Sunday, March 17, 2019

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.

12 comments:

  1. Here's hoping that Parker has some rally time yet. At least until the weather gets warmer, so he can enjoy a few sniffs of spring air.

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  2. Oh Parker. This is sad. I am sure you comfortable and will let John know when you are not. going for a brief walk or just to sit in the sunshine will be wonderful - when it finally comes. We are thinking of you.

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  3. ::Sigh:: Parker's plight always makes me want to cry. I wish I had original words to write, but there aren't any. I did see that your temps will be in the low to mid-teens Celsius soon, so I hope Parker gets at least one more jaunt outside. Continued prayers (and purrs) to him. ♥

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  4. Poor Parker and poor you. I don’t envy you at this juncture. I remember with my Sweet Pea. For his last month, almost every morning waking up I wondered if “today is the day” to bring Sweet Pea in to gently end his suffering. Parker may be inching forward to that time but my hope is that you both have many more days of conversation ahead of you.

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  5. I sure am happy about the not yet part. Purrs and hugs from all of us.

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  6. The poor baby. The vomiting episode must have been so scary. I’ll be keeping him in my prayers.

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  7. Mr p we are glad that you are finding some comfort in your sleeping spots. Hugs.

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  8. I'm sure that Parker realizes that he is loved and that you are giving him the best of care. And while the episode of vomiting was frightening, I know he felt more comfortable and secure having you with him. Please know that we will keep him and you in our prayers and thoughts.

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  9. Poor Parker, and you too. Soon after I was first diagnosed I also had one of those vomiting episodes and know how frightening it was, and probably more so for Ivor than me.
    I am glad his time is not yet and hope you can enjoy some outdoor time as soon as the weather allows.
    The sleeping on his back may just be a position he likes. That was one of Flynn's favourite positions throughout his life.

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  10. Parker and Raleigh just move me to tears.

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  11. Oh, I'm worried about Parker :( I can't find any words to write you right now. I just hope he'll get better. I'm sending you purrs and hugs >^..^<

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