Saturday March 7, 1998 Part 1 15 Messages ====================================== From: WORKPARK Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 01:34:59 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear everybody, Thanks so much for your kind words. I thought we were doing a little better, but it doesn't look like it. I just got home (11:00 Fri. night) and there's a note from my husband that the vet called. Despite Rissa-Tai's weight gain, her red blood cell count has sunk 2% (I'm guessing that to be at 18% now) and her white blood cell count is pretty much non-existant. Neupogen was only a possible option before, but now we really have no choice because she needs something badly to help her. It's given by injection. The vet still has reservations about using it, but with the wbc being so incredibly low, any bacteria could get her really sick. Apparently, they don't have much experience giving this to cats, but one time in dogs usually has dramatic and very quick results. Right now, I'm feeling incredibly guilty - I had reservations about giving her the chemo as they couldn't "definitively" tell if she had the plasma cell myoloma (just found a gammaglobulin spike which they said was symptomatic of this form of cancer), but decided to move forward on it, and now it has destroyed her white blood cell reproduction. I can only hope that the neupogen does the trick and helps her out. Like I said before, what sucks about this disease is that it seems like no matter how hard you fight it something comes up and bites you in the butt. Jim, could you please forward this to Dr. Myers and post his response? I'd really appreciate any help we can get right now. The plan is still to see the oncologist on Tuesday, but I guess the vet also wants us to come back in on Monday and check the wbc again. The good news (yes, there is some) is the weight gain, up to 7 lbs. 5 oz. and that she seems in pretty good spirits - very lovey, wanting attention. She is currently climbing all over the computer as I type and I've got Lai-Tai in my lap too, so I'm surrounded (I'm keeping my hopes up, although this is really depressing me). Thanks everyone for listening, and for the advice and words of strength I know this group is so good at giving. :) Pam -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 01:50:22 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: henobartinella Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hey all, I know that hemobartinella was one of the first things my vet tested for when the first ELISA test came back negative. Isn't this test pretty standard for kitties who don't come back FeLV positive but are anemic? Pam -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 02:42:01 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Pooters II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net How about a Pooter update? -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 03:05:38 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Peacock's website Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hey all, I just want to point out that the site that Aleta created is a really good resource in addition to the angelfire site. Aleta, you did a great job! Her site is at http://www.wizard.net/~peacock/fivfelv.htm She's got some good links too, although I'm getting the message that the Raise Hope link can't be found at that site. There's even a link to a group that finds homes for FeLV+ cats! Pam -------------------------------------- From: Boonedagel Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 04:24:57 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Copies to: AskforArt@aol.com, ccmyers1@erols.com Subject: Re: Pooters II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pooters is hanging on. I am trying the Reishi, the Ambrotose, Vitamin C, DMG, Spirulina, and Vitamin E that a very nice person on this list sent to me. I have not been able to make it to the vet yet, mainly due to second thoughts about going (mainly about risking any surgeries or blood tests, w/anesthesia), and lack of funds. But, I have re-scheduled for this Wednesday. I will know near then if I can make it. Pooters has Felv, she is in poor shape. What can the vet really do? I am reluctant to stress her by simply putting her in her carrier, and taking her to the vet, much less submit her to surgery or staying overnight. She was a feral cat when I rescued her from CBS. She loves and trusts me, though. I earned that trust over a 2-year period (1993 to 95). I did it the old fashioned way: I drove the 35 miles one way to CBS and I fed and watered her (and the others still at CBS) five nights a week beside my car. I talked to her. (She was the most receptive to my efforts I could tell at the time.) Finally, she came to me. She wanted a home. I gladly gave her one. Now, I am simply unsure of what to subject her to outside of her safe home here. I just sit with her a lot now, talking to her and loving her in my lap for hours. She loves that. She is so fragile, I don't know what to do. I don't know if I should stress her with that trip to the vet. She has been only twice in the last three years, the last time well over a year ago. I am doing all I can for her. All you need is Love..... Sad and Confused, greg sherrow :(................ -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 09:10:55 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, The Neupogen does give some startling results. It could make the difference. But be very careful to protect her from everything until you get the WBC count up. My patient died from the common cold in <12 hrs. The sooner she is put on it, the better. The weight gain is great. Wish I could get some weight on Merlin. But he isn't losing any either so I guess that's something. Take care and keeping fingers and paws crossed. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 09:12:02 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: henobartinella Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net not to me it isn't. I have never heard of it. I am anxious to find out if the bug that carries is all over the country or localized? barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 09:23:43 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Pooters II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Greg, All you can is all you can do and it sounds like just being with you is the best medicine for Pooters right now. I don't think I would have any surg. right now, she sounds to frail. So unless it's life or death, I would put it off. Make sure she gets enough water, that may be the cause for the consipation. If you can, try to look in her ears also. If they seem to hurt her, she needs to have them checked. I thought Merlin had a seizure, but I now think it was a pain response because I scratched his ears. Above all, love her. That is the best medicine of all. barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 07 Mar 1998 06:30:59 -0800 From: Aleta Clayton To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Peacock's website Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thanks. The Raise Hope link http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/sterling/20/hope.htm Aleta -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 12:10:32 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai II Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, Sorry to hear about the bad news regarding Rissa-Tai. I am pulling for you and hoping the neupogen will do the trick. Hang in there! Nancy -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: Ambrotose Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 12:14:07 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net What is ambrotose and what does it do for a felv+ cat??? Also, does anyone know if there is any medication for cats with glaucoma. Buddy has pretty high pressure in one of his eyes. I know in humans it can be painful. I certainly don't want that for him. So far, he doesn't seem to be in pain. He still eats, grooms himself, uses the litterbox, and sleeps with me and purrs. Everyone says I will know when he is in pain. Sure wish I could know just before he gets to that point. Thanks in advance for any help. Liz -------------------------------------- From: "Lynn Stickels" To: "felvtalk" Subject: Ambrotose Date sent: Fri, 6 Mar 1998 22:19:32 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net The Aloe Garden Fred Peterson (307) 635-2766 Mannatech Products 113 Columbus Dr. Cheyenne, WY 82007-2304 e-mail: petersonf@sisna.com A bottle of 60 was around $48.00 including tax and S/H. It also comes in bulk which is $125.00 excluding tax and S/H. Hope this helps some. Mine came today!:) -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 12:17:08 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: henobartinella Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, The way I understand it is that they're not sure what carries it--possibilities are fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, etc. My vet though both jake and Panther had it and started them on treatment. A cat can have it even with FELV (many do). I did not have them tested for hemo because often you have to test several times because it is elusive. It was one of these times that I believed the treatment would be more cost effective than repeated tests. In the end, they did not have it. apparently, this can be ascertained because they do not respond to treatment. Nancy (Incidentally, I don't know the prevalence in other parts of the country--I live in the bug belt--northwest Arkansas--in the country.) -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: pooters Date sent: Sat, 7 Mar 1998 12:31:44 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Sorry to hear the news about your cat Pooters. I like your attitude and believe it will go a long way in helping Pooters fight this nasty disease. I know your dilemma re: going to the vet. I have been making bi-weekly ( sometimes more) visits to my vet since April '97. Luckily, Buddy is the most laid-back, easy-going cat I've ever met. I think it has assisted him overall, because his vet has been able to closely monitor his progress and those falters he has had. But, you know Pooters best and you need to decide what is best for Pooters. Keep up the good work and keep the faith. Pooters is lucky to have you. Liz -------------------------------------- Date sent: Sat, 07 Mar 1998 16:15:11 -0500 From: Brad To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Dana Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net In response to Dana's words, "It has been too quiet without Barb." I echo them 1000%. I was being to believe eveyone disappeared or deserted the list. Glad eveyone is back. Much Love, Kelly & Wuzzy -------------------------------------- END