Tuesday, May 03, 2016

Three Months Since Merlin's Cancer Diagnosis

Merlin here!  It is now three months since I was diagnosed with aggressive large cell lymphoma of the GI tract.  That means tomorrow will be a very special day:  I will have outlived my prognosis!  That is, I will have lived longer than the amount of time the internal medicine veterinary specialist gave me to live.



So, we are hopeful that I will make it until my daddy comes home in five weeks.  I will be so happy to see my daddy again.  I miss him very much.  It will also be much easier on all of us if he is home when it's time for me to say goodbye.


I am still doing pretty well.  My mom has only noticed a few changes in me.  I'm more flatulent (gassy) than I've ever been.  My stool, which had firmed right up when I started my medications, is a little soft again.  I'm still eating plenty, but I've become a little fussier about what I eat.  I'm playing a little less, but that might be because Devi is a toy hog.

I'm still purring, grooming, cuddling with my siblings, demanding cat grass, and pretty much acting normally except for the few things mentioned above.  I'm still taking my medicine like a good boy.


Thank you all for your purrs, prayers, and support.  Although it would be wonderful if I would exceed all expectations and make it was past my dad's return home, we will all be very happy if I make it at least until then.  I have to sign off now, because my mom's eyes are starting to leak.  We love all of you, my friends!

22 comments

Catio Tales said...

Merlin, you know we are purring for you and are delighted you have made it this far. We guess your Mom is looking at every single poop and food bowl, and wondering how you are doing. Keep up the eating and maybe give Devi a whap or two if she takes your toys! We have all paws crossed for you to be able to see your Daddy again. We know it means so much. Purrs and sneaky whaps x

The Island Cats said...

Merlin, we're so glad to hear you are doing okay. We send you lots of purrs and hope you continue to have good days...and that you get to see your dad again.

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are pleased you are doing okay Merlin and hope you will have lots of good days to come. We are purring for you and hoping so much you will see your Daddy again.

The Menagerie Mom said...

I've always been of the mind that you can't give a cat an expiration date, and you've proven that to be true, Merlin. You are a tough boy, and we are sending all of our purrs and prayers your way!

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

Oh Merlin, you're looking so well! I'm sending more healing purrs, your way, as we speak. Healing purrs do wonders, for sure.

Purrs,
Seville

pilch92 said...

I am glad that you are still enjoying life. I pray you make it for a long time so your Dad can get some quality time with you. XO

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Merlin I have a story to tell you. A good friend of ours on Twitter was diagnosed with a cancer 14 months ago. His Mom was told at the time of diagnosis he only had 3 maybe 4 weeks to live. Well, I think he has shown those Doctors! Some times they don't know everything! We cats are always full of surprises and our Mom has told his Mom and now she'll tell your Mom too, it's a gift. Everyday you are here it's a special gift and tell her to cherish each moment, we know she already is but sometimes you just have to remember to stay in the moment. We will continue to pray that you will see your Dad's return home. I know he wants to see you and we want you to share some time together. Keeping you in our deepest purrs.

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Merlin, you are an exceptional boy and we believe that you will surprise everyone! We also have had several other kitty friends with aggressive forms of cancer who have lived well beyond the expectancy given by their vets. We are too happy to have you back in our lives to be ready to lose you yet! Stick around, Buddy!

Purrs,
The Chans

Erin the Cat Princess said...

There's not a braver guy out there, and it's so good, nay wonderful you'll see your dad again so soon. Keep proving them wrong! Purrs and Hugs from ERin & peep

Anonymous said...

Merlin you're looking fine AND sounds like you're doing remarkably well considering everything. You stay strong my friend - your Daddy will be home SOON and I know you will be so happy to see him! I'm sure he's counting the days too. We're sending lots of POTP........

Hugs, Sammy

catladymac said...

Merlin - I can't add much to the wonderful words the others have said ! We will continue our purrs and prayers for you and your fursibs and your humans. Bless you all !

da tabbies o trout towne said...

dood...they said eye wood knot make it ta see 7.......that waz ELEVEN YEERZ AGO.... eye terned 18 thiz yeer .....we haz all 984 paws crossed, that ewe can beet de oddz two....miracles happen everee day buddy ♥♥♥♥♥ we noe yur dadz gonna bee buzzed happee ta see ewe again ~~~ ♥♥♥♥♥

da tabbies o trout towne said...

that commint was frum me....butter lover boomer o cat ~~~~~ ♥♥♥

The Swiss Cats said...

We keep purring for you, Merlin. It's amazing ! We hope you keep doing well and can see your dad again. Purrs

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

you sweet baby! I am confident you will make it til then and beyond!!!!!!!! I have no doubt! xoxo catchatwithcarenandcody

Jans Funny Farm said...

We are so happy for you and your family and we sure are rooting for you to be reunited with your dad.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Sending oodles of purrs that you last far longer than five weeks.. and you have a joyous reunion with your dad

Anonymous said...

Oh! Merlin - don't even talk about saying good-bye! We love you too much. I know it's hard on you but your daddy will be home soon and all will be well!!

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

That's such wonderful news Merlin and I pray you have much, much longer with your humans. My Angel Tara was given 3 months too but we had nearly another year together!

Brian's Home Blog said...

We sure are sending you tons of purrs and prayers pal. We haven't know you very long, but I can tell, you won't be going until you're darn good and ready, so take your sweet old time please.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We purr fer you to have more time yet, and to stay here until yer Daddy comes home!

meowmeowmans said...

Merlin, this is really wonderful news. We're going to keep right on purring and praying for you. And you keep right on keeping on, okay? Hugs and headbonks to you and your family!