Squamous Cell Carcinoma Is Taking My Cat

Hi folks,

Not a very upbeat subject today, cancer, but it is a thing we need to understand as we age. I read somewhere that 90% of cancers occur in people over 70 years of age, and that is only a couple of years out for yours truly.

Alobar checking things out. An indoor-outdoor cat who is 18 years old - a bright and cautious cat. -k @FitOldDog

It is worse for my lovely cat, Alobar. He already has his cancer, an inoperable squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pharynx. Trained as a pathologist, I have examined literally thousands of SCC. They will just eat you alive. He is fine right now on soft food and antibiotics to cut down infection, which seemed to help his swallowing a lot. This approach was recommended by a veterinarian that I trust, Doc Anderson of Carrboro Veterinary Clinic. Thanks Doc!

So I was feeling sad about this, but just by chance I came across a blog post that cheered me up. It had this old poem associated with a picture of a bunch of kids playing, which reminded me of all the times Alobar and I have played together.

“You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
Love like you’ll never be hurt,
Sing like there’s nobody listening,
And live like it’s heaven on earth.”

Plus, I found this in Wikipedia:

(And speak from the heart to be heard.)”
-William W. Purkey

I like these sentiments, and I’ll love my cat for as long as I can and like I’ll never be hurt.

Thanks Wine Country Mom.

-k @FitOldDog

 Important Note: These posts do not provide medical advice. You should always consult your physician before undertaking or significantly modifying an exercise program.