Wednesday 14 January 2009

A good/bad spend day

I'm a bit exhausted today. Yesterday was a bit of a crazy day and it's carried over to today.

On Sunday evening the tow truck showed up to get my truck. I had a call from the driver about 4:30 who was on his way out of town for another pick up and would get my truck on the way back, as he was dropping that pick up off elsewhere. I left the key on the seat for him and he showed up about 6:30 and off she went.

My friend picked me up yesterday morning and took me and Elmo to the vet for our appointment. The vet was concerned enough about Elmo to keep him for the day. I found a nasty looking ulcer/tumour looking thing in his mouth last week - the reason for his visit - and she wanted to get a sample for a biopsy. While I was waiting for my friend to pick me up, the shop called to let me know that my truck was ready - for the grand total of $125.12!

I was really pleased that it was so fast (I had called them at 9:00 to let them know what the problem was, and they called me at 10:30 to say it was ready!) as I had to go to the college for my meeting with the English instructor.

I registered for my course (my first class is Thursday night! Exciting!!) and bought my books, so I'm all set to go. I haven't missed anything, so I don't have to scramble to get caught up at least! I'm actually in a course higher than I should be in, but I have to go back and do the 100 level courses when I can because I can't move forward without them. The course times just aren't very conducive to those of us who work full-time, as they're morning classes... :(

Anyhow. The day took a decided turn for the worse when I got a call from the vet informing me that Elmo most likely has a tumour, oral cancer. Speaking with her later when I went to collect him, there wasn't much better news. Oral cancer is very aggressive and neither surgery nor chemo are worth it. I wouldn't subject him to chemo anyway. So really there's nothing that can be done for him. I forced some sandwich meat into him earlier and he's finally sleeping quietly after 24 hours of being wide awake. He's just not eating much at all. It's basically a matter of time and the biopsy is mainly for my peace of mind at this point, as it's 80% certain it's a tumour. It just means I'll have to make "The Decision" sooner rather than later, although knowing it doesn't make it any easier.

Regardless, it's a 10-day wait for the results (it had to go Outside for biopsy) and I just have to find ways to make him as comfortable as possible until then. He's 13 this year, so not a young cat, but I've had him since he was 8 months old and he's going to be desperately missed.

Spends for yesterday are crazy:

Car $125.12
Class $200.00
Books $103.72
Vet $367.12

Total: $795.96

EEEE! But these are all needs, not wants. I need my truck, I need my course (one less thing to do on my list for 2009!) and my books, and I need care for my cat. My debit & VISA cards took a hit, but will be repaid from the car & vet accounts.

I'm distracted enough right now, though, that I'm just not concerned about that. Poor sick Elmo... :(

16 comments:

Tammy said...

Awww, I'm so sorry. I have two kitties and I know how hard it is to make that decision and how hard it is to lose a family member.

dinah34 said...

i'm sorry about your sick kitty.

Laura said...

My mommy's kitty had oral cancer too. It was very sad, I know how you must feel. I couldn't imagine waiting like that while contemplating the decsion. Poor kitty.

In regards to you course: can you do the easier one via distance learning? That is how I am obtaining my degree which works well as I work full time too. AU is awesome!

Rina said...

I am so terribly sorry about this very difficult decision you will face.

We have a cat that has been a member of our family since my husband and I were dating - so I can understand your struggle.

*hugs*

Sharon S said...

Hi there-yes, these spends were vital and I'm so sorry to hear about your cat too.

Anonymous said...

Oh no! I'm so sorry about Elmo! I have 2 cats myself, so I cannot imagine what you're going through!!

Hang in there!!

Money Minder said...

So sorry about Elmo.

Pets are family.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about Elmo's diagnosis. It's such a hard time in a pet lovers life...we lost our dog in April. I'll be thinking of you both.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry to hear about Elmo.

Congrats on your course. It should prove to be fun (sarcasm, cuz I hate taking english courses). I look forward to hearing that you are doing fabulous in school. :-)

Canadian Saver said...

I'm really really sorry about Elmo :-( Lets hope it hasn't spread and you can still have some quality time with him {{{hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

I will be thinking of you. It's hard to have to pay money and still have a sick cat at the end of the day. I wish you the best.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Elmo. I'll keep him in my thoughts.

Northern Living Allowance said...

Thank you (!!) everyone for your lovely comments and thoughts for my sick kitty! It means a lot that I can turn to a virtual community and receive so much support :)

You guys are awesome...

Gill - That British Woman said...

I hope Elmo gets well soon.

You have a great blog by the way. Try and stay warm.....

Gill in Southern Onatrio

Anonymous said...

Oh, no poor Elmo. So sorry to hear this! I've been through a few pet issues in the past few years, so I feel your pain. The vet often has special foods that can go down easier....

Saver Queen said...

Oh Annie. I have tears in my eyes right now. I feel so sorry for you and Elmo. I remember what that was like when my beloved Boots got a tumour in her nose and had to be allowed to pass away. It's unbelievably heart breaking. I'm so sad for you. My heart is full of sympathy for you.