Fr. Tony Update: One Day and Counting...
Feline Family Update...
Cat Trees: Scored Some Carpeting!...

Fr. Tony Update: One Day and Counting...

Let the countdown begin! We're finally getting close to the big day! Tony's plodding along, thanks to the steroids, with some days better then others. He's been able to go into work this week, which is a nice change of pace for him.

In preparation for the possible outcome of the biopsy, I've been doing a lot of research about amyloidosis. Having subscribed to the Amyloidosis Support Network, I've also been receiving a lot of helpful information and advice from folks who are living with amyloidosis. I'm trying not to get too overwhelmed, but readily admit there are times when I'd like for someone to grab me by the neck, shake me to my senses and say, "STOP READING". Digesting all this information, trying to stay objective, Keeping family and friends as informed as possible, and wondering how much information is too much information, is getting a bit overwhelming at times. Then there's the concern about pestering the physicians too much, asking an offensive question, etc, etc, etc.

Almost every answer or tidbit of info raises yet another question. Folks on the amyloid support network have also passed on some interesting points to consider. The problem with not doing all this reading is... when we get to the point where we're discussing the pertinent subject more deeply (if needed), I'll end up sitting among the pros wondering what they're talking about, and not being prepared to ask the questions that need asking.

To be perfectly honest with you, all this rare disease stuff kinda sucks! (please excuse my crude language) Other people get this kind of stuff, yes? This is the kind of thing you read about in a magazine, not live it. Geeee

FELINE FAMILY UPDATE:

Such a long day it was. Hemmingway continues to do well, we think. He's eating, getting around between the study and bedroom, and enjoying keeping his "daddy" company. I'm sure he must notice his companion of 13 years, and litter mate, missing.

The Vet called this afternoon, after completing the necropsy. We're still not completely sure what the main underlying problem was, but the following was found.

1. Emma's lungs were full of fluid.... a thick mucusy fluid. The Vet said this could be as a result of Feline Infectious Peritonitis, but without further labwork, we couldn't be certain.

2. Though her liver was the right size, the texture and color were not "normal". This could be a sign of Fatty Liver Disease (where a cat stops eating, for whatever reason, and their body starts injesting body fat... which can be lethal)

3. Emma was given her first round of a new antibiotic, just before she began having seizures. She "could have" suffered from anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction).

The girls and I have decided to have Emma cremated, and we'll hold on to her till the time her brother passes on. At that point, we'll have them both together, and the family will do something special to celebrate the time we had with them.

All in all it's been a fairly rough week, and a bit of a whirlwind. As I sat in the Vet's office yesterday and he began running down the list of possible problems Emma was facing, he got to "Lymphoma", and my jaw about dropped to the floor. I stopped him as he began explaining lymphoma, informing him that I was very well aware of what lymphoma was, and couldn't bear to listen to any further explanation about it.

As my grandpa used to say, "I think I'll take a walk in the river till my hat floats" (thanks mom for telling me that story). Were I to find out today that our dear Emma died of lymphoma, I think I'd have gone to find a hat, and go for a walk! (just kidding!) By the way, I have to say a very special thank you to the Vets at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital. Dr. Dixon and Dr. Secrest have been so kind, caring, and thorough, as well as going above and beyond the call of duty for us.

AND, thank you to our family and friends who sent emails full of love and caring sentiments, regarding the passing of our Emma.

CAT TREES: Scored Some Carpeting... YES!

Tuesday night on my way home from school, I passed by a carpeting company. They had a dumpster (yes, I went dumpster diving) FULL to overflowing with carpet scraps. As I plan to wrap the cat trees with carpeting, this was quite a coup. Fortunately, I managed to get a couple of good sized pieces, before the sky opened up and started dumping rain on everything.

I think the above is the design I'll be going with. Hmmmm, now to score some wood. We've got so many construction sites in town, I'm sure I can find loads of scrap lumber! A hunting she will go... A hunting she will go.....

Must get started on Cat Trees soon. Hemmingway needs a nice place to lie in front of the window.