The Good News & The Bad News

My heart goes out to you and dear Bob. I had a little cat named Bubba who developed Lymphoma at the age of 11; he also had hyperthyroid disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. I elected to have him treated with oral medications, holistic treatments and palliative care. Each situation is different so I cannot advise you but I am sure you will choose the best path for this sweet cat. Whatever direction you take with Bob's treatment, I will be keeping him and you in my prayers.

All is not lost, nor is it wildly expensive. He's in relatively good health and in good spirits, and lymphoma has many options. I've seen brief remissions and years-long remissions, even in older cats. Enjoy your holiday and let it give you strength to go on. Our best wishes are with you!

I was happy to hear about Bob coming home but sad when I saw this post. For all the years and all the tears you two have been through you deserve much much better news than what you got and I am very sorry & sad for you.
I hope he heals quickly from his surgery and you are able to have him close. I will keep my fingers crossed for you all (and prayers too of course).

I am so sorry for your news, Robin. Lymphoma is not an easy road, but you will at least have more time with Bob than you thought you would. I think that is much better than losing him suddenly on the operating table. I was so worried about that for you and Bob, and so glad it didn't happen. You have time to get used to the idea that he won't be around forever (because we all want to believe that for our cats), and to love him as much as possible.

Our cat Charlie was not FIV+ and was neutered at a young age, like Amy's cat, and still came down with intestinal lymphoma. He had IBD, and was hyperthyroid before we took him to Radiocat. Because of the IBD, we fed him grain free food of the highest quality for most of his life, so that he could keep it down. When his IBD turned to intestinal lymphoma (which the doctor told me was rare, but it happens), we opted for chemotherapy. In our case, it was leukeran, a human drug given as a pill by mouth. I had to wear gloves to administer it, but Charlie accepted it reasonably well, in addition to the other drugs we gave him. The leukeran was inexpensive and came from CVS, so if you opt for chemotherapy for Bob, I hope you'll be as blessed with that type of situation.

Charlie was about 12 1/2 when the leukeran no longer worked, and he got very weak. It was hard to say goodbye, but my husband and I, like you and Sam, have the peace of knowing that we did, and you are doing, everything you reasonably can to give your cat the best life possible. Bob knows that, and he will fight to spend the longest time possible with you. We are cheering both of you on for a good long period of remission.

For right now, enjoy your Christmas with him -- Bob is home under your tree instead of at the vet hospital, and he seems to be doing amazingly well considering the type of surgery he had! That in itself is awesome. Give him lots of hugs and pets from all of us, your readers. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Hello Robin, I am so sorry to hear of Bob's lymphoma but please don't blame your Mom. My Aaron was a well loved, neutered at 6 months, indoor only cat who developed lymphoma and died at 10 years of age (his sister Emily is going strong at 16). First of all enjoy this holiday with Bob, give him treats, help him recover and get strong and know how much he is loved. After the Christmas rush meet with an oncologist. The big question is Bob's quality of life - will chemo give him QUALITY time or should you concentrate on comfort. And know that you and Bob have many friends here who will send you loving and good thoughts no matter what.