The Road He is Taking

Last Thursday, just at bed-time, Parker had a violent vomiting episode. He threw up continuously for what must have been thirty seconds. I have not seen anyone, man or beast, throw up like that. The ferocity of the attack lifted my orange-boy off his feet with each spasm. It was mainly liquid, with small solid bits in it. I think his previous meal had passed the point of digestion by then, which was a consolation. As well, he wanted to eat again not long afterward, and did consume about a quarter of a (large) tin of food. It stayed down.

Even so, I think this was a bad moment for the sturdy-boy beyond the obvious reason. Since then, though he has been eating, it has not been of the amount or with the enthusiasm with which he had tucked into meals priorly. He is also fussier about food than he has been in weeks. I think that Thursday’s episode was a milestone on his road, and not one I have wanted him to reach. There is something different about him now, something a little less.

Parker is moving more slowly now, and when he descends from a chair, there is some hesitation in his action; he is not confident of his landing. Despite this, he is seeking out high, cool spots, such as the window ledge in the bedroom, and the tops of bookcases in the library. On the other hand, when he lies on carpets or rugs, he sometimes lies in unaccustomed positions, on his back, for instance. I think this eases some discomfort brought on by the tumour.

While it is above freezing today, I decided against offering Parker the chance to go outside, as I was intending. He lies by the door sometimes, but his heart is not in going out. I think it may still be too chilly for him, anyway. Next weekend, the predicted temperature will be in the double digits above zero Celsius (that’s in the 50s and 60s, in Fahrenheit), so I may try taking him out then. He will be weaker, I’m afraid, but I don’t feel it right to take him outside now.

I spend time with him when he wants me to, but sometimes he walks away, preferring solitude. After he threw up on Thursday, I spent half an hour with him. He purred while I petted him and talked to him about inconsequential things. I think he was glad of the company then. However, I told him that when I thought he was in too much discomfort, I would see that it did not last. I believe we were both glad of each other’s company then. Some day, maybe soon, we will be in each other’s company for the last time. Soon, but not yet.