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Kessie update
Well, we continue to try and do the right things (completed a 2 week long transition to 100% Science Diet wet food) and Miss Kessie continues to deposit pea soup or pudding most times. However, twice in the past week she did make near normal deposits with a smaller lag than previously, second was yesterday.
She's only had one day where she was listless, which was last Friday.
She doesn't hide, is social, grooms, has a good appetite, coat, nose and eyes look good...uses the box okay, except for a couple of pee puddles on the front door mat.
We have been giving her slippery elm for a week, plus the old fashioned Kaopectate, by baby syringe. Prednisone therapy continues. I do mix a little Metamucil and organic pro-biotic powder in her wet food twice a day.
She continues to be real skinny, holding at about 8 1/2#.
Kessie doesn't seem to be in pain, and we hope we ARE doing this for her and not just to avoid a hard, humane decision. We should hear tomorrow from the vet if he's evaluated the new blood test yet.
We refinanced the house and will have more of a cushion...looking at taking her to the UW Veterinary School for the endoscopy and exam.
Poor kitty, I can think of 100 bad people that deserve this, but not her.
She's only had one day where she was listless, which was last Friday.
She doesn't hide, is social, grooms, has a good appetite, coat, nose and eyes look good...uses the box okay, except for a couple of pee puddles on the front door mat.
We have been giving her slippery elm for a week, plus the old fashioned Kaopectate, by baby syringe. Prednisone therapy continues. I do mix a little Metamucil and organic pro-biotic powder in her wet food twice a day.
She continues to be real skinny, holding at about 8 1/2#.
Kessie doesn't seem to be in pain, and we hope we ARE doing this for her and not just to avoid a hard, humane decision. We should hear tomorrow from the vet if he's evaluated the new blood test yet.
We refinanced the house and will have more of a cushion...looking at taking her to the UW Veterinary School for the endoscopy and exam.
Poor kitty, I can think of 100 bad people that deserve this, but not her.
Well, at least you gave the antibiotic a try. Like I said, you done every single thing you can do. Just be with her, I know you are, and see her through...till the end ♥ my prayers are with you all.
The antibiotic seems to have made no difference, save the looseness is more pudding than puree.
We're making Kessie as comfortable as possible, even changing our travel plans for visiting back east for my mom's birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary, so neither of us is gone at the same time.
We're making Kessie as comfortable as possible, even changing our travel plans for visiting back east for my mom's birthday and our 30th wedding anniversary, so neither of us is gone at the same time.
Hi Pip....I'm still here watching the posts too....does the new antibiotic seem to be working? Even a little? I pray that somehow she'll be able to pull through this and she'll be her old self once again.
I've been watching even when not commenting. My heart aches for you, because I lost a cat to something so similar. It seemed so heartless to put my Ivory Rose down one day while having surgery the next day. So, yeah, I know what you and Anita mean about this seeming to be calloused and then just getting on the plane right afterward. I've been in a similar situation. It may seem like it's calloused or heartless, but it's not. It just seems like it. You will have more private tears, because Kessie has become so dear to you, as is the case of any of us who is on this forum because we wouldn't be here if we didn't love our cats so much. It's always a heart-wrenching painful decision when we know we have to let go of a sick pet. You both have given all of your cats a very good life through the years, so even though it is so hard to say good bye, knowing your cats have always gotten the best care possible should help you both get through this painful time of having to say "good bye" to Kessie. I better stop or I'll be crying again myself.
Hi Pip I am keeping up with you even if I dont comment ..I think its hard to lose any pet and I understand what you are going through, words dont always help a lot but I see most members here on the most caring forum I have used, we are all thinking how Kessie is doing and shedding tears ...
Silver Kestrel the Ransacker has held steady at 6 1/2# since seeing Doc Knilans last Monday, which is down from her usual 14 1/2#, she was 10 1/2# when we first brought her in for this at the end of February.
Miss Kessie continues the up and down days. We'vee\ been giving her 50 ml or so each day some sub-q Ringer's (like we did for old Cammie cat in her last year) and continuing the low dose of Prednisone.
Wednesday, they spent about 20 minutes out on the front yard and Kessie spent much of the time sniffigating, even chased a bird. Kessie was also quite social in the house.
Thursday morning, she ate her seafood glick and then wanted more (about 4 Tbls total), but was less interested in supper. However, she did come into the bedroom as Teia and Hildie were eating supper and hissed at Teia (who just sat there and blinked). Later on I went back in and all three of them were laying on the floor, about 4 - 5 feet separation, just chillin.
Yesterday she was, as Anita put it, very listless and uninterested in eating, just sent most of the day sleeping on her favorite kitchen chair.
This morning, she ate a bit, and to keep her sister Hildie (a very big food mooch) away we put baby gates at both kitchen doorways. Anita heard a clunk, Kessie had tried jumping over the one in the dining room doorway and her hind foot caught the top edge, knocking it over.
We were both going to go back east for my mom's 75th, but I'm thinking of changing Anita's ticket so she leaves the day I come back for a visit, so one of us will be here for Kessie.
We don't want to end things too soon, or too late.
Anita's going to call Doc Knilans on Monday and consult again. He is such a deeply caring vet.
Miss Kessie continues the up and down days. We'vee\ been giving her 50 ml or so each day some sub-q Ringer's (like we did for old Cammie cat in her last year) and continuing the low dose of Prednisone.
Wednesday, they spent about 20 minutes out on the front yard and Kessie spent much of the time sniffigating, even chased a bird. Kessie was also quite social in the house.
Thursday morning, she ate her seafood glick and then wanted more (about 4 Tbls total), but was less interested in supper. However, she did come into the bedroom as Teia and Hildie were eating supper and hissed at Teia (who just sat there and blinked). Later on I went back in and all three of them were laying on the floor, about 4 - 5 feet separation, just chillin.
Yesterday she was, as Anita put it, very listless and uninterested in eating, just sent most of the day sleeping on her favorite kitchen chair.
This morning, she ate a bit, and to keep her sister Hildie (a very big food mooch) away we put baby gates at both kitchen doorways. Anita heard a clunk, Kessie had tried jumping over the one in the dining room doorway and her hind foot caught the top edge, knocking it over.
We were both going to go back east for my mom's 75th, but I'm thinking of changing Anita's ticket so she leaves the day I come back for a visit, so one of us will be here for Kessie.
We don't want to end things too soon, or too late.
Anita's going to call Doc Knilans on Monday and consult again. He is such a deeply caring vet.
I am new on this site, and very sorry to read what you, your family and Kessie went and are going through. Enjoy every minutes that you have with Kessie. Let Kessie have everything she wants. That's what I did with my cats. It does not make it easier when the time comes, but Kessie will enjoy it as much as you will.
I know it's hard, I am maybe not that old, but I sure have lost my fair share of cats. Deciding when to let go is so hard. I can tell just how much you love your cats.
You love Kessie and I know that she loves you back. I have always believed that they know when their time is up. Maybe she is telling you that she loves the home she has so much right now, that she doesn't want to move away with you.
Pip I have seen your heart and the love that you have for kitties and it never ceases to amaze me. Stardust and I will be thinking of all of you.
You love Kessie and I know that she loves you back. I have always believed that they know when their time is up. Maybe she is telling you that she loves the home she has so much right now, that she doesn't want to move away with you.
Pip I have seen your heart and the love that you have for kitties and it never ceases to amaze me. Stardust and I will be thinking of all of you.
Pip, we join you in spirit.
Know that Kessie is not in pain...has you and Anita with her every minute during the last days of her earthly journey.
You have courage, Pip. Kessie could not have chosen a more loving human. As Opus reminds us...this is the price we pay...the vigil and making the decision to let her spirit go. Hard. You have a vet who knows you and Anita and your kits. Nothing I can say will make this easy. Just know I send you all strong love ...
Know that Kessie is not in pain...has you and Anita with her every minute during the last days of her earthly journey.
You have courage, Pip. Kessie could not have chosen a more loving human. As Opus reminds us...this is the price we pay...the vigil and making the decision to let her spirit go. Hard. You have a vet who knows you and Anita and your kits. Nothing I can say will make this easy. Just know I send you all strong love ...
your pain just reaches out across the miles and grabs at us all Pip...words at this time are just meaningless attempts at making a very painful time more endurable.
by saying I can identify means little, but I can. I worked most of my life in palliative care...saw more deaths than I can count. some peaceful and a blessing, some just darn right heartbreaking especially when its a youngster taken much before their time. I did become hardened, I had too or I couldn't have continued in my chosen profession.....but there were times that left huge marks on my heart, that I'll never forget.
Saying all that....I think you're alot like me, saw alot of death but none so heartbreaking as when we loose those that are close to us personally....and that most definitely includes my very dear beloved pets and yours too my friend.
I could write a book on my forever buddy OPUS, he was the best. he was taken much too soon as the case with Kessie. and Pip what made it even harder was the same fact that I had to make the call.....it perhaps in rights should have been made even sooner, but I couldn't. that I grieve for too. to be the one playing God and saying 'its enough' is perhaps the hardest thing I've ever had to do.....
I had the Vet come to our home that last morning, he sat with us for awhile until he felt I was ready....than he quietly slipped out the door, leaving my Opus with me for the rest of the day until I could gain the courage to bring him in for cremation. still I had to call the clinic one last time that night before it closed, to have him just go and check the box...just to 'be sure'...he wasn't just laying there alone and sleeping...I knew he wasn't for he was unmistakeably gone before I took him in, but I just HAD TO BE reassured one last time.
I went thru a very bad time after this for awhile, I still had 3 more kitties at home that I love completely...but Opus was forever gone.
Its not something we ever want to do, but we have too, its the price of having their love and companionship...they do count on us to be ready to also do for them what they can't do for themselves.
your not killing her, your putting her at peace because you love her, she knows that b/c you've shown her that love everyday of her little life....she'll no longer suffer but you will for quite awhile.....
my heart goes out to you, I think making the decision is the hardest part...than the grief before the healing.
God bless my friend, you all have my prayers♥
by saying I can identify means little, but I can. I worked most of my life in palliative care...saw more deaths than I can count. some peaceful and a blessing, some just darn right heartbreaking especially when its a youngster taken much before their time. I did become hardened, I had too or I couldn't have continued in my chosen profession.....but there were times that left huge marks on my heart, that I'll never forget.
Saying all that....I think you're alot like me, saw alot of death but none so heartbreaking as when we loose those that are close to us personally....and that most definitely includes my very dear beloved pets and yours too my friend.
I could write a book on my forever buddy OPUS, he was the best. he was taken much too soon as the case with Kessie. and Pip what made it even harder was the same fact that I had to make the call.....it perhaps in rights should have been made even sooner, but I couldn't. that I grieve for too. to be the one playing God and saying 'its enough' is perhaps the hardest thing I've ever had to do.....
I had the Vet come to our home that last morning, he sat with us for awhile until he felt I was ready....than he quietly slipped out the door, leaving my Opus with me for the rest of the day until I could gain the courage to bring him in for cremation. still I had to call the clinic one last time that night before it closed, to have him just go and check the box...just to 'be sure'...he wasn't just laying there alone and sleeping...I knew he wasn't for he was unmistakeably gone before I took him in, but I just HAD TO BE reassured one last time.
I went thru a very bad time after this for awhile, I still had 3 more kitties at home that I love completely...but Opus was forever gone.
Its not something we ever want to do, but we have too, its the price of having their love and companionship...they do count on us to be ready to also do for them what they can't do for themselves.
your not killing her, your putting her at peace because you love her, she knows that b/c you've shown her that love everyday of her little life....she'll no longer suffer but you will for quite awhile.....
my heart goes out to you, I think making the decision is the hardest part...than the grief before the healing.
God bless my friend, you all have my prayers♥
Anita is very hesitant about making the Last Visit, feels somewhat that we are killing our cat and then just getting on a plane to go back east.
(I could not write this without stopping to sob for several minutes.)
I have had to do some very hard and harsh things at times in my life. I have been a cold and callous individual at times. I have killed a man, in the line of duty, which I was finally able to tell Anita about just after last Thanksgiving (over 27 years after the event).
But, making this decision, for a little creature that gives love so willingly and without reservation, it's like if someone was forcing me to harm my grand babies: Parker, Zoey or Naomi.
This cat, this unique creature, has been a part of my life for over 1/5 of that life. She's never called me dad, but she has cheered me up in so many ways.
Kessie, and our other kitties (past and present) have given me affection and attention when I have felt so low that whale poo has been my roofing material.
Kessie is 12 (abt 68 in human years), but we are used to our kitties living much longer: Cerrie was 16 (abt 84), Victoria was 17 1/2 (abt 90) and Cammie was 21 1/3 (abt 105)...Tuna, who showed up the night that my mom and dad had a BBQ to celebrate Anita and I getting engaged made it to 16. Dancer died from a maloccurrence at the vet's at 6 1/2 (abt 46), which was a very great shock.
There are 1000's of people I'd stab in the gut with a horse manure encrusted spike before I'd even begin to accept that this is the way that Kessie was meant to go.
A gentle, affectionate beast should not be ended this way.
(I could not write this without stopping to sob for several minutes.)
I have had to do some very hard and harsh things at times in my life. I have been a cold and callous individual at times. I have killed a man, in the line of duty, which I was finally able to tell Anita about just after last Thanksgiving (over 27 years after the event).
But, making this decision, for a little creature that gives love so willingly and without reservation, it's like if someone was forcing me to harm my grand babies: Parker, Zoey or Naomi.
This cat, this unique creature, has been a part of my life for over 1/5 of that life. She's never called me dad, but she has cheered me up in so many ways.
Kessie, and our other kitties (past and present) have given me affection and attention when I have felt so low that whale poo has been my roofing material.
Kessie is 12 (abt 68 in human years), but we are used to our kitties living much longer: Cerrie was 16 (abt 84), Victoria was 17 1/2 (abt 90) and Cammie was 21 1/3 (abt 105)...Tuna, who showed up the night that my mom and dad had a BBQ to celebrate Anita and I getting engaged made it to 16. Dancer died from a maloccurrence at the vet's at 6 1/2 (abt 46), which was a very great shock.
There are 1000's of people I'd stab in the gut with a horse manure encrusted spike before I'd even begin to accept that this is the way that Kessie was meant to go.
A gentle, affectionate beast should not be ended this way.
So sorry to hear she's not getting better, Pip. I know you've done everything that can be done for her. She's not in pain....maybe the new antibiotic will work. Know that I'll keep you and Kessie in my prayers.
Thinking about you all, ginger just lost her dog/companion so I have attached my prayers to those I am sending to her .We all know how special animals are ..hugs margxx
I am with you and Anita, Kip....tears fill my eyes as I read this post.
She isn't suffering, as us may during our last days here....that is the great gift you give her now.
Like you, I want my ashes mingled with my kits. In this life and the afterlife...together, physically and spiritually.
Love to you, Anita, and Kessie...
She isn't suffering, as us may during our last days here....that is the great gift you give her now.
Like you, I want my ashes mingled with my kits. In this life and the afterlife...together, physically and spiritually.
Love to you, Anita, and Kessie...
read somewhere not long ago that 'grief is the price of love' how so very true...as much as it always hurts so very badly to say goodbye, I know you are like me and still wouldn't have missed those years of love.
my hugs to you and family...♥
my hugs to you and family...♥
My eyes haven't been dry since Doc Knilans gave us the prognosis yesterday.
It is very hard losing a family member, especially when you know it's coming and will have to take an active part in what is truly an act of love in helping them pass on peacefully and in no pain.
She has been a good cat, and will remain so in our hearts so long as we live.
It is very hard losing a family member, especially when you know it's coming and will have to take an active part in what is truly an act of love in helping them pass on peacefully and in no pain.
She has been a good cat, and will remain so in our hearts so long as we live.
Crying...
I have something I wrote someday about our angels,never posted till now cos I didnt want people sad while reading,the way I was that day I wrote .
Maybe I still do it.For all of us who care, furry or not...
I have something I wrote someday about our angels,never posted till now cos I didnt want people sad while reading,the way I was that day I wrote .
Maybe I still do it.For all of us who care, furry or not...
I bought 6 of her favorite fish flavors (including tuna). We put up baby gates at the 2 doorways into the kitchen so she can eat undisturbed by her sister Hildie (biggest mooch on the planet).
Right now, Kessie is in her favorite spot, behind the drapes looking out at the bird feeders.
I have in my will that when I am cremated, the cremains of our kitties go up in smoke with me: Queen Victoria Grey, Calamity Jane Grey, April Dancer, Cerridwen Blythe and (it appears) Silver Kestrel the Ransacker.
Except for her being extremely skinny, it is hard to tell that Kessie is terminal.
I have learned from her, make every minute count.
Right now, Kessie is in her favorite spot, behind the drapes looking out at the bird feeders.
I have in my will that when I am cremated, the cremains of our kitties go up in smoke with me: Queen Victoria Grey, Calamity Jane Grey, April Dancer, Cerridwen Blythe and (it appears) Silver Kestrel the Ransacker.
Except for her being extremely skinny, it is hard to tell that Kessie is terminal.
I have learned from her, make every minute count.
poor little baby....my heart goes out to you all, at least she's not suffering Pip..thats one consolation, by all means give the little darling everything her dear little heart desires...you've given her a good happy life and have done all anyone could do, you'll know when its time.
yes life does seem to go on♥
yes life does seem to go on♥
I hope you and your kitty are settling in okay.
Thank you for the kind thoughts.
Thank you for the kind thoughts.
awwww Pip am so sorry about Kessie , I have been busy moving and had no chance to keep up, my best thoughts are with you and Kessie
Thanks again all for the well wishes and helpful words along the way.
Unfortunately, Doc Knilans is as sure as he can be without the endoscopy that is is intestinal lymphoma, palpitating Kessie's belly, he found another growth from April's visit. She's also down to 6 1/2# where she was 7 1/2# last time.
We're going to continue the Prednisone at a slightly lower dose along with the new antibiotic as palliative care. So, we're basically doing kitty hospice right now.
At the rate she's been slipping, probably just another 2 weeks.
Doc said feed Kessie her favorite foods, as there is no harm to be done. She ate a nice portion of kitty tuna tonight.
He also looked over everything we've been giving her (SEB, probiotic, vitamin supplement, old-style Kao and Metamucil...) said we've done everything he would recommend. He supports our decision to not do any invasive procedures.
Missy Kessie had a good 12 years with us, much more than so many kitties out there get to enjoy.
When loved one dies, it's often said
That life goes on, you must know this
That is a truth, but leaves out this
That life goes on, without loved one
Pip's Sayings - Verse 240
She's been a sweet, undemanding, quiet little companion and we are already starting to miss her.
Unfortunately, Doc Knilans is as sure as he can be without the endoscopy that is is intestinal lymphoma, palpitating Kessie's belly, he found another growth from April's visit. She's also down to 6 1/2# where she was 7 1/2# last time.
We're going to continue the Prednisone at a slightly lower dose along with the new antibiotic as palliative care. So, we're basically doing kitty hospice right now.
At the rate she's been slipping, probably just another 2 weeks.
Doc said feed Kessie her favorite foods, as there is no harm to be done. She ate a nice portion of kitty tuna tonight.
He also looked over everything we've been giving her (SEB, probiotic, vitamin supplement, old-style Kao and Metamucil...) said we've done everything he would recommend. He supports our decision to not do any invasive procedures.
Missy Kessie had a good 12 years with us, much more than so many kitties out there get to enjoy.
When loved one dies, it's often said
That life goes on, you must know this
That is a truth, but leaves out this
That life goes on, without loved one
Pip's Sayings - Verse 240
She's been a sweet, undemanding, quiet little companion and we are already starting to miss her.
Sorry for the news - for sure you are doing always the best for poor Kessie.
Hope the new antibiotic helps somehow...
As said ZQ, all of us here will keep praying and wanting the the best for you and your children.
Count on good vibes from Mc Cats family and me as well.
Tight hugs!
Hope the new antibiotic helps somehow...
As said ZQ, all of us here will keep praying and wanting the the best for you and your children.
Count on good vibes from Mc Cats family and me as well.
Tight hugs!
Hi Pip, I'm sorry to hear that Kessie is still not doing well. I also understand completely that you don't want to put her through the endoscopy in her weakened state.
I think that you're making good decisions concerning your girl, and also think you're being wise in trying to see how she does w/ the antibiotic! You're definitely doing all the right things, and Kessie couldn't ask for better parents than you and Anita! =)
Gentle hugs to you as you go through this rough time!
Know that all of us on the forum are saying prayers and want the best for you and your children. We're all sending many positive vibes your way!
Hugs
ZQ
I think that you're making good decisions concerning your girl, and also think you're being wise in trying to see how she does w/ the antibiotic! You're definitely doing all the right things, and Kessie couldn't ask for better parents than you and Anita! =)
Gentle hugs to you as you go through this rough time!
Know that all of us on the forum are saying prayers and want the best for you and your children. We're all sending many positive vibes your way!
Hugs
ZQ
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