My brother was diagnosed with leukemia four years ago. He recently went off treatment and for an off chemo and celebration for surviving gift, recieved a beautiful tabby to be named Chub Chubs. I also got a kitten, her littermate Lillie, since my mom said I'm always like a second mom to my brother, esp. during his treatment.
Although Lillie and Chub Chubs had received all their necessary shots at the appointed time, Chub Chubs was apparently born with leukemia. She was euthanized today at 10 months old.
My brother only recently started playing with kids his own age again. He only trusted his family and animals. Chub Chubs was his best friend for months. Now, he lost her to leukemia which I think is a cruel twist of fate. True, I would be absolutely devasted if I had lost my brother to leukemia instead and dont know how I would go on, and I know it's only a cat, but we had so many good memories with the two. We really love those cats.
It broke my heart when my brother said that he wished we were all reptiles, since reptiles dont get cancer. It broke my heart as he stood at the window, not allowing me to turn him away, while his best friend was buried in my Ariat shoebox (we're all avid horse people) next to his favorite pine tree.
It's very hard to deal with this. We're all devasted. The only source of comfort is something miraculous, actually: A kitten had been abandoned just before Christmas and left on the side of the road. A man brought him into the vet clinic, and the vets there couldnt find a shelter to take him in, so he stayed at the clinic for the past month. He has all his due shots and was just nuetered. A very wonderful, generous woman gave the little kitten to my brother for free. He's already attached to the little thing but feels guilty since Chub Chubs is gone. I assured him that this does not mean he loves Chubbers any less, or that he will ever forget about Chub Chubs. Still, I am grateful for the kitten brightening up a dark hour for him. We are also creating a memory book for Chubbers filled with poems, songs and pictures to make my brother feel better. Ive put together 30 pictures of all our pets in an online photo album for him (all are on the comp and our printer's broke...i wish it wasnt, an actual photo album would have been nicer.)
My brother was relapsing about two months ago. My aunt says that Chubbers and my brother may have been so connected that Chubbers absorbed all the reoccuring cancer from him, allowing my brother to be cancer-free today. It's a far fetched idea but it's a nice thought.
My cat Lillie may also be at risk since feline leukemia is contagious. She's getting a blood test Monday. I'm so scared. I've just been alone and depressed lately (no, im not one of those anti-social teenagers, Ive just hit a rut)and Lillie has been my constant companion since April, licking away frustrated tears and curling up to sleep with me each nite on my chest, sticking her head under my chin. She and the horses I ride and take care of have been my only relief from some things going on in my life. I took two whole rolls of film of her to add to the already numerous photo piles of Lillie and Chub Chubs, but Im doing everything as a finality. The vet said to prepare for the worst. I'm 18 and have lost people I loved before; losing a cat would have been easier-or so I thought. Grrr, Im just so frustrated right now. If Lillie's ok, will she go crazy since she lost her companion Chub Chubs? Shes already looking around everywhere for her and crying at random times until I rush to her rescue to comfort both my brother and her. Ive heard surviving cats can go crazy. And if she does have leukemia and is put to sleep, then...I dont know. Things are just bad right now. I'm already missing Chubbers and I cant imagine losing Lillie. I hate it that Chubbers is buried out back; we dont have great neighbors if you get what I mean. Were we better off cremating her instead? Its too late now, but if the same thing happens with Lillie...Im so confused. I just need advice. Sorry that this is long; I havent been on a board for a long time. And the board I was at (music board) the people were idiots. But hopefully, maybe someone can offer advice?
It hurt so bad to hear Chubbers crying this morning as she couldnt make it to the litter box...
My brother was little when he was dx with leukemia and now his cat just died young from it...it's all so unfair. I hate to be whining, but...the world has just had enough of cancer. I would gladly take all of it on so that no one-animal or human-has to suffer from it again.
Full Version: Cancer Never Seems To Go Away
Wow, it sounds like you and your brother have had to face a lifetime's worth of pain and sickness, and I'm so sorry for that - it doesn't seem fair. You sound as though all of what you've gone through has matured you in unique ways, though, and I think your brother is very blessed to have such a caring sibling.
On first glance, and to many people, it seems like humans wouldn't or shouldn't mourn for a cat or dog or other animal. I was surprised when I lost my cat, cause I didn't think it would hurt so much. But when you think about it, these are living beings who count on us for their welfare, not just feeding and picking up after and vet visits, but the emotional stuff as well, and they're really so dependent on us, that it's inevitable that they are so missed when they're gone. A lot of us feel guilt on top of it all, feeling that we were in some way responsible for their loss in our lives. It all makes for a very complex and complicated emotional experience when we grieve for them, and I know people have compared it to the loss of a human family member, and it's understandable why they'd feel this way.
I'm very sorry about Chub Chubs (what a great name, too), and at a time when there can seem so little comfort, please know that you and your family gave a loving home to a little one who would have passed in pain and loneliness if you hadn't been there. No animal should have to leave the earth without a loving touch, and you all did the best you could, and unfortunately that's more than a lot of animals receive. But you kept that from Chub Chubs, and she was warm and comfy and loved at the end. In the days and years to come, that will be a comfort to you all. I can understand why you'd be worried about Lillie. It will probably seem a long time til Monday when she gets tested, but the test is quick, and if it's negative, I understand there's a vaccine. If it's positive, there are ways to deal with an infected cat other than euthanasia, as I understand it, and there are some people out there who do nothing but take care of FLV positive cats. But since I know next to nothing about that I'd urge you to do some research on the subject - I sure don't want to give you false information.
I think there's a meaning in the other kitten coming into your lives now. Some people don't believe in signs from above and think most everything in life is coincidence, but I've seen some odd things in my life that I don't think are explained by coincidence. This other kitty was meant to come to you at this time, and while the reasons behind that may not be clear now - and maybe there are no rational reasons - you may one day know why. But it doesn't really matter now - it's a kitty who needs a home, and you've stepped up to the plate in spite of all your heartaches, and that makes you and your brother pretty heroic, in my opinion. If Lillie stays with you, she's probably young enough to adjust to another kitty in the house and with them both being fairly young they will probably become closer than you'd expect. It sounds like you're one of those people who come along once in awhile who kind of attract the lost furry ones - again, in my opinion, that makes you and your brother pretty special cause there are bound to be heartaches along the way but you still opt to face the pain in order to give love to a fellow creature who needs a home and love. Take care, you and your brother, and please come back and let us know how you're all doing - Barbara
On first glance, and to many people, it seems like humans wouldn't or shouldn't mourn for a cat or dog or other animal. I was surprised when I lost my cat, cause I didn't think it would hurt so much. But when you think about it, these are living beings who count on us for their welfare, not just feeding and picking up after and vet visits, but the emotional stuff as well, and they're really so dependent on us, that it's inevitable that they are so missed when they're gone. A lot of us feel guilt on top of it all, feeling that we were in some way responsible for their loss in our lives. It all makes for a very complex and complicated emotional experience when we grieve for them, and I know people have compared it to the loss of a human family member, and it's understandable why they'd feel this way.
I'm very sorry about Chub Chubs (what a great name, too), and at a time when there can seem so little comfort, please know that you and your family gave a loving home to a little one who would have passed in pain and loneliness if you hadn't been there. No animal should have to leave the earth without a loving touch, and you all did the best you could, and unfortunately that's more than a lot of animals receive. But you kept that from Chub Chubs, and she was warm and comfy and loved at the end. In the days and years to come, that will be a comfort to you all. I can understand why you'd be worried about Lillie. It will probably seem a long time til Monday when she gets tested, but the test is quick, and if it's negative, I understand there's a vaccine. If it's positive, there are ways to deal with an infected cat other than euthanasia, as I understand it, and there are some people out there who do nothing but take care of FLV positive cats. But since I know next to nothing about that I'd urge you to do some research on the subject - I sure don't want to give you false information.
I think there's a meaning in the other kitten coming into your lives now. Some people don't believe in signs from above and think most everything in life is coincidence, but I've seen some odd things in my life that I don't think are explained by coincidence. This other kitty was meant to come to you at this time, and while the reasons behind that may not be clear now - and maybe there are no rational reasons - you may one day know why. But it doesn't really matter now - it's a kitty who needs a home, and you've stepped up to the plate in spite of all your heartaches, and that makes you and your brother pretty heroic, in my opinion. If Lillie stays with you, she's probably young enough to adjust to another kitty in the house and with them both being fairly young they will probably become closer than you'd expect. It sounds like you're one of those people who come along once in awhile who kind of attract the lost furry ones - again, in my opinion, that makes you and your brother pretty special cause there are bound to be heartaches along the way but you still opt to face the pain in order to give love to a fellow creature who needs a home and love. Take care, you and your brother, and please come back and let us know how you're all doing - Barbara
Thank you so much, Barbara. Your kind words really touched my heart.
I was up all nite with Lillie worrying and we just both woke up from a short nap. lol. We're all tired but what you said is just what I needed to hear.
I'll do some research into what you said about feline leukemia. I had no idea there could be a cure after the cat caught it. Thanks again.
-Faith
PS: When I was younger, I lived next door to a woman named Barbara who had a deaf dalmation. For some reason, she and her kind dog just popped into my head while reading your reply. For some reason, I thought I should mention that.
Take care!
I was up all nite with Lillie worrying and we just both woke up from a short nap. lol. We're all tired but what you said is just what I needed to hear.
I'll do some research into what you said about feline leukemia. I had no idea there could be a cure after the cat caught it. Thanks again.
-Faith
PS: When I was younger, I lived next door to a woman named Barbara who had a deaf dalmation. For some reason, she and her kind dog just popped into my head while reading your reply. For some reason, I thought I should mention that.
Take care!
Your story is heartbreaking, and I hope everything turns out ok for your Lillie. I sometimes wonder why certain people are given so much to handle, but it is obvious to me that your family is very strong and will make it through this as you have all the other obstacles you have had to overcome.She will adjust to her friend being gone, in time, just as you will. 
I feel like I should share a little info. on FeLV. There is no cure for it, but what Barbara meant was that it can sometimes be managed. Just as with people it can be more aggressive in some than others. Some kitties can live for many many years with FeLV and show little signs of the disease, and others sem to go downhill very quickly. There is a vaccine for healthy kitties that will protect against it, but it isn't supportive of constant exposure. In other words, if your Lillie does have FeLV, and you got another FeLV neg. (-) kitty and had it vaccinated, the constant exposure would eventually override the vaccine. If she does come up FeLV pos. (+), I would look into adopting another FeLV + kitty in need of a home (I just had a look through our local rescue list online and there are several FeLV + kitties in need of a home here, so I assume it would be the same wherever you are). I am shocked that your vet didn't test them first before he/she gave them their first vaccines (that is just routine here), so don't blame yourself at all by thinking you should have known sooner. We trust our animal health care providers to tell us what we need to know and unfortunately they sometimes fall very short of those expectations! It sounds as though you and your family are very good pet owners and your babies are very lucky to have you. If (God forbid) your Lillie does come up +, don't lose hope! She can still live a long life with the proper care. You will, however, have to do your part as a responsible owner to not let her get out and infect other kitties, but other than that it can still be life as normal!
While I'm on the subject, please ask your vet to test her for FIV as well (FeLV and FIV can sometimes go hand in hand). There is usually a combo test that can test for both at the same time and the price difference isn't much. There is no vaccine for FIV. The only way you can prevent it is to keep your cat indoors. Anytime your kitty goes outside it is exposed to a potentially fatal disease that is impossible to protect them against. Get your kitty vaccinated for FIP as well. There isn't really a test for it (there are some invasive ways to test a kitty that is believed to be + such as belly fluid taps, etc., but even those aren't 100%. + is a sure +, but - doesn't necessarily mean -, it just means that the viral cells may not have been caught in that particular sample.)
I guess what I'm trying to say is please ask your vet to discuss with you all the things you can/should vaccinate for and some literature on each of these, as well as some literature on the different viruses so you can make your own decisions on how best to manage your kitties health and the health of any future kitties that you may adopt. After what you are dealing with, I would hate for you to run into another heartbreak.
your friend in grief,
Kim
I feel like I should share a little info. on FeLV. There is no cure for it, but what Barbara meant was that it can sometimes be managed. Just as with people it can be more aggressive in some than others. Some kitties can live for many many years with FeLV and show little signs of the disease, and others sem to go downhill very quickly. There is a vaccine for healthy kitties that will protect against it, but it isn't supportive of constant exposure. In other words, if your Lillie does have FeLV, and you got another FeLV neg. (-) kitty and had it vaccinated, the constant exposure would eventually override the vaccine. If she does come up FeLV pos. (+), I would look into adopting another FeLV + kitty in need of a home (I just had a look through our local rescue list online and there are several FeLV + kitties in need of a home here, so I assume it would be the same wherever you are). I am shocked that your vet didn't test them first before he/she gave them their first vaccines (that is just routine here), so don't blame yourself at all by thinking you should have known sooner. We trust our animal health care providers to tell us what we need to know and unfortunately they sometimes fall very short of those expectations! It sounds as though you and your family are very good pet owners and your babies are very lucky to have you. If (God forbid) your Lillie does come up +, don't lose hope! She can still live a long life with the proper care. You will, however, have to do your part as a responsible owner to not let her get out and infect other kitties, but other than that it can still be life as normal!
While I'm on the subject, please ask your vet to test her for FIV as well (FeLV and FIV can sometimes go hand in hand). There is usually a combo test that can test for both at the same time and the price difference isn't much. There is no vaccine for FIV. The only way you can prevent it is to keep your cat indoors. Anytime your kitty goes outside it is exposed to a potentially fatal disease that is impossible to protect them against. Get your kitty vaccinated for FIP as well. There isn't really a test for it (there are some invasive ways to test a kitty that is believed to be + such as belly fluid taps, etc., but even those aren't 100%. + is a sure +, but - doesn't necessarily mean -, it just means that the viral cells may not have been caught in that particular sample.)
I guess what I'm trying to say is please ask your vet to discuss with you all the things you can/should vaccinate for and some literature on each of these, as well as some literature on the different viruses so you can make your own decisions on how best to manage your kitties health and the health of any future kitties that you may adopt. After what you are dealing with, I would hate for you to run into another heartbreak.
your friend in grief,
Kim
Kim,
Thanks for your info on FLV - in spite of having so many cats I really don't know as much about it as I should. Maybe it's just my way of warding off the "evil eye", so to speak. I keep all my cats inside now, and I've had them all tested before bringing them into the family. I've never had to care for a FLV or FIV positive kitty but I have the utmost respect for those who do, and I appreciate your info.
Faith,
I'll be thinking of you and your brother and Lillie tomorrow, and I really hope and pray that things go well. One thing I do remember our vet saying when I had our last adopted cat brought in was that even if the FLV test is negative now the virus can take a little while to "incubate", so to speak, and a previously negative cat can test positive at a later time if they haven't been protected indoors, so they may need to be tested again in the future. But again, you'd need to talk to your vet or a vet you know and trust about that, cause what may be the case in one area or vet practice may be different somewhere else. For instance, some vet practices give a 3-year rabies vaccine and some give a 1-year. Things are different, and I really, really, wouldn't want to give you the wrong information. It seems that there are more and more diseases out there, for humans and animals, all the time, but actually, those diseases probably were there all along but weren't recognized. I hope by the time you're my age that all these diseases and their ravages will be a thing of the past, and the best thing is that that may be possible!
Again, please let us know what happens, and take care - Barbara
P.S. I never had a dalmation (they're kind of high maintenance for me) but my husband's grandmother was Faith, and if one of our 5 boys had been a girl, that was the name we wanted. (I'll have to wait for a granddaughter now, or another girl kitty.)
Thanks for your info on FLV - in spite of having so many cats I really don't know as much about it as I should. Maybe it's just my way of warding off the "evil eye", so to speak. I keep all my cats inside now, and I've had them all tested before bringing them into the family. I've never had to care for a FLV or FIV positive kitty but I have the utmost respect for those who do, and I appreciate your info.
Faith,
I'll be thinking of you and your brother and Lillie tomorrow, and I really hope and pray that things go well. One thing I do remember our vet saying when I had our last adopted cat brought in was that even if the FLV test is negative now the virus can take a little while to "incubate", so to speak, and a previously negative cat can test positive at a later time if they haven't been protected indoors, so they may need to be tested again in the future. But again, you'd need to talk to your vet or a vet you know and trust about that, cause what may be the case in one area or vet practice may be different somewhere else. For instance, some vet practices give a 3-year rabies vaccine and some give a 1-year. Things are different, and I really, really, wouldn't want to give you the wrong information. It seems that there are more and more diseases out there, for humans and animals, all the time, but actually, those diseases probably were there all along but weren't recognized. I hope by the time you're my age that all these diseases and their ravages will be a thing of the past, and the best thing is that that may be possible!
Again, please let us know what happens, and take care - Barbara
P.S. I never had a dalmation (they're kind of high maintenance for me) but my husband's grandmother was Faith, and if one of our 5 boys had been a girl, that was the name we wanted. (I'll have to wait for a granddaughter now, or another girl kitty.)
Just wanted to say that Barbara is right...MOST vets do recommend a 6 month follow up test if they have been exposed to the virus.....
so much info.~so little time
so much info.~so little time
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