Friday April 3, 1998 Part 2 29 Messages ====================================== Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 10:43:08 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Re: dessert Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Marilyn, I'm trying not to drool all over my keyboard. My biggest weakness.....cheesecake! Still waiting on Vet. The sure Lurker has a way with words. Kitties are doing better at getting along. One curious thing, Gretchen runs to 'her room' whenever I'm preparing their food. She just sits and waits patiently next to where the food dish will go. Isn't that sweet? Another first, she now climbs onto my lap and falls asleep. She saw the other kitties do this and is starting to mimic them. Ann M. -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 16:58:30 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: my sweet booger Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Janie mamacat, I think this is great! If she wants it raw, then just nuke it or warm it a tad and let booger go nuts. You might chop up some calves liver to go with it!! I prefer the calves liver because, quite frankly, the liver is one big garbage dump, but a calves liver, (those used for veal) has not had time to get all the junk run thru it. Raw beef doesn't bother me as much as raw chicken or pork. This is great news! barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:04:29 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Barb Re: Nancy Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ann, I think your best bet would be to go visit all the shelters, humane societies and vets in your area and tell them you WANT a felv positive cat because you have one already, know how to care for them, want to make their days, howmany they may have, happy and comfortable. Leave your name and number and call them often. Once they realize you are not a nutcase and are serious, I think you will get a response. Good for you. I think I may mention to my own vet that if one comes in that is not already at deaths door, to give me a call. Why not? got some already, what's one more. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:07:48 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: my sweet booger Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Janie, Just had a thought, (I have them once and a while, but it hurts, so I try not to do it very often) With my human patients, we often put warm compresses on abcesses and wound like that. It helps "bring them to a head". BUT the nurse in me says, Please check with your vet first before doing it, just to make sure it's ok. barb -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:10:16 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: dessert Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net All, I have another idea, and this is getting taxing on my brain. WHEN, not if, WHEN a cure is found, we must all get together and have a huge party. We will have the chicken soup and cheesecake to start with. How about it? We can all meet at my brother, the Lurkers house. barb -------------------------------------- From: AskforArt Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:40:55 EST To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: dessert Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net And I will bring a case of champagne--Linda P -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 12:03:52 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Timmy & Boots Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Michele, It is so nice hearing from you! Just today I thought about you but didn't have you e-mail address. I'll save this post so I have access to it. It sounds like your mom is perhaps an "animal person" too in that she cares about your kitties and wants them to have attention. It sounds like they're doing well. How are YOU? Friendly thoughts . . . Nancy -------------------------------------- From: Newtanator Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 18:50:20 EST To: felvtalk@Mailinglist.net Subject: Duncan Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net All, I guess an explaination is in order about not posting Dunc's passing. Losing two, so close together and being one of the original members of the group I guess my fear was that some of the newer folks might give up hope. After all, if I couldn't save mine.... The complication that took Duncan, also took my Newt. It is rapid moving, relentless and there is absolutely nothing that can be done about it. My vet consulted with the vets at Michigan State University and they said they have tried everything there is to try and save cats with this felv development and have lost them all. They did have him check for elevated protein in the blood. They said this would tell him if Dunc also had FIP, since his protein was normal, he didn't. They said if elevated, it is a good indication that FIP is present. It was sort of an FYI for my other cats. From what I understood, somewhere in mass of fluid in his chest, was a small tumor that excretes fluid, this fluid, in turn, not only compresses the lungs, but destroys them as well. I may have gotten some of the facts mixed up, but I was bewildered that all his lab work was normal, he had not been sick one wit, did not even have time to lose any weight, get a dull coat or even appear to be ill. He just couldn't breath. There was no time to brace myself for it. There was simply nothing I could do. I could not watch him struggle to take each breath. So I did the only thing I could do, what I had to do for him. But I was with him, so he would not be so upset. He always hated the vet so. March was a horrible month and I am glad it is gone. So now I have two that remain positive. As of this writing, they are fine, but of course, that really doesn't mean anything about tomorrow, not with this disease. That is one reason I expressed a great interest in the researcher in Florida. If we can find out which group our cats fall into, we may be able to take preemptic strikes to stop this type of silent killer from raising it's ugly head. I would be more that happy to send blood, hair, mouth scrappings anything, (but the cat itself) to this man to study, if he is accepting any. Anything to have an early warning system on what to try and stop before it starts. Dunc's life was short, about 2 yrs. But he was happy here. When I brought him home, he was starving and would not have lived long, so I comfort myself with the knowledge that what time he had was good and he did not suffer long. As I have said before, enjoy every day with them, every minute. There are now more empty spots here, but as time passes, it will get a little easier. I know Merlin and Dunc will send me new ones to care for. If they are healthy, wonderful, but if not, I will love them for whatever time I have them and make their lives good. barb -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 19:14:07 +0000 Subject: (Fwd) Tucker's Outcome Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello everyone, To give y'all some idea of what I do behind the scenes with these projects, I'm forwarding (with permission) a story from an FeLV+ cat lover that I think everyone should read. As I told this person, when I don't hear from them for awhile, experience tells me to expect the worst. For once, I'm proud to announce that things aren't always as bad as they seem. Please read the entire note because it is deceiving at first (on purpose, I think). Y'all may want to send Glen and Tucker some good wishes privately since he's not on the list. Take care, and enjoy this story. ------- Forwarded Message Follows ------- Date: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 19:40:05 -0500 From: Glen Zipper Reply-to: gzipper@tiny.brooklaw.edu To: phaedrus@ctnet.net Subject: Tucker's Outcome Hello Again, Im sure you remember me. I sent you a few desperate e-mails regarding my Felv+ cat, Tucker. As you know, we took him to the vet because he was losing weight and soon after he was diagnosed (February 13, 1998). Over the next month, almost immediately after the moment he was diagnosed, he went downhill quickly. First, it was just lethargy and poor appetite. He ran a high fever and was on various anti-biotics. He went from eating small amounts of his normal dry food, to eating only small amounts of wet food, to only eating 75% diluted wet food (basically soup-like cat food), to having to be force fed. We finally found a vet to put him on Interferon. After just a couple of days of the Interferon he developed a brutal IR infection. His nose completely clogged up and he had to breathe out of his mouth. You couldn't see his eye's because his third eyelids completely obscured his eyes. The IR infection also made him sound horrible as he tried to breathe. He also stopped drinking water and stopped grooming. Not to mention, he stopped walking around completely--he would lie in his bed 24/7--only getting up when I would annoy him. Although we put him on more anti-biotics for the IR infection, It was pretty obvious what needed to be done. I had tried everything and now he was suffering. However, I wanted to give him at least ONE good day before he died. A vet had previously given him a shot of Dipyrone-a fever reducer, which made Tucker feel much better for about 12 hours. I thought maybe I would let him do this once more, Tucker would feel good for a few hours--maybe I'd feed him some raw meat, let him LIVE a little bit before putting him to sleep. The vet agreed to do this for me. While there he administered the shot, and I also requested some "Prednisolone" (Cortazone)--I had seen someone mention it on some web page. An hour after we got him, things got even worse--Tucker was disoriented and meowing terribly--it didn't help. He still refused to eat as well. The next morning it became evident that I could wait no longer--Tucker began losing the ability to walk. I made the appointment to put him down for 6pm. By 5:30, Tucker was even worse, if that was possible. Then in a moment of cowardice, I did something that will make any animal lover very angry with me--I just couldn't do it. I canceled the appointment. I thought of myself, I wanted one more night with him. That night was hell--Tucker sufferred so much. I awoke the next morning to find that Tucker was....MUCH BETTER! At least 25%--his nose sounded better, and he looked a tiny bit less lethargic. I could drag this out even more, but I won't...the bottom line is that Tucker is sitting right next to me and he is at 100%. Yes, I said 100%. The IR infection is gone. The lethargy is GONE. The third eyelids are GONE. His difficulty walking...GONE. His appetite...BACK IN SPADES---Tucker is currently eating 2 cans of fancy feast and a good amount of dry food daily. Its like a miracle! Don't worry, I don't expect it to last. But, I am enjoying every second of it for as long as it lasts. However, one question remains. What did it? The Inteferon or the Prednisolone. My vet(s) [I go to 3 different places as a result of my desperation] know very little about the Interferon. I give Tucker very little Prednisolone--a half a pill twice a day, which my doctor says is about half of what the normal dosage is. The Interferon is 1ml (diluted) daily for a week, then a week off, then back on, and so on. He has just started his second series. Tucker had one full week and then about 3 days off when he started improving. He also had about 2.5 days of Prednisolone in him when he started improving. Wouldn't it be too soon for it to be the Interferon? I don't want to take him off the Prednisolone to find out. Do you have any idea? Also, in a related question--when do I stop giving him the Interferon? The bottle says--stop when the cat gets well. But, after just one week? Any help would be appreciated. Feel free to send this to the discussion group. I tried, but can't figure it out. Glad to pass on the good news, Glen & Tucker 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 -------------------------------------- From: "James G. Wilson" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 19:35:29 +0000 Subject: Re: Goodbye Duncan Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi everyone, Larry, Barb was not alone in dealing with the loss of Duncan- she had you, and she had me to talk to about it. Personally, I agreed with her wish to not tell the group because despair seems to be contageous, and she, being so thoughtful and caring of the group, didn't want to add to the despair. I can also assure you (as if you didn't know) that Barb is perhaps the strongest person I've ever met. Privately, she has given me so much support and encouragement when times were bleek- when I started to doubt the validity of our work. Duncan's passing was quick and, for now, unavoidable. He will be deeply missed, and, knowing Barb as I do, she'll have new mouths to feed and care for in no time. So, again I say that she is not alone in this. However, in your defense Larry, I wrestled with the idea of letting folks know myself- my faith in her strength and resolve prevented me from doing so, though. Barb, you already know that we are behind you 1000%, and you know Larry was doing what he felt you needed. To have a big brother that cares that deeply for you is something special indeed. Thank you for being here for us- I don't know what we'd do without you. Take care, and know that our thoughts are always with you. 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: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 21:37:07 +0100 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: BILL BEAMISH Subject: Barb Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I am so very sorry for your loss of Duncan. It is terrible how fast this disease can take these poor babies. I lost my Chico 4 years ago the same way. He looked fine but couldn't breathe and as you said, it was awful to watch him struggle for each breath he tried to take. Take care, my thoughts are with you. Judy -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: another loss Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 16:31:49 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Trust that there 'aint gonna be no TUTU BLISTERING !!!! I missed her last night, and wondered why the silence. You are not the only one biased with regards to your sister. Thanks for the word, we will each take it from here ... and respond in kind to Barb. ..marilyn.. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 16:58:14 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Susan, Ernie's odd dilation Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I am so sorry to hear about Duncan. Please do not keep these silences regarding your beloved animals. We are all here to help each other and you are "one of each other." I'm just so sorry about your loss, Barb. It isn't fair! Please know that I am sending healing thoughts your way. Nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 17:00:06 -0600 (CST) From: "Nancy A. Schmall" To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: dessert Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, What a wonderful idea! I'm looking forward to it--in SO MANY WAYS! nancy -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 15:24:13 -0800 From: Dana Crow Organization: Magical Moments Preschool To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Lupus, Interferon, DHEA Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Steve, How much & how often do you give this tonic to Chloe? I am using 3 ml's every other day; does this sound right? thanks, Dana -------------------------------------- From: "Helen Elizabeth Kennebeck" To: "felv mailinglist" Subject: Goodbye Duncan Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 18:14:48 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I'm afraid I have to side with your brother on this one. Don't think that you are burdening the group by letting us know when you are suffering. Believe it or not, it helps some of us ( who don't have all the medical background or therapeutic answers) to be able to reach out this way. It is all some of us have. You are a lucky one who has both compassion and the specific knowledge about this disease to be supportive emotionally and practically. In any event, I am so sorry about Duncan. I don't think I remember reading about him; it sounds like something that came on suddenly. In many ways, that's harder. There is no time for preparation. I know that it is so hard, no matter how many times you go through this. In fact, I feel cowardly sometimes when I read about people looking to bring in more felv+ cats to their homes. I have a significant other moving in soon who has two cats (felv-). I feel that I have an easy out as to why I'm not doing more to help all those sick cats out there. If it was just going to be me and Samantha (who is naturally immune), I would be so torn. I don't know if I could go through what I went through with Buddy again. And yet, I read about you and your multitude of cats and I think you are truly heroic. If you ever want to write and tell us about Duncan, we would love to hear about him. If not, we can all rest assured that Duncan was one lucky kitty while he played on this earth, and he will have many wonderful playmates at the Bridge. I admire you, and maybe someday I'll feel strong enough to start again. Liz and Samantha In memory of Buddy 3-13-98 -------------------------------------- From: "Claude Horstmann" To: Subject: cheesecake ! Date: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:05:56 -0500 Reply-to: felvtalk@MailingList.net AZ Hart sent me a message wanting to know if the Amaretto Cheese Cake was real, or just fantasy-talk, and if real, would I send her the recipe.... it's real alright, as real as the common ownership of this MailingList. And the thought of joining together to celebrate the cure for FeLV at Lurker's house is the best kind of PAR-TY to look forward to. Our work here is made up of both affectionate caring, and bitter emotional pain... the affection deepens, and the pain lessens as we spend more time together. .. marilyn.. -------------------------------------- From: "Cheri Gardiner" To: Subject: Re: my sweet booger Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 19:36:52 -0600 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I am so very sorry to hear about Duncan. You are such a marvelous person to help all these kittens. There has to be a special place in heaven for you. Cheri G., Kitty & Chaz In memory of my little boy Mickey -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 20:38:02 -0500 From: Kathy To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Duncan Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I'm so sorry about the loss of your precious Duncan - At least he had some fun time with you and he knows how you loved him and helpe him. As someone else said, we need to share our sorrows as well as our triumphs (however small) so as to help others who may walk in our footsteps. Purrs and headbutts from all of us, 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 -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 20:42:49 -0500 From: Kathy To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Status: FeLV Project Group Fund Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net > Thanks, Larry for the update on the fund. I know there are more contributions on their way to you and I hope that next Friday we'll see a much improved balance. Onward and upward we go!!!!! > > > 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 -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:43:50 -0600 Subject: Re: Duncan To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, I read Larry's post earlier and must confess I didn't know how you'd react--if that's how you wanted to grieve, so I was relieved when I saw your post this evening. I am so sorry for your heartbreak.You are touching so many lives, and not just feline ones. You should be able to rely on us as we rely on you. You give me courage and hope. And I know you made Duncan's life a happy one. Susan -------------------------------------- From: katseven@pcsia.com Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 21:41:22 -0600 Subject: Ernie's sleeping over To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi, Well, my vet wasn't able to give Ernie his chemo today because his rbc is low (23.9, not too bad, almost low normal) and he was very dehydrated. He's going to be on an IV all night to get him hydrated again. He'll get the chemo in a couple weeks. he was feeling much better this afternoon when I went to see him. He tried to crawl in my arms and was complaining heartily, though I think he actually likes the vets. He tries to swat at them through the cage for more attention we think. (not hissing, he's being playful) He also eats for them. I was forcefeeding him since yesterday. He just turned his nose up at everything, even tuna. But this afternoon he was wolfing his wet food down! I'm looking forward to picking him up tomorrow. I think we'll have a good day together. Also, I'm very excited about his wbc; it's at 24.6, which is high. My vet thinks that's because the acemannan is stimulating the white blood cells like it's supposed to. Susan -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Ernie's sleeping over Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 19:58:13 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Susan this continues to sound encouraging. If he's eating at the vet's he's happy. Chloe not only won't eat at the vet's, she curses at the interns in Spanish and rattles her dish against the bars. Actualy she is not at all well right now and I'm worried. Hence the jokes. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Duncan Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:03:40 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, don't you get discouraged now. We'll fight on. It will be warm soon, and our ;ittle ones will be much less likely to get the URI's. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Lupus, Interferon, DHEA Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:11:23 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Yup, 3ml every other day. On avg by my calculations, this is about 100mg Vitamin C, only about 25mg DMG, 10 drops of wild yam extract, in 3 ml of aloe vera juice. For a person, multiply by 10. -- Steve -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 23:14:36 -0500 From: Uncle Junky To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Re: Lupus, Interferon, DHEA Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Ahoy! A friend my mine gave his male cat or kitten DHEA and he said it grow quite fast and big! DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a male hormone, and should be taken with caution. I have much pro info on it, but recently read that it might cause cancer. (?) Unc -------------------------------------- From: "Steve Lackow" To: Subject: Re: Susan, Ernie's odd dilation Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:21:33 -0800 Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hi Liz. We still think of you guys. That pressure behind the eyes (oveitis I believe, Barb?) is definite late stage FeLV all right, tumors behind the eyes causing the pressure. Personally, I'll take a treatment and work on a cure. That's what Ernie is all about. Let's see if the acemannan therapy and chemo and the other things Susan is doing works on a real live cat we know and love. It seems to be! Let's hope so! Get lost, tumors. -- Steve -------------------------------------- From: chere@nwnexus.com Date sent: Fri, 3 Apr 1998 20:46:39 -0800 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net Subject: Misha Copies to: chere@smtp4.nwnexus.com Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Hello All, Thought you'd appreciate some happy news. :) Today is Misha's birthday. She is officially four years old and continues to bring much happiness to me each and every day. I am thankful for every moment we have together. To those of you who kept in touch with me over the past couple of weeks, yes Misha is going to the vet for her dental next week. But for now we're going to have some nice playtime and lovie! An excerpt from a song I wrote about her last year: In all the years I've known you I've learned that you can be A loving friend and companion In a world that's cruel to me Sometimes you try mommy's patience With your mischevious little ways But I'll never regret the choice I made On that warm October day! I love you Misha! Okay, okay. Enough gushing. Enough said! ;) -chere (and Misha, 12-pound porky chop birthday girl) P.S. My heart and Misha's kitty rubs to Barb, who helps us all. To Michelle in PA, I will be writing soon. -------------------------------------- Date sent: Fri, 03 Apr 1998 23:54:12 -0600 To: felvtalk@MailingList.net From: Ann M Blais Subject: Dessert Send reply to: felvtalk@MailingList.net Barb, All Right!! Got Map & Go for Christmas. When the cure is found, what state will we be celebrating in? Ann M -------------------------------------- END