It has now been 10 months since I was diagnosed with large cell lymphoma of the GI tract and spleen, and given 1 to 3 months to live. I have now outlived my most optimistic prognosis by 7 months! So we are celebrating another milestone and are very happy that I am still doing well!
We did have a scare, back in early November, where there was one day when I didn't eat, drink, or use the litterbox, and I just lay wherever I was put, whether my mom or dad's lap, or my bed, or in front of the fireplace. Fortunately, after eating some yogourt that night, the next day I was eating and drinking when food or water was placed in front of me, and then using the litterbox, and I started getting stronger again each day. A week later I was back to my normal self, eating and drinking normally, having nice, solid stools with no blood or mucus, chasing my sister around like a crazy cat, playing with my toys, and jumping back up on the counters! I'm still acting completely normal! You would never know that I have cancer, besides one or two times a week when there is blood or mucus in my stool.
I'm still on steroids (prednisolone), so I have a huge appetite, and continue to be a solid Sphynx with lots of muscle. So I haven't lost any weight, which is really good!
Right now we are taking it one day at a time, and just enjoying every moment we have together. We do hope that I make it to my 9th Gotcha Day, which will be coming up just before Christmas: December 22nd! It would be a wonderful Christmas present if I'm still here for my Gotcha Day and Christmas. Right now it looks like I will be, but you never know. Hopefully I won't have another bad day like I did at the beginning of November for a while yet!
I am so thankful for all the purrs, prayers, and positive thoughts that so many friends have sent my way. We greatly appreciate them! We are so thankful to have such wonderful support.
Love to all of you.
Merlin
35 comments
We are so happy and excited to have the opportunity to cheer you on, Merlin. You really are beating the odds. We know (first paw) how quickly lymphoma can take a kitty's life. We will be purring and praying extra hard that you make those two upcoming milestones. The odds seem pretty good. Thanks for hopping and sharing your good news during a very sad time. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth ad Calista Jo
We are really hoping we'll be continuing our happy dance here for a very long time - amidst all the sadness on the blogosphere, it is great to have something to cheer about. Well done you!
Mee-you Merlin it iss a pleasure to meet you!!
Conkatss on comin this far! Mee herd you had sum trubbull...
LadyMum said wee should let you know mee iss sayin Buudhist purrayerss of healin fur you....efurry day!
There has been so much sadness this week inn Bloggie werld....seein you doin so well makes us BERRY HAPPY!!!
Furabuluss selfie all so.
Sinseerlee, Purrince Siddhartha Henry =^,.^=
That is so great Merlin, that you are doing so well. We sure send lots of purrs that you make it thru your Gotcha day and Christmas. It is really good to hear some positive news. You all take care.
Merlin we are so glad to read some GREAT news, as there has been too many losses so suddenly and so close together. One after another is overwhelming. But it was with pleasure that we read your terrific news. WE hope you continue to feel good and enjoy playing and have a happy holiday with your family. WE will purr and pray that it happens to you and all of us.
Oh Merlin, your selfie is most wonderful and we are so happy you're fighting that evil C with such gusto pal. Hey, guess what? My Gotcha Day is the day after yours.
Merlin you are a star! Well done on fighting that thing with all your heart! We are glad to have some good news for sure!
Happy, happy MERLIN with happy, happy NEWS! And we, too are glad to have some good news this week ... keep hanging in and hanging on you amazing and wonderful boy, we loves you!
Finally some good news, Merlin! You really made us smile. We purray that you will be here with Christmas and for so much longer :) Healing Pawkisses for a Loving Day :) <3
Now that is good news Merlin,you're our Christmas Miracle,keep on doing well big guy,xx Speedy
IT is very nice to finally have some good news this week! Great to see you looking so good Merlin!!
So happy for you, dear Merlin. We will continue to purr for you.
Lots of love and purrs,
Athena and Marie xx
Oh Merlin, this is Wonderful news, and a blessing to you, your parents, and all of us in this the most devastating of weeks here in the blogging world. Heres to a very Happy Gotcha day and Christmas! purrs ERin
This is a much needed happy happy post!!!!! Merlin, you are truly a wizard, beating all the odds.
I am so happy for you, it is nice to cry happy tears for you instead of all the sad ones lately. Great Santa hat selfie too. XO
This last week has been so full of sadness that it is wonderful to hear good news. I am very happy for you, Merlin. Your selfies are lovely.
Keep on keepin' on Merlin! Great news! catchatwithcarenandcody
Merlin, you are doing so very well....it's so welcome to hear happy news at this sad time. Your progress has cheered mom and I up so very much. We have our fingers and paws crossed that you meet your milestones and dance around them.
Biggest hugs,
Shoko, Kali and Mom Jean
Merlin you must have some great Karma buddy! So happy to learn you are holding your own. Purrs and paw pats, Savannah
Oh Merlin - paws up and purrayers for you all !
So happy you have fooled the docs for now. Keep it up, you may be here for 2017!
It's great to hear some good news this week, Merlin. We're purring that you continue to do well.
I'm so happy for you Merlin, and you're just too cute in your Santa hat! Purring that you're still with your wonderful family for Christmas and well beyond that!
That is wonderful news Merlin! You must be working your Merlin magic and spells :D We know whatever you (and your family) are doing, it is working really well :D
Here's to many more good months with your family!
the critters in the cottage xo
Yeah for good news!!
Oh, Merlin, this is just the most happy and wonderful news in the midst of a very sad week. We are so happy you continue to do well, sweet friend. We love your selfies, and we love you!
You show 'em Merlin, you handsome boy! We're so happy you're doing well and we hope you have many more Gotcha days to celebrate with us.
Merlin, I remember the shock of your diagnosis, and your determination to fight this one day, and one paw step at a time.
We think, paws on hearts, that you are a marvel. We know your mum is grateful for every day, and we are so proud of you. An awesome PAWsome Sphynx cat.
Happy and totally brilliant Sunday Selfie!
You show'em, Merlin!!!
Purrs,
The Chans
We are so very happy that you are holding your own and are sending healing purrs. We has our paws crossed that you are here to enjoy 2017 with us.
Merlin you are an inspiration to us all.
Yay for good news!!!! Keep it up Merlin!
The Florida Furkids
Yay ! That's wonderful news ! We're happy for you, Merlin ! Purrs
Seven months! that is freakingly impressive. Congratulations. May you continue to do so well..
What wonderful news! You're really showing your lymphoma who is the boss, aren't you? I'll be purring for your continued good health. I'd love to see you meet all of those milestones!
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Merlin, you're our hero! No one can give you an expiration date, and you've shown them that good and all. And, you make an adorable Santa Paws! Purrs and prayers to you, always!
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