My older cat (Merlot) has cancer of the jaw.
Not to put too fine a point on it, but if you’ve got anything really pressing to say to her, you should probably say it immediately. The vet’s prognosis is “days to weeks,” and when even *I* can seen the lump on her jaw growing day by day … that’s not great.
Naturally, I’m on the road this week, leaving to deal with the not eating, the bleeding gums, the blood stains on the feet (from cleaning herself), and the general weirdness. We’ve gotten pain-control patches for the duration, but we need to shave a new patch on her to apply one every three days. She’s looking a little patchy. At “days to weeks,” I don’t give a damn about addiction or long-term side effects. I’m looking for “comfortable” and “narced out of her mind” if at all possible. Little feet kneading the air when we brush her is totally appropriate. Purring and sitting on my lap while we watch the afternoon progress is fine with me.
However, as justkidding_nr said: “You get to say goodbye, don’t discount that.” So yes. We’re going through an abbreviated process of grieving and saying goodbye. She’s been a good kitty – with us through six residences now … and she’s still able to get up on top of the piano (where cats are not allowed) just to show us who’s boss. It could easily have been (like saw on the first visit) “we had to put your dog down.” Let’s hear it for small graces.
So there you go. I’m in a Residence Inn somewhere in Maryland, and is at home with the cat. I’m canceling trips for next week because – well – because it’s what I think I need to do. That’s what they always say, right? Do what you need to do? Well I need to be home next week.
Thanks for listening.
