Well, this is a post I thought I would never write. To say that my heart broke after receiving this news is an understatement. We were so excited to bring Sketchie home from the vet last week. As you may recall, he had exploratory surgery in an effort to determine his health issues (see this post for more info). I was convinced that he had IBD. To be honest, I was second-guessing our decision to proceed with the surgery. Would it even help him? Was it worth it to put him through all of this? I felt so unsure and conflicted.
Eric picked him up from the vet last week and I stayed back to finish up some work. He was gone a really long time which I thought was unusual. When I heard the door open I yelled, “Sketchieeee!!” like I always do in a high-pitched voice whenever I see him after being out. I ran down the stairs to greet them both and stopped in my tracks when I saw the look on Eric’s face. I knew something was terribly wrong.
After seeing Eric fight back tears I could only get out “what’s wrong?” in a choked up voice.
“Sketchie has lymphoma.”
I just collapsed into Eric’s arms. Completely lost it. The whole day was like one long nightmare. I wasn’t prepared for any of this. Even though the vet mentioned lymphoma might be a possibility, I thought “not Sketchie”. Eric explained that it’s small cell lymphoma (in his intestines) which apparently has a decent chance of responding to the treatment. I kept reading things online that treatment could help them live a few years (a few years?, I’d wail) and then I had to just stop reading about it. It was too much to process.
To make matters worse, Sketchie was still in a fair amount of pain, totally not himself and unsettled. Seeing the 15+ staples in his shaved belly was hard. It was a really difficult few days, but we gave him so much love and attention to try to help him feel better. His eyes looked so sad, obviously not knowing what the heck happened to his body. I’m so grateful though that the surgery went well without any complications.
So here we are a week and a half later still grappling with the news and trying to figure out what course of treatment we’re going to take. If anything, I’m so grateful that we were able to get the exploratory surgery to determine the root cause of his digestive issues and low B12. And that we caught it early. Knowledge is power!
I just want to thank you for thinking of Sketchie over the past couple weeks. Many of you left lovely comments and tweets and it really means a lot to me. I’d love to hear from those of you who might have had a similar experience with your pet and what treatment options you used. Right now, we’re open to exploring our options while keeping in mind his quality of life, above all.
The good news is that Sketchie is recovering well from his surgery! He’s a trooper! After 4-5 days, he seemed much more like himself. His appetite is back which is reassuring because he lost a lot of weight over the past 6 months. The spark in his eyes is back. Today he gets his staples out which I’m nervous about, so I hope it goes well and he’s not too traumatized by going back there so soon.
He’s still a young cat (7 years), so I’m hoping he will respond well to treatment. I know this one is not going down without a fight.
Now go on and hug your pets for me, will you?
+++++++++++
Updates:
In lighter news, I wanted to thank you for your incredible comments on my Cookbook Launch & Sneak Peek Post this week. I was on cloud nine all week seeing your tweets, Facebook messages, and comments come in. It really helped cheer me up and take my mind off things.
Newsletter:
I sent out the second cookbook newsletter yesterday, so be sure to check your spam box because they have a tendency to end up there. If you still haven’t received any newsletters yet, please add “[email protected]” to your email contact list to ensure that you get future newsletters. That should do the trick! If you’d like to read the 2nd newsletter in the meantime, you can do so on my book page (it’s linked near the bottom of the page).
New OSG Virtual Cookbook Blog Tour Reviews:
Check out these new reviews and don’t forget to enter the giveaways!
Dreena @ Plant Powered Kitchen (review, recipe, giveaway)
Kate @ Cookie + Kate (review, recipe)
Kaila @ Healthy Helper Blog (review, recipe, giveaway)
Kiersten @ Oh My Veggies! (review, recipe, giveaway)
Kathy @ Healthy Happy Life (review, recipe)
Cadry @ Cadry’s Kitchen (review, recipe, giveaway)
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan (review, recipe, giveaway)
Nicole @ A Dash of Compassion (review, recipe, giveaway)
Livvy @ 86 Lemons (review, recipe, giveaway)
Ashley @ {Never} home maker (review, recipe, giveaway)
Emily @ Daily Garnish (review, recipe, giveaway)
Sarah @ The Sweet Life (review, recipe, giveaway)
Jess @ Get Sconed (review, interview)
Canada AM:
Lastly, I had two fun TV appearances this week. The first one was Tuesday morning on Canada AM. I somehow managed to get through LIVE TV without passing out. hah. You can find the link to watch the video at the bottom of my book page. Thanks to my friend Karly for the screenshot above!
Steven and Chris:
The second appearance was a taping for the Steven and Chris show. It was also a total blast! We made my Empowered Noodle Bowl with Orange-Maple Miso Dressing. I don’t have an official air date yet, but I will let you know as soon as I find out. It should be within the next week or two. I hear that it’s syndicated on the Live Well Network in the US, so hopefully those of you in the US can watch it online as well.
[a couple behind the scenes photos from Steven and Chris. Thanks to Ange for the bottom photo!]
Thank you again for making this week one I won’t soon forget. Have a great weekend!
Sigh, I’m sorry to hear about your kitty. My dog Paris had mast cell cancer that was diagnosed at age 7. She went through so many surgeries and treatments and steroids and painkillers and chemo. She passed away the day before Thanksgiving, a few days after her 9th and my 30th birthdays. All I can say is that we spent SO much money, SO much time, and we sacrificed a ton. Every bit of it was worth it. Good luck, get a good oncologist, and love them as the day is long. <3
Sketchie sounds like the sweetest little guy! I’m so sorry about your news but I am certain that he is receiving lots of love and that will certainly help his recovery. What would we do without our little loving fuzzbuckets?
I can hardly wait to see you on Steven & Chris….I love that show!
Good Luck with your cookbook. I have been enjoying your recipes (banana oat muffin tops…to die for!)
So sorry that Sketchie is in pain. Praying for his speedy recovery!
Hi Angela,
Just wanted to let you know- you’ and your family are in my thoughts. All the best to Sketchie. <3
Lauren
I’ve been reading your blog for years and have never commented, but I just wanted to reach out to you today. I am so sorry to read your sad news about your cat! My boyfriend and I had a somewhat similar thing happen to our Golden Retriever and it was the hardest thing to go through.
I will keep you and Sketchie in my thoughts the next few days. Stay strong (both of you!!)
-Caitlin
I am so sorry to hear about Sketchie. I have dogs and you wrote that you have tried different diets so my experience may not help but here goes… Both our dogs were diagnosed with cancer over two years ago. One had surgery and various medical treatments but still had a less than positive prognosis and the other was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. Our vet suggested we stop buying dog food and start feeding them healthy, organic, whole food – basically people-food – to repair and build their bodies. It was pretty much all she could suggest. But doesn’t it sound familiar? Stop the processed stuff. And, as with my two-legged family, if I made the food at least I would know for certain what they were eating. So for the past two and a half years, I have been working with the vet, tweaking the recipe and giving them herbs and other supplements as needed. Now I realize dogs are omnivores so can eat pretty much anything (poor Sketchie would not do well eating as many veggies and fruit as my “girls”) but I guess my point is that good quality food along with some supplements seems to have helped their quality of life. And frankly, even if it does not save their lives, they are two very happy pups as homemade food is definitely their preference (They now turn up their noses at kibble.) and it has cleared up a couple of other health issues they were having. Perhaps you can find a vet who is willing to work with you in a similar manner. I sincerely wish you well with this.
BTW We love your cookbook! Of course the recipes are fabulous (but I would expect that given your amazing website) but it has to be one of the most beautiful looking and easist to follow cookbooks we own. What a gift you have given us. Thank you very much.
Take care Angela.
Just wanted to say my thoughts are with you and Eric. I really hope and pray beautiful Sketchie will be ok. I was in floods of tears reading this, as my 2 cats are my best friends and we have been through so much together. I know your strength and love will help Sketchie fight this all the way.
HI Angela,
I have been following your blog for a few years now, and was so excited to receive your cookbook today! I am sitting here drooling over your pages and can’t wait to try out the recipes. While I love most of your recipes, I can’t seem to get my kids (age 6 and 9) on board. They, do, however love your Black Bean and Sweet Potato recipe! We have that at least once a week! Back in the fall I began a healthy living blog as I embark on my next journey….becoming a wellness coach. The blog started because of all the unhealthy snacks parents were bringing after sports for my kids teams. Personally I see no need for the snacks, but I vowed to change the snack culture. I do speak up to each team my kids are on and suggest healthier options (or eliminating the snacks all together). But that is how my blog began. snackwars.wordpress.com
Thanks for the beautiful blog and now cookbook!
Amanda
Like everyone else, I send positive vibes and thoughts to you guys. I’ve got 3 puppy children and I understand the attachment. Long distance virtual *hugs*.
The black bean/sweet potato enchiladas with avocado cream will become my first OSG cookbook creation this week and I’m ridiculously excited about it. Thanks for all you do.
Take good care of Sketchie. I am a rescue cat mom and have been through something similar with 2 cats. Cats are very strong, but their eyes will give you very good clues to how they are feeling. The best advice I received is just to love them and cherish every moment you have together (as I know you do).
Thanks for posting such a nice blog, which I found by accident in January and now read weekly. I pre-ordered your book fro Amazon and it arrived on my birthday last week. What a nice present, I just love it! Your recipes are great and I have already become addicted to peanut butter cookie dough bites.
You made me cry at my desk at work. I’m so sorry about Sketchie. I discovered bengals through your blog and I now have two little rascals of my own. Sketchie is responsible for bringing so much happiness into my life.
I would suggest posting on some of the bengal forums with your questions. There may be some other people with breed-specific experience.
So sorry to hear about your kitty. I never had to deal w/lymphoma, but had two cats (litter mates) that eventually had to be put to sleep (at the same time!) due to advanced IBD, after lots of home hospice; they were 14 yrs old, and I got them as kittens. It was awful – saddest thing I’ve ever been through. I hope Sketchie does well on whatever course you choose. My heart goes out to you.
I am so sorry to hear about Sketchie. We (my husband and I) lost one of our beloved cats late last year. Even though it was sudden and that he didn’t go through a painful ordeal, it was still very hard for us.
On a lighter and different note, I will be ordering your cook book from Amazon tonight. Can’t wait to have it in front of me!
Oh no, Sketchie is so beautiful! I am so sorry to hear about his ailment. I know it is just torture to have a family member who is ill and in pain. I hope things get better.
What beautiful photos. Those eyes! Sketchie, get better baby!
I have been watching your blog for an update on Sketchie, I’m so sorry to hear the news. I have nothing to offer but my thoughts and healing vibes for him. He has such a loving momma (and poppa) that I know you will shower him with the love he deserves!
My heart goes out to you and your family – two-and-four legged. Have you considered acupuncture? There are alternative modalities and treatments (like homeopathy) for animals, too. (We’re all creatures, after all, and have meridiens.) You are sooo good with discovering just the right foods (yummie + veggie + high nutrition + eye-candy) for your recipes, you would be equally up to the task of finding the right treatment(s) for Sketchie, if you felt it would help him.
As a minister/spiritual counselor with a certificate in pet bereavement counseling, I believe we are our pets’ “mission,” not the other way around. (What would you have done over these 3 years of working out, writing, and photographing your wonderful book without the love and support of Sketchie, for example?) It is perfectly natural for you to feel the way you do, too: not only are our pets dear, but they are our family and sometimes they love us more unconditionally than anyone else does – even ourselves! And cats are very, very smart: just know that he knows you love him, and that you’re doing the best you can for him – always have and always will. Please keep your thoughts positive, and spread extra love around…and don’t forget you, too! Prayers and bright blessings to you all. Suze
Angela, I can confidently speak for the entire vegan community when I say you’re a truly inspirational person. Sketchie is lucky to have such a great mom and whatever happens, I’m sure he knows that you’ll take care of him to the best of your ability. Wishing you and yours well. Thank you for helping me lead a better life.
Angela, I was just thinking this morning, wondering how you, Eric and Sketchie were doing since the news. I’m sending healing thoughts and prayers your way for Sketchie. I know that you are going to do all that you can for your little boy. <3 <3
My family in law is going through a 2nd round of cancer treatment with our bassett Addie. Her first go around was 4 years ago. She's 10 yrs old though and it's painfully obvious the wear and tear the chemo has on her this time around. We have less than 6 months left with her and trust me, we're going to to enjoy every moment we have with the old gal.
Sending you a hug through cyberspace! I’m so sorry you have to suffer through this fear and pain. If it makes you feel any better, the staples most likely do not hurt Sketchie at all; I should know – I have some as well:)