Penny update

The tumor is huge and disgusting. We took her to the vet last week and it was not good news. It has doubled in size since June and is starting to outgrow its blood supply (i.e. the skin is breaking). The vet, who has been wonderful and supportive, gave us our options. We can either leave it alone and manage her pain, dealing with the bleeding as it gets worse and waiting for it to make its way past her abdominal wall and into her organs, OR we can try to have it removed via a painful, invasive, aggressive, expensive surgery which may or may not be successful.

We have made an appointment with a surgeon for next Monday. If there is a chance to give this kitty the long, long life she deserves, we want to give it to her. It might result in us eating Ramen noodles for a month, but if we don't try it, I think we would regret it. It will be quite painful for her... and for us because we will have to see her through a difficult recovery. I really hope it works and doesn't make everything worse -- these tumors tend to get pissed when you cut them. But, the cancer will get her for sure if we let it be. If we attempt to remove it, she has a chance. Even if it is only for a few years. This kitty isn't ready to go yet.

We faced this same decision four years ago and came to a different decision. We made the right one then...I hope we're making the right one now.

We love you, Pen-Pon.