@Zoe7 Dear me, what can I say? I was devastated for you re the news about Cat. You have such a big decision to make, and I certainly do not envy you that. All you can do is to make the decision based on how you assess Cat yourself. You know her better than anyone else could. Its so hard making these decisions. Yes, what you said about if only they could talk and tell you what they are feeling ... it would make things so much easier.
I think you said its likely she has lymphoma. My kelpie had that, and we lost her about 6 years ago now. I was told that there was nothing they could do other than medications to help with inflamation and to keep her pain free. Bessie was 11yo when we lost her. She was put on medications which kept her going for about 6 months, and she seemed happy during that time. But then she quickly went downhill, and it became obvious that she was suffering. I remember phoning the vet about 8pm one night and telling him I was bringing Bessie in. It was to have her put to sleep. I always said that I would not keep any of my pets alive if I knew they were suffering. I had another little dog who was almost 11yo too, she developed kidney disease and went down hill quickly too. In the end, that was another trip to the vet to send her to doggy heaven. It never gets any easier.
Operation or no operation, thats your decision right now for Cat. Incidentally, my Mum also had lymphatic cancer which she elected not to have biopsied or operated on a couple of months before she died. For Mum it was the right decision. She had other serious diseases, was becoming quite weak, and would likely not have been strong enough to handle the anaesthetic or operation. As it turned out, the cancer had spread to further afield anyway, so it would have been additional pain and suffering she did not need.
Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Keep in mind that you have provided her with a wonderful safe and happy home for the time she's been with you. And you will always be grateful for your time together. If an operation provides a few more years for you to enjoy each others company, then thats great. If not, then you did the best you could. If you choose not to operate ... it sounds as though medication is effective, if her recent improvement is anything to go by. Its possible that this could keep her stable and comfortable for quite some time. If you go down this path, I know you will monitor her closely and will know when the time comes to take matters into your hands.
Its so incredibly difficult not to be selfish when it comes to our pets. Of course we want them with us ... forever if possible. But we know when we bring pets into our lives, that the likelihood is that we will lose them. We know and accept that from a young age as we bring much loved pets into our lives when we are children. We inevitably lose them. Each one we bring in subsequently, we manage to find another spot in our hearts to love them just as much ... maybe a little differently, but equally. Of course none of this makes your decision any easier ... its only reminding you of what you already know.
Crying in my heart for you Zoe.
Sherry 💕
