Monday March 23, 1998 20 Messages ====================================== From: WORKPARK Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 03:27:51 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, We're not sure what's going on here now, but Rissa-Tai has little to no energy, and she will hardly eat anything. What she will eat is with a lot of coaxing. We don't understand why all of a sudden she got like this again. She still doesn't look like an unhealthy cat, and all of her blood work came back showing signs of improvement, and now this. I have to call the oncologist tomorrow anyway, maybe she'll have some ideas. We'll probably have to have more blood work done just to see what's going on in there. I really don't want to start the chemo again when she's like this, but maybe the plasma cell myoloma is causing this latest problem. I just wish they could tell us something without having to always stick her with needles. Will let you know what happens. Pam -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 00:57:48 -0800 From: Dana Crow Organization: Magical Moments Preschool To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net pam, its so frustrating dealing with animals & kids who can't tell us what is wrong. It is always a guessing game. you never know when to force an issue or let it go for a bit. I am hoping that this soon shall pass & she'll perk up again for you. I know she has been valiantly fighting & so have you. Hoping for a brighter tomorrow, Dana -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 08:58:53 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Gretchen Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, I was happy to hear that Gretchen is doing so well! That's great! I know that the thought of mixing her with the FELV- kitties in a trailer has to weigh on you heavily. I isolated my first FELV+ cat (in early 1994) about 75% of the time while I put her through the Immunoregulin shots. She did very well. During the 25% of the time she was among the other cats, I watched to see if she drank or ate from their food bowls. I would immediately dump the water and use a new bowl or put the food aside for her later in her own room. Unfortunately, I stopped the shots at the current vet's suggestion--a big mistake in looking back. At any rate she died that July and two more cats became infected. I had them put down since they were very sick and interferon was not yet available (I was afraid too of infecting my other cats and did not have a big enough house to separate). A year and a half later my Jake and Panther became FELV+. I told my husband (who agreed) that I could not go through putting them down in the hopes of stopping the disease. So . . . I started them on Interferon and Jake on Immunoregulin (with no intention of stopping it ever) and Prednisone. I change their bedding frequently, the litter boxes constantly, once a week cleaning with bleach, and change the food and water bowls (rotating the food) every 8-10 hours. I still worried about exposing my other 5 cats. Until this list . . . knowing that others were in the same boat so to speak gave me more courage. I have taken the position that each of these cats would have died a long time ago had I not adopted them. WE give them good food, shelter, great medical care, and lots of love and affection. I have made provisions for them with the help of a wonderful friend and our local humane society should my husband and I predecease (sp.?) them. If another of our cats becomes FELV+ we will give them the same degree of health care as the others. I cannot go through the agony of putting down a well FELV+ cat again and separating them even if we had the room would be very difficult--it would break up friendships and keep at least some of them from our care, affection, and time. I truly believe it would cause such chaos and stress to all that it just wouldn't be worth it. I know this is a very difficult decision for you, but I have great faith that you will find whatever works best for all of you. Sorry to have rambled. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 09:05:10 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I am pulling for Rissa-Tai just goin through a phase. I am hoping that she soon will start eating regularly. Let us know. nancy -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 13:56:01 +0000 Subject: Status of the computer situation Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi all, Sorry for the off-topic nature of this post, but it is relevant to many of the folks here. For those that are new to the list, I am the person that does most of the "behind the scenes" technical work for these projects- the list, the web pages, the newsgroup, etc. About a month and a half ago, I was in danger of losing my computer for "political" reasons relating to my inability to get an equal opportunity for an education at the university I was attending- I am legally blind. For more info on that story, you can visit: http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html Anyway, I received a call today from the office that was wanting to retake this equipment. They've decided to put me on "volunteer" status for 90 days and close the case. What this means is that I get to KEEP the equipment! This is relevant to the whole group since I maintain all of these projects with this equipment. I'd especially like to extend my sincere thanks to the seven people that wrote letters to this office on my behalf- I was told that it made a difference in their decision. I am, however, still somewhat skeptical because during that 90 days they *could* change their minds. I guess we'll see. Still, I don't know why they'd really want this equipment. It is outdated and outlived its usefullness- I'm still living in the pre-pentium era. If I ever get any money together, I'd like to begin fixing and upgrading this system- only my know-how is holding it together as it is :) Well, I just wanted to let everyone know that their efforts and good wishes have made the difference here. Take care, and I wish you all and your kitties the best. In loving memory of Vyvyan: March 20, 1988 - August 15, 1997 James G. Wilson phaedrus@ctnet.net, phaedrus69@hotmail.com, felv@angelfire.com http://www.angelfire.com/il/felv/ http://www.litchfieldil.com/members/phaedrus/ http://www.fortunecity.com//skyscraper/sterling/20/niu.html -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 15:23:59 -0500 From: Kathy Giddings To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Site Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I just came across a web site that might be of interest to many of you. I sent it to Jim and he says he's added it to our FeLV project web page in the holistic section. You might want to have a look: www.alternativemedicine.com/digest/issue21/i21-a90.shtml -- Kathy G and the three furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= - Rusty - =^.^= - Smokey - =^.^= - Money - see us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 16:00:24 -0500 From: Kathy Giddings To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net > Hi everyone, Now that Jim has brought you up to date on his computer problems, it gives me the opportunity to ask all of you to join me and stand up and give Jim a big round of applause and a virtual hug for all his untiring work. > All of the projects he researches and works on have given a lot of new hope for FeLV kitties and the people they own - there are kitties on the list who are still enjoying life as well as some who have gone to the bridge but who had a longer and better life because of all the new treatments which Jim has researched and made available to all of us. Great Job Jim!!! Having said that, I am hoping that there are some people out there who have or could beg, borrow or steal some newer components so that Jim could upgrade his antiquated equipment. ` He needs: A bigger hard drive (now using 540 mb hard drive) A modem with less milage - either another 28.8 kbps or 33.6 or 56K. The other thing he would like to do is convert his present computer to a pentium type. This would require a new CPU and motherboard. If anybody can help with any of this equipment, please email me personally so that we don't clutter this list with Off Topic replies. Thanks so much - and my thanks too to the people who wrote letters for Jim. > > > Kathy G and the three furries in Daytona Beach =^.^= - Rusty - =^.^= - Smokey - =^.^= - Money - see us at: http://cgi.gambitsys.com/homey/webdoc5.htm The Cat: Mother Nature's Masterpiece -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 19:42:21 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Everybody, Not only does Jim deserve a virual hug, but a huge round of applause to Kathy and Steve and the others for their tireless work on helping Jim keep his computer. Let's all start scanning the newspaper want ads and anywhere else spare parts can be found. Any one upgrading to a new computer? Got the old one laying about? Or is work getting new one's? With Jims computer talants, he could piece together quite a megacomputer from bits and pieces if necessary. Look at the miracles he can work with the one he has!!! barb -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 17:17:12 +0000 From: JB Organization: KAT To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Update Cyprohepatadine Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net My vet has my cat Booger on the appetite pill, but she really has had the appetite, she just cant chew because of the gum caused by FIV. Sometimes she goes at it like everthings fine the other times takes one lick and runs from it. I tell you its getting the best of me I just dont know whether to try another doctor or what. Thanks for listening, Janie mamacat -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 19:49:33 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Ernie Update Cyprohepatadine Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jane, This may be a long shot, but you might try calling your MD and asking them what they give their human patients with aids to help with the mouth sores. Humans get them to and it is HUGE problem. It just plain hurts to eat. It's also a problem with some patients getting chemo. I do know that for that, they use a liquid called Nystatin. Humans swish it around in their mouths and then can swallow if they want or spit it out. It helps heal the sores. If your Dr. doesn't have any HIV patients call an aids support group or try your local health dept. They should know. I will ask around at mine tomorrow and see if they have any suggestions. Good luck and never give up hope. barb -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 18:52:50 -0600 Subject: Re: Rissa-tai To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I hope Rissa-Tai recovers her old self soon. I know that putting them through the needle sticking is difficult. I am thinking about you both. I will be waiting to hear more. Susan -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 19:59:38 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Rissa-tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, I hate to always compare my human experiences with our cats because there are differences, but we have one of our nurses who gets chemo for one week out of five for bowel Cancer, (her second bout with it) and she has mentioned that it takes all the strength from her. Rissa had chemo and maybe that is the cause of her lethargy. AND as strange as it may sound, I'm not even sure this is possible, but can a cat get depressed? I mean real true depression is a chemical imbalance so, maybe? I am always the one with the wild ideas, but could something like Prozac help her? I know that they are using it now on everything from cats to parrots. barb -------------------------------------- To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 19:56:30 -0500 Subject: Re: Gretchen doing good and questions From: naohalloran@juno.com (Naomi J O'Halloran) Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan, Glad to hear that Ernie is eating and feeling a bit better. Keep up the good work! Naomi In loving memory of Moira 5/95-3/13/98 -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:13:02 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Jim--need to know what type of HD you need, not size, but what do you need to hook up to your existing equipment? Linda P in Sacramento -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 20:08:48 -0600 Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Yes, I will certainly keep my ears and eyes open.for Jim's computer components. I really have no idea what goes into all of this, but I greatly appreciate this forum. Much thanks to Kathy and Steve for their efforts as well. Susan -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 20:12:08 -0600 Subject: Re: Ernie, Naomi To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Thanks, Naomi. He had been not eating again, and I was getting discouraged, but tonight he ate close to two ounces of food, so I'm relieved about that. How's Keigan doing? Susan -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:33:44 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Jake & Panther Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello Nancy, How are Jake and Panther doing? And.....oh yes, why does Jake get Immunoregulin and not Panther? Sounds like you have a very nice family and a very understanding husband. Yes, it weights very heavily on my mind whether to put the cats together or not. Today, Gretchen escaped for a couple of minutes and went straight for Qetta who laid there like a big white puff ball and just let Gretchen go nose to nose to him. She trilled a couple of times trying to make friends before I scooped her up. Qetta looked so disappointed to lose a new friend so soon. I felt terrible putting her back into the room by herself. Now I wonder if when the noses touched, was Gretchen's wet? These are things I never would have thought about last year. What a difference a half a year makes in a persons life. When your first cat became felv+, were your other cats immunized for it at that time? If they were, do you happen to remember about how many times the cats that did not become infected with felv had had their yearly immunization injections. The answer to this may help me to decide whether or not I put the cats together. Sometimes, I think, what the heck, and come so close to letting Gretchen out and leaving my worries behind, then I think, "a much bigger worry may just begin if I do that". That is such a good idea of yours to have pre-arranged for your cats if something should happen to you and your husband. That made me think what to do if something were to happen here, but there doesn't seem to be any place that my kitties can go. If my children are not allergic to the cats, their children are. The local shelter is not a 'no kill shelter' and if any other person I know liked or wanted a cat, they certainly would have taken Gretchen in. Maybe I will check the out of town shelters to see whether there are any 'no kill shelters' around and see if any arrangements can be made that way. This list is the best thing that has come into my life at this point in time and I'm sure everyone on it feels the same, I just can't say enought good things about it! It sounds as though you have a good disinfecting routine going at your place. I hope I can do as well if and when Gretchen comes out of 'her room'. Ann -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:48:58 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Re: Jim's Computer Status Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net I've been on this list only about 10 days and I've been very impressed at what I have seen. My compliments and thanks to Jim and anyone else that has worked to make this list what it is. I'll keep my eyes open for anything in the newspapers or bulletin boards to add to Jim's computer upgrading. Ann M -------------------------------------- From: chere@nwnexus.com (Cheryl A. Hyek) Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 21:14:09 -0800 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Status of the computer situation Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Jim, I have a few ideas on how you might be able to upgrade your computer equipment. E-mail me privately and I'll explain further! -chere (and Misha) -------------------------------------- Date sent: Mon, 23 Mar 1998 23:59:39 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Rissa-Tai Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Pam, You must be so worried about Rissa-Tai, what a beautiful and unusual name, does it have a story to it? Perhaps as someone mentioned, she may be depressed. Is Rissa-Tai an only kitty or do you have others? My thoughts are with you both and hopefully by tomorrow things will be better. Ann M -------------------------------------- END