Friday March 13, 1998 21 Messages ====================================== From: Boonedagel Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 01:28:07 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Bye Bye, Merlin :(................ Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dearest Barb, I am sorry about little Merlin. I feel great pain. I have sat here for hours now, since reading your two gut-wrenching posts, crying and crying for Merlin and you, trying to think of what to say to you. It is hard to see the monitor. It is hard to feel the keyboard. It is hard to think. Hard to write. When I joined the list with my little sick Pooters II, over two weeks ago, you were one of the very first to welcome me, and offer help for Pooters. I really had no idea until today, how sick little Merlin was. I wish I had known him and you a bit longer than I do. I could have prayed longer for you both, especially little Merlin. Nevertheless, I prayed and cried and looked for shooting stars to wish upon for Merlin, all night last night, while I held my little Pooters, and cried some more. I know your pain, as many others here do. I wish none of us knew this pain. It shouldn't have to be this way. It feels so wrong. Our world, I think, is in the state the Hopi call, "Koyaanisqatsi", literally, a world out of balance. We live in such a harsh and cruel world. I will never understand why all of the lifeforms here on our mutual home, Earth, ever have to face such horrors as this disease. It is so......... wrong. So wrong. And I want to know why. Maybe someday, things will change for the better...... if we all help make it so. Good Bye little Merlin, though I hardly knew you at all, you will be in my heart forever. Sweet dreams in warm sunny places. Barb, we are here for you whenever your need hurts badly. All you need is Love..... Sincerely & Sad Hearted, greg sherrow & Pooters II, + 10 -------------------------------------- From: WORKPARK Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 01:40:25 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Admidst all this sorrow, a little bit of hope.... I took Rissa-Tai back to the vet's today, and boy, did she ever put up a fight! She seems to be doing well with the lower prednisone (we're now doing 5 mg./day, she was at 7 1/2 mg. twice daily), and has lots of energy to do things like shred and unroll toilet paper. :) She continues to amaze the Vets, as they didn't expect her to be doing this well, which I think is in part thanks to this mailing list and the support and advice I've gotten from it. Anyway, she also gave them a fight there, Dr. Bolser said this was the worst she has seen her, and hopes she calms down for the next time. She got her Immunoregulin injection today, as well as her Neupogen injection (300mcg/ml per 0.1cc). I was also informed they had mistakenly mischarged us for the Neupogen, it's now a little more expensive. They were charging us $8.64 for the Neupogen and injection, but should have been charging us $19.25, but they won't charge us retroactively. Still, it's not too bad. We're bringing her in on Saturday for another cbc to see how she's doing then, and we'll see if she needs more. Dr. Klein, the Oncologist, called me this afternoon with the results of the Protein Electrophoresis (which originally told us about the plasma cell myoloma). Her proteins were originally 10.1, they are now 8.4, normal is 7.8. Still high, but better. Her globulins were originally 5.0, they are now 2.9, normal is 2.5. Again, still high, but better. We're waiting to see Saturday's cbc counts to decide if we should do a bone marrow aspirate or not, and then will decide if she needs to be put back on chemo and at what dosage. Still, she was pleased with the results so far. Then, Dr. Bolser called while I was out grocery shopping and spoke with Chuck (these are the same counts I posted in my last email). Her wbc count is now at 1,400, it was at 200, but that she would like to see it back up at 5,000. So, the neupogen is working, albeit somewhat slowly. Her rbc count went from 3.2 to 3.0. The vet said this was not bad, considering. She also brought up something I've never seen mentioned here before - apparently, there is a parasite that is common to immune-suppressed animals that gobbles up red blood cells, and Rissa-Tai has them as a result of her immune system being further weakened (this was not the original cause of her anemia). Has anyone heard of this before? Anyway, we are picking up a new antibiotic tomorrow (Chuck can't remember the name) that is supposed to help fight these things off really well. That's the latest update. If anyone knows anything about these parasites (we don't know the name of the parasite), please let me know what you know. Pam -------------------------------------- From: PUFFERINO Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 05:26:27 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Merlin Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Barb, I am writing this as tears are pouring down my face. I am sorry so for both of your losses. The little magic man at least is out of pain and his magic worked in finding a really great,loving human for his life here on earth. Sincerely, Joan -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: to all Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 00:50:36 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net astonishing-- the reality that old sorrows can return as vividly as ever--which is apparent tonight as the normal chatter is quieted; by tomorrow we'll return to reason and faith. g'night Lurker. In loving memory of Ariya Yin-- He sparkled into and out of existence. -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 07:17:44 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, Wonderful news about Rissa-Tai. I have come across an article in the April Issue of "Cat Fancy" that talks about several new meds being used for cats. Neupogen and Epogen are two mentioned. But they list several. Definately worth picking up and reading. barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 08:50:21 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Just wanted to let you all know I saw a rainbow coming to work this morning and it hadn't even rained. You know what that means don't YOU? Merlin, Benny, Vyvvyan, Sasha, Storm, Topaz, Copley, Cow, Newt & Kallie, Belinda's babies, and all the other fur babies I didn't mention are telling us "We're up here and we're doing just fine"......................... :) 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.............. -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Rissia Tai Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:13:21 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Pam- there have been some recent postings about a parasite called "Hemobartonellosis felis Rickettsia"- microscopic parasites that are treated with Tetracycline class antibiotics. Jim had posted the site where we can read more info about this: http://www.vetinfo.com/cblood.html#hemobart , whew.. that's a "mouthful". Hope this helps... .marilyn. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:32:30 -0500 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: "Michele R. Smeal" Subject: Rissa-Tai and Pam Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Rissa Tai, you go kitty! You roll that bathroom tissue until the whole roll is on the floor! Having that kind of energy is great. Thinking of you and sending many get well wishes. Michele ........in memory of Benny -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:47:51 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I think what you may be refering to is hemobartinella. It's a parasite transmitted through tick, flea, mosquito (?) I don't think they know all. Many FELV+ cats get it. The way I understand it is that it can be helped through an antibiotic (usually baytril) and prednisone. These can literally save the cat's life, but it can continue in a inactive state and rear its ugly head when the cat is stressed. That is the only parasite I know of. I do know that in FELV there is some unknown entity (I don't think it's a parasite though) that destroys the red blood cells, thus causing anemia. I am very excited that Rissa-Tai is improving and will be sending good energy your way. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 09:49:05 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Merlin Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb and Joan . . . AMEN to that! Nancy -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 12:22:01 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Re: Merlin Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Reply-To: From: "Corvus Corax" To: Subject: Re: Merlin Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 07:29:05 +0100 Dear Barb, it touched me so deep to hear about Merlin, I thought of him so much all the time. He was such an enchanted little fellow, so worthy his name. I'm sure he'll continue to live in another world, with a long, long way to go still ahead of him. He's looking forward now to new horizons. I'll never forget that it was you and Bette who first encouraged me to take another cat, and actually you were the only ones. Everybody else told me not to take one again. And you'll never know how glad I am to have Lucy, I would be terrible alone and lonely without her. You told me it was Charlie who sent Lucy along, and I admit I really believe it. The way she came to me was such a miracle that, looking back to it, it almost seems unreal. I sometimes notice that people don't really believe the whole story, and they probably surmise I had travelled around half of Germany, with a ton of money in my pocket, to find a cat looking and being so alike Charlie. I can't even take it ill from them, for it was such a row of coincidences. Shortly after after Charlie died, someone wrote in his guestbook 'remember that the minute that Charlie died, somewhere in the world a kitten was born'. Now we humans are used to live in a proper timeframe, which seems pedantic considering the spirit of nature. Lucy was born before Charlie died, yet I'm sure she was the one he had in mind for me. He always was very provident, he always came to me meowing to make me clean his box right after he had used it, to have it clean the next time. Merlin might have choosen his heir already, as well, and one day you'll stumble over a kitten and know that this is the one, like I knew at my first glance at Lucy's baby pic. Do you remember that that time I never believed I could ever get her? And now she's here.. Don't rely on that Merlin might think you have cats enough. Charlie knew damn well how broke I am, yet he sent me a cat that insisits on Sheba and Whiskas gourmet baggies only in the meanwhile. At least she's not so mad after chicken fillet and human food, and I don't have to throw away so much catfood - guess I should be thankful for His Majesty's merciful obligingness in that point... In the end, I realized that Charlie never really left, but somehow he always was around and still is. Lucy knows a lot of tricks that only he could have shown her.. And one day I'll hear him purr again, and you will hear Merlin, Newt and Kallie purr. In the meanwhile, we're part of a story they know better than we do.. All the best, and all my thoughts for you and Merlin Rena -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:32:09 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Michele, I KNOW they all are. Merlin never really got to be a kitten and do kitten things. It seems he was always sick with something. Now I know he can run and play and not be sick. That is my comfort. Barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 17:36:45 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, This is one of the Major problems of FeLV. Much like AIDS, it rarely kills the host on it's own. But it disables the cats immune system so badly, that anything that comes along, including bacteria and viruses that are normally carried in the body without harm, (In a normal healthy body) can run wild. That is why we must, even in our healthy cats, we have to be ever vigilant and jump on anything, even a repeated sneeze with both feet. barb -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:38:11 EST To: Felvtalk@mailinglist.net Subject: Merlin Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb I'm so sorry to hear about Merlin. He was a special kitty and we all followed along as you talked about him. He is not alone there. He has a new girlfriend, Russian. She was there waiting. She will help him now.. Sorry to be late with this, been real busy and haven't personallt checked the mail. Keep in touch, will be thinking of you tonight. Your Friend Linda in Ohio -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 21:56:51 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam One of the last blood tests our vet did on Russian was to check for these parasites. She told us about them. They give antibiotics for them. Someone remind me and I'll ask her about them on Monday. I also still need to know where to post the vets address and stuff for the register. Linda -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 20:56:40 -0600 Subject: Hello To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I'm new to this group. My cat Ernie is FeLV positive and has been since we adopted him four years ago. He's almost six years old. This is the first time he's been seriously ill. Right now, he has several lumps on his body; two have been biopsied and the diagnosis is fibroid sarcoma. He is on chemo therapy and we will be starting acemannan treatment on Monday, when it's supposed to be delivered. I just wanted to initiate some conversation. I also wanted to generate as much positive energy toward my baby as possible. Thanks. Susan W. -------------------------------------- From: DLMLLM Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 23:04:56 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Hello Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello Sue I'm Linda Welcome to the group. We can always use new support and a new kitty lover. You'll learn alot here. Linda In memory of Russian -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Wecome Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 22:37:11 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Susan, welcome to the group. Ernie is lucky to have had so many years of health before having to do battle with this dis-ease, and he's fortunate in having more medications available with which to DO battle. He's luckiest of all tho, to have a willing and loving partner in you. Again, welcome. .marilyn. -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: Buddy's gone Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 23:09:01 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net While relatively new to the mailing list, I have come to rely on it for support. My Buddy revisited the Vet school and saw a reputable opthamologist who tested his eye. His pressure had increased to 56--migraine headache pain to you and me. He told me my baby was dying. So, today, at 4:50 pm, among two people who love him very much, Buddy went to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. He was my constant companion for over 10 years. I had shed many tears on his coat. He had the best disposition, was so sweet. I take comfort in knowing he is at a better place now, playing with Merlin and all the others who no longer know pain. I know I will cry still for my boy who saw me through so many tough times. He will be with me always and I will treasure his memory forever. Please do not shed tears for Buddy as he is in pain no longer. Instead, pray for those who are still struggling, that they may find Peace. Liz In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 23:21:06 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Re: MRSA in cats? Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date: Fri, 13 Mar 1998 22:13:25 -0500 From: Tookie Myers Reply-to: ccmyers1@erols.com To: phaedrus@ctnet.net Subject: Re: MRSA in cats? Staphylococci are rarely cultured as pathogens of the feline urinary tract. Chronic urinary tract infections in cats seem to be more complex than a resistant bacteria. M. W. Myers, D.V.M. -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: Buddy's gone Date sent: Sat, 14 Mar 1998 00:54:29 -0500 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Dear Liz... these precious companions are only given to us for a short while to love and to care for, yet the effect they have on our lives is so deep and profound. Please accept my sympathy on your loss, and my admiration of your courage in enabling safe passage for your cherished friend. .marilyn. -------------------------------------- END