Not good news

[susandennis]

There are, apparently, two tests for feline leukemia. One says probably and then there is an expensive test that says for sure that. Both Biggie and The Smalls failed the first test. It is very likely they both have stage 5 leukemia (where the virus has entered the bone marrow) and, so, a very short life span - best estimate under 4 years - mostly likely 1-2. I opted for the expensive definitive test although it was probably a stupid waste of money. The result - either way - will change nothing. But, by the time I got to the decision, I was entering hour 3 at the vets office and she kept telling me that the test was 'best medical practice' and I knew when I adopted them that they would be expensive medically and so I totally wiped out all the savings from my new cellphone plan. but, oh well.

They were very good. Except when they were being jabbed for blood and/or having their nails clipped, they were in that damn thing the whole time and did not even cry. Biggie had to have bandages on his legs where they drew blood. The vet said I could remove them when I got home and he was REALLY glad to get rid of them. And the Smalls helped him lick the spots.

They will call me in two or three days with the results and send me more info. There's nothing that can be done so I'm not sure why the test. Oh well.

I'm bummed but hey. I knew this had high probability before I chose to adopt them. There's a good chance that my own lifespan is not much longer than theirs. They are happy and lively now and appear to have forgiven me for this morning.

Biggie's in the back of the carrier here but, yes, I took Stickie with us. Just in case.

Comments

[days-unfolding.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[galebird.livejournal.com]

Whatever their future holds in terms of their health they could not have been any more lucky than the day you stumbled across their story and went to meet them. They're so happy! And look how sleek and well they both are right now. This news is hard but as you noted unsurprising and right now they don't even seem to care beyond what pokes and prods they suffered. I sincerely hope they have a lot of years ahead but if somehow they do not, what years they DO have will be amazing and loving. Their antics are always a joy to read, as have been those of all of your cats.

[ellinou.livejournal.com]

This was beautifully said. I second it wholeheartedly.

[susandennis]

What perfectly wonderful and thoughtful and oh so kind things to say - especially right now. Thank you.

And, you are correct. The early afternoon edition of King On The Cat Scratch Bowl Mountain is already in full swing.

[sweetmeow]

^ This.

We are all loving your kitties vicariously through your sweet posts about them. I look forward to them each day. Their lives matter to us, and *You* matter to their lives more than they'll ever know.

[daphnep.livejournal.com]

Yes, all of this. Even if it ends up being short, they’re having the time of their lives, and we’re having a great time enjoying them enjoying life.

[fionnabhar.livejournal.com]

Oh, I'm so sorry about that. In the meantime, though, they'll get the best life ever.

[annabelle50.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that, but I know they will have the best possible life with you, no matter how long it is.

[gracegiver]

Dang it. I probably would have done the advanced test too. New phone be damned.

We all love those cats so let's continue the romp they've begun.

[eventidereverie.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that. I'm glad they have you to take care of them.

[msconduct.livejournal.com]

I'm so,  so sorry. Poor little fluffs. But they're so happy right now and you're giving them the best possible life.

[restoman.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear this, Susan. galebird said it very well.
Enjoy the moments that you have with them.

*Hug*

[bangdrum.livejournal.com]

Poor boys! But yes, for now at least, they are clearly happy and clearly loved, which is exactly what they need. *hugs*

[opakele.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear this. Galebird expressed it so well.

All of you are so lucky to have each other. I'm glad you sprung for the second test. I hope it gives more detailed information that will help you make good decisions.

[cozycaffe.livejournal.com]

Oh no. Sad to hear. Hopefully it's not conclusive but... like you said, nothing much you can do. In the meantime, it is best to see them live a happy life and them feeling loved and everything :)

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

Sorry for the bad results, but you are giving them the best life. I have had similar experiences with my greys. They for some unknown reason are prone to bone cancer. I lost one to it.

[zoefruitcake.livejournal.com]

Better a short happy life with you than...not. They are wonderful, and no one knows what is around the corner so be more cat and live for the moment (and stickie)

[maju01.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry. But you're giving them the best possible life in the meantime.

[mdlbear]

Cats take each day as it comes. Right now they're healthy and happy and loved, and that's all a kitty could ask for.

[ghost-light.livejournal.com]

*hugs tightly* I am so sorry, my friend

[dadi.livejournal.com]

My heart is with you. Living with three cats with a potentially deadly virus in them that could mutate at every moment is sure teaching me to simply love them to the fullest every single day and try not to think about what could happen. Let's just hope they all beat the probabilities!

[christalin80.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I will continue sending healthy vibes their way. They are so lucky to have you and may you give each other many years of joy and laughter. *hugs*

[chocolate-frapp.livejournal.com]

everybody else here has already said what I was going to say. You are giving your kitties a wonderful, happy existence. hugs.

[nanila]

Gutted to read this. But also glad they will have such great lives with you.

[zippybeta.livejournal.com]

Hopefully the new test will show that it is not in the bone marrow and in that case Cats that become persistently infected do not always develop disease. Some individuals produce an effective immune response to the virus while continuing to harbor the virus in the body. This results in a latent or carrier state—that is, an infected cat who has no disease but may transmit FeLV to other cats. Latently infected cats appear to resist FeLV-related diseases. Unlike cats with persistent infections, latently infected cats shed the virus intermittently, meaning they are not always infectious to other cats. The latent phase of FeLV infection seems to be temporary for most cats, who become free of the virus within a few years after initial infection. I hope for the best for Smalls and Biggie. I look forward to your posts and their antics.

[susandennis]

What an excellent job of explaining what the vet told me. But, being able to read it all laid out is really comforting. Now I feel even better about wasting money on the test. I think I really want to know for sure one way or the other. Thank you.

[onelargecat.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry. It is so good, though, to know that these cats will have an amazing life full of love, even if it is a short one. They are so lucky to have you.

[badrobot68.livejournal.com]

I came here to say what everyone else said - they will have an amazing life with you, and hopefully it will be good & long.

[letmesaythis.livejournal.com]

Aw, I'm so sorry about the bad news.