I haven't posted an update on Oliver in a while, I think because it's too painful. His health continues to decline. We are doing everything we can for him. We took him to Tufts to see an oncologist, which was helpful. They basically said there is not much we can do.
He is on a chemotherapy regime, Palladia. It seems to help him feel better. It's supposed to cut off blood supply to tumors and shrink them. He gets this drug on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. So, Sunday and part of Monday are the days when he has had the least amount still in his system and those are typically the days he looks the most uncomfortable and it's more of a challenge to get him to eat.
I have been taking him in weekly for exam and blood work, to monitor his status. Last week, his weight was up and the vet felt like his abdomen felt a little smaller. I was so thrilled to hear that. Then she called with the blood work results, his liver enzyme is elevated. With that effect the dosing protocol requires taking a week off from the drug. I'm terrified he's going to more rapidly decline over that week and never really rally.
It's so hard to know how he's doing by looking at him. I keep thinking his abdomen looks bigger and bigger (tumors growing) but then I wonder if I'm just imagining it. That's one of the reasons I'm taking him to vet weekly, to get more objective exam.
One thing I know, is that I'm so not ready to lose him. I'm really struggling to imagine life without him. He's such a joy, a gift.
I've been trying to work from home as much as I can, so I can spend every possible moment with him. He loves the extra attention, always wanting to be with me.
Our vet and the oncologist said his prognosis is grave, they estimated 4-6 months. That was in mid-July. Two months of that down, leaving 2-4 months. My heart is breaking anticipating what is coming.
He has been eating better. I give him many opportunities to eat whenever he wants. I'll get up in the night to give him chance to eat. Grateful he's still eating.
Continued prayers and purrs appreciated.
♥️
