3/3 Butthead's condo rental - tumor update

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MJ+Donovan

MJ+Donovan

Member Since 2009
prior condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=37557

Sorry I've been kinda quiet. Reflecting on a lot of things, and trying to keep other things out of my mind. Doesn't work so well though :-|

I got back from Butthead's first radiation treatment about an hour ago. I had received a call from the vet oncologist late Monday after she conferred with the radiation oncologist. She believes she could do the intensive full-course radiation on Butthead, but given the aggressiveness and extent of the mass, she doesn't believe it is worth the risk of the additional collateral damage (his brain, his eye, his throat (=feeding tube)) when it probably won't extend his time much more than the palliative radiation would. So I decided to go ahead with the less intensive palliative option that theoretically should shrink and/or keep the mass in check while limiting the side effects to the surrounding tissues. It's growing rapidly and he kinda looks like half his face has the mumps. I will be taking him to Boston every Thursday for 4 weeks; possibly 5. When they brought him out to me after the treatment, he was still kinda dopey and shivering. Once in the car, I offered him his turkey baby food treat (he had to fast the night before for anesthesia), and watched him get it all over his face as he furiously tried to lick at it but didn't quite have the coordination to do so. Within half an hour he had stopped shaking and was happily snoozing, and then a few miles from home he got antsy and wanted to explore. I wonder what people think when they see a one-eared Scottish Fold peeking out the car window... :?
(FYI, normally I would not let any of my cats loose in the car, but [1] it's Butthead and he's a fantastic traveler, and [2] I put on his harness and leash to restrict him from going where he shouldn't.)

This is my last option for Butthead as far as I can tell, so I am just hoping it is effective enough without causing major discomfort to him. Right now he's just happy lumpy Butthead.

As always, thanks for your prayers/vines/lights. The support here is incredible and touching.

MJ&Donovan&Butthead
 
Aw...i just got such a warm feeling from Butthead, his behavior, and the one-eared Scottish Fold image.

Holding you, Bailey, and Capn Donovan very close in our hearts every minute of every day, MJ...
and calling all angels to your side.

much love..

Celi & Binks
 
been looking to hear any updates on Butthead....glad you are spending quality time with him and he is loving you every minute too....

continued prayers for both of you...as always
 
So glad Butthead is feelinf better and I hope this treatment give him al least a little more time w/ you. ((((((((((((((((((MJ & Butthead))))))))))))))
 
MJ, I am glad the radiation went well. I used to take Teddy for IV chemo, and the worst part of it for him was always the fasting and sedation. I hope that you and Butthead get lots of good quality time together from the palliative treatment.
 
((Butthead))

He sounds in good spirits!! I hope that the palliative treatment gives the two of you many more happy days and memories together.
 
It is great to have an update. He sounds like he is in good spirits: happy content Butthead. I hope that the treatment will give you some more quality time with him, that it will help him. I wish you luck. You are always in our thoughts and prayers. Many hugs from Mannie and me.
 
good to hear a update and sending prayers and healing vines and a blizzard of snowflakes to keep helping Butthead ((((MJ)))))
Snowing.gif
 
Your post describing Butthead made me smile inside. He just sounds like he's just making the best of things. Keeping you and Butthead in my thoughts.
 
Sending hugs to you both. So glad to hear that today went well overall. The licking of the babyfood put a smile on my face. You have a precious boy there.

Just want to pop in to say I'm keeping you guys in my thoughts and wishing for the best outcome for Butthead. Hugs.
 
Butthead had a nice long deep nap this evening, waking up long enough to stop by for his usual laptime snuggle / fur deposit /happy feet session. I was looking for a certain photo of him and came across these... hope you'll indulge me. This is true Butthead.

BHsitgrass.jpg


BHcinderblock.jpg

(this one kinda reminds me of Gracie sitting in her trash can)
 
MJ,

Awwwww Butthead is such a sweetheart. Those pictures really capture is cuteness! Sending you and Butthead prayers and snowflakes and hope you have many more days together.

Thinking of the two of you.

jan and sara
 
MJ,
Butthead sounds like such a great kitty. Love his pics. I hope that the chosen treatment will give you lots of quality time together.

Continuing to send prayers and healing thoughts and vines,

Ella & Rusty
 
Awww those pictures of Butthead just made my day. Thank you for sharing them. Adorable!

Keeping you two in my thoughts and close to my heart. Sending more hugs.
 
From all our Scottish Folds to Butthead, YOU IS BEAUTIFUL BUDDY!!!!! Wonderful photos and it is like Gracie's trash can photo. Butthead reminds me alot of our Gussie....that sweet, incredible foldie face. (((MJ))) sending tons of healing vines and prayers that this palliative radiation will keep him comfy and with you for many many days to come.
 
(((MJ & Butthead))) I don't always get a chance to post, but I'm keeping you in my thoughts all the time. I hope the radiation helps keep Butthead happy and comfy for a long time to come. Thanks for keeping us updated, and the pics! What a personality! :lol:
 
Thank you so much, everyone. Butthead really is something else... I have so many photos of him. Most of them are from a film camera (remember those?), so I'm going to have to make time to scan the prints. There are some silly ones of Donovan too.

I just had some lap-time with da Butthead (a.k.a. Let's cover mom's black pants with orange fur). I wonder how soon his tumor would shrink? I feel it often to check for changes. I dunno. Is this any worse than constantly staring at a sugar cat and being overprotective? Had some crazy disturbing nightmares last night about cats in bad situations, either looking weird or being mistreated. Whaaa..? It wasn't Butthead, but I'm sure it was because he was on my mind :-|

MJ&Donovan&Butthead
 
Thanks for the Butthead updates today! He is such a beautiful boy!!! So glad you have a treatment plan in place and he is taking it all in stride. Haven't been on much the past few days, but you guys have remained in our thoughts and prayers.

Have a great night!
 
MJ+Donovan said:
Thank you so much, everyone. Butthead really is something else... I have so many photos of him. Most of them are from a film camera (remember those?), so I'm going to have to make time to scan the prints. There are some silly ones of Donovan too.

I just had some lap-time with da Butthead (a.k.a. Let's cover mom's black pants with orange fur). I wonder how soon his tumor would shrink? I feel it often to check for changes. I dunno. Is this any worse than constantly staring at a sugar cat and being overprotective? Had some crazy disturbing nightmares last night about cats in bad situations, either looking weird or being mistreated. Whaaa..? It wasn't Butthead, but I'm sure it was because he was on my mind :-|

MJ&Donovan&Butthead
Click to expand...


Love the pics you shared ((((MJ))))
 
(((((Butthead & MJ)))))
What beautiful pictures of a wonderful boy! I am praying that the radiation will help him, MJ....he is a real trooper.
I was just thinking......
If a watched pt never boils.....then, I would think that a watched lump would never grow........ :-|
It made sense to me anyway.
I think that if I were in your position, I would watch it like crazy......
Healing vines and a blizzard of snowflakes for dear Butthead.....
 
hello, Butthead! thinking of your and your mudder and your brudder today (well, every day)

I'd be watching him every minute too, MJ...not because it's needed....but because i wouldn't be able to keep myself from it.

healing vines and love...

celi & binks
 
Well, during the snuggle session that just ended a little while ago, I didn't feel that the lump had shrunk, but it's not any bigger. Thankfully he doesn't mind me touching it. To him, it's just wonderful scritches.

Such a sad day :-|. Not taking any moments with the furkids for granted.

MJ&Donovan&Butthead
 
(((((MJ and Butthead))))))
yes today was a very sad day indeed and me too...not taking any moments for granted...each hour and each day truly is a blessing to have them with us....

keeping you close to my prayers as always....
 
Hi Binks. Thanks for the bump. Was going to post an update soon.

Butthead had his 2nd radiation treatment today. Last night/this morning was kinda chaotic. He's not supposed to eat anything beforehand, so all of the food was removed. This did not sit well with the others. 5:30 am, empty dishes knocked off the counter. Later a bag of kibble is found chewed open (yeah yeah, I know :evil: -- Donny is only allowed Evo). Some of the civvies must have their crack.

The trip to Boston was thankfully uneventful. You never know when traffic will royally suck, so I always give myself extra time. Got there a little early and dealt with payment issues (don't ask...), and Butthead was whisked away just as I was settling in to the waiting area. The vet oncologist came in later to ask how he was doing, and I felt (as did she) that the tumor may not have shrunk, but it does not seem any bigger. He was brought back to me about an hour later, much more awake than last time. He happily consumed his turkey baby food without spewing it everywhere.

The ride home was kinda nuts in that Butthead seriously had ants in his pants and wouldn't sit still for long. He decided that he really wanted to be on the dashboard, and while for the most part I was able to dissuade him by restraining his leash, one time I wasn't fast enough and he made a leap for it, immediately sliding back down the slick surface. He succeeded in changing the radio station while doing so, though. He sat in my lap some of the time, went in the back seat, sat on the console between the front seats, looked out the windows, etc. Certainly not much resting going on. Once back home, he took a quick sniff-and-stroll in the yard and then trotted into the house, seeking more nummies. I had noticed his eyes were watery after treatment, and they still are this evening, so I emailed one of the vets to find out if I should be concerned. He seems a tad more mellow than usual too, but I suppose that isn't totally unexpected. I don't know what kind of anesthesia they use for this. Guess I should ask.

I'm just taking this journey with Butthead one step at a time. I've done everything for him that was recommended, and if this is unsuccessful... well, not gonna consider that at this moment. He's here now, and he's Butthead. That's all that matters.

MJ&Donovan&Butthead

p.s. Donovan had some scary BGs recently, but seems to have settled down. I hope.
 
it is a good report and you are right...he is here NOW and that's all it matters....take one day at a time....

continued prayers your way always!!!
 
I think of you guys often. I'm glad he ate and kept it down this time. Babyfood sounds yummy :)

He didn't want to sit down in the car at all did he. There is no way Maverick could be out of the carrier.

He is here with you now, here for lots more loving. Sending hugs.
 
Oh, he didn't ralph last week. He was still stoned and really hungry, so his attempts to eat were very uncoordinated and sloppy. He was much more alert this morning and the food actually got into his mouth :cool:
 
Sorry to hear that Butthead didn't like your choice of radio station. I'm glad, though, that he's holding his own. Sending lots of good vines and snowflakes to your both -- and good numbers for Donovan (and he should stop talking to Tuffy!).
 
Hi guys I'm so glad that the treatment went well today and that the lump isn't getting any bigger. Remember before it can shrink it has to quit growing bigger. That's what I kept saying about Tori's lymph nodes in her neck when we started chemo. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers a lot. Taking one day at a time is all we can do isn't it? Hang in there. Give your beautiful baby a kiss for me.
 
A nice report on the Butthead front! Willie gets very antsy in the cars always. Once when we were moving from one apartment to another that was only a couple miles away, I was making a left turn onto A1A south of Fort Lauderdale, Willie managed to roll the window down and was desperately trying to make an ess-cape!! Was convinced he'd end up in the intracoastal waterway to be bait! It was then that I decided I'd better see how that whole child lock thing operated! LOL

Fingers and paws crossed, thoughts and prayers sent for the treatments to work as intended, and for dear Butthead to continue to tolerate them well.

Hope that Donovan's numbers improve as well!! :)
 
Hi MJ,

Glad the treatment went well. He is so adorable! Love his photos. He has the sweetest face. You are so right. Take one day at a time, and give him lots of love. Something tells me I didn't have to tell you that. :)

You and Butthead are in my thoughts and prayers.

jan and sara
 
Nice report on Butthead - I think of you guys all the time, and wonder how he is doing. it sounds like it is going well, and I am glad for that.

I loved the story of the ride home. What a great cat. :-D and yes, one day at a time, appreciate what lies before you, enjoy the time together. Lots of love, lots of head scritches.
 
Thanks everyone. Your kind words really lift my spirits, and I tell Butthead that everyone here is pulling for him. Thanks for letting him crash Donny's condo.

MJ&Donovan&Butthead

p.s. the eye wetness issue, which is fine today, was due to the lubricant they use when he's anesthetized. Apparently cats and dogs do not close their eyes, and it keeps their corneas from drying out. Never noticed it before.
 
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