| Dad update |
[Jan. 14th, 2010|06:01 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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Dad had a routine appointment with his hematologist yesterday. He seemed extra concerned about his test results and before we left for the appointment he pulled of his shoes and socks and showed me his feet. They're covered with what look like rust colored bruises and his ankles are swollen. Dad has this morbid fear of cancer and he was sure that his bone marrow/blood condition had become full blown leukemia or that his heart was in trouble.
Fortunately his hemotologist was at least able to rule out any blood issues based on his test results. He also explained the on of Dad's hypertension meds has a reputation for causing ankle swelling. The doc also had one of his oncology associates look at the splotches and he was at a loss too. Last fall, Dad had not one but two physicals and an EEG was run so we're pretty sure it's not his heart. We have an appointment with his general practitioner next week to see if he has any clue what's causing the rust colored splotches. |
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| Shadow update |
[Jan. 14th, 2010|05:53 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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Shadow's latest test results are back and everything points a problem with her intestines. The vet is certain that she has IBS, lymphoma or both. A more accurate diagnosis would involve anesthetic, biopsy, and lots of money. Given Shadow's age and weight surgery, while doable, is probably best avoided. For now, we're going to assume it's IBS and change her diet to see if her weight comes up. In a few weeks we will reevaluate and may put her on prednisone (which is used to treat both conditions). |
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| My poor sickly cat |
[Jan. 8th, 2010|07:17 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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My house diva, Shadow, is sick. This week she's become a lap cat and has rarely left my side which is not typical for her. She's been losing weight steadily for the last year and a half and she's lost a total of 2 pounds (she start at 10.6). When she was at the vet last spring her full blood panel came back normal so we took a wait and see approach. Recently though she's had a change in behavior and has been more vocal and demanding of attention, however, this could also be explained by the recent upheavel in the house due to Sid's death. This week her fur became greasy (which was an 'aha! at last a definitive symptom! event) and I took her back to the vet for a total work up.
The vet did an exam, a full blood panel, urinalysis and x-ray. The good news is: everything came back normal. The bad new is: everything came back normal but I still have a sick cat. More tests are called for. Today they did a fasting blood draw to run further tests including a check for pancreantitis. My vet is leaning towards a problem with Shadow's intestinal tract most likely IBS and/or lymphoma. Until we get a definitive diagnosis, we're changing Shadow to a hypo-allergenic diet in the hopes the it will reduce inflammation in her intestinal tract. Future test may include an ultrasound, endoscopy and/or exploratory surgery.
Shadow has been with me ever since that day 11 years ago when she looked at me in the shelter with her big yellow eyes and gave me a 'mrrup' that translated to 'will you take me home with you?'. She was with me while I went though a painful divorce and while I rebuilt my life. She saw me though rebound relationships and my stint as a cat fosterer. My current boyfriend was warned that he had to earn the Shadow 'Stamp of Approval' or he would be shown the door (I've learned that she's a better judge of character than I; BTW she adores my boyfriend). I hate to see her feeling poorly and will do whatever needs to be done to make her as happy and comfortable as possible -- it's the least that I can do for a being that has brought so much comfort, joy and support into my life. |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 16th, 2009|09:24 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 14th, 2009|12:27 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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On Saturday I attended the Mountain Lake Heritage Fair with my aunt Mavis. Mountain Lake MN was largely settled by Dutch Mennonites who had previously fled to Russia to escape religious persecution. In recent years the town has also gained a significant number of Laotian immigrants.
During the town's history, they made an effort to move unused yet historically relevant buildings to the same site. We toured the old post office, general store, hospital, bank, train depot, chapel, and several homes among other buildings. All of the buildings were stuffed with original furnitures, sales goods, and equipment. It turns out the Mavis and I are perfect companions for a day like this. We poked into nooks and cranies, inspected furniture, read drug bottle labels (can you say opium), looked over historical displays, and sampled exotic foods like like perishke, verenike, and egg rolls (Mavis had never had one) along with homemade ice cream. Everyone was very friendly plus Mavis ran into quite a few people she knew.
I had a really great time visiting Mavis the last few days and hope to get back soon. |
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| I'z hurt, but it's a good hurt |
[Apr. 22nd, 2009|04:34 pm]
Notes from the Hermitage
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Today Lucy and I went over to Dad's house and helped do yard work. I raked, cleaned gutters, trimmed bushes and trees, and cleaned out window wells, while Lucy got tangled up in things and barked. At one point she managed to get off her leash and ran circles around me (literally) while I was under a bush trimming off dead branches. I can tell that I will be one pile of hurt tomorrow but it was kinda fun doing yard work (especially when you don't have to). |
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