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!
I am so sorry about your cute, sweet kitty! It is the hardest thing having a pet that is ill. They’re such important parts of our families!
On a positive note, I received your cookbook this week. I absolutely LOVE it. It totally surpassed all of my high expectations I had (I love your blog, so I knew your book would be amazing!). The pictures are gorgeous and the recipes are perfect. Thanks for such an incredible tool! Congrats and best of luck with Sketchie!
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. They really do become part of the family. I’m sending all my love, thoughts and prayers for him to get better.
Hi Angela, With nearly 200 responses I wondered if one more would matter. But you have brought so much goodness to my life through your recipes and blog posts that I wanted to give something to you this time. Sally, my ten year old cocker spaniel, is “my Sketchie”. One year ago this week she underwent surgery to remove tumors from her lungs that were lymphoproliferative; I was devastated and terrified and unsure how best to make choices for her. Today the sun is shining, daffodils are blooming, and she has been snuffling around the backyard & rolling blissfully on her back. There IS hope. You three are in my prayers!
I’m not someone to leave a comment, but my heart goes out to you and Sketchie, I would die if something happened with my bengal baby Loki-san. Sending you my warmest thoughrs.
So sorry to hear this sad news about Sketchie. It’s always so hard for pet lovers to get this kind of news. Hoping there’s a great treatment for him.
Just came back from going to Costco and your book was sold out! Sad times! I came right home and ordered it. So hoping it arrives quickly I watched your segment on Canada AM and you did great and you looked freaking amazing. You really were glowing.
Hi Angela,
I read your blogs regularly. I’m sorry to hear this awful news. I would like to offer a website, a Dr. Marlene Siegel of the Pasco Veterinary Medical Center. I met her last October she is a very experienced holistic veterinarian living in Florida. I’m not sure where you are based, but Dr. Marlene is available on skype and I’m sure would be able to help you.
Here’s some text taken from her website:
Welcome to Pasco Veterinary Medical Center, a full service medical and surgical facility that integrates the most advanced western medical services (digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, advanced ophthalmology, and dental radiography) with the widest complement of alternative medicine in the state. In addition to performing Live Blood Analysis, Dr. Marlene Siegel masterfully blends holistic arts such as acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, homotoxicology, Chinese herbs, advanced nutrition, nutraceuticals, essential oils, Bach flower remedy, therapeutic laser, and intrinsic energy products to gain the highest level of success in case management. Her practice treats small animals, exotics, and performance horses.
http://www.pascovet.com/our_staff.html
Just as the right sorts of food is nutritious for humans the same can be said for animals as well, as I discovered during one of her lectures about animals she cares for.
I wish you and your family well in your search for healing your cat.
Love and best wishes,
Sabrina
London, UK
I made these cookies last week using dark choco chips instead of a candy bar. My wife thought they were pretty good but she does not care for chocolate. I thought they were a little too sweet, so I made a second batch leaving out the cocoa, using 1/4 cup brown and coconut sugar and added a 1/2 cup flaked coconut. My wife thought these were exceptional. I like them too. great recipe
Hi
My cookbook just arrived and I have to tell you how impressed I am. Not only do the recipes look great, but the photography does as well! I have been following your blog for a few years now and I love your recipes! This cookbook did not disappoint. Keep up the great work. I look forward to the next one:)
Angela
Dear Angela,
I’m thinking of you and Sketchie. With loving parents like you and Eric, he will get the best care.
One of my cats had diabetes. We decided not to treat him, but to love him until it was clear he was suffering. He went peacefully at the vets’ office. Only you and Eric can make the best choice, because you know Sketchie the best. Please give him a cuddle from me!
I pre-ordered your cookbook, but since I’m from the Netherlands the book will arrive coming week. This is a really good patience practice, can’t wait until I have it in my hands!
I’ve great respect for how you build up your business, you truly inspire me!
Mieke
Angela, I had tears welling up in my eyes reading about Sketchie. I just want to give you guys a hug.
I’ve been reading your blog for almost 3 years now. I first must say I am so sorry to hear about Sketchie. He is a trooper! I am happy to say though, that I got your cookbook in the mail yesterday. It is beautifully threaded together with your journey to wellness and who you are. Thank you for your blog, recipes, and book! You are amazing!
I’m so sorry to hear about Sketchie! You’ll all be in my thoughts and I hope he’s able to make a speedy and full recovery. I just got your cookbook and have been looking forward to its arrival since I pre-ordered it a while ago. I was so excited that I torn open the package and just marveled at the recipes (I had to get the parfait cover one, I’m just in love with it). I’ve been a reader since 2010 (under names since I’ve gone through quite a few blogs in this time), and I’m just really excited for you because it’s been great to see your blog grow into something that keeps getting more amazing. Thank you for all you do and being you!
Poor babe, I also do not do well when my babies are sick. How lucky Sketchie is to have a mommy and daddy that care so much. Get will soon!
Your cookbook arrived today, a Sunday. Excited to have it. You are a success! I started following you about three years ago when a friend told me about the yummy avocado pasta recipe. I have to say that I really love the pictures of Sketchie. I remember showing him to my husband. I wanted a picture of him for my house….. We had to say goodbye to our 3year old yorkie a year ago due to a brain abnormality. It is so sad to see a pet family member suffer. I wish for comfort for you and Sketchie. I hope he does really well with the available treatment. I am sending you the very best wishes.
I’m so sorry about Sketchie. Sending love to all of you. It is so hard when a pet is sick.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat! I’ve had many animals in my life and I know how hard it is when they are sick or passing away. I wish all the best to you and Sketchie and hope treatment goes well so he can stick around for a long time :)
Ange, I’m so sorry to hear about Sketchie’s diagnosis. I’m not currently a pet owner, but I can only imagine that it’s one of the most devastating things to experience. I’m keeping all 3 of you in my prayers and hope that his health improves. I know he’s got two incredibly loving owners to give him all the TLC he needs!
On a lighter note, again, LOVED being there with you last week at Steven and Chris and I’m so grateful to have been part of it. I still get shivers up my spine when I think about how successful the book has been in its first week and I know it will only continue as your message makes its way out to more and more people. Sending you a great big hug!! :)
Hi Angela, I am a veterinarian and unfortunately lymphoma is something that we are seeing more and more often in cats. If you are able to I would strongly recommend speaking to a veterinary oncologist. Cats tolerate chemotherapy so well and Sketchie seems like such a lovely little cat. They can tell you about the pros and cons and give you an accurate prognosis as well.
So sorry about Sketchie:(
Caroline
I’m so sorry to hear about Sketchie. I faced the same dx with my heartdog Oneida. Oneida was dx with lymphoma and 3 months later so was our other dog Scitzo. We did chemo for both. Oneida was fortunate surviving for 16 months (longer than the statistics) and Scitzo was truly blessed. She had 6 months of chemotherapy, went into remission after the first treatment and just celebrated her 6th year in remission. Miracles can and do happen.
Best of luck,
Cheryl
Angel Oneida and Scitzo
So sorry your baby is sick!!! My cat Molly had kidney failure last year and she eventually had to be put down, but the worst part for me was seeing her sick and suffering. Praying for you and your family.
P.S. Also ordered your cookbook today since it is impossible to find in stores! Sold out!