Thursday, April 29, 2010

Really Bad News

This is my new favorite place to nap. Mom put soft blankets on both the couches for me since I don't seem to want to use my bed any more. Mom washed my bed for me and maybe I will go back to it some times, but I really enjoy napping here in the sun. Mom wants to tell you about my vet visit.

Karen Jo: The news from the vet is mostly bad. Herman has lost another pound and is down to 8.6 pounds. He should weigh about 12. He is in the terminal stage of feline leukemia. The vet and I are now aggressively treating his diarrhea, as stopping it can buy him some time. The vet lady was reluctant to use the strong anti-diarrhea medicines before, as, if I understood everything correctly, they can be hard on a leukemia kitty's system and contain an antibiotic, which can kill good gut flora as well as bad. It was important to get Herman's good gut flora in as good a shape as possible before trying these medicines. He will be taking Metronidazole and Centrine three times a day for ten days to see if they will work for him. If not, we will switch to Sulphasalazine. It may be that the leukemia has taken such a hold on his gut that nothing will stop the diarrhea. The leukemia is now also attacking his bone marrow, making him anemic. He also has a loose incisor, which means that the leukemia is all through his body now.

There is some good news. Herman has been excused from his rabies booster, which he was supposed to get next week. The vet lady checked him over thoroughly and there is no sign of intestinal lymphoma or lung involvement. This is actually very good news. If Herman keeps on as he is, he will just slowly fade away, without pain, other than the discomfort that the diarrhea gives him. If we can stop the diarrhea, he will regain a bit of quality of life, at least for a little while. I am not going to take any heroic steps, like blood transfusion or force feeding, to try to keep Herman alive. It wouldn't buy him much time and he would hate every minute of the treatment. I am just going to try to keep him as happy and comfortable as I can for the time he has left, which could be a few weeks or even a few months. The other good news is that Herman is letting me pill him. He doesn't like it, but he isn't fighting me very hard. I also remembered a trick from a long time ago. I roll the pills in margarine and then stick them as far to the back of his throat as I can. Luckily, he is taking pill halves and they are small to begin with, so I can do both medicines at once.

I am going to catch up with Herman's awards and try to keep this blog on a fairly upbeat note. I will probably go back to doing some Kitty Limericks, as I won't blog about Herman unless there is something funny or amusing or good to report. I am not going to turn his blog into a wallow of bad news and depression.

67 comments:

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

Hi Herman, usually when kitties are sick, I send them healing purrs but I think everyone is already doing all they can for you. Instead, I am sending lots of healing purrs and licks to your human because I can tell she needs them really bad. I hope that is okay with you.

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

I'm with Sparkle - I have lots of purrs for you, but I've also found a lot for your mummy.

You're both in our thoughts.

Forever Foster said...

We are also sending lots of purrs for both you and your mum. It is good that you are being co-operative with your pills. Hopefully they will make you feel a bit better.
(((hugs)))

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are so sorry to hear this news -we are sending purrs and gentle head butts to you both. Hopefully the pills will help you feel a little better Herman.

Our mum says she is totally with you on your decision about force feeding it would be unkind to him.

Parker said...

Oh Herman, we are so sorry about the news. You have such a wonderful Mom that takes such good care of you.
Enjoy your time together and please know we are purring for you.
(((hugs)))

Daisy said...

I know you and Herman will treasure the time you have left together. {{hugs}}

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

Purrs and purrs for you both. We are just so glad that you have such a caring mom.

Kea said...

We are so very sorry to read this. Please, please know we're sending you both purrs and universal Light, for peace and blessings.

momsbusy said...

i wish i could perform some magic and make herman well. i will continue to keep you and herman in my prayers. kazoku neko is sending lots of comforting purrs your way.

misayamamoto said...

We are very sorry to hear of Herman. We are sending lots of purrs for you and your family! We are sure you're surrounded by lots of love and comfort. Keep warm and purrs to your mummy who looks after you so well!!
Lots of purrrrrs, Keiko Kenji & Pricilla

The Florida Furkids said...

We're purring and praying for you and for your Mom. We wish the news was better and we hope that your Mom and V-E-T can get the poop puddles under control and buy some more time.

Sniffie and the Florida Furkids

CCL Wendy said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this news. It sounds like you're doing everything possible to help Herman at this critical stage of his life. As you say, as long as he has some quality to his life, and he's not in pain, that's the best you can hope for.

We'll be purring for Herman on this end, that he stays with you as long as he can, and that when he goes, it will be an easy journey.

SuziQCat said...

Herman you have the most loving mom around...you are blessed to have found her. I hope the meds will help your diarrhea improve so you'll have some good time left.

Angel Simba said...

All we can say is "Purrs and Hugs".

Lisa Kolosey said...

Herman, you were very lucky to find your Mom to take care of you as you transition into your next adventure. She knows how to do this and has been through it before. Purr for her as we purr for the both of you. I wish you sunny windows...even if you don't post them, you should make sure you get a picture of the two of you together. That's very important.
~Lisa Co9T

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are sorry to see this latest update but we know both of you will do all you can for each other -

We never have enough time together so we have to make the most of what we do get

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra's Mom and Khhyra

Anonymous said...

We are sorry to hear the v-e-t report wasn't good. We know you will both do everything you can to prolong his life, within HIS means. He is going to be such a spoiled boy from now on. And, he knows this too. We purray that he is around for quite some time. We all send you gentle (((HUGS))).

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

We continue to send up healing purrs for dear Herman. We know this has to be a difficult time for you both.

Mama says she applauds you as she agrees that quality of life is much more important than quantity.

We send much love to both of you. xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ivan from WMD said...

Karen Jo, we are so sorry to hear this. We know that you will continue to do what's best for Herman. Please take comfort in having given him the best part of his life--a loving mom and home. Our prayers are with you and Herman both.

Gattina said...

I feel so sorry for you, but you are right it would be very egoistic to try to keep him alive by all means and make him suffer. What he needs now is a happy life without pain which he can enjoy the time it will last. And you have time to say good bye. At least he found such a nice life with you !

Amy & the house of cats said...

Oh what sad news for both of you. We think it is good that you are trying to keep him as comfortable and happy as possible for his time left with you. We are sending both of you lots of purrs and prayers - for you to be able to enjoy the time you have left with him and for him to feel as good as possible for as long as he can. We are sending lots of hugs to both of you too.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Our heart breaks for you Karen. Herman is a very lucky kitty to have you. Our purrs during this time--and our hopes that Herman has some very good days and weeks ahead!

Everycat said...

Herman sweetheart, we are so sorry there is no good news. We send you love and rumbly purrs that the time you have with Karen Jo will be good and you can share love & companionship together. We purr for some spring sunshine to warm you too.

Herman we love you very much and we think your Mom has made the kindest and most humane decision to concentrate on palliative care so you can make the most of your time.

Whicky Wuudler
Oliver
& Gerry

Anonymous said...

you are bof so speshul. me and Attie sends our bestest purrs to you and your mommeh, Herman, as you enters this delicate time togever. pwease be sure to keep us updated, we smile at evwy piece of good news.
~Baby Audrey

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Herman-we are so very sorry you are feeling so poorly. We will be purring up a storm for you.

Karen-bless you for taking in Herman knowing that he was a sick kitty. We will be purring for you as well, as we sure your heart is hurting. We are very thankful that you have given Herman a home and that he is getting lots of love and TLC.

3 kats and a kwiltr said...

We're still purring and praying for Herman and Karen. We know the news isn't good but Herman has all the love and attention he could possibly want and Mommy says she believes in miracles, so don't give up hope.
Please do post about Herman, as we like to know how things are going, so we know what to purray for.
Snuggles,
Taz, Runt, Charles and mommy, Anna, in Illinois

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh MissKarenJo - we are so very sorry. {{{{HUGS}}}} and purrrssss to you and lots of soft headbutts to Herman . We love you guys.

Brian's Home Blog said...

We just don't have the words to tell you how very, very sorry we are to hear this. Please know that all of us here send our warmest loving purrs. Thank you so much for giving sweet Herman the love and attention he deserves.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

We're so very sorry to hear this. We're sending purrs fur yoor mom, we know dis is hard on her. We'll purray fur a miracle Herman but if God sez no and he wants yoo to be his kitty den at least yoo both know dat yoo had a fabulus time together and dat yoo loved each other.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We were hoping for better news, but we know you are in good hands, Herman, and getting the best of care. Purrs and tail wags for you and your mom.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

So furry sorry to hear about Herman.
Love & Purrs,
KC

Lynx217 said...

Wow... we didn't see this coming, we are so sorry, Herman! TSB is on the verge of tears! She sends sweet cuddles and we send all the purrs we can purr for you.
Nosetaps too!!

Max said...

Aw, man, Herman... I wish you would catch a break. At least you got a good People to help you through this all... but still. I wish you could catch a break, doood...

Forty Paws said...

Poor Herman! We are so sorry that he has feline leukemia and that it is taking its toll on him. Bless you Karen for taking him in and nurturing him through this difficult time. Purrs and hugs to each of you. We are sending you loving thoughts and prayers.

Luf, Us and Maw

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Dearest Herman and Karen Jo - Words fail us. You are both in our thoughts constantly, of course, and we will continue to send purrs of comfort and hope. Yet, that seems so inadequate...

This sad news, which we knew we would hear eventually, has come sooner than we expected. We agree that it is good to allow things to progress naturally but as comfortably as possible...

Ayla, Iza, and The Big Thing

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

Herman, we are so sorry to hear this news! Your Karen JO is an angle. We are sending lots of purrs to you and her!

Mickey's Musings said...

Herman, we purr that you feel good for as long as you wish to stay with your Mom. We know this will be hard on her,when it's your time to go.
We are happy we got to know you a bit and that Karen Jo gave you a wonderful home in which to live out your days.Purrs for you and HUGS to your Mom.
Purrs Mickey,Georgia & Tillie

Samantha & Mom said...

Dear Karen Jo & Herman!!! We are sending lots of purrrs and hugsss to you both!! We know your Mom will take the best of care of you and you will take the best care of her, too!!
(((((((((HUGGGGGGS)))))))) from your TX furiends,

The Creek Cats said...

My heart goes out to you, Karen Jo. Reading this reminds me of Cal at the end and I remember how it felt. I am sending you lots of comforting vibes and lots of healing purrs to Herman. Enjoy the time you have together. Herman is so lucky to have such a wonderful and caring mom taking such great care of him.
(((hugs)))

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Soft woos to you and Herman for things to go as well as can be expected. We will keep you both inour thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and Woos - Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Herman
we too are so sorry to hear the news from the vet wasn't so good. We know that this is a very difficult time for both you and your Mom, and our hearts ache for both of you. We hope that you have quality in your days and share lots of purrs and kitty kisses with your Mom.

purrs and hugs
Abby

caspersmom said...

Oh Herman we are so sorry to hear you are so sick. Purrs and Prayers for you and your Mom. Ooops my Mom has some water coming out of her eyes. Herman you are a brave kitty, keep letting your Mom give you your medicine. Karen Jo has given you so much love and care and I know you are so grateful that she gave you the best forever home. God Bless you both, Herman try to hang in there.

Casper

Katnip Lounge said...

We are sending purrs and prayers your way. Karen Jo, Mommy knows what you are going through. She lost a kitty in a similiar way. Mommy sends love & light to you.
xx Lounge Kats & Mommy Trish

Cory said...

Herman, you have the best mom in the whole world and the best cat furriends too! We purr for you everyday. To both you and your mom, take it one day at a time and enjoy the deep love you share...

xoxo Cory and family

meowmeowmans said...

We're so sorry to hear the news isn't better. We love you both, Herman and Karen Jo, and are purring and praying for you.

Teddy Westlife said...

All my paws and my mum's fingers are crossed for Herman.

T said...

My heart is breaking. XOXOXOXOOXOXOOXOXXO Lots of love.

Anonymous said...

We are so furry sorry to hear dis sad news. We is sending lots of big purrs and gentle headbutts and nosetaps to you, Herman.
You iz a lucky kitteh to have such a wise and caring mom. We know dis iz a difficult time for you both, and we wish you the strength to get through each day.
Hopefully, Herman will improve, and have more time, but whenever his time does come, we purrs dat he will jus peacefully go to sleep an not be in any pain on his way to da Rainbow Bridge.
Mom is sending love and light to your mom, and we iz sending our furry strongest purrs to you both.
Your furriends, Tigger, Munchkin, Jigsaw and Patches, and our mom, Liz of the "Talk With The Paws" crew.

Ikaika said...

We send you and Herman gentle purrs and ((hugs))...

'Kaika and his mom

M Dawson said...

Much love and sympathies to you and your Mum. I hope you are able to be comfortable and happy. You Mum has the right idea and let's hope you have some relaxing sun puddles and love.

Hang in there.

Marjorie, Peanut, Little 'Un, Sienna, Dot and Dash Kitten.

Poppy Q said...

Herman, I hope you and your mom get some nice snuggles together.

Purrs to you both.

Skeezix the Cat said...

We're sending lots of warm purrs and purrayers you and Herman's way. [[[[[HUGS]]]]]

Unknown said...

Gentle purrs, prayers and woofs of love and peace to you both Herman and Karen Jo

SeaThreePeeO said...

Herman, you and your family out in our thoughts, prayer and purrs!

Freya's Staff said...

Poor Herman! We're so very sorr to hear about ou not feeling well. Make sure you make the most of being pampered, and we'll send our softest soothing purrs to both you and your mom too. it's a hard time for everyone, but let's face it... YOU'RE WORTH IT!

xxxxx
Freya & Teego.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

We are sending yoo healing purs Herman, and (((((hugs))))) for Karen Jo. We are so sorry abowt the noos.

Anonymous said...

Special needs kitties need special Moms. You and Herman were meant to be together, Karen Jo. It's just that none of us knows how long we will have together. Big Hugs, prayers and purrs.

Cat with a Garden said...

Oh Herman, we are at a loss for words. Your mommy has said some very sensible words about your quality of life being the most important thing and it makes us happy that you can spend whatever time you have left with her. We know that everyone thinks the same: Why so soon? It's always too soon. All of us are keeping paws crossed for the diarrhea to stop. We're thinking of you. Take care.
Lots of noselicks,
Siena & Chilli

Old Kitty said...

Hi

I came over from Amy's House of Cats to send as much healing and healthy purrs to sweet little Herman.

I feel very sad for you. It is so heartbreaking. It was devastating looking after my own tough ol'girl during her last stages of illness but she gave me such joy and hope and love every moment of everyday that she defied medical science and the vets to live as long and as bravely and as content as she did.

Please take care.

x

Unknown said...

I don't know how far you have gone with his treatment, or how much money you want to spend..but my boy Wallace was diagnosed with feline leukemia a year ago (he was barely a year old).. I got him a blood transfusion and had him on steroids for 6 months and antibiotics off and on.. and within 2 months he gained back 1.5-2 lbs and he has been pretty much fine since then.. He has a brother and sister which were vaccinated, who are also doing well.. It costs some money (about $1200.oo or so) but I would recommend it (transfusion) He just meowed at me for a treat as I typed this..

The Royals and Gentleman Beau said...

Hello,

We are with you in heart and soul.
I know what having "a fuzzy piece of my heart" fighting feline leukemia feels like. I had 2 furbabies along the way with the same malady.

Our Purrs and Prayers are with you all.

♥♥♥

Rose, Emily Brutus and Marigold
♥♥♥

The Royals and Gentleman Beau said...

Oh!

About pilling...

Deb Taylor of "The Taylor CatSSSSS"
advised me how to pill Brutus when his allergies became obvious.

A trick she usees on her cats (and daughters when they were children!)
is:
Just after you drop the pill (personal note~I aim for the corner of his throat, not on top of his tongue)
close his mouth gently and blow a puff of air into his face. This causes a reflex action that makes him swallow every time, and leaves him looking dazed a bit that he lost! You need to have him tucked comfortably under your elbow and work as quickly as you can. The only time Brutus wins is when I'm not fully prepared or when the pill falls to the back of his tongue, and then he can spit it out.

Hope this helps...
Take care, Karen Jo ♥

(sorry, I had a bit of a giggle at the word verification - "doicks" Now, with my sticky keyboard, I could have easily dropped the "o"... MOL!
hope you smiled!!

wildcatwoods said...

Sending loving purrs and prayers for you both. I know how hard this is - I had two cats with lymphoma in their intestines and that was a long prcess. Give herman lots of love and just be there for him.

Noll's Nip said...

Oh Karen Jo, I am so sorry to hear about Herman's illness and your heartache. We are thinking of you in this difficult time....hugs and purrs.

Jacqueline said...

Karen Jo, we are new to your blog; we read about Herman at Lynx217 and wanted to stop by to wish you and Herman the very best...We are so sorry to hear how bad it is and understand the heartache and deep love that will accompany you on this part of your journey with Herman...We will keep you and Herman in our thoughts and prayers...Wishing you both love and blessings...xo...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Unknown said...

We are purring and purring for you get get all betters and for God to take away this horrible disease right off this planet furever and furever.

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

Sorry to hear about the bad news Herman. Big purrs and Hugs to both you and your mom!!!