Bad News From Vet today

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Bandubh

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Hi Everyone

Today I got unhappy news about my little 12 year old kitty friend. Baby who was diagnosed with diabetes 3 years ago and was doing well on Lantus; today she had an x-ray which unearthed a large, inoperable tumour near her spine. The vet told me that she does not have pain ( maybe a little discomfort) , but also said that it is a matter of weeks rather than months until I must make the dreaded decision to put my love to sleep. At the moment I am heart-broken, but trying not to alarm Baby and hiding my distress. She seems fine and just had a huge meal and is now having a little nap. I would appreciate any communication on how to deal with this. I have some pain-killers and will give her those in the evenings. But my question is how will I know when to make the decision? I don't want to leave it so long that she will have extreme suffering and I also want to keep her with me for as long as I can.
Thanks
Dan
 
:cry: Sorry for the bad news.
I've heard that you can see in their eyes when it's time.
 
Thanks Dyana.
The correspondence helps. My Baby looks like your little fellow. I don't have her picture up - trouble with my web cam.
Dan
 
I'm so sorry to hear that Baby and you are going through this. I know it is awful just waiting, knowing what you know. But you can use your knowledge to make every one of Baby's days happy and comfortable cat_pet_icon That's all any of us can do for our kitties. I truly believe that you will know when the fight goes out of Baby's eyes, that it is time to let her go. You know her better than anybody, and she trusts you wholeheartedly to make that final decision for her. My thoughts are with you for comfort and peace. (((Dan & Baby)))
 
This makes me so sad

there is nothing I can say or do to make it go away, all I can offer you are my hand to hold and my hugs
 
It is very hard when we are given news like this. The growth has probably been there for a while, but now you know and look at her a bit differently. I tried to think ahead and set some guidelines. Its hard to explain - maybe an example of my elder kitty - she was 21 and just generally getting weaker. I decided that I had to be confident that she would be safe while I was out of the house - I didn't want her to fall and be hurt. And I decided that 3 bad days in a row (defined individually for each cat - again, you know her best) was not acceptable, especially when the good days were barely acceptable. I think that she probably told me a few days b4 I decided, but I wasn't ready to listen.

I think that you will know - she will tell you when she feels that her time here is done. Perhaps her eyes, perhaps her behaviour. The hardest part for you (and all of us) is to listen with love for her.
 
Bandubh said:
But my question is how will I know when to make the decision?
Click to expand...

I lost a cat to fibrosarcoma. I, too, wanted to keep him going as long as I possibly could. There finally came a point where I could not manage the quality of his life with pain pills any more and I knew then that it was time. There will come a time for you as well that you will not be able to keep her comfortable. When that time comes, you will know it and you will be able to make your decision.

Lana (remembering her sweet, sweet Burt)
 
I am sorry about your news :(

I have no direct experience but have read here of people using various steroids to help control pain etc. during the last stages along with pain meds. Hopefully you can ask your vet if this might be appropriate.

As for knowing when it is time, if you look at the grief forum they may have some help. I think it comes down to listening to your cat and their signals, rather than to your heart and your needs...as tough as that is. Quality of life is difficult to measure, but if your cat continues to purr (in pleasure though, not due to pain which can happen), looks forward to favorite things, etc. then it may not be time.

Jen
 
I'm so sorry. Kitty's like to hide there pain, but usually they give us signs. Wishing you much strength in this hard time ahead.
 
It is so hard to receive this news. My heart truly aches for you. When my Marvin was failing, I knew I did not want to let him suffer. But how would I know when it was the right time? I knew that morning that it was his day to go. He stopped eating, I had to take water to him, and his "look" was just different. I was able to find a vet to come to me home, I put on peaceful music, and he went peacefully. You will know. And you will find the strength to do what is best. It is the price of love. Offering prayers and hugs to you.
 
I am so sorry to hear your news. It is so hard when you know you have to say good bye. With my Teaka (he had bladder cancer), I had the same question. My vet told me - Pat, you will know in your heart when it is time. Believe it or not, one day, I just knew it was time. It did not make it any easier but I knew.

Pattie
 
Sorry... :sad: Give her lots of love until you have to set her free. I know it's really, really hard.. Been there :cry: .

Sandy - Dottie, Jeter & Tilly
 
Dear Dan, and, of course, you too, precious Baby,

I do believe they tell us.

Love her up, make the most of the gift of each day, listen to Baby, and listen to your heart.

She will tell you, Dan. And, you will find the courage because you love her so.

Love and countless gentle hugs for you both,
Deb and Nikki -- and, Giz, forever whispering in my heart...
 
Dan,

I'm so sorry to hear this. It's an extremely difficult thing to deal with. I fear we may soon be at a similar point with Beethoven. I hope not, but right now things don't look good.

Enjoy your time with Baby and give her lots of extra hugs and love.

Ruth
 
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