Tinkie has cancer :-(

[webdiva]

I'm so glad to see this positive update! Yay! Get well soon, Tinkie! When you're faced with an illness either way, the best case scenario is always good to have - we had a similar best case scenario with our pooch in December and he is doing fantastic now with few, if any, effects. We also had the eating issue - did the vet mention anything you can syringe into her mouth to keep her energy up? I know for dogs there is nutrical.

So happy to have positive news and know EQ is watching over her!

 

[NOYFB]

Hi Enerchi. I did! Here it is. The flash was on on my iPhone, so her eyes are glowing. The orb passes by from the bottom right at around the 29 second mark.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFbTRgljZsc

I've been getting some error messages trying to watch it, so hopefully you will be able to see it.

 

[NOYFB]

I'm so glad to see this positive update! Yay! Get well soon, Tinkie! When you're faced with an illness either way, the best case scenario is always good to have - we had a similar best case scenario with our pooch in December and he is doing fantastic now with few, if any, effects. We also had the eating issue - did the vet mention anything you can syringe into her mouth to keep her energy up? I know for dogs there is nutrical.

So happy to have positive news and know EQ is watching over her!

She is trying like hell to eat. I really hope she figures it out soon. I would hate to have a feeding tube put in her. She won't let us open her mouth, so syringing or finger feeding is out of the question, unfortunately.

 

[Enerchi]

I SAW IT!!! TOooooooo cool!!!! Wow - how neat was that?!?!!

 

[NOYFB]

I know! It's like it's floating right through her....like it's instilling healing in her. At least, that's what I'm hoping for.

 

[NOYFB]

Just took some more pics of her. You can see the surgical site better here, and how swollen she is.

 

[TC1987]

How is she today? Eating, yet?

 

[Enerchi]

She's beautiful!!! and she's sitting up so regal for her pics!!

After viewing your orb video, I quickly mentioned it to DH and how cool it was ... and that was it. Last night/this morning, he says he had the creepiest dream where he was almost awake and could "feel" the presence of someone standing beside him in the room and then put hands on his chest and he could feel that pressure!! This happened around 130 or so this morning. He said it totally creeped him out and he could not get back to sleep. One of those 'dreams' that leave you wondering - is that real?? CREEPY!! (totally unrelated to Tinkie, I just wanted to share his 'experience' with you, too!)

 

[NOYFB]

Wow, Enerchi! That's so crazy. My husband had a similar experience a few years ago. He said he woke up and saw a black figure at the side of the bed with very negative energy. He said he thought the figure was going to drag him down to hell, so he took it as a sign to straighten up some things in his life. Hasn't happened since, Thank God.

TC - she is still not eating on her own. So...I called the speciality clinic and asked about a feeding tube. They told me to try syringe feeding her. I honestly didn't think that was a possibility with her having just had surgery on her mouth, but said I'd give it a shot. One last ditch effort before we insert a feeding tube. So, I called my regular vet and asked if I could stop by to pick up some syringes and some a/d food (the high calorie Rx stuff only sold by vets). When I picked it up, I was talking with the tech and she was trying to explain to me how to do it. Then she said "Why don't you just bring her here and we can feed her, and show you how to do it?" So, I rushed home, packed up the Tinkie (she was NOT pleased about going back in the carrier so soon; but who could blame her!), and headed over. The tech spent a good 30 minutes with me, showing me how to syringe feed her and she did GREAT! I was really impressed by Tinkie's cooperation. I just hope it wasn't because she was scared that she was so cooperative and that we'll have a totally different experience tonight when we try to do it ourselves. But, we shall see. She seems to have perked up a little bit too after having some nutrition in her little body. I will keep you posted on how it goes later when DH and I try to do it again.

Keep your fingers crossed!

 

[bunnycat]

I hope the second feeding goes well! Fingers crossed!

I sometimes think cats "forget" things they used to know after a traumatic experience like this. My in-laws have an older cat who had an eye infection that got so bad, they had to remove his eye. He is also diabetic. Things were pretty shaky for him for awhile and they had to put a feeding tube in him. Hubs and I were visiting one day after the surgery and she was about to feed him and I asked if I could try instead. I spoon fed him very slowly to remind him that he did have a mouth and he did know what to do with it, and 2 days later the feeding tube was removed, he just needed a reminder. You might try spoon feeding at some point.

Good luck with her!

 

[NOYFB]

Thanks Bastetcat. We are going to try feeding her again in about an hour or so. I put some of the a/d food on a paper plate when we got home to see if she'd be interested. She wasn't, but Peanut was. Damn fool ate it all when I wasn't looking! I did try, while at the vet's office to put the spoon up to her mouth, but she just kept backing away from it.

Just received another call from the vet at Anti-Cruelty Society. I faxed him Tinkerbell's latest invoice today (over $4300 for the MRI and surgery) and he said he was going to talk to Administration and get back to me in the next few days. I feel encouraged that he is still reaching out to me and asking how she's doing, so hopefully the Administration will also be as considerate and offer us some sort of compensation. It doesn't hurt to ask, right?

 

[LAJennifer]

LilMisfit - I so admire your courage and strength. I can honestly say that I don't know that I would have the strength to go through with the MRI and surgery - given the statistics. But I'm so glad you did. Tinkie is such a love. And I just know this is going to turn out for the best!

 

[CJ2008]

Tinks is such a beautiful girl - I want to hug her!

Hope she's eating or that the feeding is going well.

 

[tammy77]

I'm sorry to hear that she's still not eating! FWIW, I had to have my beautiful old girl, Chloe, intubated when she got fatty liver disease. It was a pain, but it literally saved her life. If she needs it while she's recovering, then she needs it. It's less of a strain on her body to have the tube than to go without nutrition while her body needs it the most! Keep us posted and much kitty healing dust for Miss Tinkie!

 

[NOYFB]

Sorry it took me so long to update today. It's been a crazy day of meeting after meeting after meeting at work today.

Tinkie did allow DH and I to syringe feed her last night and again this morning. I just got off the phone with the vet's office again to clarify just how much of the food we should be giving her to avoid any problems like fatty liver. They calculated that she needs a can a day. Since we are only able to feed 3x/day (once inthe morning, once when we get home from work and once before we go to bed) she needs to eat 1/3 of the can at each sitting. Which is a lot, after I smooth it out with the addition of the Catsip (to make it easier to push through the syringe). The last 2 times she hasn't allowed us to get the entire 1/3rd in, but we are going to keep trying until we are at her caloric goal or she starts eating on her own. DH did say that this morning she was nosing around in Peanut's bowl (he had some leftover dry food) and he heard some crunching sounds, so even though she's technically not supposed to eat dry food for 6 more days, that's a good sign that she still has her appetite and hasn't forgotten what she likes.

Her swelling is going down, too, which I think is also helping her feel better. She's been shaking her head a lot and when she does you can hear her little lips/gums smacking. It's very funny.

She still seems to be in good spirits, despite everything she's been through, and seems to be inching her way closer and closer to me on the bed at night. She sleeps down by my feet, but every night since the surgery she's been coming closer and closer. That makes me happy, because EQ used to sleep on top of me/in between my legs, and I really miss that.

You all have been so kind to me during this tumultous time and I can't thank you enough for your continued thoughts, prayers, dust and check ins. I can't wait to meet some of you at the Chicago GTG next month!

 

[TC1987]

Oh, I am so happy for you! It's very encouraging that she's eating. I guess the only advice I can give you is just keep on top of things, and monitor her body language and vital signs (respiration rate, temperature, I'd say pulse but I admit I don't know how to take a cats' pulse.) I'm thinking that cats can mask health problems and physical decline right up until almost the point where they keel over.

This is the list for people (I grabbed this list from allnurses board) but there probably is a similar list of signs to monitor for a seriously ill or post-op cat. You know what she looks and acts like normal, so anything "off" can be a clue. That ability to mask things is what always worried me about a cat.

1) Facial grimicing - BIG CLUE, you know that little furrow in the brow?
2) Tense body language- If you try to take someone's blood pressure and they are so tense, you can't pull their arm up? Think pain
3) Moaning- BIG CLUE
4) Them saying- "I hurt everywhere" Another big clue.
5) Sleeping all the time. Yes, even if someone sleeps, they could be in pain. I
6)Combative with care. Think about it. You have someone who is very confused and they are hurting. You are going in to touch them or try to do care. They don't know who you are or what you are doing, all they know is that they hurt and you touching them hurts more. Worse, they can't SAY they hurt because they cannot articulate the sensation with words.
7) Elevated respirations/blood pressure/heart rate ALL indicate pain
decreased/ depressed respirations can = weakening / dying
depression/hopelessness
confusion + combativeness = pain or fear
elevated temperature can be infection but it causes dehydration, which is another problem itself
slightly elevated temp can be an early sign of dehydration

Get well, Tinkie!

 

[LibbyLA]

She looks absolutely AMAZING!!!!

liz

 

[Enerchi]

I can't wait to meet some of you at the Chicago GTG next month!

WOO HOO!!! 3 weeks!! I'm looking forward to the deep dish pizza, the trip to DiamondZone (opening just for us PSers!! Way to go Rosebloom and talking them into *that* little bonus!!) and then seeing the sights!! DH is looking forward to going up the Sears Tower (that's the right tower in the right city, or have I mixed things up??) and we both want to do the river cruise...

Can't wait to meet you!! I'm so happy we are coming to town!

 

[NOYFB]

I can't wait to meet some of you at the Chicago GTG next month!

WOO HOO!!! 3 weeks!! I'm looking forward to the deep dish pizza, the trip to DiamondZone (opening just for us PSers!! Way to go Rosebloom and talking them into *that* little bonus!!) and then seeing the sights!! DH is looking forward to going up the Sears Tower (that's the right tower in the right city, or have I mixed things up??) and we both want to do the river cruise...

Can't wait to meet you!! I'm so happy we are coming to town!

That's the right tower, but they changed the name a few years ago to Willis Tower. No true Chicagoan calls it that, though. LOL

 

[Enerchi]

I can't wait to meet some of you at the Chicago GTG next month!

WOO HOO!!! 3 weeks!! I'm looking forward to the deep dish pizza, the trip to DiamondZone (opening just for us PSers!! Way to go Rosebloom and talking them into *that* little bonus!!) and then seeing the sights!! DH is looking forward to going up the Sears Tower (that's the right tower in the right city, or have I mixed things up??) and we both want to do the river cruise...

Can't wait to meet you!! I'm so happy we are coming to town!

That's the right tower, but they changed the name a few years ago to Willis Tower. No true Chicagoan calls it that, though. LOL

Well then I guess I must have some Chicagoan in me --- Sears Tower, it shall be!

My mother was born in Evanston - that's like a suburb, isn't it? - I'm going to have to start googling Chicago tourist things!

Sorry about the threadjack, LM! How has Tinkie been today? still doing well with the tube feeding? and the swelling - decreasing a bit??

Hope you'll bring lots of pics of her to show off!

 

[NOYFB]

I can't wait to meet some of you at the Chicago GTG next month!

WOO HOO!!! 3 weeks!! I'm looking forward to the deep dish pizza, the trip to DiamondZone (opening just for us PSers!! Way to go Rosebloom and talking them into *that* little bonus!!) and then seeing the sights!! DH is looking forward to going up the Sears Tower (that's the right tower in the right city, or have I mixed things up??) and we both want to do the river cruise...

Can't wait to meet you!! I'm so happy we are coming to town!

That's the right tower, but they changed the name a few years ago to Willis Tower. No true Chicagoan calls it that, though. LOL

Well then I guess I must have some Chicagoan in me --- Sears Tower, it shall be!

My mother was born in Evanston - that's like a suburb, isn't it? - I'm going to have to start googling Chicago tourist things!

Sorry about the threadjack, LM! How has Tinkie been today? still doing well with the tube feeding? and the swelling - decreasing a bit??

Hope you'll bring lots of pics of her to show off!

Ha ha Yes, Evanston is a suburb just north of the city.

The swelling does seem to be going down. She's still not eating on her own, but DH and I are going to syringe her when he gets home.

And don't worry, my camera phone has LOTS of pics of her!

 

[Enerchi]

^^^^
and mine may just have a few BAJILLION of our little Lily pad on them! we can swap phones and do a huge review!! Oh - I've got a couple more pics of diamonds/rings/stones/settings on there. My kids?? no idea what they look like, but my dogs and jewels - have those pics in overload!!

(I'm such a bad parent... *hangs head in shame*)

 

[NOYFB]

^^^^
and mine may just have a few BAJILLION of our little Lily pad on them! we can swap phones and do a huge review!! Oh - I've got a couple more pics of diamonds/rings/stones/settings on there. My kids?? no idea what they look like, but my dogs and jewels - have those pics in overload!!

(I'm such a bad parent... *hangs head in shame*)

Ha ha! Remind me to take out all of the um....weight loss progress pics on my phone before I let you see it. I'm quite sure you don't wanna see pics of me in my undergarments!

 

[Enerchi]

^^^^
and mine may just have a few BAJILLION of our little Lily pad on them! we can swap phones and do a huge review!! Oh - I've got a couple more pics of diamonds/rings/stones/settings on there. My kids?? no idea what they look like, but my dogs and jewels - have those pics in overload!!

(I'm such a bad parent... *hangs head in shame*)

Ha ha! Remind me to take out all of the um....weight loss progress pics on my phone before I let you see it. I'm quite sure you don't wanna see pics of me in my undergarments!

hmmm.... buy me a drink and we shall see....

 

[NOYFB]

^^^^
and mine may just have a few BAJILLION of our little Lily pad on them! we can swap phones and do a huge review!! Oh - I've got a couple more pics of diamonds/rings/stones/settings on there. My kids?? no idea what they look like, but my dogs and jewels - have those pics in overload!!

(I'm such a bad parent... *hangs head in shame*)

Ha ha! Remind me to take out all of the um....weight loss progress pics on my phone before I let you see it. I'm quite sure you don't wanna see pics of me in my undergarments!

hmmm.... buy me a drink and we shall see....

You're so funny!

 

[NOYFB]

She looks absolutely AMAZING!!!!

liz

Thanks, Liz! We think so too! They did an amazing job of maintaining her beautiful profile!

 

[JewelFreak]

I'm so glad Tinkie is looking up in recovery! What a joy. I'm sending tons of dust for a long & happy & sleeping-on-your-back future for her (& you & DH). You're a wonderful pair to put the love into her that she deserves.

--- Laurie

 

[derbygal]

So sorry I am late to the party on this. I am crying reading Tinkie's story. What a brave little Maine Coone sweetheart! I am so happy that you went ahead with the surgery. She looks so good! I am praying that she is eating on her own ASAP. Hugs and kisses to you and your sweet girl.

By the way, hubby and I totally believe in spirits. A few weeks ago there was a Ghost Adventures episode that was sort of last minute at this woman's house and she owned a cat and mentioned several strange goings on with her cat. In one of the videos on the show, you see this dark cat shape run by on the floor in front of the camera. Everyone assumed it was the house owner's cat, but about 5 seconds later, the real cat runs by like he was chasing the "shadow cat". Being a cat lover, it gave me chills. I can just picture the shadow cat teasing the real cat all the time. I'll find a link to the episode and post it.

 

[derbygal]

http://www.travelchannel.com/video/black-shadow-cat

I was wrong-- the shadow cat follows the real cat. It's pretty cool.

 

[webdiva]

Awwww! I teared up seeing the update and pics! Isn't it amazing how much they perk up after eating something? I found that getting a tiny of something into him stimulated his appetite and then it was a matter of seeing what foods got him interested. I cooked for him for a week, I saw some good kitty recipes online that she might like. Along with a high calorie kitty glop that is similar to the high calorie meat balls we feed the emaciated rescue dogs for a week or so to add calories. And we're currently feeding a super high quality human grade food that has boosted his health while recovering and they have a cat food, too!
http://www.thehonestkitchen.com/cat-food/grace.html

It's 629 calories and you mix it with water to make a "stew". Add in some catsure to make it smooth enough to syringe feed, maybe? I know how tough it is to watch your babies suffer and not eat, hope this helps! get well soon, Tinkie!