Devastated. Cat diagnosed with lymphoma. Poor prognosis.

[MiniMum97]

My beautiful 5 yr old pert Maine Coon has just been diagnosed with fast growing lymphoma. He was fine a few weeks ago and has not long had his check up. I am in shock it has moved so fast..
Really didn't think this would be the outcome when I took him to the vets today.

The vet got me to feel the tumours. One was massive. The rumours are in his abdomen. One is on his kidney I think.

He has been getting poorly for a few weeks. Lost weight, coat not right, bit lethargic, sleeping and in more than usual. We thought it maybe worms initially as we were late giving him his tablet so gave him that. Then we thought it might be the new cat that has been hanging around who is very friendly but freaks my sensitive cats out by strolling about all over my cats' garden with no regard for territory. My cats have a history of not eating when upset so thought this might be the issue.

Anyway vet gave option of chemo. But we were told that if it's spread to his lungs this won't be an option. And his breathing was laboured today so this seems likely. I said no to chemo in the appt but gave since read it's not like human chemo and their tend to be fewer side effects. It would still mean a biopsy, scan, blood tests to even check he is a candidate and then presumably tablets and going to the vet regularly for follow on appts. Out DCat hates the basket and the vet and finds every visit traumatic. Having said that he was less panicky today as he is obviously feeling fatigued.

Vet also offered palliative care of painkillers, anti sickness tabs etc. But we are concerned that he could die horribly. What if it spreads to his throat or something and he chokes to death? Is that a possibility?

Vet was keen to PTS today in the appt. i was on my own and it was all very unexpected so asked to take him home for a few days so we could say goodbye. I don't think I'd have been able to drive home if it had happened today. It was all such a shock. Vet said it should be done sooner rather than later.

Now he is home we are rethinking everything and wondering if chemo is worth a shot. He is so lovely and affectionate and sweet natured. We don't want to lose him.

Not sure what to do. Would welcome hearing from others who have been through the same.

Thank you.

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate the support. It's been a really difficult few days and both my DH and I are devastated and miss him so much.

We decided to cremate him which happened today. I want to be able to take him with us if we move. We tried to find a place to bury him in the garden but when it came to it I couldn't hear the thought. Like you said @Stressmess he looked like he was about to get up and run around at any minute and I know it's silly but I couldn't bear the thought of leaving him in the cold ground.

We found that a local animal charity and sanctuary did cremations so we took him there as we get they would take good care of him and it was really lovely. They were very kind and we had time to be with him before we left and to write in a memory book. I will go to pick him up Wednesday and thought I would do a memory/frame thing with his ashes and some pictures.

I felt much better after this, it really helped, but have found myself in tears again this evening which is when he would normally sit with us. I keep expecting him to come in through the cat flap.

Bit worried about his sister. She is OK at the moment but concerned she will start searching for him. She seems a little unsettled and keeps sniffing about. We showed her his body yesterday but we weren't sure if she knew it was him. Time will tell.

@Margot33 and @Stressmess - my thoughts go out to both of you, it's comforting to hear from others who have gone through the same thing. So sorry this is still so fresh for you Margot as it is for us.

It's the speed of it that has really unnerved me. Like you Stressness I never though this would be the outcome when I went to the vet. I went on my own because I didn't think for a second there was a chance of him not coming home.

I feel like I could lose anyone now in the blink of an eye. I am sure this feeling will pass but feel at the moment like I and my loved ones are very vulnerable.

Thank you all for responding. Xxx

Oh I'm so sorry. Such sad news. I'm glad he didn't suffer too long and that you got to spend some lovely time with him.
It will get better. Grief with your animals is so pure. There is just love.