Mozart's Battle Against Fibrosarcoma Options

[M.O.B]

Hello, I cannot begin to express how happy I am to have found this site.

We found a lump in the summer of last year but were told by the vet that it was his microchip. I have blamed myself ever since, as I trusted the vet's advice. When we realised, by around autumn of that year, that his lump had not gone away we took him(and our other kit, Oscar) to the vets. We saw a different vet, who during his check up of Mozart said that a biopsy was warranted as he thought that it was a tumour. The next week, Mozart after he had his biopsy we received a call from the vets informing us to bring Mopey to the vets. My heart was filled with dread as I had been researching the different types of cancerous and non-cancerius tumours on cats. I had come across fibrosarcoma but was told by my family that I should not be pessimistic etc. We meet a different vet, who introduced himself as the fibrosarcoma specialist. From there, our journey with fighting this aggressive form of cancer has consisted of four operations, alternative treatment (spider venom) and quarticine (sp?). Sadly, each time the cancer has regrown and has now spread over his shoulder to around his body. We have been told by the vet that there isn't anymore that can be done but just to make him comfortable.

We all love Mozart. He is our first larger furry friend, and his character is very unique. He is part of the family. We have had him since he was four months old. He has reached his eighth birthday but I feel that this is too young for him to leave us. It is too soon. I love our other two cats, Oscar and Barnaby too but I have a close bond with Mozart that I am unsure if that will be able to be formed again with any other cats. He was there when I wss going through a very rough patch in life, he was my only friend. It pai ns me that I cannot do anything for him. For Mum and Dad, it is losing a child. I dont know how mum, in particular, will handle this when he does go. As I know that she is dreading it. I am currently away from home at university, wont return till July. I cannot go home, although i really wish to do so. I dont know if i will be back in time. I want to say goodbye but i dont know if i would make him feel distressed.

It is hard to talk about it with people as they dont really understand. In their eyes, he is just a cat but he isnt just a cat! I cant believe that this has happened to us. If one good thing that has come out of this experience it is the awarenes of fibrosarcoma. Because of Mozart, Oz and Barny will be receiving their vaccs in their arms. I plan to raise awareness with other people because some vets still vaccinate in the shoulders despite knowing about this cancer, example of this occurred when the vet tried to fob me off when Barny was receiving his first vacinations.

I know that Mozart is not dead yet. But having to watch him degenerate in his health is so very difficult. We are taking it a day at a time now but he is in pain, he doesnt eat as much as he used to do and he no longer goes outside on the balcony. He just sits, sleeps and receives hugs.


Thank you for allowing me to vent.

[moon_beam]

Hi, M.O.B., please permit me to offer you my sincerest sympathies as you travel your grief adjustment journey in the physical loss of your beloved Mozart. Losing a companion is never easy regardless of the circumstances or how long we are blessed with the privilege of their company. Euthanasia is the last gift of love we can give to our companions at great sacrifice to ourselves so that they can be restored to their former youthfulness in the company of the angels.

M.O.B., I truly am very sorry your dad was not able to offer you the comfort you needed yesterday. Clinical professionals recognize that the grief journey for the physical loss of a beloved companion is the same as for a human family member or friend. Sadly sometimes, though, our society in general, and sometimes the people who are closest to us emotionally and geographically, do not. This doesn't mean they don't love us - - it simply means that for whatever reason they do not understand the deep bond that can be shared with a beloved companion.

I promise you I DO understand, for, like you, with very rare exceptions I have for the most part of my life not known the genuine acceptance and friendship and love with human family members, acquaintances, and friends as I have known with each of my beloved companions. Family members even to this day consider me "abnormal" because of my feelings and beliefs, which is one of the many reasons why my siblings and I are not "close."

Clinical professionals recognize that our relationships with our companions is very unique compared to our relationships with our human family members and friends. Our companions give to us their undivided attention and unconditional love, and we in turn surrender ourselves to them without reservation and without fear of rejection. They do not care who we are, what we are, what our social status is, what our financial wealth - - or lack thereof - - is. They do not care if we live in a tent, under an expressway overpass, in a modest home, or in a mansion. Their ONLY desire is to give love - - and if possible - - receive love in return. Our relationships with our human family members and friends are on an entirely different level. With our human relationships there are "expectations" involved to obtain "acceptance" - - social behaviors, education, jobs, financial ability to support oneself and perhaps a family, etc.. When these expectations are not achieved in a relationship - - for whatever reason - - the relationship is then tested to determine if it can survive the "disappointment" or if the relationship will erode and eventually fail. This does not mean that our human relationships are less important - - it simply means that the relationship we have with our beloved companions is on an entirely different level than what we have with our human family members and friends.

M.O.B., this grief journey you are now traveling is filled with many different emotions. It is a journey that is frequently referred to as a horror roller coaster ride. It is a journey that cannot be reconciled in a minute, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or even 6 months - - for you are now on a journey that is filled with all the first withouts and the memories that can be all too painful right now that include this time yesterday, last week, last month, last year to endure. It is a journey that can only be traveled one day at a time, sometimes one moment at a time in your own way and in your own time - - with the reassurance that you are among friends here who truly do understand what you are going through, and we are here for you for as long and as often as you need us.

As painful as this grief journey is, there is one thing that will never change - - the love bond you and your beloved Mozart share. Love is eternal, M.O.B. - - it is not restricted to the physical laws of time and space. Your beloved Mozart's sweet Living Spirit continues to share your earthly journey as he always has and always will for he is always and forever a part of your heart and memories - - he is always and forever a heartbeat close to you.

I do know all too well from first hand experience that when our hearts are entrenched in deep grief there are no adequate words in any language that can soothe the searing pain of sorrow. Still I hope the words I share with you will offer you some measure of comfort, support, encouragement, and hope as you travel your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you so very much for honoring us in sharing your beloved Mozart with us, M.O.B.. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam