Who's a Good Ben-Ben?

Today Anita, Ben's mom, took Ben in for his annual routine check up at the vet. When I left my office for lunch I saw I had a message on my phone. Anita said, "Call me" and sniffed audibly. I called immediately and asked what was wrong. Poor Ben-Ben has lost 3 lbs, 20% of his body weight in the last year. That is not good. He also has a "tumor" in his belly. He was staying the day at the vet's to get blood work done and an ultrasound.

Kisses for Ben

Ben has been pretty normal lately. Save for losing some noticeable weight and then seemingly gaining some back. He has been eating well. Though has not been spending time outside like in the past. Usually, I would let him out in the morning and and when I got home he would be waiting on the steps, complaining loudly. Lately, he has been a homebody. Which isn't really alarming. He likes to stay inside, and when he does go out he doesn't venture much farther than the deck and only makes his way to the front of the house once the sun has passed that way. He's also been more of a lap cat and has spent a lot of time sleeping next to me in bed. Not really unusual for a 16 year old cat.

Ben on Lap

On the way home, I saw that Anita had called again but didn't leave a message. When I called her she said she was sitting on my couch with Ben and that she would be there when I got home. We needed to discuss the situation.

Ben has an aggressive cancer. Tumors in his belly, liver and lymphnodes. The vet indicated that he probably won't last much longer. Anita and I talked about what to do. We don't want him to be on drugs that might perk him up. It is what it is and seems to be managing fine and not in pain. Believe me, we would know if he was in pain as he is Mr. Complainy Cat of the Century. We're going to ride it out. Anita will come over everyday and check in on him and spend time with him.

Tonight, while I was sitting here at my computer, he hopped up into my lap and wanted some lovin'. He is a sweet boy. Shai Kitty enjoys him immensly. Ben is taking it slow. I am sure that a day at the vet getting poked and prodded isn't the best thing. He seems tired, almost falling asleep while sitting up. We did a little photo shoot. Right now he is laying on the floor near my feet, asleep and I am already missing him.