Willow, 16 years young…
Dear Readers, yesterday my husband popped our cat Willow into the vet for what we thought would be a routine visit. She’s been off her food pretty much since I had my accident, but we were putting it down to the changes in sleeping arrangements and general shenanigans – she’s a very sensitive little thing, and the slightest change in how things are done can freak her out entirely. I also thought that she’d lost a bit of weight.
Horrifyingly, she’s lost a whole kilogram, and when the vet palpated her stomach he thought he could feel a mass in the region of her liver. So now we’re waiting for a place to come up at the Royal Veterinary College at Hatfield, where they have an oncology unit. Fingers crossed that it happens today.
I feel terrible that I didn’t notice the scale of the problem before. Like most cats, she never complains. They are usually stoical to a fault.
Of course I am thinking about all the worst possible outcomes. At best, maybe it’s something benign that can be operated on and taken out – still a tough procedure for an elderly cat, but maybe something that would buy her some time and quality of life. At worst, it’s spread, or is inoperable. We’re both agreed that we don’t want heroic measures for her – she’s an elderly lady, and it’s not a kindness to put her through chemotherapy etc, even if it’s offered. So we could potentially be close to the end, and I’m preparing myself for that.
Anyhow, I will keep you posted, and hopefully things will become clearer over the next few days. It does seem as if troubles come not as single spies, but as battalions, but sometimes that’s just life. All I hope is that we can minimise Willow’s suffering, and make the right decisions at the right time. She is such a gentle, affectionate little cat. Please keep your fingers crossed for us!
Update 1 Turns out the RCVS hospital didn’t have a place, so Willow has gone to another hospital with an oncology unit close to Hitchin (John took her there in a cab, just throwing in a quick recommendation for Fairway and Kenwood cabs for any of you North London folk). The vet there was a little more hopeful than our local vet – she said that there can be a variety of reasons for a mass in the liver, but she would run tests and hopefully let us know later tonight/first thing tomorrow. If I hear anything before this ‘goes to press’ I’ll pop in another update. The cat apparently put up quite the fight when John tried to get her in her carrier, which I’m taking as a good sign! (she never scratches or bites or hisses, but she can be very, very quick).
I’m so sorry to hear that. I have a couple of elderly cats, and it’s hard to know what’s just them slowing down and getting the frail “old cat” thinness, versus being truly sick. Fingers and paws crossed that it’s something easily remedied.
Thank you!
But also, I love that blanket! Is it a quilt of old sweaters?
No, it’s something called a Mystery Blanket – I do one every year. You get sent the wool, but the patterns only arrive one month at a time, so it’s always a bit of a risk. I’ve never been disappointed, though! And every year, I don’t know who I’m going to give it to until I’m pretty much done, and then the person who is meant to get it will become apparent – quite often it’s someone who’s been bereaved or had another terrible life event. I just love watching them come together….
You’re a good knitter! I am just teaching myself to pick instead of throw. It’s taking a lot of practice, as I’ve been throwing since I was 12! I was never a fancy knitter though; no color work except horizontal stripes. I mostly crochet. I thought I might knit more if it didn’t bother my right shoulder.
My Mum used to do amazing crochet work – she made incredible intricate doilies and shawls, known affectionately as her ‘holes tied up with string’. I should probably get back into it, I’m seeing some really lovely crocheted pieces about now. And of course we all had blankets made of ‘granny squares’ back in the day….
strange; it doesn’t seem to have recorded my first comment. Trying again:
I’m so sorry to read your news. I have a couple of elderly cats and it ‘s so challenging to know what is just slowing down and getting that frail “old cat” look, and what is an actual illness. Fingers and paws crossed that this is something easily remedied for Willow.
Sometimes there’s a delay – maybe it was the Outage 🙂
I can’t remember if I’ve already shared this poem with you. Or maybe you shared it with us! But I love it.
Plentitude
by Ann Iverson
Even near the very end
the frail cat of many years
came to sit with me
among the glitter of bulb and glow
tried to the very last to drink water
and love her small world
would not give up on her curious self.
And though she staggered — shriveled and weak
still she poked her nose through ribbon and wrap
and her peace and her sweetness were of such
that when I held my ear to her heart
I could hear the sea.
–from Mouth of Summer
Oh I love this. It made me cry, but in a good way….
Every best wish for a positive outcome.
Fingers crossed hoping you get some good news.
What a beautiful poem,sllgatsby. Our elderly cats have gone to sleep, each in their own time. I hope for the best outcome in Willow’s case.
Good wishes for Willow. Such a lovely little cat. Hope the outcome is positive for her. Love and strength to you all.
Thank you!
Poor little old lady. I mean, the cat, not you. Although you have my sympathy, too, of course! I hope, whatever the outcome, she’s comfortable. xx
Thank you, Jill!
Thinking of you, and Willow.
Thanks Liz!
This is sad news. I hope there is a more positive outcome. Cats are such subtle creatures, taking our hearts before we know it. Do you know, I think I’d have a very stiff drink?
I would definitely have a gin and tonic (in honour of my Dad and the cat) except that I fear that it would a) make me maudlin and b) encourage me to topple sidewise, which probably wouldn’t be great. Very happy for you to have one for me, though!
Will do, at about 6pm
Hope you enjoyed it!
Oh so sorry to hear about Willow. Cats create such love.
They can! Thank you x