Liver Tumor Enlarged

Weasel and I visited the vet yesterday. The news was sad as during an examination, Dr. Haghighat discovered that Weasel's liver tumor has grown. It's very frustrating to learn this as he's on so many supplements already and there's a limit to what I can get a cat to eat or tolerate. Dogs are much easier in this circumstance.

Weasel's treatment at the vet consisted of blood therapy, acupuncture, Vitamin B injection, Traumeel injection, Biopuncture, etc. Essentially, Weasel was a pin cushion.  I recognize the need to take action of this nature but financially it's a strain. I have tough decisions to make moving forward as I'm presently in a career transition and have been at school for the past year.

The challenge, as I'm sure many of you have faced, is the guilt in walking away from treatments that may help a loved one. I love Weasel more than words can describe and I would never hesitate to spend more on him if it meant that he would be cured but if the tumor insists on spreading even after spending $1000+, at some point I have to be realistic...it's times like this that a looking glass into the future would be quite handy.

I am aware that we need to still aggressively target the liver holistically. I've added a new product called Si Miao San based off of Dr. Haghighat's recommendation. I looked up this product online and voila, it turns out to be extremely effective in slowing down inflammation and cancer (music to my ears). You can read more about it here: https://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/06/17/si-miao-san-slowing-down-cancer-and-inflammation/.  In addition, I came across a product called Denamarin that someone on a forum raved about.  The company has made capsules for cats and dogs as well as chewable tablets for dogs. I emailed the company hoping that they can confirm the safety of providing a chewable tablet to a cat, as I cannot under any circumstance provide Weasel with pills.  You can read more on this product at: http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/cat/cat-liver-health/denamarin-for-cats. A word of warning on this product. It's insanely expensive (Available on Amazon). By far the most costly product of any of the holistic supplements I've purchased to date, which is why I must be careful in the decision I make to move forward on this. If I have a $100 box of pills lying around because the cat refuses them, that would be ludicrous.

I will keep you posted on what the company states regarding the chewable tablets. I would be shocked to hear that there is an issue with it as I currently give Weasel the CAS Options chewable tablets for dogs without any concerns. In fact, I now have to increase his intake to a tablet per day which is what one provides a dog.

First Decline Since Last Christmas

It's been a year since we saw any concerning signs of the cancer, and I honestly believed that the worst was left behind us now; however, two days ago, Weasel fell ill - vomiting up white foam all over the house. Since one pile consisted of hair, we assumed it was aggravated by a complicated hair ball...a day later he was his usual self and then last evening while we slept, he fell quite ill again, bringing up his dinner and yellow bile.

This morning my heart broke when I saw Weasel. His eyes indicated that he was in severe pain, he couldn't get comfortable in any one spot and moved constantly. He would look up at me and meow in a manner that indicated he was pleading for me to help..I've never felt so helpless..well since this happened last time at least.

I unfortunately had to leave for work today, with him in this state and me anxious beyond belief. Before I left the house I rubbed Traumeel on his stomach, hoping that it would alleviate any possible swelling but after returning home from work, I can see that it didn't do a thing. He's still sitting in a ball, suffering and in extreme discomfort.

Tomorrow I'm going to see Dr. Haghighat who hopefully can alleviate Weasel's symptoms. I wish I could afford an ultrasound so see what's taking place in Weasel..does he have more tumours? Did the existing ones expand? I truly hate not knowing. Unfortunately in Toronto (and likely elsewhere), ultrasounds for pets essentially rob you blind so it's just not an option at this stage.

I have to remind myself that these 'phases' have happened in the past and they left eventually...ironically the last time this occurred was 2 days before Christmas.

Still Doing Extremely Well!

Hello everyone,

I haven't been posting on this blog for the mere fact that Weasel is doing very well and there's very little to report on (thankfully). I haven't changed his treatment regime as it works beautifully. Not only does Weasel behave as though he's in perfect form (not even vomiting) but he's also put on quite a bit of extra weight and his fur is thick and healthy - ready for the cold winter season. I'm very tempted to send the vet who claimed that he wouldn't make it to Feb. of 2015 some sort of sarcastic Christmas greeting card but I can't think of anything subtle and witty enough. Upon reflection, I'm still blown away by how adamant he has been this entire time on the accuracy of his assessments regarding longevity of life. Every day we see people and animals proving that these are simple estimates based on a general group, but that those odds can certainly be defied.

I've created a funny little 'Christmas' themed video to show you. It depicts Weasel in all of his playful glory - furry, fat, funny and fantastic :). Couldn't ask for more.

I hope all of you have had a similar positive outcome in your efforts to save your fur-babies.