Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

In Loving Memory Cats => Rainbow Bridge - In Loving Memory => Topic started by: madamcat (Edd) on May 09, 2011, 21:06:53 PM

Title: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 09, 2011, 21:06:53 PM
My boy Sam is in trouble and it is not looking too good.

He started hiding away but would still come for food and a number of cuddles during the day. Stopped jumping over the fences for his daily walkabout around the cul-de-sac and sat in the garden. Yesterday I noticed his breathing was a bit laboured. We have been off to the vets this evening and she can feel a mass on his right side. So on Wednesday, he is in for x-rays but it is looking like a tumour :'( :'(

Sam is 15 and until now besides minor ailments has been a delightful, healthy cat who I have had since he was 6 months old - adopted from CP after being thrown away in a cardboard box.

So sad for my boy  :'( :'(
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: sheryl on May 09, 2011, 21:10:50 PM
Big  :hug: Edd and lots of love and positive vibes for Sam xxx

Will be thinking of you both on Wednesday xxx
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: cazzer on May 09, 2011, 21:17:19 PM
oh dear another poorly cat.    Seems to be a lot at moment.     Hope Wednesday's news isn't as bad as you fear  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on May 09, 2011, 21:27:50 PM
Sending loads of vibes.  I hope the x-rays bring positive news or that if it's a tumour, it's slow growing and/or treatable.

There seem to be so many poorly cats at the moment :(  I really sympathise because Jaffa is coming up to 14 and all of a sudden he is seeming old and I have become very aware of his mortality :(
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Jiji on May 09, 2011, 21:29:29 PM
Positive vibes being sent for Sam, I hope it is not as bad as feared  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: lau200 on May 09, 2011, 21:31:26 PM
fingers crossed it is something treatable x
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: LesleyW on May 09, 2011, 22:14:36 PM
Sending lotsof hugs and positive vibes to you and Sam for Wednesday.  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: JackSpratt on May 09, 2011, 22:19:38 PM
Lots of vibes for Sam. :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Rosella moggy on May 09, 2011, 22:38:11 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug: for Sam and you and everything crossed that he can be helped  :(
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 09, 2011, 23:02:53 PM
Have everything crossed for a more positive outlook on Wednesday, will be thinking of you both  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Philip on May 09, 2011, 23:09:24 PM
So sorry to hear this news....Sending positive healing vibes from the ragdoll gang.  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 09, 2011, 23:16:44 PM
Oh Edd not what you need and am sending lots of good wishes for Sam and you and hope there is something postive that can be done to help him  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: maryas on May 09, 2011, 23:45:43 PM
Hope it's good news on Wednesday Edd - healing vibes to Sam and hugs to you.  :hug: :hug:

Mary   
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Gillian Harvey on May 09, 2011, 23:57:08 PM
Sorry to hear about Sam  :hug: positive vibes for wednesday  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: bunglycat on May 10, 2011, 01:37:32 AM
Loads of positive vibes for Sam on Wednesday and hope he picks up . :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Tigerlily (Allison) on May 10, 2011, 08:20:13 AM
Edd, sending  you and Sam lots of positive vibes  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 10, 2011, 14:54:19 PM
Thanks everyone.  :thanks:

We had some cuddles last night and he is still eating. Likes to sit in the garden during the day but the breathing is not good. :'(

Tomorrow will bring me news.
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 11, 2011, 19:34:10 PM
We are back from the vets and Sam is still with me. All major organs are clear but there is a large mass which is in the intestinal area but not causing any blockage but pressure.

So the vet is hopeful that it can be operated on but will need to go to the hospital at Wimbledon for the op. Anyway she is getting the bloods results tomorrow and will ring me to let me know the way forward. Will know more then.

So please please keep the good vibes coming as we defo still need them  :hug:

Oh - he may be 15 but he is a big strong boy and told them off at the vets a number of times today - thats my boy.
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 11, 2011, 19:37:27 PM
Sending lots of good vibes for Sam and hope everything goes well  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Guest on May 11, 2011, 19:40:20 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 11, 2011, 23:34:00 PM
Fingers crossed for the blood results, hope he can go ahead and have the op and have many more happy years with you  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: maryas on May 11, 2011, 23:39:04 PM
Fingers crossed for the blood results, hope he can go ahead and have the op and have many more happy years with you  :hug:
[/color]

I second that Edd and hugs to you too.

Mary  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Kirst on May 12, 2011, 06:08:38 AM
Sending loads of vibes for you and Sam xxx :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: shirleyp01 on May 12, 2011, 09:54:25 AM
Oh my heart goes out to you both
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: CatGirl on May 12, 2011, 10:25:17 AM
Also sending plenty of vibes,and a hug for you. :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on May 12, 2011, 12:19:57 PM
Sending lots of vibes for you both.  Sam is obviously a fighter so fingers crossed the op can go ahead.
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Ann Clarke (Tabby cat) on May 12, 2011, 13:41:58 PM
Sending lots of positive vibes for Sam from me, Hobbes and Luna. Hope he can have the op and all goes well. Love to you to Edd xxx
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 14, 2011, 11:41:40 AM
Thanks all and keep them vibes coming cos we do need them.  :hug:

Vet rang friday with blood results. Liver and kidneys fine. Showing inflammation through WBC and anemia through RBC and HB which she expected.

However Potassium is high which was unexpected as his heart was ok on physical exam and he went under sedation for x-rays. So the vet believes that the sample has been contaminated - apparently the lids have potassium in them - so grr >:(

So Sam is now on Abs for the inflammation and has to have a fresh blood test on Monday (as I was not going to do one on Friday night for it to be sitting around for 3 days!!). If the potassium is still high he can not have any op without that being dealt with and she says that the heart has to be investigated.

My poor boy is hanging on in there, so fingers crossed it was a contamination and we can go forward with the op. I understand that the op is also a "do or die" situation for him as well  :(

I was wondering whether we should be doing a Hyper-T test as well. Also as he is anemic I was going to ask about a B12 injection - any views anyone?
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 14, 2011, 11:57:33 AM
Sorry cant give any advice but am sending lots more good vibes, its so hard to make all these decisions  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: cazzer on May 14, 2011, 12:19:58 PM
same here  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 14, 2011, 16:31:20 PM
What a worry  :hug: Fingers crossed for the new test results, does your vet suspect hyperthyroid in any way? If not then there's not much value in testing for thyroid issues although that said I guess while they have his blood it might be worth testing 'just in case'?  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 14, 2011, 19:42:47 PM
What a worry  :hug: Fingers crossed for the new test results, does your vet suspect hyperthyroid in any way? If not then there's not much value in testing for thyroid issues although that said I guess while they have his blood it might be worth testing 'just in case'?  :hug:

That what I thought - I did ask on Friday but the impression I got from the vet is that she was seeking confirmation that the potassium level was due to contamination. She was only going to test for potassium levels on Monday (which would have been free) but I have said I want a full screen again.

Think I will ask for Hyper-T as if there is a heart condition (from the potassium levels) the vet will want to investigate underlying cause which could be Hyper T in a 15 year old cat?? He will have to have an ECG as well??

Sam is doing ok today - spent 3 hours in the sunshine this morning - eating well (done a poop and a wee- sorry about the details :sick:) Has spent the rest of the time coming for cuddles, grazing on his food and having a lie down - seems perkier wonder if the abs are making him feel a bit brighter - bless my boy  :Luv2: :Luv2:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Jiji on May 14, 2011, 19:48:40 PM
Glad to hear Sam is perkier today and hope the tests come back ok.  :hug:
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 16, 2011, 12:12:40 PM
Just to let you know that bloods were taken this morning and the decision made to take Sam straight to the hospital at Wimbledon. Saw the vet who was able to run the bloods and the potassium spike was a contamination.

They are operating this afternoon.
Title: Re: Vibes for my boy Sam please
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 16, 2011, 12:20:33 PM
Have everything crossed the op is a complete success and Sam has many more golden years with you  :hug: Please let us know as soon as you hear how it went  :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 16, 2011, 12:27:17 PM
Just had the phone call - large tumour on the colon.

On vet's advice I have let him go  :'(
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 16, 2011, 12:31:14 PM
Oh Edd, I'm so sorry to hear this  :( :hug: I know it's a devstating decision to have to make but you have spared him any suffering  :hug:

RIP Sam, safe and sound at the Bridge by now xx

The Greatest Gift

I always knew this time would come,
From the very instant our eyes first met.
How I loved you then! How I love you now!
I made a promise then, and I will keep that promise now...
You will not suffer from a pain that will not heal;
You will not know the loss of a life remembered, now gone.

It is for me alone to make this decision,
The price for the bright joy and pure laughter
You brought me during the time we shared.
I am the only one who can decide when it is time.
When my hope dies, and my fear rides high,
Just when I need you most, I must let you go.

It is for you alone to tell me when you are ready
For without your guidance, I will not know
When to lay my grief, my guilt, my anger
My sorrow and my selfish heart aside
And give you this last gift, this greatest gift.
Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

The pain of this moment is excruciating.
Tears stream down my face in a river of sorrow.
And my heart drowns in a pool of grief.
For you have spoken and I have listened,
And unlike other decisions I have made
This one brings no relief...no comfort...no peace.

For if there´s one thing you´ve taught me,
If there´s only one thing I´ve learned...
Unconditional love has a condition after all,
I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me
I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.
And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.

Go easily now, go quickly now,
Do not linger here, it is time for you to leave.
Go find your strength, go find your youth.
Go find the ones who've gone before you.
You are free to leave me now, free to let your spirit soar
Rest easy now, your pain will soon be gone.

I pray I will find comfort in my memories...
In the dark and lonely days ahead.
I cannot say I will not miss you, I cannot say I will not cry.
For only my tears can heal my broken heart.
But, I promise you this; as long as I live,
You will live, alive in my mind, forever in my heart.

So I give you this last gift, all I have left to give,
And this will be my greatest gift...sending you away.
It is the measure of my unconditional love...
For only the greatest love can say,
"Good-bye, go find the bridge, we'll meet again,
Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."

Forever and Always... Until Rainbow bridge....


Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 16, 2011, 12:38:02 PM
Edd I am so very sorry and you have my heartfelt condolences  :hug: :hug: :hug:

RIP Sam, play hard on the Bridge little man
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Dawn F on May 16, 2011, 12:48:09 PM
I'm so sorry to hear this news
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Jiji on May 16, 2011, 13:09:03 PM
Am so very sorry to hear this Edd  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: sheryl on May 16, 2011, 13:17:09 PM
I am so very sorry Edd - thinking of you Hun  :hug:  :hug:  :hug:

RIP Sam - Play hard at the Bridge sweetie xxx
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Susanne (urbantigers) on May 16, 2011, 13:21:39 PM
Really sorry to hear this, Edd  :hug:

R.I.P Sam sweetie - play hard at the bridge.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Liz on May 16, 2011, 13:29:29 PM
So sorry for your loss :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: LesleyW on May 16, 2011, 13:35:08 PM
Edd, I am so sorry to read this, my heart goes out to you at this difficult time, but I am sure you made the right decision.  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Jiskefet on May 16, 2011, 14:30:15 PM
Oh no....
Poor Sam, poor you...  :hug: :hug:

You did the best you could, preventing any unnecessary suffering in a lost cause.
But that is not going to ease your pain.

(http://www.catroom.nl/forum/images/smilies/crying2.gif)(http://www.catroom.nl/forum/images/smilies/crying2.gif)(http://www.catroom.nl/forum/images/smilies/crying2.gif)
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Philip on May 16, 2011, 15:01:50 PM
I am sorry to hear this news.

Take care.  :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: jezebel on May 16, 2011, 15:10:13 PM
Tragic news.

As I've said before, when they go quickly it's always a terrible shock for us but it's much better for them than having a prolonged illness.

RIP Sam.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: JackSpratt on May 16, 2011, 15:51:40 PM
Oh Edd, I'm so sorry. :care:

RIP Sam, loved always.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: clarenmax on May 16, 2011, 15:58:29 PM
I'm sorry sweetie  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: pappilon on May 16, 2011, 16:01:29 PM
 I am so sorry for your loss. :'(   :hug:
RIP Sam.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: cazzer on May 16, 2011, 17:47:50 PM
so sorry to hearw about poor Sam  :hug: x
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Michelle (furbabystar) on May 16, 2011, 18:43:55 PM
So sorry to hear this sad news.

RIP Sam xx
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: snarf on May 16, 2011, 19:30:32 PM
So Sorry to hear this :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: bunglycat on May 16, 2011, 19:31:35 PM
So sorry for your loss Edd  :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Tigerlily (Allison) on May 16, 2011, 20:25:51 PM
So sorry for your loss Edd.

RIP Sam.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 16, 2011, 21:26:00 PM
Thanks everyone for your thoughts - I am going to miss my handsome boy very very much. Helen the words of that poem are so appropriate more that you could ever know - thank you  :hug:

I will in a couple of days tell (if anyone is interested) how my gentle giant came into my life 15 years ago and about his life with me. In the meantime here are a few pictures taken of my boy over the last few months so you can all see what a handsome boy he was:

 
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 16, 2011, 21:31:55 PM
Sam was really handsome and looks so proud  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: JackSpratt on May 16, 2011, 21:36:51 PM
We're most definitely interested Edd. :care: Sam was a handsome boy indeed.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Guest on May 16, 2011, 21:43:53 PM
 :Luv2: :Luv2: bless him, he was a handsome and loved boy x
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Rosella moggy on May 16, 2011, 21:55:00 PM
Am so very very sorry Edd  :'(  Beautiful handsome lad  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 16, 2011, 22:07:57 PM
What a handsome boy  :Luv2: I think it's safe to say he had a fabulous life with you  :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: souffle on May 16, 2011, 22:40:05 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You gave him a wonderful life and set him free when he needed it most.
Play well at the bridge Sam x
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gillian Harvey on May 16, 2011, 23:13:54 PM
Gorgeous boy  :Luv2: So sorry Edd  :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Steff - Petsearch Bedford HQ on May 16, 2011, 23:18:48 PM
So sorry Edd *hug*

I bet Sam is up on the bridge breaking a few hearts *luv*

Would love to hear about your wonderful boy when you're feeling up to it.

Lots of hugs to you xx
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 17, 2011, 14:40:48 PM
Well here goes - hope I do you justice my handsome boy. Missing you like crazy :'( :'(

It was 15 years ago I went to the local CP shelter to see if they had 2 boy cats for me to adopt. Yes they said they had 3 brothers that had been dumped in cardboard box - one had already been adopted - so the lady brought me to your pen. You were out from your hiding spot like a shot and checked me over - your brother stayed well hidden. Looked at the other cats they had and went back to your pen - out like a shot again and tapped the ball on the scratching post towards me. Then you disappeared back into your hidey hole but not for long cos you brought your brother out to show me. Well donations given, adoption forms signed and home we went.

I called you Sam and your brother Thomas. You both being around 6 months were soon up to mischief but would go to your basket to chill out where you would cuddle up with Thomas and give him a good clean. That 1st time you were both allowed out was scary as you both went at 100 miles an hour it seemed around the cul-de-sac and seemed to be on springs jumping up and down on the central green. You always allowed naughty but loveable Thomas to take centre stage content that he would cuddle up to you in the end. Did you know I wonder that we would lose him that Xmas to untreatable pulmonary oedema.

Back to CP to get you a new friend and came home with Timmy - so called because he was tiny and timid. The vet thought he was not quite the full shilling so he soon got the nickname Dimmy Timmy but you loved him all the same. When he was in the kitchen all scared you kept managing to get the door open to see him, you taught him how to play and purr. I will never forget the day I came home - the kitchen door open and Timmy nowhere to be seen. You were found standing over him on my bed  :scared: but you were just giving him a clean. You were like bookends cuddled up together all the time.

Chelsea the wild child arrived a few years later - 6 months old and pregnant. She showed you due respect and introduced her babies to you first. Always given her a wide berth as she was a bit too fiesty for you. So my little family complete - 2 poofs and a tart ;)  Then we lost Timmy and I became your substitute - only the one female in your life. ;)

My Sam, called that because of those enormous ears that you grew into and that Siamese yowl you had, you grew and grew to a 7-7.5kg gentle giant. Everyday you patrolled the cul-de-sac to check your territory was in order. On occasion you would come across an inteloper and would use your physical presence to get the message across - only fighting if they threw the "1st punch" Think secretly you wanted to give them a good clean.

The vet would despair of us both as they tried to reduce you to "top end 6.5kg cat" and you would end up going up to 8.5kgs and then we would stop the dry food and get you back to normal. You stayed that weight until recently - my big strong boy.

I never minded the pawprint bruises I got as you clambered to get on my lap. How you would put your paw to my face (claws in) and nip my nose. And when you wanted strokes to try to lift my hand with your paw. How every night you would arrive on my bed for cuddles before we went to sleep.

Missed you last night "bubs" and will love you forever.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 17, 2011, 15:12:43 PM
You have certainly done him proud and he sounds the most wondeful cat  :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Dawn F on May 17, 2011, 16:01:17 PM
he sounds like a huge character
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: lau200 on May 17, 2011, 17:11:30 PM
what a lovely tribute. i'm so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. RIP Sam x
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Mark on May 17, 2011, 17:55:58 PM
Sorry Edd, Sam was a lovely boy  :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 17, 2011, 18:00:54 PM
A lovely tribute to an obviously very special boy  :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: maryas on May 17, 2011, 20:29:32 PM
Edd I am so sorry   :hug: :hug: :hug:

R.I.P Gorgeous Sam  :hug:

Mary
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: mervyn7451 on May 17, 2011, 21:05:15 PM
Edd,
I'm so sorry for your loss.

Merv & Daisy Cat.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 18, 2011, 12:11:42 PM
Thanks everyone :thanks:

Got the obligatory condolence card from the vets today - set me off again  :'( :'(
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on May 18, 2011, 13:12:34 PM
 :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 18, 2011, 14:37:32 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: jezebel on May 18, 2011, 14:59:50 PM
Loved the photos - what a lovely face he had!

"Two poofs and a tart!"  :rofl:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: TESS on May 18, 2011, 19:57:39 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss.
RIP Sam.
x.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: lizfraser on May 18, 2011, 20:40:31 PM
So sorry

 :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Stuart on May 18, 2011, 23:54:40 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: madamcat (Edd) on May 25, 2011, 14:16:43 PM
Thanks all  :thanks: - means a lot.

Well been to the vets to collect my Sam's ashes - so he is home with me once again.
At some point I will place his ashes where his brother Thomas and mate Timmy are buried.
Title: Re: RIP my boy Sam
Post by: Gill (sneakiefeline) on May 25, 2011, 15:51:56 PM
 :hug: :hug: :hug: