I Miss Her Already...

So we were gone for the weekend and when we came back on Monday Sassy was open-mouth breathing.  This isn't good.  She's my 16 year old cat that I really don't know life without.  I watched her for a few minutes trying to recall what I know about veterinary medicine.  I decided to bring her up to work.  We tapped her chest and got 50mls of fluid off of one side and 60mls off of the other.  I gave her some oxygen and she seemed better; at least a lot more comfortable.

I brought her to work with me yesterday to do blood work and radiographs to see what was going on.  We ended up pulling another 110mls off of one side of her chest.  The other was empty. She stayed in the oxygen cage to keep her calm and comfortable while I was at work.
The results were in....
It's amazing that she was alive and living this long.  She looked so much better than she probably should have.  She had tumors all over her lungs, rib fractures from breathing so hard, and a leak in a lung (could be from fracture or from chest tap).
I brought her home, fed her lots, and loved on her.  She seemed a lot better.  Today we had a great day.  We spent some good time together this morning and then I went to school and lunch.  I got home and hung out with her a little more.  I went for a run and then ate supper with the hubs and all of a sudden she looked as if she couldn't catch her breath.  It was getting worse.

I knew the decision I was going to have to make, I just didn't think that it would be this soon.  I called Mom (what I always do) and she gave me the courage to make the decision that I needed.  It was time for her even if it wasn't time for me. 
Luckily I have great friends that I work with and one called the other to inform them that I was coming up to work to let her rest. 
It was sad for me but I know she has had a great life.  We've been together for 16 years (I got her in September 1993). 
Normally at work we make clay paws for owners.  I didn't want my paw to be from after she was gone so they made it before. 

In all this, J has been great.  He loved the cat and hated the litter box but he understood that I was upset and how hard the decision was.  I was really worried about not being able to make the decision at the right time.  I just wanted her to be ok.  I can't believe she's gone.  Tomorrow I am going to Mom's to bury her there.  I know we won't be in this house forever and I don't want to leave her behind. 

I'm glad I took some pictures of her last night... (even if she looks old)
 

This picture is from this summer.  Looking back, I see that she has lost weight and stuff.  She was normal until Sunday.

I'm writing in hopes that this will help me deal with all of this.  I'm not sure if it is.  I want to snuggle with her.  It feels empty around our house already.