Just upset and wanted to tell someone

So sorry that your friends and family have had so much put upon them.  It is very hard to watch/hear that those close to us are having struggles.  I am hoping for the best outcomes and the most peace for all of you.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend and father. I know how loved ones' illnesses weigh on our hearts. I will be thinking about you. -Joy

Good grief.

That's kind of scary about your friend: he didn't have any GI symptoms? Sometimes people ignore things like rectal bleeding, because they are too scared to get it checked out. Anyway, it's not over for him yet, so hopefully the chemo will work and he will get through this: fingers crossed.

Hope your dad will be okay too.

I am so sorry about your friend and kitty! Glad your dad is ok.

Sending prayers!

I'm also glad to hear your father's news was better than expected. As a longtime cat owner, and one who's had to put one to sleep after a hip break, I know how you feel. Most of our kitties were outdoors, but the one we have now is indoors only and very much a family member. With all the medical issues we've had to deal with, she's our little ray of sunshine for us, sometimes a bitey, scratchy one. She helps our daughter cope with her illness. So sorry. -Joy

Thank you all so much for caring, especially on a completely crohns unrelated post. It means a great deal to me to have your friendship. Thank you so much!

My cat has recovered somewhat on the steroids. Another set of X-rays were taken today, and it appears that the lymphoma is responding to steroids. It had shrunk a little, allowing the cat to breathe more easily and also to eat. So, he's eating now (small portions) and showing interest in the world. So, for now, we continue with steroids and per the vet he may last anywhere from weeks to months or up to 2 years.

He said we could also do chemo, but he does not recommend it because chemo won't be curative, and may give him another 8-12 months on average, and upto 5 years max, will cost a heck of a lot, and can make the cat feel pretty bad as well to go through surgery and chemo.

He is still a young cat, only 6 years old. He is the sweetest cat I've ever known, incredibly friendly and affectionate, and I'd hate to lose him. However, I don't want to put him through surgery and chemo and make the rest of his life crappy. But he is a young cat ...

What would you do/ what have you done for these kinds of issues for your beloved pet?

Again, thanks!

Hi PV,
I'm sorry for all you are going through! I am in a similar situation with my very sweet dog. She is having periods of hypoglycemia and pancreatitis. She is 11 and I got her as a rescue dog at age 7. We have her on a special diet, but I have opted not to pay for the ultrasound (around $500) and exploratory surgery (around $2000) it would take to properly diagnose and operate on her. They suspect a pancreatic tumor, and if that diagnosis is correct, even after surgery she would only extend her life by about 6-8 months. She seems happy and still eats ok, but gets very weak from walking even a half a block and we have to feed her 5-6 times a day so she doesn't drop her blood sugar. So we are, like you, opting just to keep her comfortable, but not do extra testing and treatment.
I'm ridiculously attached to my dog. I got her while my mom was dying of cancer and she has been my constant companion through all my grief and illnesses. I dread losing her for my own selfish reasons. But she is a dog....and I don't believe that for her, living 6-8 months longer or shorter makes any difference to her. I had a golden retriever who lived until age 15 and I think I held on to her longer than I should have before having her euthanized. I won't let this dog suffer....I've promised myself that. I hope I didn't go on too long. I just wanted you to know that I think I get what you are going through. I hope you are holding up ok.