UGH
We didn’t get awesome (paw-some?) news at Data’s vet appointment yesterday. Data is losing weight fast (a half pound in under three weeks), and based on the symptoms, our vet suspects Data has GI lymphoma.
We knew he might have lymphoma in June, and made the decision to treat the symptoms with steroids, rather than have an ultrasound and do potential cancer treatment.
Our vet said there is nothing else to do at this point, and that Data is in the “end game,” meaning end of his life. He said we can take him off the steroids – they aren’t doing anything at this point.
I didn’t ask how much time he suspected Data has left. That information doesn’t help me. I just asked what signs to look for to know when it’s time. He said when he stops eating and going to the bathroom properly, or, earlier (if he’s in pain, and so on).
We’re obviously hoping Data has more time than less. He’s still eating, going to the bathroom, and enjoys going outside. He doesn’t want to be on the floor (he’s still camped out in the bathroom sink), but he likes being held, and will sometimes sit in my lap and watch his siblings play.
So yeah. That’s where we are. We’re both upset, but weren’t expecting better news, either. Now we’ll just focus on spoiling Data for all his future days with us.
It’s so strange to have him here with us, cherishing our moments together, but also thinking about when he’ll be gone, and trying to prepare for how hard it’s going to be to say goodbye. There is NO WAY to prepare. There’s just no way.
We gave Data some drugs to help with his vet appointment, which meant he was okay with being upstairs on the bed after
Data’s sisters wanted to show him some love
I can’t get off the struggle bus lately. This month has been a mess. I’m so overloaded at work, that I can’t do anything to the best of my ability – I just need to get things DONE. I don’t feel like I’ve had a “normal” week in a while that’s letting me get back in to a groove. I feel myself becoming shut off because of all this. I’m trying to fit it. And really hoping that having a travel-free, somewhat normal (???) September helps me. This is all normal adulting stuff, my life is pretty great except for a few things (see above), I just wanted to acknowledge I don’t currently have my sh*t together. And am struggling. And realize I will get it together in time. But blah.
Themocracy
I am so sorry. Thats awful and of course we all lose our pets at some point but its never easy. I hope what ever time you have left is good for you guys and for him.
I hate that feeling and I hope you can catch a break soon with work x
Yes, I can’t imagine it ever is! I am glad, in a way, that we have a crew now, so that we aren’t so shocked from losing Data to wait forever to adopt, and that the others will have each other while they grieve (well, mostly Khali grieving).
I hope we do have some good days ahead. Thank you! And yes, that I get a break at work soon GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH.
<3 <3 <3 Oh Datey potatey. :'(
🙁 🙁 🙁
Kim, I am so sorry to read this. It f*cking SUCKS. Roxy was diagnosed with cancer in July and every day has been an emotional struggle for me (either inward or outward) so I can very much relate to where you are. I don’t know if this will resonate, but for me the anticipatory anxiety of not knowing WTF the next day is going to bring is what is most raw/difficult. I hope you can try to live in the moment each day with Data and know that you have given him THE MOST AMAZING life. **hugs (and tears) from Alabama**
Oh my gosh! I am so sorry about Roxy!!! 🙁 How is she doing?!
And yes, that does resonate. Sometimes I am scared to go in to the bathroom in the am to see how he is doing… if he is still with us 🙁
Thank you! And I hope the same for you and Roxy! Hugs back at you!
As I’m reading this, I’m crying and I’ve never met Data. Not personally anyway. I have grown to love him through your stories and pictures about him and of him. My heart is so sad for all of you. I know he knows how much you both love him and you know how much he loves you both. The pain of losing a beloved pet is real and very tough to deal with. We know. We’ve been through it too many times. I know you will cherish each moment that you have left with him like you did from the first moment you had him and every moment in between. Sending love and hugs from us and all of our furrbabies to you, Steven, Data, Khali, Apollo and Starbuck.
Aww, thanks so much Denise! If anyone gets it, it’s YOU! And I am so glad that I was able to share my Data stories in a way that makes you love him! That makes my heart happy! <3 Selfishly, I do hope I have lots of moments left to love on him. Thanks for all the love and hugs!!!
Oh, Kim. I kind of had a feeling that’s what was going on with Data. And you know I just went through all of this myself.
If you have any questions, or anything you want to talk about, just let me know. I’m not going to lie–it was really hard. But you are right to focus on loving him and treasuring all the moments you have together! Be sure to spoil him with his favorite TREATS…Beatrice got lots of roasted chicken! Yummy yum yum!
This may be a little too much to think about right now, but we had both girls put to sleep at home when it was time and I 100% recommend the service we used. If you want that information at some point, let me know.
I do know! And I appreciated you sharing that, so thank you! It helps me to know people are going through it, or just did, cause of course, people do, but it just helps to know I can reach out!
I am totally going to spoil him! Wet food – WITHOUT medicine! Ha!
Oh wow, I had never even thought about that. I will bring that up to Steven. Thank you. I wonder if that would help me or scar whatever room we did it in.
Oh, Kim, I’m so sorry. I know Data is a very special cat, and I am so sorry you’re having to do this. I hope he stays pain-free and happy for as long as possible. Thinking of you. <3
Thank you! I hope he does too!
Oh I am so sorry, that is such terrible news. I’ll be thinking of you. Saying goodbye is so hard. We just finally spread Dixie’s ashes (our dog that we lost almost 2 years ago). It was so hard even after all this time. I’ll keep hoping that you get some good time with Data before it is time to let him go.
Thank you for thinking of us! Aww, are you glad you could do that now? Did it feel like a release or bring up all the sad feelings again?
Thank you! I am hoping for that too!
It was actually really nice, we were enough removed that we could laugh and remember funny stories instead of it just being sad.
Aww that’s great! I am glad for that!!!
I’m so, so sorry to hear this. Be sure to give him all the popcorn he wants. Hugs to all of you!
Thank you! And I appreciate you remembering his favorite treat! He’s been enjoying it recently.
So sorry for the news Kim. We lost our old guy Oscar in May. He was 19 yrs old and still liked to go outside, although all he did was walk around the house. But hey, he was still outside! Give Data some hugs.
Aww, I am so sorry about Oscar 🙁 I think it’s awesome he was still doing stuff at that age! I will give him some hugs 🙂
I’m really sorry to hear this, although I suspected that you were going to get bad news because Data looks a lot like our Kip did in his waning months. It really sucks to watch your beloved pet lose the battle, and the only comfort that we took was knowing it was going to happen so we were able to give him lots of extra attention. Big hugs to you and Steven – and sweet Data.
There is a comfort in that! And I hope is liking the attention as much as I am giving it to him (I try to watch for the “leave me alone now!” signals, as always). I hope me writing about this isn’t making grieving over Kip more difficult! I’m grateful I have friends who can relate (but not really – you know – I wish they couldn’t!). Thanks for the hugs!!!
Oh Kim, I’m so sorry. You guys are amazing parents to Data and I know you will make whatee the most of whatever time he has left with you. Much love.
Thank you! And we will! Walks every day!!! 🙂
I’ve never actually met Data but I named a cat in Neko Atsume after him and I feel like I know him as well as I can know any cat that is not mine…this is heart breaking Kim and my heart goes out to you and Steven. I’m so sorry.
You do! You have been hearing Data stories the longest out of many of my friends! Thanks for naming a cat after him 🙂 And for always enthusiastic about my Data stories. Thank you, kitteh. <3
Oh, Kim, I am so sorry to hear about Data…and the other struggles you’ve been dealing with. I hope you still have some good moments with Data in the time that he has left. It’s so hard. Hugs to you and Steven.
Thank you! I really hope we do too! Last night he sat with me for TV, and I brought him upstairs and he slept with me all night. Just being together makes me feel better (as opposed to him being in the bathroom alone!!!). Thanks for the hugs <3
Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear about the bad news 🙁 I’m glad that he’s been able to spend more time with you guys, I’m sure that’s a comfort to all of you. As far as struggling with the adulting stuff at the moment, I hope that you can give yourself some space and generosity. I know it’s hard but when you have bad news like this and want to maximize time with Data, it really is ok to let some of those things go until later. I know work has to get done but a lot of the other things will wait for you until later too.
Thank you! And it is comforting to spend this time together now. I am glad we still have SOME time!
You are totally right about letting things go. And I will… I just need to figure out how to deal with the guilt/bad feelings about not being 100% on the game! I think I should just remind myself of what is most important (family, NOT work!).
I’m really sorry to hear about Data, and am sorry to hear you’re struggling now 🙁 I know you’ve had a lot on your plate for a while now, and it’s a lot to deal with. I definitely don’t blame you for becoming a little shut off. But that said, I’m always here if you ever need to talk. Or if you ever need someone to explain why cat memes are funny. Ha.
Thank you! If you just explain why anything is funny, I would appreciate it!!!! 😉
Oh, I just hate this 🙁 I’m so sorry to hear about Data. Knowing it was a possibility certainly doesn’t make things any easier. Things like this are, hands down, the worst part about having pets. Sometimes I wish the only normal pets to have were tortoises or something with a similarly long lifespan, because having a pet that you know absolutely will not live as long as you, no matter how long they live, is just heartbreaking. Sending you lots of love and internet hugs.
Thank you! And some animals have much shorter life expectancies (than a cat, I mean), and it’s just so hard! Ugh. I think there is a flaw in the design 😉
This is just terrible news and I am so, so sorry. It’s so hard when we know we’re in the end game with our pets. I found out in October that we were in the end game with Dutch and we had a lot of really good days until I had to let him go in February. You have given Data a beautiful, happy, full life and I hope there are many good moments to come for your little family. Thinking of you. <3
Thank you! And thank you for all your email support and for sharing so much about Dutch, because that has helped me with Data! I am hoping for many more good moments too! <3
I’m so sorry, Kim! It’s so hard when our pets get sick. I hope you get more quality time with him.
Our Nova passed away last Saturday and it has been pretty tough. She was only 6 but had pretty severe liver disease. The vet didn’t give us a timeline and despite knowing she was sick, she was acting pretty normal for the most part so it caught us completely off guard.
Oh no! I am so sorry. What a horrible shock. 🙁 I can’t imagine what that’s been like. Hugs to you!
Oh, what a hard post to write, even if it helped to share that information and maybe process some of your feelings. Of course, this is such a hard time even without all the additional work and life stresses. I hope September is a better month for you, and give my love to my kitty BF!
It was! But I am happy I did because so many people have been supportive.
Thank you! I think September will be better. And I will give Data your love!