Re: 2/25 Butthead's condo rental - CT scan today
I really can't think straight, but I know many of you are waiting for an update, so...
from Butthead's vet oncologist:
"As we discussed on the phone, the tumor near Bailey's ear is behaving in an unusually aggressive fashion. There is a portion of the mass above the remnant of the ear deep within the muscle and adhering to the skull. The mass extends down past his ear to the level of his voice box and wraps around the voice box and the 2 major vessels in his neck (the carotid artery and jugular vein).
Please stop the Palladia as it appears to be doing nothing to slow down the tumor. The recommended treatment at this time would be palliative (short course) radiation. This would be a series of 6 treatments given 2 times weekly for 3 weeks. We likely could start next week. The full course is not recommended as it is likely to have a large amount of side effects to the trachea, esophagus, and brain because of the location of the mass. The purpose of full course radiation would be to reduce the mass to the size where it is surgically removable which is not likely because of the involvement of the jugular and carotid arteries.
Please call if questions. I will try to touch base with you on Monday in terms of scheduling palliative radiation therapy."
She is going to confer with the other oncologist who deals more with radiation treatment. Her opinion may be different. However, given that multiple vets now have been astounded at what has happened with Butthead, I cannot expect a miracle anymore. The lightning keeps striking him despite the odds. Right now my best hope is that if we pursue radiation, it keeps the tumor from growing larger and restricting his ability to swallow and breathe. What a horrific way to die :cry:. It actually was one of my nightmares about him, that the tumor would choke him...
Thank you all for your prayers/vines/light. Now I guess I ask that you pray for Butthead to be spared any suffering. I gave him his chicken baby food as soon as I got him to the car, and then I put on his harness and leash and he sat on my lap for much of the drive home, purring and shedding all over the place. He's such a happy cat, so sweet. WHY THIS?!?
MJ&Donovan&Butthead
Sending out positive thoughts for you and Butthead.
