It's been such a long time since anything dramatic occurred, I naively assumed we may be controlling this terrible ailment. That we somehow defied all medical laws...however, Weasel has fallen quite ill. The past week or so, he's been sleeping a lot, not behaving frantic to go in and out all day - showing his usual signs of high energy. I didn't particularly notice it as strange since the weather is cold and he got to sleep on my lap for most of the day while I worked on the computer. Two days ago I started to get concerned as he wasn't himself. He wasn't interested in sitting on anyone's lap. He seemed depressed..then yesterday he was quite ill while outside, and vomited in several places across our back deck. He's been sitting on his little mat since and isn't interested in eating. This morning he made an attempt to come say hello when I woke up, but walked very slowly toward me, then returned to his mat.
It's quite possible he's going through one of these phases we've encountered on a few occasions, which means that he'll become his 'old' self in a few days; however, it will start to become a more frequent occurrence if the cancer is progressing, until we face a time where he doesn't improve after a few days... There is truly no way to prepare for these things. It tears you up on the inside, but I'm trying my best and as such, was exploring what the final stages appear as in the hopes that by recognizing it, I'm 'mildly prepared'. Vomiting is one of them and naturally loss of appetite. The animal can also go into a state of shock and behave in a manner where they're confused. This is often due to massive dehydration. They show signs of lethargy as well . Blood tests can show anemia and low blood sugar. Jaundice can also occur, but not always. We've been battling his anemia but I'm not sure if it has been successful without getting another blood test. I truly wish he would take the Yunnan Baiyao as it would control the mild bleeding from an ulcer that causes the anemia.
I'm hoping to get an appointment today to see Dr. Haghighat, as we saw positive results from Weasel's visit last time. Unfortunately this close to the holidays it's likely the clinic will be fully booked. The timing overall is very unfortunate as I also have family obligations to consider and will be away for 5 days, likely unhappy and worrying the entire time about my poor baby. My husband was going to join me for two days but can't do so any longer, as someone needs to be home. In the past, our automatic feeders and plenty of water was perfect but it's too risky to rely on him eating on his own now.
I'll update this blog if we see progress or a further decline.
How is Weasel doing?
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear that Weasel is in decline and hope he is feeling better. My Chance was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on September 12 and it has been a devastating roller coaster. I now am trying to determine what to do for him, as he is in such a state of decline and seems to be miserable. At times I feel so selfish because I LOVE HIM SO MUCH and can't imagine life without him, can't even try to prepare for life without him...but he doesn't deserve to feel so badly. His personality usually has him ready for the Broadway stage and it's just gone. It's...just devastating. Anyway, I have appreciated reading all the tips and alternative treatments and it's a comfort to know that others are going through this and have the same questions and concerns and worries and doubts as me (not that I would wish this process on any pet owner). I am going to try the Life Gold and see if that makes him feel any better. Best to you all and Weasel.
ReplyDeleteHi Princess Kitty!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. I didn't have a chance to post an update yet due to the holidays but thankfully Weasel is doing very well again.
I'm so very sorry that you had to receive such terrible news..it's incredibly overwhelming and difficult to deal with. It's wonderful that you're looking into the Life Gold as that may provide some relief from discomfort. It is indeed hard to see a change in an exuberant personality..Chance sounds like he is quite remarkable if he's 'broadway stage' ready when feeling well. I love it when animals have funny little personalities like that.
As a warning though, when I was treating Weasel with the Essaic tea and Life Gold without any other 'aids', he was sitting in a ball looking miserable and seemed to be declining..it wasn't until I got him on the Low Dose Naltrexone that he changed for the better. However, the other items are still important to keep the immune system strong, acting as a powerful force against this terrible disease. The idea is to keep the tumour from spreading..one can't eliminate it unless surgery is performed in time but perhaps we can make it incredibly difficult for it to spread - if not impossible as the ultimate goal.
It's really awful to see such innocent victims struggle through this terrible disease..completely unfair.
I totally agree with you. I wished so much that Chance could have told me any little thing about how he was feeling...it's so hard to watch them decline (and have ups and downs). Unfortunately, Chance passed away on Friday. It all happened so fast. He was truly suffering though and his quality of life was gone. I very much wanted him to die with dignity and he did so in my arms, in our house, in our favorite spot to be together. I really am so happy though that Weasel is doing well...that is such a blessing for you to still have him, healthy and happy, in spite of this horrible disease! I'll be praying that he continues to do well.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness Princess Kitty! That's heartbreaking! In fact, I was crying after reading that..I wish there was something I could say that would offer comfort, but I know all too well that there's no comfort when losing a loved one, except time ultimately..it's wonderful that he was in your arms. You sound like you were an amazing mom to Chance :). Big hugs :).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words regarding Weasel. So far, he's doing remarkably well thank goodness and pulled out of his recent slump. There are so many ups and downs though, it's a bit nerve-wracking and hard to relax. I'm just thankful he's still appearing to be going strong for now :).