George, our precious kitty, received a not so good diagnosis last week. After many tests were performed, the veterinarians are 90% sure that he has lymphoma. He has a mass growing in his abdomen that is about the size of a golf ball. Sonograms show that he has two enlarged lymph nodes and the mass has spread to his intestines. Chemotherapy and radiation are very expensive and emotionally draining (for pet and owner) options, though not ones we have opted for. Although, one drug used in the chemotherapy cocktail is a type of steroid, similar to what Gracie is on already for her skin allergies. We are pursuing the steroid option which is supposed to shrink the mass and slow its progression.
George has been the surprisingly kid-friendly pet in our house. He would go out of his way to be in the same room as Katherine when she was younger and hasn't once hissed at, swatted at or scratched rough-playing children. Most of the time he doesn't even move after he's been rough-housed either; I end up making him leave to protect him.It was a lot of information to take in while at the vet's office by myself. It didn't help that after one of the first tests were performed, the costs and extent of testing were explained to me while the song "I can only imagine" was playing on the sound system. I quickly stalled in order to call Jim and the emotions overcame me. We got "Gigi" when she was about a year old. Yes, I'm still talking about George. Our neighbors found Gigi stranded in one of our city parks with a bowl of food and water and knew that at the time we only had a puppy. They asked us if we wanted a cat/kitten and we agreed. 'She' wasn't fond of our crazy, rambunctious puppy but was very friendly to us. I took Gigi to the vet to get her updated on all her shots and the vet tech. kept referring to our cat as a 'he'. After three firm suggestions to the vet, he reluctantly took a closer look through the spectacles perched on the end of his nose, glanced over the top of them and said, "Well, Mrs. Boyer, I believe you have yourself a neutered male." That was when Gigi became George. (He hates it when I tell that story)
George doesn't act like he's in pain or sick. We've heard anything from 4-6 months to who knows, it would only be a guess. We'll cross that bridge when we get there. This is new territory for me. ALL the animals we ever had were killed on the road. Not one of them ever died of old age or disease. Katherine has added George's tummy to her nightly prayers and Nathan still likes to chase him down and grab whatever he can.
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We had a wonderful labor-less day at the lake with some of my family who we haven't seen in a while.
Katherine got to ride on the tube, with Daddy, behind the boat. While Mommy's watchful eye wasn't far away.
And Nathan got to splash himself and anyone within 5 feet. Sometimes I really think he's out to try make-it or break-it swimming at 10 months old. Guess that's why God put these guys in charge of providing and watching over their families. Fearlessness at any cost.
(faux-hawk hair-do compliments of daddy)
Thanks Aunt F and Uncle G for the impromptu visit. It was good to talk to you and T and watch those kids grow up so fast. I have so many wonderful memories at that lake and hope to provide my children with a smidgen of the same. XOXOXO
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