Judy's Cat Jack Needs Your Support
Donation protected
This is Judy. As you all know, I am a cat lover and have rescued many cats over the years with my late wife, Deni. My oldest cat, Captain "Jack," who just turned 14 years old on April 1st, was diagnosed with Large Cell Lymphoma at the end of February after having lab tests, x-rays, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. His liver and spleen are enlarged and pushing on other organs.
I love this cat so much. Deni and I bought our house at the end of 2010, and in April 2011, we rescued Jack, who was born under our house. He looked like Captain Jack Sparrow (hence his name) with what looks like he is wearing black eyeliner. He has a black heart on his nose and black lips. This cat instantly melted our hearts. He always wanted to be an only cat. He came in when we had our OG's. When they passed, we thought that he needed a playmate, so that started more rescues as our street had a huge feral population, in which Deni's hard work paid off, and we adopted out a countless number of cats as well as trapping and releasing to help the population. As a result, we kept many as well.
Jack was not amused.
My house is full of furry love, and Deni's spirit is forever there too.
As most of you know, Deni passed away from Stage 4 Lung Cancer that metastasized to her brain on November 12, 2023. Losing Deni has been the worst, most horrifying experience of my life. The grief is unbearable at times. But I'm doing my best.
I am still taking care of all of our fur babies that Deni and I have rescued, and being surrounded by all this love has been a healing force in my dark times. And Jack being our #1 has always been extra special.
With that said, I have one income now, and it's been hard in general, and now with Jack's medical bills, I'm drowning.
I've already spent so much, and I'm depleted, unfortunately.
- Jack has been undergoing treatment and has been met with some challenges. He started off with weekly chemotherapy for the first three weeks. He would go in to the vet oncologist every Friday for lab tests, then either the oral drug or an infusion. His bilirubin level (liver) was too high the first two weeks, so they had to change the treatment plan to accommodate, in which I had to pay for additional labs. He ended up dehydrated and with respiratory infections on top of everything else. After discussing options with his oncologist, we switched him to the monthly chemotherapy treatment, which is in pill form. He had his first dose on March 21st. He will be having a monthly treatment until August, according to the vet oncologist, and I don't know if anything extra will come up during that time.
- Every treatment includes an exam, bloodwork, and the chemotherapy.
- He is also on 4 different medications.
- He will have to have a follow-up ultrasound and x-rays later into the treatment.
- Every appointment is anywhere from $450 to $500, and if there are other tests, etc., it has gone up to $780 in one visit.
I was told that remission is super common with this cancer in cats and that the treatment is easier on them than humans. His prognosis with treatment should give him 24-48 months with quality of life. That's the only reason I've considered this. QUALITY OF LIFE. I would not put him through this if he were to suffer. I have hope. If he can't tolerate the treatment or if he gets worse, my intention is to make him the most comfortable and not pursue this course. I love him so much. The thought of losing him breaks what's left of my heart.
I've never done this. To ask for help in this way. I know most of us are struggling financially right now, so please do NOT feel obligated. Anything will help. If you can, please share this with any of your friends and post on your social media platforms.
Thank you so much.
With the sincerest heart and love,
Judy Gish Tako
Organizer
Judy Gish Tako
Organizer
Norwalk, CA