Until we meet again
by Erik on Dec.03, 2007, under Personal
On November 9th, Shadow was diagnosed with oral squamous cell carcinoma. This is a very aggressive form of skin cancer that can also attack the oral cavity in rare instances, but particularly in older or immune-compromised cats. After sedation, our emergency veterinarian assisted by an oncologist from the San Francisco Veterinary Specialist sedated her and observed a 2+cm lesion underneath her tongue. Because of her age and the advanced stage of the cancer, there were no treatment options available to us.
We were very happy that she was able to come home with us although the doctor prepared us for the worst. He sent her home with pain medication and with very little hope of making it much past the weekend. To everyone’s surprise, the little bit of pain medication she did require went a long way. Her appetite and attitude hit new highs I hadn’t seen in months. Shadow, Brian and I were happy to have a little more time to spend with her. For the next three weeks, she continued to eat very well and her spirits and her feisty personality were all glowing more than we could have hoped. Even the veterinarian was surprised at this drastic change.
However the cancer would and did eventually develop past the point of being able to maintain her comfort at a level where she could enjoy her life as we would want her to. On December 3rd around noon, Shadow lost her fight with cancer and we lost one of our closest and dearest friends. For me, it was devastating to have to make the decision to have her put to sleep. I empathize with anyone who has had to make such a difficult decision.
She was my friend for 17 and a half years. She may have been a little cat her whole life, but she had big personality. The emptiness left behind in my heart weighs heavily upon me and will take a lifetime to mend. I know I have never cried so hard or for as long before in my entire life. I’m comforted by the fact she is no longer in any pain and also that she’ll get to see Jeremy again. Shadow will be cremated and her remains will be kept by us so that she will remain close to the family who has loved her so much for so long.
Special thanks to the folks at San Francisco Veterinary Specialist. Their professionalism, support and skill helped us and Shadow through this difficult period. Also special thanks to Dr. Ken Steele who came to our house to put Shadow to sleep. For more information on oral feline squamous cell carcinoma, check out this website.
I will be posting pictures soon from the last three weeks.
