GA China's gone

My daughter and I don't typically spend Christmas Eve crying, but this news has us feeling so sad for you, Chris. What happened to China is eerily similar to the way Miles left us. He, too, had elevated numbers right before his death.

China knew till the end - and beyond - how much she was loved. She wanted to save you from the pain of losing her from cancer. I don't know how cats do it, but they can suppress their health issues and fool everyone. I'm glad she was able to have such a wonderful life for as long as she did. You've been the most amazing fur-parent a kitty could ever have.

I see lots of old-timers on this post, and newbies - you've probably helped everyone here at one time or another - and we come to shower you with prayers to lift your spirit, and gratitude for your unselfish advice and beautiful modeling of near-perfect FD regulation. You both are heroes! Rest easy, sweet China, and send your mom a sign that all is well!

With hugs from me and the 14yo... Marnie
 
Chris, I am so, so sorry. I am stunned; I have no words, only tears. China will be remembered forever in the hearts of so many. She is eternally loved.

Please take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself. China loved you unconditionally and you always did your absolute best for her. You and she have been an inspiration to so many who have come here scared and seeking help. Her legend will live forever.

Sending (((((hugs))))) and love.

Lucy
 
Still so very heartbroken with and for you. It is my understanding that cancer can progress rapidly in animals and abdominal masses are not readily detected. You are such a good cat mom. I hold you both in loving light.
 
Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey said:
I think that $55 was well spent. Now you won't be wondering what happened and what you could have done differently
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I think so too, but I still don't know for sure....she said it "looked like an abdominal mass consistent with cancer", but I still find it hard to believe she could have had a mass that large that wasn't causing her to look sick in some way before now...SOMETHING!! Her coat was still beautiful, she sure wasn't losing weight....it just makes no sense to me.

I thought about a necropsy so I'd have more answers, but the $75 ER vet fee, plus the x-ray, plus the cremation were more than I could afford as it was. Light company and phone company aren't going to be real happy that they're not getting paid. I thought the cremation was reasonable I guess. $100

Am looking on Etsy for an urn or something to befit her status. Can't let her spend the rest of her days in a cardboard box. They have some beautiful ones, but they're kind of pricey. My girl is worth it though as soon as I can afford it.
 
Chris, it does sound very similar to what happened to Sheba. I had NO idea she was so ill. Yes, she’d had a pancreatic flare a month before but she’d got over that. She was eating, doing all her usual things and not losing weight. I thought she was constipated and went to the vet who gave her a microlax enema.. small result. I went back a few days later because I thought she was still constipated and her tummy looked thicker. That was when the tumour was found and she died five days later. Her X-ray said the same. Abdominal mass and it looked consistent with cancer. We had an ultrasound done which confirmed it.
She was pretty normal until the day she died, hadn’t eaten a huge amount for a couple of days but if I hadn’t gone back to the vet I would not have known anything serious was wrong. Our kitties are so good at hiding discomfort and pain. I’m glad you got the X-ray done and I think you can be sure that it was a tumour. I totally understand your disbelief... that is how I felt.
I don’t think you could have done anything different. I wondered how I could have possibly missed what was happening, but there was nothing really significant for me to see.
 
You must be in deep shock, Chris, do take care of yourself, we are not "ourselves" when something awful like this happens out of the blue. When I first lost my Tom I nearly got run over crossing the road and not looking... I don't say that to scare you but to ask you to be extra mindful of things like that while you are consumed by shock and grief. So many of us have been there and understand how you're feeling, and we don't want you to go through any more than you already are... sigh...you know you are among friendss/family here who really care.
 
I am in absolute shock - not to mention tears - to see this and am so heartbroken for you, Chris. Take care and know that you and China are in all of our hearts :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
Fly free, Miss China, you will be missed around here but never forgotten cat_wings>o:rb_icon:
 
Cancer can come on very quickly without any signs beforehand. It is a blessing China went so quickly and didn't have to suffer. I know you would have done everything you could to take care of her if she had lingered, but it is not easy dealing with a cat with cancer. My civvie Callie (GA) acted perfectly normal. I only knew she had stomach cancer because I found a lump on her belly. I know you will miss her terribly, but I hope you can take comfort in her going quickly. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Oh Chris...I sit here stunned by this sad news...words escape me ... my sadness for your loss is overwhelming. I can only send you hugs and prayers across the ether. It is always so hard to let go of our loved ones. Please know that we are all thinking of you. China was so lucky to have been blessed with the best mama bean anyone could ever hope to have. And if there is any consolation to be had in all of this she didn't suffer - and went peacefully and was well up until the end...and now as she crosses to the other side to be with the other GA's may she land softly. Fly free sweet China White - Lagoon Mistress. You will be missed. cat_wings>o
 
So very sad to hear this. Did not know either of you well, but my heart goes out to you just the same. Know your baby was comforted to be with her mom at the end. She knew how much you loved her.
 
Oh Chris, to say I am shocked is an understatement. My heart is aching for the pain you are experiencing. You and China were always our greatest inspirations on this board, even before we joined the L&L group. It was obvious you loved your girl and I am so sorry you had to lose her so suddenly. Sending you hugs and vines of love, comfort, and peace during this difficult time. Fly free beautiful girl and land softly. You will be sorely missed. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
(((((Chris)))))

I have been trolling this thread to see if you had the emotional fortitude to fill us in on what happened. Cats are so good at hiding what may be wrong. I don't know if it's a matter of self-preservation from their days in the wild or if it's their way of shielding us from an inevitable loss. Maybe it's both.

You have joined yet another club you never wanted to be a member of -- those of us who have had to say goodbye to one of our beloved kitties over the holidays. Gabby, Gracie, Neko and others will be there to welcome China to the Bridge. She will be among friends.

I know you've seen me post this quote. It was something I came across a few days after Gabby crossed. It gave me some comfort. I hope it does the same for you."Cats never completely leave you. They side step time, shrug off death - come at the call of memory their beauty undiminished, their touch as gentle, their love perpetual."
 
:bighug:

Thinking of you today Chris. I'm glad China didn't suffer. Cancer can grow so fast, and our feline friends are experts at hiding what is wrong. I know it seems unbelievable. everything will be surreal right now for you. Take care and be gentle with yourself.
 
I wish there always something we could do to take away the pain for you. I know it is a true, physical pain but, from experience, be so gentle with yourself and let yourself grieve on your own schedule. If it’s any comfort, my AC says our kitties stay with us as long as we need them so if you see her, hear her, dream of her, she’s there with you. It just aches that we can’t hold them.

We are all keeping you close in our hearts, Chris. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
My grandmother told us often that every pet is an eventual heartbreak. Yet those of us who have loved a creature as dear as China was to you, we would never think of doing anything differently. The pain of her loss will be perpetual, in some way, but your memories of that lovely and loving cat will be, too.

I still dream of a cat I loved long before Mala came to me. In fact, we adopted Mala as we transitioned out of paralyzing grief for the loss of Lilith. Her death left a hole so great we had to fill it with not one, but two tortis. Erzuli, Mala's sister, left us in '16. Mala still rules her household. And someday, we will face the pain of loss again, as Mala joins her sister and our dear fluffy Emmeline.

Hold onto your memories of her. Let them lead you to a place of healing, where the grief will live in tandem with the joy.

Peace to you.
 
PussCatPrince - GA said:
Shocked and saddened doesn't begin to describe anything.

Chris. Lovely lady.
I am so sorry that China has slipped away .
She remains a very much loved pusscat all around the world, just as you too are very dear in all our hearts.

More hugs than the stars in the sky to you.

Please take care.

M x

:bighug:
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@PussCatPrince - GA ... I could not have said these words any more clear. Thank you, I feel the same way.
Thank you @Chris & China Chris for being the special YOU, you are. Muah.
 
So many hearts, vines,prayers going out to you today, Chris :bighug: May you be comforted in spite of this sadness, may it help you carry this loss ❤️
 
(((((Chris)))))
My heart aches for you as I read this. I am so so so sorry that it was China's time. You were the first person to stay up with me all night caring for Bailey's low numbers, and I only wish that at this moment there was more that I could do to ease your pain as you did for me.
I am praying that you experience peace as we all come together as a family and grieve with you. :bighug::bighug:
Fly free and land softly sweet China. cat_wings>o
 
Chris, I'm so sorry. I don't really know what to say. I didn't get to know China very well, as I've only been here a couple of weeks (and selfishly been caught up in my own newly diagnosed cat). However, I your kindness and patience to me through this periode has saved my sanity (and possibly Kitty's life). I wish there was something I could say, to give you some comfort and make you feel better, like you have done for me.

However, I have lost enough pets to know that this is a storm you have to ride. Nothing can take away the grief. It will feel suffocating. Come up for air when your heart and mind allows you to. In time, the grief will let you breathe easier. Take care of yourself, Chris.
 
Chris, I'm so sorry for your loss. There are no words that can lessen the pain of losing your beloved China, but I hope you take comfort in knowing that China passed enveloped by your love. Hugs and prayers.
 
Chris -- Cats are so good at hiding their pain. They hide it until it reaches that end point when they can't hide it any longer. You may never know 100% what was wrong, I hope what you did learn gives you peace of mind. Even if you learned of the cancer sooner, it wouldn't necessarily have changed the outcome. It would have just given you more time to prepare, second guess yourself, live in uncertainty, not to mention repetitive trips to the vet that surely wasn't something China would have wanted.

You spent quality time with China, loved her unconditionally and didn't have to worry over something that was out of your control. In many ways, by her hiding what was wrong, she saved you the pain and heartache. From the sound of it, she most likely wasn't in pain or discomfort, so you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Take comfort in knowing that you got all this time with her worry free and she gifted you that.

May you find peace and comfort in the days, weeks, months to come. My hope for you is that one day, you will smile and laugh when you think of her and her antics and that the tears and pain will lessen.
 
Chris,I hope you can find a bit of comfort knowing you are surrounded by the Golden ,Warm,light of the LOVE of so many people.China never left! She's there with you now & always.:) :bighug:
 
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Chris, We lost our beloved Max suddenly and unexpectedly, years ago. We thought he had arthritis in his back legs/hips and I dropped him off at the vet for an ultrasound first thing in the morning. The vet called me the next morning to say he had crossed overnight. We were all shocked. She did a necropsy for free because she wanted to know what had happened. Turns out he had pancreatic cancer! None of us had any idea. It happens. I'm so sorry it happened to you.:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Welcome my dear friend, my fellow guardian of the Lagoon, my fabulous LagoonMeisterin, to the Bridge. We will go down to the Bridge beach and roast some hotdogs for old times sake. And we will watch over our beans and send them loving thoughts.
Ever yours,
Rusty, LagoonMeister

Dear Chris,
We are away from home and internet and I am just devastated to see your post this afternoon. China will always be your shining light. Keep your thoughts on how much she loves you even though she is no longer physically present. We grieve with you.
In loving remembrace of your wonderful girl,
Ella & Edward, and Rusty (GA) and Stu (GA)


 
I've just seen your very sad news today. My thoughts and prayers surround you at this difficult time. May your fond memories of your sweet China bring you some comfort. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Chris & China said:
still find it hard to believe she could have had a mass that large that wasn't causing her to look sick in some way before now...SOMETHING!
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We find that in people sometimes. They say they ft fine then all of a sudden they have abdominal pain, come in and they have a tumor somewhere in their abdomen. A lot of the times it has spread by then. Then of course they say “oh yeah I did feel kind of weak and tired more over the last 6 months.” But hindsight is 20/20. Also, as we know cats can mask their symptoms really well for a long time. So I personally do think it makes sense, but of course it’s easier for me being an “outsider” looking in. :(
 
{Our computer is in our dining room and my in-laws are looking at me like i'm crazy cause I'm bawling my eyes out rn.}
I'm so sorry for your unexpected loss. Take comfort in all the love that clearly surrounds you.
I know it's not the same as the soft touch of a special kitty, but it helps. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I am in shock. Trying to write you some comfort through the tears. You two were always a comfort and help to me. I truly am so sorry. Prayers, comfort and love to you.
 
We lost our first diabetic on Christmas Eve 2014 (after 5 years in and out of remission, and of causes unrelated to diabetes). I truly didn't, and still don't, really even recognize that Christmas actually happened that year. Now that a few years have gone by, I've started to appreciate the usual activities around Christmas so that I can think about my boy on Christmas Eve, but then I have distractions so that I don't get "stuck".

I am truly sorry about China. You both were an inspiration to so many.
 
Oh, Chris, I am so very sorry to hear this. China will always be remembered and kept in our hearts. Spot, along with many many other FDMB Kitties are welcoming her with open paws and they are once again playing together, happy, free of pain, and healthy. Hugs to you, my friend.

6958006653_1207bfaca7_z.jpg
 
Chris & China said:
I think so too, but I still don't know for sure....she said it "looked like an abdominal mass consistent with cancer", but I still find it hard to believe she could have had a mass that large that wasn't causing her to look sick in some way before now...SOMETHING!! Her coat was still beautiful, she sure wasn't losing weight....it just makes no sense to me.
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I lost my boy Jordan quickly to cancer. He was absolutely fine from all outward signs, never had the slightest health issue, then one day, I rubbed his belly, and it was hard. I took him to the vet, they drained some fluid and said they needed to do a biopsy. He died in recovery from the biopsy. His belly was full of cancer. It was the most shocking loss of a cat I have ever had. It messed with my head for years after because it was so surreal. He was fine!!! Then, he was gone. Cancer can work that way. I'm sorry it took your baby, too. At least she was with her mama. My greatest regret and source of pain from losing Jordan was that I was not with him. He died alone in a recovery 'cage' at the vet's office. :(
 
Just a reminder, You are surrounded by LOVE. We are all thinking about you and wishing you the BEST. China is with you & probably wondering what the heck is going on? :):bighug:
 
Chris & China said:
I think so too, but I still don't know for sure....she said it "looked like an abdominal mass consistent with cancer", but I still find it hard to believe she could have had a mass that large that wasn't causing her to look sick in some way before now...SOMETHING!! Her coat was still beautiful, she sure wasn't losing weight....it just makes no sense to me.
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Unfortunately, I can't tell you how many times I have seen this happen in my career as a vet tech :arghh: Sometimes in dogs, but often cats as they are just TOO good at hiding things. They're so darn tough - what we love about them, but when something like this happens it breaks out hearts that they didn't tell us something was wrong. I have also seen cancerous masses pop up so quickly - even months after x-rays or ultrasounds were performed, and no masses found. Cancer SUCKS!

It's hard enough to lose our family members, but when it happens so unexpectedly, it shatters are worlds and our hearts. The only upside is that China was happy and feeling well until that last morning. She was beyond blessed to have you in her life, and you her. I am so heartbroken for you, and I can only hope you are able to take some comfort in the happy memories China gave you. Sending lots of light and comfort your way! :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Sienne and Gabby (GA) said:
(((((Chris)))))

I have been trolling this thread to see if you had the emotional fortitude to fill us in on what happened. Cats are so good at hiding what may be wrong. I don't know if it's a matter of self-preservation from their days in the wild or if it's their way of shielding us from an inevitable loss. Maybe it's both.

You have joined yet another club you never wanted to be a member of -- those of us who have had to say goodbye to one of our beloved kitties over the holidays. Gabby, Gracie, Neko and others will be there to welcome China to the Bridge. She will be among friends.

I know you've seen me post this quote. It was something I came across a few days after Gabby crossed. It gave me some comfort. I hope it does the same for you."Cats never completely leave you. They side step time, shrug off death - come at the call of memory their beauty undiminished, their touch as gentle, their love perpetual."
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I LOVE love love this quote! A while back I posted in the grief forum about a dream I had in which all of my cats came back to me, and this is exactly how it was. What a sign and a gift! Thank you for sharing it.
 
I knew Cleo had cancer and I was still blindsided. I left for work that morning and she seemed fine. She demanded her morning treats + insulin and ate all her breakfast. I came home a few hours later and she was hiding under the couch.

Maybe it's good for our kitties that they don't seem to suffer long, but it's so hard on us when they leave so suddenly.
 
Oh my goodness, Chris, I am so sorry to read this! I've had a lot going on so I've been off the board for a week or so and just logged back on tonight and couldn't believe it when I saw your post. My heart goes out to you. As others have said, China left his Earth knowing how much she was loved by such a devoted momma! Again, I am so sorry for your loss of sweet China. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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