Petey dying, can’t afford Iodine 131

Petey entered my life years ago, he is a sweet, silly 15 year old American longhair. This cat, has been through so much with me. He's gotten me through so much.

Four years ago my mom developed ALS. I moved in with family and became a caregiver while also working an hour away. While I managed to eventually get a part time job closer to home, I would always return to find him on my blow up mattress in the living room, waiting for me to get home. He kept a close eye on my mom, and whenever any nurses or caretakers would come over, he had to hop on the bed, lay next to her, and investigate them. We nicknamed him her guard kitty. She passed a year later. He refused to leave her bed except for necessities for 3 days, the last day we found him curled up on her pillow. My family fell apart, I kept him and he was soon after diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism.

While difficult, I still made sure to put aside money for his medication and monthly blood tests. We also got through a lot of other really hard things together. More deaths, major surgeries of loved ones, etc. I went last year into an intensive to treat severe depression, and he always was what I looked forward to coming home and snuggling with. He also takes care of my grandparents who I live with, keeping them company during the day. He naps with us and gives us the endless and unconditional love that only a pet can.

We eventually found that he probably has IBD and beginning stage kidney issues. He's been on special cat food since when seems to somewhat help his stomach, and keep his kidneys from going any further problem wise *knockonwood* We managed to get him on a mix of medications that seemed to be helping significantly. But the past few months he's lost so much weight. I've tried everything one can try food wise. Finally was able to get his bloodwork, and his thyroid is still out of control. His lil body is just at a point where his thyroid will no longer respond to medication. The vet thinks that due to the thyroid being how it is, he has probably also been developing a tumor, that has been growing, which is not good. I've been heavily weighing his options. He's 15, but his quality of life is still really good. He's eating, using the litterbox, drinking, he wants to play, snuggle, go outside, chase us around the house. His teeth are good, his eyes are good. So the only available treatment is radioiodine therapy.

The only concern the vet has is that it could make his kidney disease increase. But, she says at this point, it's his only chance with how bad his thyroid is. I've been doing a lot of research on older cats receiving it, and many are incredibly positive. Cat's have lived for another 2-5+ years. I don't know if that would be the case for Petey, but I want to give him a chance. I've dealt with a lot of financial debt myself for my own health, I simply don't have the money to do this, even doing something like care credit. I just can't. No one around me can help either. So I'm asking for help. Radioiodine treatments cost $1,250- 1,500, via the estimate from my vet after calling. I have asked for more than that, and there is reason. There will be follow up visits and bloodwork. But also, I'm trying to prepare for what I know will happen. If it comes to having to let my boy go, I don't have the money to do it, or to cremate him. If I somehow can make this goal, that money will be put aside in the hopes that it won't be needed for a good while. This cat has gotten me through so much, and I love him so much. Please help me try to give him a chance. Anything is helpful, anything is appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and for reading our story.