pts. I remember walking her to the vet- she looked the picture of health-  and one friend said how could I? Easy: would I really let my wonderful dog choke to death?

Of course it wasn't easy: even as I write this, 13 years later I still have a tears in my eyes.

Just because we can do something really doesn't mean it is the best thing for our pet. Sadly I do think that some vets see pound signs. The question might be what would be the kindest thing to do?

 With a previous dog (also lymphoma) another friend asked why I was keeping him alive when the prognosis was so bad. Was it for him and his quality of life or just  for me? Yes, it was for me and ever after that I have said better a week too early than a day too late. You have to look at your cat's quality of life. Do you really want to put him through another operation?

He wants a pain free life. You have the gift to let him slip away without suffering.

Remember all the good times you have had and enjoyed with him, and let him go peacefully with you cuddling him.

Yes. it's very hard.

Thinking of you, take care.

Dear katiehound 

I know how you feel.  We miss our beloved pets and keep them in our hearts.  I hope there is cat/dog heaven for them where can live pain free with their friends (husband thinks that silly, I don’t)

MB

sheramber

Murphybear said:

Dear katiehound 

I know how you feel.  We miss our beloved pets and keep them in our hearts.  I hope there is cat/dog heaven for them where can live pain free with their friends (husband thinks that silly, I don’t)

MB

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Murphybear

sheramber said:

Murphybear said:

Dear katiehound 

I know how you feel.  We miss our beloved pets and keep them in our hearts.  I hope there is cat/dog heaven for them where can live pain free with their friends (husband thinks that silly, I don’t)

MB

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Thank you

That always makes me cry.  

moomin82

Hi everyone,
I have come back to this thread for support really. Bella has been doing brilliantly, happy and active until a few weeks ago. His ear is getting scabbier and the lump that wasn’t fully removed seems to be slowly getting bigger. The ear canal and edges of what’s left of his ear when they removed it looks red and irritated, and he’s been scratching it more. It bleeds, and he’s been eating well but he is becoming more withdrawn and unhappy.
I didn’t jump to book him in for the third and more complex surgery after his op in April, and I am more inclined now to help him pass away as comfortably as possible without putting him through more extensive treatment. I have read all your previous comments a number of times and agree for the most part the advice was to think about his quality of life. 

The further diagnostic scan that was recommended by the charity vet also won’t be available for a while, because the charity vet are short staffed and unable to book appointments in for the next month. So a lower cost option to continue his treatment if I wanted to might not be available for at least a month or more.
His usual vet charged me £398 for a consultation and some antibiotics two weeks ago when he came home with his ear bleeding! I managed to claim the cost of the 2nd op on his insurance, but still need to find out if they’d cover a further scan (which could cost thousands). I try doing my own research into squamous cell carcinoma and find out about palliative care, funerals.. I was a bit subdued at work today, sure my colleagues have had enough of my cat dilemmas! 

I don’t seem to read many stories of cats making a full recovery after any cancer treatment even if they have radiation, chemotherapy and/or surgery. So maybe it’s time to face the fact he might not live much longer

TripleH

Sadly I'd make the most of your remaining time together and enjoy it.

The important thing is that your cat doesn't suffer too much and feels loved at the end.

Our eldest's health went down hill overnight unexpectedly which hit me hard (but at least she didn't suffer).

moomin82

Thank you. Sorry for your loss. 

It’s a draining time, I’ve been thinking about pet cremation, euthanasia when the time comes.. 

Took him in today and they said he has an abcess from a cat fight, so any cancer scans are on hold till that’s sorted anyway. He seems a bit happier as they cleaned and drained it, will take him in next week if it’s still bad.

He’s still eating and toileting ok, but is lethargic and has been sleeping most of the day. 

ladyholly

Live and love him for each day and try not to worry about the future. You can only do what you can.

moomin82

I had Bella put to sleep this morning. He had an abcess that wouldn’t clear and the cancer was taking it’s toll. I have never had to do this before, and part of me wonders if I did the right thing, I imagine if I should’ve taken him to another vet. It’s been a very long battle, 2 years clutching on to his precious life. I hope he is at peace and can forgive me. I am devastated. One day we will meet again. 

TripleH

I'm so sorry for your loss.

You did the right thing, you will question yourself over it but so did we.

The important thing is Bella was not suffering and won't anymore.

Don't worry about feeling numb or crying.

When we had our queen put to sleep it was the first time either of us had done it.

Don't rush into anything and don't feel guilt about what you did.

Murphybear

Of course he will forgive you, you did your very best for him.  There’s lots of us on here who have been through this, some recently.  We’ll send you lots of hugs.  

The support I got from the people on here when I had to let Squeaky go earlier this year was amazing.