Friday February 20, 1998 Part 1 15 Messages ====================================== From: WORKPARK@aol.com Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 03:59:36 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Pred Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I've been reading all the discussions about prednisone, and I do see the importance of not keeping the cats on this for too long. However, with Rissa- tai, they have found that she, in addition to the FeLV (which they only diagnosed in a test done two weeks ago), has plasma cell myoloma, which is a type of cancer. Not to scare anyone, but when I asked the vet about doing a marrow biopsy, she explained that it might not help to do one because if they don't hit the bone where the bad stuff is produced, it could come back showing no problem when there actually is one, but coming from another bone. They discovered this when doing the bloodwork they took the same time as the IFA test, as she had a spike in one of her globulin levels that coincides with this type of cancer. In addition to the chemotherapy we started last week, the oncologist has prescribed prednisone 2x per day, 7 1/2 mg. each time. This is part of the treatment for the cancer, and they initially started giving this to her at 5mg. in the a.m. only on January 4. So you can see, she's been on it for awhile. She has been at 7 1/2 mg 2x per day since January 16. Yes, I'm concerned about the length of time she has been on this, and at the high dose. When I asked the vet about lowering the prednisone, she explained that this was part of the treatment in fighting the cancer. So, I'm fighting two things here where the treatments for each disease kind of contradict each other. We also started the Immunoregulin last week at 2x per week, and the Interferon should be in next week sometime. The vet told us at the time of the cancer diagnosis that the outcome doesn't look all that good - three months, probably. What I can tell you is that she has maintained 6 lb. 14 oz. for about two weeks. She had weighed less than that, and we'd like to see her reach 7 lbs. at least. Very scary when you realize she used to be 9 lbs. 6 oz. at her heaviest, and she wasn't fat, but very muscular. She eats fairly well on her own, is very lovable, and trots anywhere she can try to go when she sees me coming with her vitamin in the eyedropper. in my case, the prednisone was wonderful for stimulating her appetite initially, as it was making me crazy trying to get her to eat every 1/2 hour to an hour when she didn't want anything. She's now holding her own, and we're doing all we can for her. She is very obviously not suffering at this point. I'm still looking for suggestions, and I'm trying to email everyone back, but I'm also busy trying to find a new job right now ( I've been unemployed since mid-November, and Rissa-Tai started showing some type of symptoms in mid- December). I am concerned that when I go back to work that she will react negatively since I'm not here to give her all the attention she has been getting lately. I'm open to hearing any ideas anyone may have. Also, I have an older cat, Lai-Tai, who has been with Rissa-Tai since we got her, 2 1/2 years ago, who is turning up negative on the IFA test. I know this has been discussed before, but can I or should I be doing anything for her? She's fine, health-wise, but knows something is wrong with her friend as she won't play and has been getting a lot of attention (not that she doesn't get any, oh no). Sorry this is so long, but I know it addresses some things that have come up on the list as of late, and would appreciate any help. Both the vet and the oncologist are hesitant for me to start with too much holistic stuff as she has so much going into her right now. I am going to email the woman about the ambrotose to find out more about it as well. Lastly, could someone please post the URL for the archives? My mother was here on the computer and the paper with the address on it has mysteriously disappeared, and I wanted to go back and check some stuff. Thanks everyone. Pam -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 09:28:02 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Cheryl DeSantis Subject: The Lurker Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Larry (The Lurker) You convey very wise words. Please keep lurking and when you see the need give the group your pep talk. I found your message very needed and the support and reminders extremely welcome. Thank you! > - Cheryl DeSantis Bradmark, Inc. 4265 San Felipe Suite 800 Houston, TX 77027 800-621-2808 http://www.bradmark.com -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 09:36:27 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Cheryl DeSantis Subject: More Questions for Copley Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Well, I have begun the force feeding of Copley. I got a meal of AD and vitamin paste in him last night and breakfast this morning. Thanks for the Pedalyte suggestion. I let him drink way too much at first and he ended up throwing it all up. I learned the hard way that a little at a time is best. We took our time with the meals and he kept everything down. My question is that this is the first time ever that he is willing to drink, but not eat. He acts very, very interested in food.....everything I put in front of him. In fact, he began eating a couple things then oddly he just stops. Has anyone experienced this? I usually have the opposite problem...he'll eat, but won't go near liquid. At first we thought he had a tooth problem or something, but the AD and other foods are so soft this doesn't make sense. He played a great trick on me this morning. He sleeps between Michael and I and this morning I woke up to find him laying stretched out on his side with his eyes wide open. I shook him a bit and he wouldn't budge. Needless to say I began to panic. I began yelling Michael's name, to wake him up to help me, and Copley raised his head and gave me a look that basically said "Shut Up, I'm trying to relax." The little sh@%!!! I considered bringing him to work today so I could attend to his needs and not worry, but I think I can swing leaving at lunch time. I'm hoping that getting just a few meals in him will give him the kick start he needs. Well, we have our standing Saturday appointment at the vet tomorrow anyway. Any thoughts? Thanks. - Cheryl DeSantis Bradmark, Inc. 4265 San Felipe Suite 800 Houston, TX 77027 800-621-2808 http://www.bradmark.com -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Archives Address Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 10:46:04 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, here's the archive address: http:www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025 -- unless I've typed it wrong. This was the new address that Jim posted. Lai-Tai needs the beefin' up protocol for continued protection from the FeLV. For that, refer to Barbs messages re: nourishment, vitamins, and monitoring for symptoms that might alert you to the onset of dis-ease. You know the drill, and keep your chin up. And to the "Lurker", thank you for the benediction last night, after reading your kind thoughts I shut the monitor off. Could you tuck us into bed NIGHTLY ? marilyn -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 08:09:54 -0800 From: "Linda [Catlady]" Organization: Whisker Sitters To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Pred/substitute? Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Everyone; I saw this post on another list that I am on about a substitute for pred. not sure if this would work in all cases, but might be worth investigating. >Saw a thread a few days ago about a natural substitute for pred. "Liquid yucca is fairly effective as a substitute. The powdered lacks the potency, anyway, as I have had experience. I have used one drop per 10 pounds of body weight. Liquid Yucca has saponins in it, which is a precusor to cortisone. Also, yucca does not have all the nasty side effects of cortisone. Remember, any animal on prednisone needs to be weaned off of it slowly. It should never be discontinued abruptly." Linda (catlady) -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 08:23:18 -0800 From: "Linda [Catlady]" Organization: Whisker Sitters To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: FeLV kitten needs a home Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net This was on a cat rescue list that I'm on. If any of you can help find this little guy a home please contact these people. Linda (catlady) "There is a little orange cat (quite young but not sure of his exact age) named Alex. He has been living in a cage at a vet's office for a YEAR because he's Leuk +... The caption says he's "love starved and affectionate"...Is there anyone who can help?? You can see him at: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/5418/NYCA.html To inquire: Matt at 212-942-4694 or 212 642 9135 OR: Alex at 212-923-1991" He's beautiful! -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 08:31:00 -0800 From: "Linda [Catlady]" Organization: Whisker Sitters To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: rose oil/Long Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Everyone: I'm not sure how many of you will find this interesting, but I did. I was wondering if any of you had heard anything about this. I'm for trying anything "unconventional" if it will help the animals. I am posting this from another list....I personally have not tried it. Linda(catlady) "Roses are one of the most healing of all plants. When my kitty was in pain and recovering from the crisis caused by bad petfood, he couldn't sleep. Not being able to sleep wasn't helping him heal. I found by experimenting that just a couple of drops of food grade rosewater rubbed on his cheeks would enable him to sleep blissfully. This stuff is not even very strong. Nowhere near as strong as rose essential oil. But it speeded his healing. (Rose Petals Certified Rosewater from Heritage Products, available on down to your health food store usually, not tested on animals, but I'm testing it on mine!) The frequency of rose essential oil is the highest of any essential oil measured. Research shows that plant essential oils have the highest frequencies of any natural substances known. They create an environment in which disease, bacteria, fungus, virus, etc., cannot live. They can immediately penetrate cell walls to bring oxygen, healthful ozone, negative ions and nutrients into the cell. They purify the air, take chemicals and metallics out of air by breaking molecular chains. They help combat radiation by removing metallic isotope. They open the amygdala gland (which controls storage of memory and trauma in the cells) and promote release of emotional blocks from the cells. They even aid at the DNA level. They can cause regeneration. There are three documented cases of birth defects having the inner ear regenerated and hearing restored, using pure organic essential oils. They benefit us on all levels - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In 1992, Bruce Tainio built the first frequency monitor in the world. (Tainio Technology, Eastern State University, Cheny, Washington.)Tainio found that the average frequency of a healthy person's body, 62-72, could drop or be raised depending on food, pollution, etc. When the frequency drops, the immune system is compromised. If it drops to 58 - cold and flu symptoms appear. If it drops to 55 - diseases like Candida thrive. If it drops to 52 - Epstein-Barr takes hold. If it drops to 42 - cancer gains a foothold. If it drops to 25 - death begins. Grade A essential oils ("neat," no carrier oil mixed in) start at 52 khz and go up to 320 khz, which is rose oil. Essential oil placed on the foot will be distributed to every cell in the body within 21 minutes. Simply inhaling essential oils gives many of their benefits. Processed/canned food has a frequency of zero. Fresh produce measures up to 15, dry herbs from 12 to 22, and fresh herbs from 20 to 27. Compare that to the 320 of rose essential oil and you know something's up here! Dr. Royal R. Rife believed every disease has a frequency. He found that certain frequencies can prevent the development of disease and others can destroy disease. Substances with higher frequency will destroy diseases of a lower frequency. Essential oils thousands of years old were found in Egypt, still having full frequency. We are starting to be aware of the power of our activities, surroundings, and thoughts. Simply HOLDING a cup of coffee caused a man's frequency to drop from 67 khz to 56 khz. When he touched it to his lips, it dropped to 52 khz, and when he drank it, dropped to 48 khz. Another tested went from 65 khz down to 48 just by HOLDING a cigarette. When he smoked, it went down to 42 khz. Tests showed negative thoughts caused frequency drops up to 12 khz. Positive and prayerful thoughts raise it, of course. And you don't need rose oil or anything else to do that. People are starting to realize their power to heal without using any magic potions, elixirs, vitamins, nutrients. This helps explain those people who can heal our pets just by being with them. Perfect healing. And those who don't even have to be with them, but can heal them from far away. Thoughts are like vibrations and frequencies and electricity, but a higher and more powerful form, which can travel anywhere. So Rose essence is like a superhighway to a higher level. (And the cats love it too, but each has a level of strength they prefer, one only likes real roses, the other likes the more concentrated rosewater.)" -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:08:38 -0500 From: Brad To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Beast Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net To all who furiously responded to my cry for help...Thank you. Unfortunately, it is too late. Beast came home last night and acted fairly normal, jumping onto the chair and scratching my large throw pillows I keep on the floor. He slept all night with me under the covers. I would wake periodically to check his breathing. This morning as he was following me around during my normal routine, I noticed his breathing wasn't right. He sounded like he had a runny nose and he was breathing some what out of his mouth. I remember my vet saying re: Storm that as long as she was breathing steadily and not using her mouth, she was fine. I told my husband to say Goodbye before he left. I knew in my heart and soul that it was time. I went to work. I am a Nanny and needed to get the kids off to school. Once that was done I rushed home. He was still here hanging on. I had to wait an hour for the vet to open. I held him and watched some tv to pass the time. Once the vet was open I called. My usual vet was in (which surprised me...an omen). She could see me in 1/2 hr. So I waited some more than went in. Luckily they took us right away. My vet checked him out and found that his lungs were filling up. Last night they were clear. He had the yellow jaundice color around his nose. She felt it was time too. After Storm(ie) passing without me, I couldn't bear to let Beast suffer alone. She had a hard time finding a vain which ripped my heart out. She finally had to give him the injection in his stomach. It took a few minutes longer. He feel asleep in my arms as I rocked him. Then finally his heart stopped peacefully. I am grateful for the last 24 hrs I had with him. He rode to the vets tucked up on my lap. I know it isn't the safest way for an animal to travel, but he felt better. As did I. I sort of felt like I was leading him to his death. But I know more than anything, that it was the right thing to do. He has joined his sister (Storm) and all his 'cousins' at the Rainbow Bride. I can see him nudging heads with Storm(ie). Now it is back to the vets again tomorrow to have Wuzzy checked out (blood test and booster shot). Please keep your fingers crossed that he is -. Adding to the sorrow, is that my mother's dog, a cocker, "honey" was hit by a car last night. She is was 10 and has been sick. She was getting better and just wandered into the street last night. I think it was her way of letting go. So I suppose that with all the furry people leaving us behind, that the Bridge is getting pretty full. I know it'll never be full, but it sure has been busy. I will be in touch...Much Love...Kelly and Wuzzy -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Copley Date: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 10:55:50 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Bingo ! The behavior that you described I've experienced with Selena. Looking back on it I refer to it as "an out-of-body- experience, and I was as frightened as you were. They look like little hermit crabs that have crawled out of their shells, so fragile and vulnerable... that's the way I described it to Jim as I asked him to start preparing the tribute page. It passes. I think now, looking thru my retro-spectro-scope that this "thing" is part of the "down side" that rarely gets observed. Any fever in Copley ? That could account for the thirst that you're observing. marilyn -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Archives, part 2 Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:08:51 -0500 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/ Let's try that the right way.. DUH ! marilyn -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:33:46 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Oprah Show & The View Show Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I just wanted you all to know that I just mailed the Oprah show and The View with a nice letter asking to help us out and to consider using our story (ies) about feline leukemia and that we want to educate folks who don't know how deadly this disease is like WE didn't know. You never know....... if we all send a letter, who knows! Michele Michele R. Smeal mrb2@psu.edu 107 Ritenour Bldg. University Health Services Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-6557 In loving memory of my precious Benny......My precious little angel.. Until we're together again...... Love an animal today....they depend on you.... unconditional love guaranteed.............. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 11:37:17 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Re: More Questions for Copley Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Cheryl: My thoughts are with Copley ....I'm saying prayers that he'll get over the hump. Consider giving him shredded turkey 9 lives or Tuna & Egg whiskas, Benny liked that when his nose was a big scab. I know he used to eat ANY canned food but those 2 flavors is what he seemed to want more, he did NOT like the A/D. Michele -------------------------------------- From: macat@webtv.net (belinda sauro) Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 08:45:32 -0800 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Beast Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Brad, Kelly and Wuzzy, I'm very sorry to hear that Beast lost the battle, but I'm glad you were able to be with him.....know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other. Belinda Happiness is being owned by cats... Come see why I'm so happy... www.geocities.com/heartland/estates/7122 -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 10:52:58 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Beast Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Kelly, I'm crying as I write you this. I am so sorry about Beast. My heart goes out to you. To have lost one is bad enough but two . . . I am so sorry. I wish I was there to give you a hug . . . I know how hard this is on you . . . FIP is a terrible disease, in my mind even worse than FELV because nothing seems to help. I will be asking the Universe (my form of praying) that your dear cat does not have it. Please know, Kelly, that you are in my thoughts . . . I wish I could take some of the pain away. Please try and visualize Beast and Storm together with all the other wonderful animals and don't worry, I'm sure it's a very huge place--room enough for grass, trees, streams, sunshine and all the wonderful things that are good--perhaps a whole planet and the "bridge" is to another world where we all can be together. I'm sending you a lot of good energy. I am thinking of you . . . lots of Love, Nancy -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Beast Date sent: Fri, 20 Feb 1998 10:50:46 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Kelly, I am so very sorry, but I'm also very proud of the way you handled this. We'll remember Beast and hope for the Wuz. -- Steve L. -------------------------------------- END OF PART 1: See Part 2 at: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Spa/8025/9802202.txt