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Steve,
My thoughts are with you and Loki during this very
difficult and stressful time.
Hugs,
Del
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 23, 2005 12:09
AM
Subject: RE: Loki Update
I have been away from the computer for some time, spending all
my thought
and time with Loki. Thank you Terrie, Kristi, Nina, Barb,
Cherie, Jen,
Tonya, Joan, Carla, Michelle, and Kerry for your warm thoughts
and advice.
Michelle, you suggested steroids. The only steroid
the doctor mentioned was
Prednisone, which I am familiar with because of a
friend with Crohn's
Disease. The Doctor indicated that this would be
a longer term treatment,
but while having a different effect, would be
slightly less effective than
the near term relieve of a diuretic. I
believe the he was indicating the
tumor was too large for the steroids to
have a great effect; and that while
prolonging life, life would be less
comfortable.
I've been making sure Loki is having some wonderful days,
although it's been
difficult at times with the rain we've been
having. He doesn't normally get
to go outside, except for the large
deck, which he loves. In good weather,
the deck has always been open
to him. However, these days, I've let him
outside to explore and
wander in the wild grass around the house. He loves
it and has all
the energy for it. I think it is wonderfully distracting
for
him.
His breathing has been the same. Getting rest is a
difficult for him, but
the good days, I feel, have offset the labored
breathing.
Evaluating every breath, every movement; every happy purr,
head-but,
kneading action, and roll onto the back; every nap, sleep, eating
habit,
toilet deposit; every behavioral change, uncomfortable sleeping or
relaxing
position, has been stressful for me. When to let go is so
hard, but I am
trying to be unbiased with the decision about when his
quality of life is no
longer good.
This early evening, I think I am
noticing more labored breathing. I am also
noticing more difficulty
with finding the right position to sleep. He is
favoring harder,
flatter surfaces to sleep on so as not to impede breathing.
I am
accommodating this with soft towels on the hard surfaces he favors,
with an
extra small roll for his chin to rest upon. This is desirable
for
him. Of course, this is now very distressing for me, as I am
feeling the
time is near to let him go. I will hope for a clear
morning/day for him to
explore outside, then reevaluate.
No need to
respond to this. I just needed to let you know and to write it
down
for myself.
Steve
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