Ghost and I visited the vet yesterday for a followup and dressing change. The surgical incision looks great. However, she managed to pull the new dressing off the site about 5 minutes after we got home. So now she's wearing a rather inexpert wrap that I put on her. Oh well, at least the incision is covered.
Now, here's the bad news. The pathology came back and Ghostie has fibrosarcoma, which means that it's likely that she'll have more tumors and will eventually die from this. The vet and I agree that she shouldn't have more surgery. So basically, it's kitty hospice from here out.
She's an old kitty who has already lived past the average life expectancy of most domestic cats. According to the vet, that's 16 years, she's 18. For now, she's happy and relatively healthy other than the cancer. I'm hoping she has another couple years of contentment, but it is what it is.
7 comments:
Oh, Nancy, I am so sorry! But, you are so very lucky to have had her in your life for so long. Of course, that's also what makes it so hard when they leave us. :-(
I'm so sorry about that. I'll bet she is feeling better since the tumor is out--but I agree, surgeries and treatments are hard on old kitties so she'll probably be more comfortable without more of that. I feel for you because I had to say goodbye to my 15-yr old cat 3 years ago and I have another 18-year old cat who is definitely geriatric. Old kitties are so special. :)
Ghost looks like hardy stock who is isn't going to let a little cancer get her down. My geriatric feline crew (17, 16, and 13) and I send our warmest thoughts.
My thundering herd of 11 wishes Ghost all the best. She looks like a tough old girl, so I'm sure you still have some good times ahead.
My first and best cat, Sam, was given 6 months to live so many times that I think even the vet stopped believing it. He made it to 16 when he shouldn't have lived past 12 with his various issues.
I think you made the right decision for Ghost. She's had 18 good years, and I think that perhaps a slightly shorter span comes in ahead of a longer life, but with repeated surgeries, etc. She's had quality AND quantity, a lucky kitty.
I am sorry to hear the sad news about your cat's health. I hope that the next few years will be full of wonderful memories for you and not to hard on her!
Oh no, I'm so sorry to read this. I haven't visited in a while and was just thinking about you and your kitties. Love them cats, tho, don't we, wny which way we can!
Excellent (tho tough) decision to do "home hospice". Ghost will be the better for it, even if it's hard on you. My husband insisted on chemo, and our boy had a lousy time dying. I'll never forgive myself.
Our animals are so precious:-)
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