Latest Update on Butch

At the request of a number of readers, I've been posting updates on Butch, who was Cat of the Month in April 2007. Readers who have been following his battle against renal lymphoma will be heartened by the latest update: Cheryl C. writes:

On Thursday he had his 4th chemo treatment and his renal profile was normal and his kidneys were found to be of normal size and smooth where previously they were enlarged and lumpy. The lymphoma that was seen in his eyes is in total remission. His URI was resolving and he has gained weight. His CBC showed a progressive anemia and we decided to give him a blood transfusion on Friday to help with that. The anemia will be rechecked next Thursday and then Butch is not due for another chemo treatment for 2 weeks. We are praying his anemia will be resolved.

Butch is alert and comes when he is called and still likes to cuddle at night. Although his activity level and appetite are still low they are improving. All the decisions for treatments have been based on the fact that we are seeing continued improvements each week.

Making medical decisions for a loved one who relies solely on you is a heavy burden. I pray everyday that these decisions are the right ones for Butch. Only time will tell.

When I went to your site on Friday I was again revived by the comments posted by you and your readers. It's amazing how meaningful words can be.

Anemia is a fairly common side-effect of chemotherapy, and Butch was scheduled for a blood transfusion, which should bring his red blood count up and give his body a chance to build up its own cells. The two-week hiatus between chemo treatments will give time for that to happen. I was very pleased, overall, with his progress so far.

Since today marks the end of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, I want to say that Butch should be the "poster cat" for shelter cats. He languished in a cage for two years, with only caring volunteers as companions. Finally, Cheryl, who had read about Butch on my site, stepped up to the plate. She cared enough to make a difference, and ultimately flew from Ohio to New Jersey to claim Butch as hers. Cheryl has made a huge difference in Butch's life. Had he still been in that shelter cage when his lymphoma was diagnosed, he would have been euthanized. My wish is that every reader who has thought about adopting a cat would vacillate no longer. You don't have to fly across the country, just go to your closest shelter and let a cat choose you. I promise, the rewards will be priceless. Care enough to make a difference.

Adopt a Shelter Cat Today!