Dear Dr. Varis, My name is Boo-Boo Kitty; I live with my Mommy and two other cats in New York City. I had a sister named Domino, but she got very sick and left us a few years ago, Mommy was very sad for a very long time. I don’t understand where Domino went, I think about her from time to time and I miss her.
I haven’t been feeling very well lately, my throat is swollen and hurts when I eat. My Mommy was very worried so she took me to the vet; Mommy hoped that I could just get a shot to make me feel better. I had a test called a biopsy, it really hurt. When Mommy brought me home I was very happy to be home with my house mates but I didn’t like the medicine that Mommy had to give me for the pain.
The vet called a few days later and said that I have something called lymphoma and that was causing the glands in my throat to swell. I didn’t know what that meant but I hoped that the medicines would make me feel better. Mommy was still very worried, I sat very close to her so she could see I was alright. I tried to be brave, but I just felt so weak. Mommy said that she couldn’t get treatment for me and she may have to let me go, but I didn't understand, my throat hurt, I didn’t want to go anywhere.
At night I sleep next to Mommy on my pillow, but the sounds my swollen glands make when I breath keep her awake and make her worry more. Mommy says that she is going to try and keep me comfortable for as long as she can, I don't like the sound of that. I’m afraid that I won't get better and will have to leave, but go where? I’m very scared, I hope I don’t have to go where Domino went, that would make Mommy very sad.
The vet called Mommy and told her about Frankie's Friends, I didn’t know who Frankie was, but it made Mommy very happy, she made a lot of phone calls and she seems very hopeful now. Mommy says that because of you, I can go to another vet now, and get treatment for my lymphoma. Thank you so much for helping my Mommy receive treatment for me. I don't have to worry about leaving my home and my housemates anymore. I promise to be a good patient and take all of my medicines so that I can get better.
Thank you again.
Boo-Boo Kitty
Harlem, NY