How do I say this gently?

I just got off the phone with the vet. Tom is in renal failure. They are going to keep him over the weekend and hydrate him. Dr. Foss said he should feel better.

Okay, let me back up to a point of reference that all may understand. I knew Tom had lost some weight, but he was beginning to have problems with co-ordination. I knew something was amiss. The obvious losses of skills came on quickly, in the last three days. This morning I knew I had to do something. I got the first vet appointment I could, at 4 this afternoon.

Mike, or Dr. Foss as I usually call him, said Tom may have a week, maybe a month, maybe six months. Mike is a friend from the horse show days, but I believe he, like all people who went for the doctorate, deserve additional respect. Would you agree with me, Dr. Wells?

With that all said, I am in total shock. I sit here at my desk, alternating between typing and crying. I miss Tom sitting on my lap. This is Tommy-time!!! Not that long ago, there were six creatures roaming these halls. Tonight it is just Max and I… and he is sleeping. (Wow, what a surprise!!!) My cats mean the world to me. They are all I have left.

This really fucks up my Christmas plans. But I made a commitment to Tom to be the best catdad I can be. And if he only has a week… or a few… I want, or I need to spend them with him.