Friday, November 04, 2016

Nine Months Since Merlin's Cancer Diagnosis

Hello all!  Today marks another milestone in my fight against large cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract.  Today it has been nine months since I was diagnosed with cancer and given one to three months to live.  So I have now lived six months longer than the most optimistic prognosis!

Made with Wings of Hope by Connie Prince
It is only this week that I have started acting like I have cancer at all.  Tuesday I didn't have anything to eat or drink all day until my daddy came home and shared some yogourt with me.  After that I had some treats and some crunchies.  Since then, I've been eating and drinking when food or drink it put in front of me, I'm getting up to use the litterbox on my own (although my stool is very soft), and I'm purring for my mom and dad when they pet me or hold me.  I don't seem to be in any pain.

Made with All In A Year by Connie Prince

This morning I was actually acting pretty much normally!  I curled up under my dad's chin to sleep, and was purring away for him.  I woke him up for breakfast and followed him downstairs to have some crunchies.  I was rubbing my head into his cheeks and purring away.  I demanded some cat grass and had a bit of it (not too much so that I wouldn't bring it back up), and basically acting like nothing was wrong at all!

Even so, my mom and dad have decided that they will not attend my mom's convocation on Monday. They were going to leave Sunday, as it is in a city about four hours away by car, and they were going to stay until Tuesday.  Even though we would be boarded at our veterinarian practice, my mom and dad don't want to be away from me for that long at this point.  My mom still gets her diploma, even if she doesn't show up for convocation, so it would just be a ceremony and a chance for some cool photos.  She says I'm more important than that.  If it was something she really had to do, she would go.  But since it is optional, she's decided to stay home.

Thank you for all your purrs, prayers, positive thoughts, and support.  You are wonderful friends and we are very glad we started blogging again.  It means a lot knowing that there are so many people out there thinking of me and my family.

16 comments

The Florida Furkids said...

We're happy to hear that you are improving and will continue our purrs and prayers for you. We understand why your Mom doesn't want to go. Our Mom would do the same thing.

(((hugs)))

The Florida Furkids

SuziQCat said...

A milestone reached for sure...way to go Merlin! We hope there are many more milestones in your future. Purrs for continued good health. Live with no regrets!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Merlin we're so glad to hear you had a better day!! We hope that today is just like that and we hope you get lots of love and cuddles and crunchies!!!

Catio Tales said...

You Magic Boy! That is lovely - yes, we know each day will be different and some good and others less good so we celebrate this day with you. And we are so very glad you have Daddy around - what with him being your chief nuzzle spot.
And it is awesome that your Mom and Dad really put you first - yeah sure convocation is important, but you are obviously more important. Purrs continuing and paws are crossed. 9 months rocks.

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

Many congrats on the nine montha, Merlin! You have done us all proud! And we're so pleased to hear that you are acting more like yourself. You have the best parents ever!

Purrs,
The Chans

pilch92 said...

I am glad you are feeling a little better. I am sure your folks staying home is a much better choice for you as being away would be stressful for you. I will keep praying for you sweet boy. XO

Brian's Home Blog said...

You are indeed a special guy Merlin and we love you. Purrs and hugs pal.

Hairballsandhissyfits.com said...

sad to hear your have to miss the event but totally shows what great cat parents you are--i would do the same thing! hairballsandhissyfits.com

Anonymous said...

Yay Merlin! You my friend are proof that diagnoses are sometimes "best guesses" and we can do amazing things when we are simply NOT ready to move on. It sounds like you are feeling a lot better....that's a wonderful thing. Enjoy every moment dear Merlin - I send you prayers and POTP every day.

Hugs, Sammy

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Congratulations on 9 months, Merlin. I am glad you are doing a bit better again. Although I do not have cancer, I have good days and bad days, and some very bad days and my mum knows how scary that is for your family. I am sending you very big purrs that you can have lots more good days.

The Island Cats said...

Merlin, we're glad you're doing better. We purr that you still have some good days ahead of you. We understand why your mom and dad don't want to leave you, though. Congrats to your mom on getting her diploma, even if it's not in person.

Cathy Keisha said...

I'm purring that you keep rebounding. TW wouldn't go away if I was sick either. You're folks love you so much.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

so glad you are doing somewhat better Merlin. Sending love and continued prayers (((hugs)))) catchatwithcarenandcody

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

We are glad you have had the extra time with yer Beins. Keep enjoying the yogurt and treats and cuddles...

Pretinha said...

Merlin fico contente que você está bem, você tem muita sorte em ter uma família amorosa e que cuida tão bem de você.
Cafunés para você meu amor!

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Merlin, we are glad to hear you are feeling better. More healing purrs and Power of the Paw (POTP) headed your way. Congrats to your Mom on graduating. <3 ATCAD