Monday, February 9, 2009

Upcoming Surgery for Buster

" Sweet Pea" and "Buster"

Just a quick update on my daughter's cats. We had them to Greenville last Thursday for their check-ups. These are done every 2 months to keep an eye on the cancer, should it re-occur.

Sweet Pea had a good report, thank goodness! We were told that they have had cats with her type of cancer (fibrosarcoma) in remission for up to 3 years. So right now, things look pretty rosy for her!

Buster, on the other hand, had lost another .4 pound. He has been losing weight quite steadily, losing quite a bit last June when he was first diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. He is now just under 11 pounds, down from 24 pounds before any of this cancer trouble ever started last June. We knew he had some abnormal kidney values, so we thought maybe this was the cause of his weight loss. The oncologist suggested that he have another ultrasound now instead of waiting for the one scheduled in April. So he had another abdominal ultrasound this morning. It showed that there is a small growth about 1/2 inch in diameter in his small intestines. It also showed one kidney was dilated, so some urine was drawn from his bladder to be checked in case he could also have a kidney infection. His chest x-ray was normal, so no cancer there. After consultation with the oncologist, we decided to go ahead with surgery next Monday. His last ultrasound in November showed everything was okay. Thank goodness, my daughter had the ultrasound done now instead of in April! Buster seems to feel well and is eating like a little piglet. He plays with his toys and acts perfectly normal. He just looks thin in the face, plus now he looks even worse after having his tummy and sides shaved off for the ultrasound. Poor little guy, the hair doesn't even get all grown back when it's time to shave it all off again.

I'll be sure to post about him again after his surgery next Monday. Please remember him in your prayers.

18 comments:

Lucy Stern said...

Nancy, I hope Busters surgery goes well...So sorry to hear that he is having a tough time. Glad Sweet Pea shows no signs of cancer right now...Maybe some good luck has come her way.... I'm praying for the kitties.

Winifred said...

They look so lovely there but they're such a worry.

My little old cat has a thyroid and heart condition and struggles to keep her weight.

I pray that he'll be OK poor little soul.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Nancy,

It was a very good thing that the doctor suggested the ultrasound now, instead of in April, since the growth is still very small at this stage. I will pray that the treatment is easy on Buster, and he will be okay for a long time, after he is done with it. And
I am glad to hear Sweet Pea is doing so well. They look so cute together in the picture. I will pray that all should be well with both of them, for a long time.

Nancy, I am sorry I am so late with visiting now. There is an enormous amount of cleanup to do, so I keep busy most of the time. Thank you so much for the kind comments you left on my blog. It was greatly appreciated!

Take care, my friend. I will keep the kitties in my prayers. Let us know how Buster's surgery goes.

Love, Hugs and Prayers,

Renie
xoxo

Patty said...

Good luck with Buster, glad Sweet Pea is doing better. I can't imagine having to take as many cats as you have to the vets all the time that alone would be a full time job.

Gigi Ann said...

I hope all goes well with the poor little Kitten. And he has a speedy recovery. Our pets are just about the same as having small children. Always something going on to keep us busy. Have a nice week.

Mary said...

Nancy,

It's great that Sweet Pea is doing well and is still in remission. However, you will need to keep a good eye on Buster. Animals don't always show that they are suffering. Meeko gave us no clue that he was sick until it was too late. He had regular checkups and was to the vet in early December. He was given a clean bill of health except for his colitis.

We miss Meeko a lot, even though we have the new puppy, Dakota. He can never be Meeko, but will find a new place in our hearts.

Wishing you good luck.
Blessings,
Mary

BClark said...

For sure, prayers for Buster. They bring us so much love and loyalty. Wishing all your babies the best possible.

hippo chick said...

Poor baby, Buster. I hope all goes well for him.

Loving our dear animals is sometimes so painful.

Take care of yourself while you take care of your kitties.

~hippo hugs~

Hootin Anni said...

I'm praying for Buster!!!

Thanks for the birthday wishes you left for me in my comments!!!

Monogram Queen said...

Wishing the best for Buster! It's so hard when the furkids have health problems. If only they could "talk"!

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Poor Buster. I hope they don't find anything more than the small growth and he has an easy recovery.

Hope you're feeling better these days, Nancy.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Midlife Mom said...

Oh Nancy, I am so sorry that Buster is having problems again. The poor little guy has had more then his share hasn't he. I will be praying that the surgery will go well and he will recover soon!!!!! Glad Sweet Pea is doing so well!!!

Thank you again for passing along the awards. I put them on my sidebar and posted about them today! I am hoping to learn how to make some myself to give out with my new Photo Shop. It will take time to learn it I'm sure but have my first lesson on Friday.

I just spent an hour hunting for Munchkin. The painters were here all day today and she just is so shy she hides when someone is here that she doesn't know. I was getting worried that she might be outside so I bundled up and went out looking for her. Finally I found her down in the basement playroom under the sofa! I was so relieved!! I was down there working today and took her down with me and evidently she stayed right there. It's so frightening to think she might have gotten out in the cold!

Barnie continues to be VERY shy and still won't let me near him. Once it warms up I will start feeding him here at the house and I think that will help him to get more social if he has to come up here to eat with Noodles and Munchie. They all get along well. I want him inside for next winter even though I know he is warm and cozy in the barn. I just think it must be kind of lonely. My vet says that's not the case but that's how I feel.

Take care! xoxox

Reva said...

Ah, it's hard enough when one pet has medical problems but when both do, it must be tough since you care for them both and they are used to being together. Hopefully both will pull through well, but I know you don't want either one to suffer alot of pain and illness if they run out of options to help them. Good luck with that.

Talk..to..Grams said...

Sorry about Buster! How we love our pets!! Thanks for your visits!! Love, Grams!!

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Oh Sweetie, that poor darling Buster! I will keep him in my kitty prayers. He's such a trooper!

And let me tell you, my hubby is more of a romantic than I am!! He has been the king of romance all our married lives and believe me he's a real keeper!!

Big hugs, Sherry

Merle said...

Dear Nancy ~ ~ I am so sorry your daughter's Buster has a return of the cancer and do hope he recovers well after surgery. Thank you so much for your comments and concern about the fire devastation we have had in our state. Most fires now are not threatening homes or people, but a wind change can alter that.
Glad you liked the Chevvy Analanche for $15 joke.
Take care my dear friend and thank you for praying for rain for us.
Love, Merle.

Sam said...

I love that photo!

I am so sorry about Buster and I hope he makes a smooth recovery. Please keep us posted. Poor guy.

Love,
Sammy

Jess said...

I do hope it went well today... I will be checking back in. SO sorry I haven't been by and haven't been able to catch up with you...thanks so much for being so kind!

Love, jess