Saturday, June 04, 2016

Merlin: Four Months Since Cancer Diagnosis

Merlin here!  Today marks four months since I was diagnosed with aggressive large cell lymphoma of the GI tract and given 1 to 3 months to live.  It has now been 4 months since my diagnosis, so I have outlived my prognosis by 1 month!  We are very happy with this, as it means I got to see my daddy and we are now spending lots of time together!



As I mentioned yesterday, I am still doing well!  I have actually gained weight, which doesn't surprise my mom at all because I've had a voracious appetite since being put on prednisolone, which is a steroid.  The vet said that looking at me you would never know I have cancer!



The things that are "wrong" with me are nothing you can see at first glance.  My stool has started to have blood and mucus in it again, and it tends to be soft.  A couple of times I day I make a barking-like cough sound (but it's not a cough in the traditional sense of a cough, it's due to the cancer), and now I have a bit of a skin infection, but it's healing up nicely with a topical antibiotic/steroid cream.

So we are very, very happy that I am doing so well and that I now get to spend lots of time with my daddy!  He has two weeks of vacation now, so we are going to be able to enjoy a lot of each other's company.

So thank you all for your purrs, prayers, positive thoughts, and support!  We don't know how much longer I have, but given that I'm in great shape, we are hoping for months!  Some cats with lymphoma (although usually with the small cell type, not the large cell type) have lived for one or two years after diagnosis.  However much longer I have, as long as I'm still happy, not in pain, and enjoying life, we are going to enjoy all the time with have left together.

Of course, as today is Saturday, we have to celebrate with Caturday Art.  Here's a digital scrapbooking page of me!  This is also my Sunday Selfie!

Made with Perfectly Paris by Kathryn Estry
Thank you again everyone!

28 comments

Brian's Home Blog said...

We purr for you daily pal and we're so very happy you are getting to enjoy Daddy time.

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

Merlin, you look absolutely stunning! We expect you to continue beating the odds for a long time yet!

Puurs,
The Chans

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Merlin we always keep you in our purrs. YOU look fabulous and we are glad to hear you are feeling good too! We are so glad that you and your Daddy are spending time together, we know that makes you and him so happy. We say stay in the moment and enjoy it!

pilch92 said...

I am praying that you have years. Beautiful scrapbook page.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy you dad's vacation! You're scrapbook page is gorgeous!!!

The Swiss Cats said...

We're so happy that you and your dad can spend time together ! Great collage ! Purrs

Anonymous said...

Merlin it's just so pawsome that you will have two whole weeks to enjoy your Daddy's company - I know you wanted to do that and here you are enjoying every minute! You look good - I hope you feel good too.....I think ALL of us should just concentrate on NOW and not what's next....live in the moment - that's just what you're doing my friend. I hope you have lots and LOTS more moments coming to you.

Love, Sammy

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

We still send purrs and prayers, you look great!! So glad you get to be with your Daddy!! catchatwithcarenandcody

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am glad you are doing so well and getting lots of Daddy time. I hope you have lots more time with your family.

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

Your artwork is exquisite...just like you, Merlin!

The Island Cats said...

We're glad you continue to do well, Merlin. We're purring for you and hope you'll be here for many more months. You are one handsome guy.

Just Ducky said...

Hope you continue to do well.

Marg said...

We are so glad that you are doing all right and especially glad that you are getting to spend time with the Daddy.We know he is happy about that. Sending tons of purrs for extended good health time.

Cathy Keisha said...

So glad you got to see your Daddy and he got to hug you for Hug Your Cat Day. Our Autumn had cancer and we didn't know cos the only symptom she had was runny stool but it wasn't bloody. I hope you get to live a long long time.

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

So glad you are spending time with your Dad and that you're doing well.

Purrs xx
Athena and Marie

Forty Paws said...

We are so glad that you are with your Daddy now that he is home for 2 weeks! You keep hanging in there! You are doing very well! Smokey has small cell lymphoma in his small intestines, and he is going on two years with chemo, and prednisolone, and several other drugs every day.

Hugs from all of us at Forty Paws and Maw

Mickey's Musings said...

We are so happy you got to see your Dad Merlin :)
Now, we purr really hard that you will continue to live
well beyond the diagnosis.
Enjoy each and every day dear Merlin!


Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ

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

That is so great you are getting time ta spend with Dad. Enjoy the 2 weeks with him!

Purrseiodn said...

So glad you've beaten the odds!

Erin the Cat Princess said...

Merlin, you are a real trooper, a star and and inspiration!And that is a most excellent Selfie with your dad! Purrs to you and all your family ERin

Pretinha said...

Merlin aproveite cada momento com seus pais, nós continuamos
enviando muitos ronronas para você meu amor.

Kitties Blue said...

Merlin, this is just the most meowvolous news. We are purring and praying for you everyday. An extra month is a gift, and we hope you get many, many more months! Your selfie is quite handsome. Thank you so much for hopping and sharing your health update. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Katnip Lounge said...

We are simply thrilled that you are doing so well! We know that spending time with your Daddy has gotta be the best medicine in the world...we have paws and toesies crossed that you continue to feel well for a good long time yet. xx

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are pleased to see that you are doing so well Merlin. We bet you and your Daddy are enjoying your time together now he is home for a while. We are sending many purrs and kisses to you all.
Love, Hannah and Lucy xx xx

da tabbies o trout towne said...

dood....we iz buzzed happee for ewe !! ☺☺☺♥♥♥

heerz ta 444 mor monthz for ewe; long with sum
blessings frum R pal Frank...him all wayz haz
plentee ta spare & himz willing ta share ♥♥♥

HOORAY !!!

The Menagerie Mom said...

Merlin, this post makes me so happy! I am so glad you are doing well, and that you and your daddy (and of course your mom, too!) get to spend time together. We continue to send you lots of purrs and prayers!

Anonymous said...

We are happy to hear this, Merlin. You look Stunning! Healing Pawkisses continue and extra Pawkisses for a wonderful time :) <3

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

so happy to hear you are doing so well. I bet your people are thrilled