Tuesday February 10, 1998 Part 1 15 Messages ====================================== From: WORKPARK@aol.com Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 01:45:33 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: cancer treatment/homeopathic remedies Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Wow! I just started reading the archives from the first week in January and my brain is on overload. I want to do the best I can for Rissa-tai, but I don't know where to begin. We are waiting to speak with the oncologist to get some more information about the chemotherapy (we have a script for Alkeran) to treat her cancer (plasma cell myoloma) before starting the regimen. This cancer does not always appear in the form of a tumor, and in her case it seems to be dispersed in the bone marrow. They diagnosed this from an elevated spike in her globulin range. She IFA tested FeLV+ 1 1/2 weeks ago and we will begin treating her with Immunoregulin and Interferon shortly. One of the problems with the chemo is that it suppresses appetite (which was already a problem before she was put on the prednisone), and can make the cat lethargic (also a prior problem) as well. Prednisone is also used in the treatment of this type of cancer. Can she be showing up a false FeLV+ because of this type of cancer, or vice versa? We don't want to overmedicate her if it isn't necessary. They did not do a bone marrow biopsy to diagnose the cancer. Can they tell if she has this cancer just from the globulin spike? Since her appetite and energy level have improved since taking Prednisone and Pet Tinic since the beginning of January, do we want to start her on the Immunoregulin and the Interferon to improve her immune system before starting the chemotherapy, or should we do this at the same time? We don't want to see her lose any more weight or her appetitie again. Also, it seems that there are a lot of different homeopathic remedies out there. Is there one regimen that everyone seems to be having luck with? Jim, I think these are questions Dr. Myers may be in a better position to answer for me. Could you please forward this to him? Thanks. But if anyone else has some answers, I'd appreciate it. Pam -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM@aol.com Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 13:22:15 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Benny Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Michele, Remember what I said in my private note to you. You did nothing wrong, it is other people who do wrong to us. Keep your head up high and be a good Mommy to your other babies. They never ask us for much. Just love. Linda -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM@aol.com Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 13:32:10 EST To: Felvtalk@mailinglist.net Subject: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Barb. Like I said chechup on Wednesday and then teeth out maybe Thursday. I just hope she handles the surgery okay. I know some of you have had to have had your pets operated on when they were sickly. What do they tell you about survival chances. She is still in so much pain. Can't tell if she gained back some weight or not, my husband thinks so. At least she has not gotten her nail stuck in his hand lately. He does better feeding her then I do. She will still not touch food on her own tho. She is out of the playpen all day and moving okay, a little weak. She sleeps alot. She is not herself at all. Laid on the bed with me this morning before I got up for awhile. Cats are so beautiful. Linda -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 08:47:24 -0500 From: Brad To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: FeLV treatments Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, My two 20 wk old kittens, brother sister, tested positive for FeLV 3 weeks ago. I am using Acemannan injections as opposed to the Interferon ones. My vet didn't have much luck with the Interferon but never used it with the Immunoregulin. However, one of the other vets has had great success with the Acemannan. Even bringing back one cat from near death. However, my two are symptomatic FIP (fluid in the belly). Their appetite has decreased but I don't feel it is because jof the injections. I feel it is more due to their bloated belly. You might want to check with your vet re: the Acemannan. Just a suggestion. Kelly 'Storm' and 'Beast' -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 09:11:14 -0500 (EST) From: Kat To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Michele: A story to help heal Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jim, Thank you for the "Choices" website. I received this poem from another list and thought I'd pass it on. I'm not sure if there is a web address for this one or not. If you find one, please let me know. Thanks Kat This is called _Cat Heaven_ by Cynthia Rylant, who also wrote _Dog Heaven_. Rylant dedicates it to "Caps, Nick and Edward VelvetPaws" The way to Cat Heaven is a field of sweet grass where crickets and butterflies play. A cat may be late in getting to Heaven . . . there's so much fun on the way! But an angel will wait at the yellow front door, wait 'til a kitty comes home. And when she arrives, he'll give her a kiss and some milk in a bowl of her own. There are trees in Cat Heaven, trees made just for cats, trees growing so green and so high. But no one get stuck in a tree anymore-- if a cat wants down, she will fly! And oh the toys, kitty toys everywhere, thousands and thousands go by. There are buttons and baubles and small cotton mice-- there is catnip afloat in the sky! There are angels, of course, with soft angel laps where kitties can purr loud and strong. The angels will rub kitties' noses and ears and sing them a Cat Heaven song. And when cats are hungry, there's God's kitchen counter all covered with white kitty dishes, full of tuna and salmon and mounds of sardines, and wonderful little pink fishes. The cats in Cat Heaven are so loved and spoiled God lets them all lie on his bed . . . He walks in His garden with a good black book and a kitty asleep on His head. Then when a cat needs, she may just simply ponder and watch the blue world deep and wide . . . She will watch the old house where she once lived and wandered, and the people who loved her inside. All cats love Heaven, they know the way there, they know where the angel cats fly. They'll run past the stars and the moon and the sun . . . . . .to curl up with God in the sky. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 11:30:56 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Re: TIMMY Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net >Date: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 11:30:26 -0500 >To: olivia gostanian >From: "Michele R. Smeal" >Subject: Re: TIMMY > >Thank You Olivia. I wanted to share this with the group also today: > >I do have Timmy (who tested +) and Boots who is a healthy black kitty (looks like he's wearing a tuxedo) who has big green eyes. He and Timmy have been wondering where their little baby brother, Benny has gone. I know when he was sick, they knew something was wrong. Benny would go down the basement steps enough to see them and sit there because he didn't feel good enough to go all the way down & play like he did daily with them before. When he first got sick, he went down the basement steps & jumped up on the dryer and curled up, but I took him off due to his illness and so he wouldn't infect the other kitties. It was so hard because he wanted to be down there on the warm dryer where he could see them. I know he'll be waiting for the day he can pounce on them and play with his brothers again. > >The poem was sweet, but made me cry---I couldn't finish it. . All I can think is Benny up there saying to himself..."But , where's my mommy?" "Is she okay?" God love his little heart. I stayed at my parents the past 2 days because my house reminds me too much of Benny. He is buried at my parents place out back where some animals they had are buried. I have yet to put flowers on his grave, it's so hard to go there. I will soon. > >My husband told me last night he's "moving out" and this morning when I went home he had taken all his clothes out of his closet and piled them up and is starting to pack things up. I know this isn't a marriage counseling list, but I know you all are so caring and I know if you all knew me other than e mail, we'd all be friends. I love him, but he fell out of love with me and it hurts so much, especially going through this without Benny. I really think if Benny were here to be with me, things would be so much better. My parents know he hasn't been there for me and wanted me to stay there to let him think about things. I have been home to get things, to feed my animals and took Boots with me last night, the 2nd time I returned home, our landlord had been there ( he's a college professor) and he & his wife are wonderful people & he just recently found out that we probably aren't going to stay together due to him changing his mind about "me". I honestly have tried everything in my power to make him ove me again. I can't make him if he doesn't want to. It's hard to understand. I keep wondering what did I do? Why can't he just love me like he used to? I know he thinks I care about animals too much, but they show me love and show me they care, he stopped doing that long ago. I get up early to take care of them and make sure I am home at a certain time to take care of them daily. They are my inspiration in life. I love them. I love people who love me, too. I treat people & animals the way I would want treated. Everyone who knows me knows I LOVE animals. I miss Benny. > > >I'll talk to you all again soon....thank you so much for your support and I can;t wait until you all meet Benny in heaven and I can't wait to meet your babies that are up there playing and waiting for us. > > >Michele -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 13:15:22 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Re: Benny Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Marilyn: Thanks. I am glad I stayed. I am really missing Benny. I am hoping to have someone post his picture for you all to see soon. I have it with me today, but can't look at it yet. It hurts way too much. In time. Michele -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 13:28:14 -0500 From: albobo To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Benny Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Michele, I'm so glad you stayed. We are all with you and know that Benny's trip to the Bridge was an easy one, thanks to you and your compassion. And now if that wasn't bad enough, you have to deal with domestic problems as well. I feel so badly for you, but I hope that things there will also get better with time. Your Timmy and Boots need you so much now - cats are so sensitive and know when there are problems - and they too will miss Benny. Give them lots of your love and lots of hugs and scritches. Hang in there and keep talking!!!! Kathy G and the 3 Furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= - Rusty =^.^= - Smokey =^.^= - Money See us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece! -------------------------------------- Subject: Re: Correction Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 98 13:40:32 -0500 From: George Molnar To: Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net > I haven't had experience with the wet form of FIP, but in November >when I thought my Jake had it, I would have tried anything s. . .o >My vet understood that it was only used on >"lab cats" and she felt the treatment was worse than the disease--I >probably would have looked further into it had Jake been diagnosed. I hope Jake is doing ok. What was/is the diagnosis? How was FIP ruled out? Thank you Be seeing you George Molnar for pachy mailto:pachy@earthlink.net Pachy's Page: http://home.earthlink.net/~pachy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 14:42:39 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Re: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Linda: I'll pray for Russian. Hopefully things will go well. My thoughts are with you. Love you Russian!!! Michele -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 11:55:14 -0800 From: Dana Crow Organization: Magical Moments Preschool To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Michelle Re : condolences Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Michele, I have written to you privately but I have not heard back so perhaps my letter & flowers were lost in Cyberspace(It happened to me) You have probably not felt much like writing & that is ok.I thought I'd drop you a note this wasy in case the other missed you. I am so sorry to read of Benny's death. He was a special little guy to you it is clear. Your other babies are lucky to have you as their mom as well. I think most of us here have experienced the loss of LOVED pet so we can feel for you. My Boots was killed on the road 2 yrs ago & I am still saddened when I think to much about him. He was not sick & I never expected to have him dead. Luckily my neighbour phoned us to let me know that he had been hit so I did not happen upon him. I hope you can put all the bad memories of these past few weeks behind you & look to a brighter future.I am sure right now it feels overwhelming but there are many people willing to help you. Take care of yourself & your babies Michele Warm Fuzzies Dana -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 11:57:43 -0800 From: Dana Crow Organization: Magical Moments Preschool To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Russian Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Linda, I hope all goes well with Russian tomorrow & the tooth can come out soon. Hopefully that will improve the appetite & cheer both of you up. thinking of you! Dana -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK@aol.com Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 15:03:31 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Michelle Re : condolences Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I, too would like to offer my condolences. I've sent you a message privately but have not heard back, maybe it got lost in cyberspace, please let me know and I will re-send it. I was sorry to hear about the problems you are having with your husband. This might have been too much for him to handle right now. Your parents sound like a wonderful source of support right now. Take care of yourself and keep us posted on how you're doing. You've been a great source of support for all of us here as well. Pam -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 16:21:43 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Re: Michelle Re : condolences Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dana: thank you so much for the kind words & for not getting back to you much sooner. I only have time to check mail at work & have been getting SO many sweet and thoughtful letters Re: Benny. I love hearing from all of you & try to answer all as soon as I can. I work at a University in an urgent care department as a medical receptionist so it's always SO busy. My breaks go so fast because I try to print off some of the letters to take home (they sure help) but it hurts so bad not having my precious Benny boy and not seeing and having him to hold kills me. Your virtual flowers were beautiful. Thank you. I got 2 cards at work and a beautiful bouquet of flowers from friends re: Benny. I have thoughtful friends, but you all on felvtalk are too wonderful for words, honest. I don't know whatI'd do w/out you. Thanks again for being there. Michele -------------------------------------- Date sent: Tue, 10 Feb 1998 16:55:02 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Michele Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thank you all so much for the kind words and letters. please keep them coming. You all are helping me so much. When I'm alone I cry. I think about Benny all the time. I really wish he were here. Just so you all know a little more about me: I am 30 yrs. old. I have 2 other kitties, Timmy, & Boots. Timmy tested + when Benny did. Boots is negative. I have 3 dogs, Casey, Bailey & Blue. Blue I saved over ayr. ago from the SPCA after his elderly owner had them pick him up after being neglected & after & left alone) His owner's home burned down and the man moved in with his son about 20 minutes away. Blue didn't have a dog house, just a ditch to sleep in. He even bit into my purse one day I stopped to give him treats, but I got away unhurt just a sore wrist after I fell on it. I bought him a house, it was too small. I would throw a treat, then fill his dishes w/water & food. His dshes weren't clean either. He used to lunge towards me because he didn't know love or have any affection shown to him... One day I stopped and he was gone. I called the SPCA & they weren't going to let me have him, said he was too old. A male friend called, talked them into letting me go get him and now he is SO happy & spoiled. All my dogs get clean water twice a day --I rent so they are in a covered outside kennel... they each have their bowls up on a cinder block so they don't have to put teir heads too low to the ground to eat. Blue used to bite, but not now, I can kiss his face and hug him and rub his big solid body (he's a big old bluetick hound) He's about 12 and so happy, so strong. Has his OWN dog house. He doesn't get along with Casey & Bailey, but that's ok. He gets walked separately. They all love me. My husband hasn't walked them with me in at least a couple yrs. I get up early and get home early to care for them. They have such a nice place out of the bad weather area. The old guy never knew I got Blue. I guess I feel I didn't want him to know. Anyway, the rest of my story is I work at Penn State as a medical receptionist for almost 11 yrs. now. I LOVE animals, of course, an am always helping an animal in need. I have 2 brothers, I am the middle child. Mom & dad have a kitty, they nick named "Snots" poor guy always has a runny nose and BO. our golden retriever mix who is so faithful & loves to ride in the car. My Bailey got shot & x-rays showed bullet casings in his back legs...needless to say I about died then, luckily he is fine now. I babied that boy. He is my 2 yr. old lab mix. Half of his face was torn open when my husband let them out & Bailey took off running ( I wasn't home yet) but he came out of that all fine, I never did find out who did this to him. I think his face injury was from a barb wired fence perhaps. They are watched very closely now when I have them out for a walk. Casey, who was my husband's dog is now my dog, he doesn't pay attention to them anymore. Boots & Timmy I saved, too. Thanks for listening. Michele Michele R. Smeal mrb2@psu.edu 107 Ritenour Bldg. University Health Services Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-6557 Have you hugged your pet today?????!!!!!! Love an animal today....they depend on you.... unconditional love guaranteed.............. -------------------------------------- END OF PART 1: SEE PART 2 AT: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/9802102.txt