End of Life and Quality of Life
I would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes and moral support for Cosmo. If you would like to read more about him please click here for part one and here for part two.
He just turned 12 years old last week and has started acting very needy. He has been screaming for attention at all hours of the day. This is a little different than his normal behavior. I petted him under the chin and noticed that he had small bumps that were not there a week ago. His lymph node on the right shoulder is now enlarged.
I am planning on taking samples to prove that it is the return of the cancer. I feel certain that is.
I am now at the crossroads of how do I proceed. This is obviously a very aggressive cancer since it returned only 3 months after treatment.
Do I take him back for more surgery and treatment? That option does not make sense since he has been through so much by this time and it will last less time than the previous.
Do I treat him as “hospice”? I give him pain medication waiting until he stops eating and his quality of life is terrible.
I do not want him to reach the point of terrible quality of life. I will need to make my decision of the correct time. I have always told people that they will know the time. I wish not to be selfish and keep him alive for my sake or for that of others. This is a family decision.
He has been such a good friend and want to be respectful and say good bye before he is suffering.
Many thanks for everyone’s support and kindness.
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