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After my 17 year old cat Scorpio was diagnosed with a very aggressive “Sarcoma” Tumor located on her rear left leg, I had to make a life or death decision for her and I had limited time to make it. My only choices were either to let the cancer take over and possibly lose her by mid August or to amputate her leg.
Seems like a no-brainer, however, the surgery was quite complex and very lengthy even a cat half her age is at risk, just to survive the anesthesia alone. The odds seemed against us, I had consulted with all the professionals lucky for me I happen to know some amazing vets and specialists who gave their honest opinions. They spoke to me objectively and helped me weigh the pros and cons. Ultimately it comes down to my decision and wallet.
Still confused I turned to the Montreal Dog Blog there I presented my story and amazingly received some great feed back.
Pet lovers sharing their own stories and experiences so touching and heartfelt – I was honored and impressed by all the positivity. It was one comment in particular that stood out to me most. A wonderful lady by the name of Genie Medeiros who told me to look into my cats eyes and ask her what she wants. This may sound silly to the average person but to me it struck a chord. I took my beloved pet into my arms cuddled her for a little while and asked her what she wanted. As sick as she was I could feel a faint purring and I knew she still had some fight left in her. After all she is a Scorpio.
Just a few short days later she was scheduled for surgery, it would take the amazing team at the Montreal Vet Clinic almost the entire work day to get through this very extensive surgery.
As you can imagine I was a complete basket-case pacing for hours praying she makes it through the surgery.
Then I get the call, she’s awake! And the vets are thoroughly impressed.
I rushed right over to see her and to my amazement she was awake (a little stoned) and started to purr the moment she heard my voice. I wanted to take her home right away but she needed to recover and stayed in the clinic for a period of 4 days then she was back at home.
Surprisingly she bounced back quicker then I or the vets (for that matter) anticipated. One week after her surgery she was putting weight back on and hopping all around the house. I was so impressed and inspired by her, not once did she falter or feel sorry for herself or hide or sulk or anything negative. She just kept moving forward. She made me so proud and helped put things back into perspective for me.
Live for today, this moment, make the most of it because who knows what tomorrow will bring?
After all the final reports came back from the oncologist they confirmed that they had successfully removed the tumor, no signs of cancer in her bones or muscle tissue. However there are some present cancer cells floating around her skin.
What does that mean? Well it means the vets are hopeful she may have 1-2 years left before the tumor comes back and since she’s pushing 18 years I’m happy with that. I know I’ve done everything I could, I gave her a fighting chance and she ran with it, literally, she now goes back outside to bask in the sun and show off her war wounds to the neighborhood. She’s the coolest cat on the block and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
There is so much to learn from our beloved pets all we have to do is simply listen.
Thank you to everyone for your touching heartfelt comments and a special thank you to the amazing staff at The Montreal Veterinary Clinic, what would I do without you!
Your Friendly Pet Groomer and Pet Owner
Anna Maria Ranieri
