[Felvtalk] How is Buzz?
Hi Sue How is Buzz doing? Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 5:56 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your little Romeo. Thank you for sharing his story. Of all the cats it so often seems like the FeLV+ ones are the most special of all. Sue - Original Message - From: Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 4:37 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Romeo is gone It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that I lost my Romeo today to lymphoma. I write not out of grief but to encourage all the newbies who wonder whether they can hang on with a FELV positive, whether they know enough to take care of them, whether they should mix, etc. And the resounding answer is YES YES YES. My Romeo was a throw away stray that I first met 7+ years ago when I helped someone out feeding a little colony near me. He was already an adult (3-4 years old) who would come running across the field when I'd whistle and meow the whole way so I wouldn't miss him. He would get underfoot, get bullied by the other cats, bury everybody's food, and just rub up against my leg for some loving. I knew someone had been unkind to him cause if I raised my hand, he'd scamper away, just out of reach, cowering. Fast forward two years and we had one of the coldest NY winters we've had in a long time. One weekend, we were expecting zero degree temps and a major snowstorm. Romeo was the last of the colony and I knew I had to bring him in. I even had an adoptive home ready-but he turned out to be positive and they couldn't handle it. Soo, he stayed in my room for a few weeks, watching my every move, figuring out the TV and the vacuum cleaner weren't that bad. Slowly, he started coming out of his crate at night when he thought I was asleep. Little baby steps-first the food dish got moved next to his crate. Then the litter box in the bathroom. And slowly, he'd come out during the day. I knew we won the battle when I peeked out over my monitor to spot him on my bed. You could see it in his face-this is niiice and from that point on, he was totally comfortable being in and around we humans. Funny thing is that he never really wanted to get out-he rarely sat at the window-the couch and the bed were always much more comfortable for him! Over these last 4 ½ years, Romeo turned into the most loving cat you'd ever want to meet. Only thing I could never do was pick him up or restrain him in any way---he was just too scared. But he'd jump up on me, lie on my chest as I was trying to get to sleep, follow me around like a puppy dog and otherwise just kept thanking all the humans he met for being safe and warm and loved. My other cats were a bit leary of him and Tucson never did take much of a liking to him-all jealousy, I'm sure. But Romeo persevered and the two of them had come to terms with each other... His final illness took him quickly. He'd never been real sick before-had some gum and teeth problems a couple of times, but that was it. Going to the vet was a major trauma for him so I'd always worked with my wonderful vet to keep those visits to a bare minimum. But today was one of those days that I knew he had to get to the vet asap. He'd been feeling poorly during the week and over the weekend, he started breathing very hard-like he couldn't catch his breath. He'd been on antibiotics for what I thought was another gum problem but when we got to the vet, I knew it was a whole lot more. My vet sent me immediately to our local specialty hospital and they confirmed the lymphoma. He had a large mass in his chest, his lungs had filled up with fluid, and I knew that emotionally and physically, he could never withstand an aggressive course of treatment that in all likelihood would only give him a short extension of his life. So, I made that decision we all dread after I looked in his eyes and knew he was telling me it was time. I stroked him to the end and told him I loved him. And do I regret taking him in-ABSOLUTELY NOT. He gave me so many wonderful memories and he will always be in my heart. And did he regret coming inside-ABSOLUTELY NOT-he had almost 5 years of a wonderful life and I know that had he stayed out, he would have died a miserable death from the cold and hunger or an infection and he would have been alone. We can't save them forever-but we can give them some wonderful time and we can all learn so very much about life from these little guys. Christiane Biagi [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___
Re: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz?
Hi Jane, Buzz is not doing well at all. Today I received the news that his red blood cells have dropped from 22% last week to 18% Saturday. He is on Doxycycline, Prednisolone and Leukeran but his blood cells are no longer responding. I don't like the idea of putting him through blood transfusions just to buy him a short amount of time. At this point I am just trying to make him as comfortable as possible and wait... God I HATE this disease!!! Anyway, thanks for asking about him. I'm sorry it isn't better news. Sue - Original Message - From: Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 6:27 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz? Hi Sue How is Buzz doing? Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 5:56 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your little Romeo. Thank you for sharing his story. Of all the cats it so often seems like the FeLV+ ones are the most special of all. Sue - Original Message - From: Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 4:37 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Romeo is gone It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that I lost my Romeo today to lymphoma. I write not out of grief but to encourage all the newbies who wonder whether they can hang on with a FELV positive, whether they know enough to take care of them, whether they should mix, etc. And the resounding answer is YES YES YES. My Romeo was a throw away stray that I first met 7+ years ago when I helped someone out feeding a little colony near me. He was already an adult (3-4 years old) who would come running across the field when I'd whistle and meow the whole way so I wouldn't miss him. He would get underfoot, get bullied by the other cats, bury everybody's food, and just rub up against my leg for some loving. I knew someone had been unkind to him cause if I raised my hand, he'd scamper away, just out of reach, cowering. Fast forward two years and we had one of the coldest NY winters we've had in a long time. One weekend, we were expecting zero degree temps and a major snowstorm. Romeo was the last of the colony and I knew I had to bring him in. I even had an adoptive home ready-but he turned out to be positive and they couldn't handle it. Soo, he stayed in my room for a few weeks, watching my every move, figuring out the TV and the vacuum cleaner weren't that bad. Slowly, he started coming out of his crate at night when he thought I was asleep. Little baby steps-first the food dish got moved next to his crate. Then the litter box in the bathroom. And slowly, he'd come out during the day. I knew we won the battle when I peeked out over my monitor to spot him on my bed. You could see it in his face-this is niiice and from that point on, he was totally comfortable being in and around we humans. Funny thing is that he never really wanted to get out-he rarely sat at the window-the couch and the bed were always much more comfortable for him! Over these last 4 ½ years, Romeo turned into the most loving cat you'd ever want to meet. Only thing I could never do was pick him up or restrain him in any way---he was just too scared. But he'd jump up on me, lie on my chest as I was trying to get to sleep, follow me around like a puppy dog and otherwise just kept thanking all the humans he met for being safe and warm and loved. My other cats were a bit leary of him and Tucson never did take much of a liking to him-all jealousy, I'm sure. But Romeo persevered and the two of them had come to terms with each other... His final illness took him quickly. He'd never been real sick before-had some gum and teeth problems a couple of times, but that was it. Going to the vet was a major trauma for him so I'd always worked with my wonderful vet to keep those visits to a bare minimum. But today was one of those days that I knew he had to get to the vet asap. He'd been feeling poorly during the week and over the weekend, he started breathing very hard-like he couldn't catch his breath. He'd been on antibiotics for what I thought was another gum problem but when we got to the vet, I knew it was a whole lot more. My vet sent me immediately to our local specialty hospital and they confirmed the lymphoma. He had a large mass in his chest, his lungs had filled up with fluid, and I knew that emotionally and physically, he could never withstand an aggressive course of treatment that in all likelihood would only give him a short extension of his life. So, I made that decision we all dread after I looked in his eyes and knew he was telling me it was time. I stroked him to the end and told him I loved him. And do I regret taking him in-ABSOLUTELY NOT. He gave me so many wonderful memories and he will always be in my heart. And did he regret coming inside-ABSOLUTELY
Re: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz?
I'm so sorry Sue, for you and Buzz. I know how stressful this is for both of you. I remember Hideyo saying that often it seems like they will never respond and sometimes they turn around when all hope is gone. I'll pray this happens for Buzz. This disease really is the worst because it strikes the really good guys (and girls). We're pulling for Buzz. Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 7:55 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Hi Jane, Buzz is not doing well at all. Today I received the news that his red blood cells have dropped from 22% last week to 18% Saturday. He is on Doxycycline, Prednisolone and Leukeran but his blood cells are no longer responding. I don't like the idea of putting him through blood transfusions just to buy him a short amount of time. At this point I am just trying to make him as comfortable as possible and wait... God I HATE this disease!!! Anyway, thanks for asking about him. I'm sorry it isn't better news. Sue - Original Message - From: Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 6:27 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz? Hi Sue How is Buzz doing? Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 5:56 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your little Romeo. Thank you for sharing his story. Of all the cats it so often seems like the FeLV+ ones are the most special of all. Sue - Original Message - From: Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 4:37 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Romeo is gone It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that I lost my Romeo today to lymphoma. I write not out of grief but to encourage all the newbies who wonder whether they can hang on with a FELV positive, whether they know enough to take care of them, whether they should mix, etc. And the resounding answer is YES YES YES. My Romeo was a throw away stray that I first met 7+ years ago when I helped someone out feeding a little colony near me. He was already an adult (3-4 years old) who would come running across the field when I'd whistle and meow the whole way so I wouldn't miss him. He would get underfoot, get bullied by the other cats, bury everybody's food, and just rub up against my leg for some loving. I knew someone had been unkind to him cause if I raised my hand, he'd scamper away, just out of reach, cowering. Fast forward two years and we had one of the coldest NY winters we've had in a long time. One weekend, we were expecting zero degree temps and a major snowstorm. Romeo was the last of the colony and I knew I had to bring him in. I even had an adoptive home ready-but he turned out to be positive and they couldn't handle it. Soo, he stayed in my room for a few weeks, watching my every move, figuring out the TV and the vacuum cleaner weren't that bad. Slowly, he started coming out of his crate at night when he thought I was asleep. Little baby steps-first the food dish got moved next to his crate. Then the litter box in the bathroom. And slowly, he'd come out during the day. I knew we won the battle when I peeked out over my monitor to spot him on my bed. You could see it in his face-this is niiice and from that point on, he was totally comfortable being in and around we humans. Funny thing is that he never really wanted to get out-he rarely sat at the window-the couch and the bed were always much more comfortable for him! Over these last 4 ½ years, Romeo turned into the most loving cat you'd ever want to meet. Only thing I could never do was pick him up or restrain him in any way---he was just too scared. But he'd jump up on me, lie on my chest as I was trying to get to sleep, follow me around like a puppy dog and otherwise just kept thanking all the humans he met for being safe and warm and loved. My other cats were a bit leary of him and Tucson never did take much of a liking to him-all jealousy, I'm sure. But Romeo persevered and the two of them had come to terms with each other... His final illness took him quickly. He'd never been real sick before-had some gum and teeth problems a couple of times, but that was it. Going to the vet was a major trauma for him so I'd always worked with my wonderful vet to keep those visits to a bare minimum. But today was one of those days that I knew he had to get to the vet asap. He'd been feeling poorly during the week and over the weekend, he started breathing very hard-like he couldn't catch his breath. He'd been on antibiotics for what I thought was another gum problem but when we got to the vet, I knew it was a whole lot more. My vet sent me immediately to our local specialty hospital and they confirmed the lymphoma. He had a large mass in his chest, his lungs had filled up with fluid, and I knew that emotionally and physically, he could never
Re: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz?
Well, the good news is that he is still eating. I just sat and played with him with a toy for a little while and he is still showing interest. I've moved his litter box up and put it next to my desk in the study so he doesn't have to go in the basement. Tonight I will carry him up to bed with me as I always have. He will be spoiled as long as I can spoil him. - Original Message - From: Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 8:12 PM Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz? I'm so sorry Sue, for you and Buzz. I know how stressful this is for both of you. I remember Hideyo saying that often it seems like they will never respond and sometimes they turn around when all hope is gone. I'll pray this happens for Buzz. This disease really is the worst because it strikes the really good guys (and girls). We're pulling for Buzz. Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 7:55 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Hi Jane, Buzz is not doing well at all. Today I received the news that his red blood cells have dropped from 22% last week to 18% Saturday. He is on Doxycycline, Prednisolone and Leukeran but his blood cells are no longer responding. I don't like the idea of putting him through blood transfusions just to buy him a short amount of time. At this point I am just trying to make him as comfortable as possible and wait... God I HATE this disease!!! Anyway, thanks for asking about him. I'm sorry it isn't better news. Sue - Original Message - From: Jane Lyons [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 6:27 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] How is Buzz? Hi Sue How is Buzz doing? Jane On Nov 10, 2008, at 5:56 PM, Sue Frank Koren wrote: Chris, I am so sorry to hear about your little Romeo. Thank you for sharing his story. Of all the cats it so often seems like the FeLV+ ones are the most special of all. Sue - Original Message - From: Chris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Monday, November 10, 2008 4:37 PM Subject: [Felvtalk] Romeo is gone It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you that I lost my Romeo today to lymphoma. I write not out of grief but to encourage all the newbies who wonder whether they can hang on with a FELV positive, whether they know enough to take care of them, whether they should mix, etc. And the resounding answer is YES YES YES. My Romeo was a throw away stray that I first met 7+ years ago when I helped someone out feeding a little colony near me. He was already an adult (3-4 years old) who would come running across the field when I'd whistle and meow the whole way so I wouldn't miss him. He would get underfoot, get bullied by the other cats, bury everybody's food, and just rub up against my leg for some loving. I knew someone had been unkind to him cause if I raised my hand, he'd scamper away, just out of reach, cowering. Fast forward two years and we had one of the coldest NY winters we've had in a long time. One weekend, we were expecting zero degree temps and a major snowstorm. Romeo was the last of the colony and I knew I had to bring him in. I even had an adoptive home ready-but he turned out to be positive and they couldn't handle it. Soo, he stayed in my room for a few weeks, watching my every move, figuring out the TV and the vacuum cleaner weren't that bad. Slowly, he started coming out of his crate at night when he thought I was asleep. Little baby steps-first the food dish got moved next to his crate. Then the litter box in the bathroom. And slowly, he'd come out during the day. I knew we won the battle when I peeked out over my monitor to spot him on my bed. You could see it in his face-this is niiice and from that point on, he was totally comfortable being in and around we humans. Funny thing is that he never really wanted to get out-he rarely sat at the window-the couch and the bed were always much more comfortable for him! Over these last 4 ½ years, Romeo turned into the most loving cat you'd ever want to meet. Only thing I could never do was pick him up or restrain him in any way---he was just too scared. But he'd jump up on me, lie on my chest as I was trying to get to sleep, follow me around like a puppy dog and otherwise just kept thanking all the humans he met for being safe and warm and loved. My other cats were a bit leary of him and Tucson never did take much of a liking to him-all jealousy, I'm sure. But Romeo persevered and the two of them had come to terms with each other... His final illness took him quickly. He'd never been real sick before-had some gum and teeth problems a couple of times, but that was it. Going to the vet was a major trauma for him so I'd always worked with my wonderful vet to keep those visits to a bare minimum. But today was one of those days that I knew he
