I realized that I have some new followers who probably don't know what's up with Ernie, so I wanted to say, first of all, welcome to my new friends. Second, about my kitty, Ernie: she's nearly 23 years old, and she has kidney failure and cancer. We opted not to treat the cancer, since there is no cure for the kidney failure and honestly? At 22 years and ten months old, Ernie is the oldest feline patient at our vet clinic. Why ruin whatever time she has left with chemotherapy? She already endures daily injections of subcutaneous fluid and twice daily eye drops, along with meds for chronic constipation. I thought that adding additional medical treatment would reduce the quality of her life more than it would help her. She does not appear to be in any pain, but a couple weeks ago she developed a cancer related eye condition that the vet said indicates the beginning of the end for my baby girl.
Since that night I've turned into one of those helicopter moms, hovering over her trying to determine how she's feeling at any given time. We keep a spreadsheet of her meds and her litter box activities, and I try to keep track of what she's eating. It's hard, sometimes, as she helps herself when she has the opportunity. She become a food thief if you leave a plate unattended. Or, you know, take dinner off the stove and set it on the kitchen table and turn your back. We once caught her with her head in a pot of hot taco soup, slurping away. Lucky for us, McDonald's is close. She also once batted a Krispie Kreme out of my hand and chomped it down. Who ever heard of a cat eating donuts? Anyway, Ernie has always had a bit of a prickly disposition, so it wouldn't surprise me one bit to learn that her hunger strike this weekend was designed to get me to back off.
Except I know it's not. I know that our time together is growing short, and I'm trying to be strong so I can do whatever I need to do to help Ernie. I truly appreciate the support and kindness of my blogger pals. This has been really, really hard and I'm very grateful to all of you.
Ah pets - they give so much to our lives, but it sure is hard to watch them go through the end of theirs...either she's rallying, or she's having one last food hurrah, which sounds pretty good to me. Thinking about you and your sweet kitty.
ReplyDeleteBless you for taking care of her as long as you have. It is hard to let them go, I know. As long as she is in no pain, she is still there to love and be loved. That's a good while to have a cat, she has to be very special!
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My heart goes out to you in your love and care for your precious Ernie. Love and hugs from Down South.
ReplyDeleteI know your feelings for your Kitty. I know it breaks your heart to think of what her future holds. One day at a time. Hang in there and hover all you want. I just wanted to convey to you yesterday that I understood what you were going through. Our dogs have always been like one of us.
ReplyDeleteHovering over her is perfectly natural. She's your dear, sweet babe. She's been through so much. She is a real fighter. I didn't realize Ernie was 23. That is a LIFE well lived. Being strong as things wind down, isn't easy. You LOVE them with all your heart and letting go is so hard. I wish her a peaceful end. Take care. I'll keep you and Ernie in my prayers.
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