Conference misery::feline_v1

    Andrea, my thoughts and prayers are with you.  I know how scared
    you are but Bigfoot is in the best possible hands right now.  I
    hope that everything will be okay and you'll have Bigfoot back home
    with you soon.
    
    Hang in there.  We're here for you.
    
    
    /Roberta
    

    Tufts is the best place for Bigfoot to be for an emergency.  They have
    taken good care of Black Thunder.  Please let us know how Bigfoot is
    doing.
    
    Sandi (mom to Lightning, DejaVu & Thunder)
    
    

    Try not to worry!
    
    Bigfoot's in good hands and you can be assured that they'll do all they
    can for him.  Just keep thinking positively, and don't let the
    "What-if's" get you down.
    
    All will be well.  Please keep us posted--we care.
    
    Love,
    
    Jane and "Billie"

    
    As others have said, Bigfoot is in very good hands.  If it is something
    that needs experts, Tufts has got to be the place to be.
    
    Maybe Bigfoot will get a degree like Thunder (is that the right one)
    got.
    
    Faith
    

    
    Andrea,
    
    My prayers are with you and Bigfoot...  please keep us posted...
    
    Lynn
    

         Don't want to say this too loudly just in case, but it looks like
    Bigfoot is doing better!
    
         They didn't get too much fluid from him, but what they got was
    inflammatory fluid, no bacteria (means no rupture) and not FIP-type
    fluid.  It could be that one of his organs is inflammed and caused that
    fluid to occur.
    
         There is no obstruction.
    
         Not all of the blood tests are back, but those that are back are
    normal.  The FIP titer won't be back until early next week, but
    indications are that it isn't that.
    
         They are going to try him with food/water.  If he takes
    food/water, and if he keeps it down, he can come home.  If he doesn't
    do one or the other or both, he must stay until Monday.
    
         If his pancreas or other organs are inflammed, they will give him
    strictly intravenous fluids and keep his stomach clear, so he can heal
    on his own.
    
         Looks like he will pull through.  He is stable, and his attitude
    is good (must mean he's shredding vets again 8-) !).
    
                                       Thanks again for everything!
    
                                       - Andrea
    
    P.S.  Will be gone for a week's vacation, so see you on the 31st!
                                         

    Hurray for Bigfoot.  Please fill us in when you get back.
    

    Andrea,
    
    Best of luck to you and Bigfoot--let's hope he's busy eating all
    his food so he can keep up his strength.  After all, he's got a
    lot of doctors to shred!!
    
    Jill  

    We (myself and the furry foursome) will keep our fingers (or toes)
    crossed for you and Bigfoot.  Good Luck.
        Nancy

    Hi All,
    
         Thank you for all your support and kindness.  Bigfoot is doing
    much better.
    
         My mother and I went to Montreal Tuesday through Thursday. 
    Thought it would be a nice vacation and change of pace.  However
    Wednesday night my husband called to say that one of cats, Fluffy, was
    in the hospital.  He had suddenly taken sick, so he took him to Tufts. 
    Fluffy was totally anemic, so they gave him a transfusion which he
    wasn't supposed to survive, but did.  But early Thursday morning,
    around 3:00 AM, Fluffy suffered total heart/lung collapse.  He was on
    complete life support and, with no hope, my husband said rightly to let
    Fluffy pass on.
    
         Fluffy never showed that he was in any kind of problem, and
    believe me we watch over our boys like hawks.  It was just so sudden. 
    The vets think it was leukemia, not FeLV but just regular leukemia.
    
         I feel so empty and angry.  This should have shown up somewhere;
    all three went in for their physicals five weeks ago and had their FIP
    tests; Fluffy was negative as always.  But shouldn't the anemia have
    shown up *somewhere*??  How can a cat get totally anemic in five weeks
    time?
    
         Loki and especially Bigfoot are taking it hard.  The poor things. 
    I wish we could comfort them somehow.
    
         We are having Fluffy cremated and should have him back in a couple
    of weeks.  We miss him so much.

    I'm sorry to hear about Fluffy.  Its so hard when a cat dies
    suddenly like that.  Perhaps you should have an autopsy done
    if that's still an option.
      I have added Fluffy's name to the FY90 Q1 Silver Lining
    Memorial list and we will remember Fluffy in our next gift.
      Nancy DC
    

    Andrea, my condolensces abound.  I was so sorry to read about Fluffy.
    Sudden death is so painful and the questions it leaves in your mind
    are even more difficult to cope with.  However, cats are very good
    at recognizing their limitations and functioning normally with them.
    Oftentimes it is very difficult for us humans to know when they
    are hurting, especially when there is no physical pain involved.
    You and your husband did nothing wrong and there is no way you could
    have foreseen this coming.  Both of you gave Fluffy a wonderful,
    quality life and he knew that.  Take comfort in knowing that Fluffy
    was loved and loved you back.  The memories you have of him will
    always be with you.  Time will heal the pain you are feeling.  I
    never thought the empty feeling inside of me would go away after
    Shelby died but it did.  Keep asking questions and finding answers
    if it will make you feel better.  And never, EVER, blame yourself.
    
    Thinking of you,
    
    /Roberta
    

    Andrea
    
    I am sorry to hear about Fluffy.  The anemia wouldn't have shown
    up on the regular titer test that was run on Fluffy.  They would
    have had to run a CBC to discover that, and if there is no reason
    to do a CBC, a vet usually won't just automatically do them.
    
    Hang in there, and give your other cats a big hug, they are probably
    missing Fluffy too.
    
    Jo

         I really appreciate your condolences and support.
    
         Loki, whom Fluffy used to terrorize, doesn't really seem to be
    reacting.   Either he doesn't understand, or he doesn't miss Fluffy
    (can't blame him, Fluff was a little terror ;-) ).
    
         Bigfoot, though, is missing Fluffy terribly.  Either he doesn't
    accept the fact the Fluffy is gone (he practically died at home, so he
    should *know*), or he believe that Fluff got out and wants to bring him
    home.  He, who became indoor only as well as Fluffy instead of
    indoor/outdoor when they moved in, accepted the change well, never
    crying to go out.  Now, however, he is crying to go out.  We, of
    course, will not let him out, as he might never return :-( .  Wish we
    could explain to Bigfoot that Fluffy isn't coming back ...
    
         Can anyone think of a way to ease Bigfoot's grief?  He is eating,
    drinking, using the box and socializing with us, but he also goes off
    by himself and stares out the window, or sleeps in places that Fluffy
    used to sleep.  Or should we just let him grieve his own way?
    
                                          - Andrea

    Andrea -
      You could consider another kitten.  That would hopefully, distract
    Bigfoot.  Were they playmates?
      Animals grieve, just like humans and like humans, they need to work
    it out on their own.  He'll come around.  I agree with your not
    letting him outside.
      It must be hard to know he's grieving and be unable to make it
    "all better".
       Nancy DC

    Andrea, when Shelby died, Kelsey became very dependent on Dana and
    I.  Normally very independent and a tad antisocial, he became an
    intregal part of our daily activities.  He would follow me downstairs
    in the morning as I was leaving for work and wrap his two front
    paws around my legs crying for me not to go.  When I returned home
    from work at night, he would be my constant shadow and continually
    cried at the doors and windows (he is leash trained but wanted out
    every second of the day).  When Kirby arrived, Kelsey was back to his
    old self within a matter of days.  They are the best of buddies
    and Kelsey no longer "needs" us like he used to.  His old habits
    immediately returned and although I miss his dependence, I am glad
    he has a new brother to play with.
    
    You might not be ready for a new addition now and that's okay. 
    Bigfoot will grieve for a time but he'll be okay too.  This is just
    an example of what we went through recently and a new kitten was
    just the right antectode for Kelsey, not to mention Dana and I.
    Both you and your husband certainly have a lot of love to give to
    a new furface.  I hope that soon, you will be adding to your kitty
    family!
    
    Take care,
    
    
    /Roberta

    Hi Nancy and Roberta,
    
         We considered getting an addition, but we don't know if it would
    be such a good idea.  Bigfoot is old (at least 11, probably older) and
    set in his ways; my husband tells me it took a *long* time for him to
    adjust to Fluffy four years ago.  Then, of course, we have the problem
    of two FIP-positive kitties.  The vets keep going back and forth about
    FIP, but it seems that they would expose the new arrival to it, and
    that would certainly not be good.  Of course Fluffy was FIP-negative;
    our new kitty might or might not get the disease.  It's so hard to
    tell.
    
         We're going to watch the boys for now.  Definitely if we get down
    to one (or zero) we would get more, after the quarrantine period (if
    there is one) is over.  And we will see.  If Bigfoot and/or Loki looks
    like he/they need another companion, we will be happy to oblige them
    ;-) , as long as the new arrival wouldn't be in any danger.
    
                                      - Andrea

    Andrea
    Sorry to go off the subject, but how are the titers doing?  I am
    very interested in FIP, and would be grateful if you could share
    the numbers with me.
    
    Jo

    Hi Jo,
    
         Let's see.  On New Year's Eve when we took Bigfoot in for
    emergency treatment, his titer was 1:2048.  Later that month we took
    Fluffy and Loki in; their titers were 1:256 and 1:2048 respectively.
    
         In March we had all three tested again.  Bigfoot and Loki were
    both 1:4096, Fluffy was still 1:256.
    
         In June another round.  Bigfoot and Loki dropped back to 1:2048,
    Fluffy went even more negative at 1:128.
    
         When Bigfoot went in a couple of weeks ago for a small amount of
    abdominal fluid, his titer was 1:2048.  The fluid, though not a good
    sign, was of a very small amount and didn't have the characteristics of
    FIP fluid, whatever those are.  The vet explained though that since
    both Bigfoot and Loki are positive, they are exposing each other
    constantly so the titers may fluctuate up and down.  If we can get the
    levels to 1:1024 or lower, though, that will be a kind of remission.
    
         All in all a nerve-wracking process.  We are grateful for each day
    we have with them.  This is probably why Fluffy's illness was so
    devastating; we were expecting Bigfoot or Loki to go, not him.  Sigh.
    
         Does that help?
    
                                           - Andrea

    Andrea,
    
    Thanks, yes is does help.  I have been interested in learning about
    what titers are considered high, and which are not.  Of course,
    that varies depending on which vet you talk to.  FIP is a scarey
    disease...there is just not enough known about it.  I am glad to
    see that your titers are back down.  That is good news.  
    
    When the titer was in the 1:4000 (?) range, was there any difference
    in the cat's behavior?  Could you tell he was higher without the
    number?
    
    I know what you mean about not expecting to lose Fluffy.  All your
    worries were wrapped up in the ones that were showing a titer. 
    I hope that time will help heal the pain in your heart.
    
    Jo

    Hi Jo,
    
         Thank you again.  Time is slowly healing; each day is a little
    easier and though the pain is there and I expect it to be there for a
    *long* time, I am starting to remember the good things without breaking
    down.  At least now I can look at pictures of him.
    
         My vet believes that titers at 2000+ are "bad", i.e. the disease
    is active.  If we were to get titers down to 1:1024, that would be
    considered "remission".  I'm told that I am lucky to have had them this
    long; many cats get 2000's then 4000's and not long after that are
    lost.
    
         They really didn't act any differently when their titers went up
    to 4000, nor when they went back down to 2000.  They seem to take
    things one day at a time and not really show any problems.  Loki hasn't
    shown anything at all so far (knock wood!), so the titer on him came as
    a surprise.  Bigfoot has been in twice now, both times just acting sick
    (big eyes, scrunched up, leave me the h*ll alone attitude); the second
    time they took a small amount of fluid which they still can't explain,
    but that doesn't sound good.  He and Loki are acting normal again,
    though, so I just don't understand it.  The disease is frustrating for
    pet, owner and vet.
    
         It's kind of like living with little timebombs, never knowing when
    they will go off, and so cherishing each and every day.  In that way I
    feel a little guilty about Fluffy, believing that he would always be
    there, but I have to believe that Fluffy didn't feel neglected or left
    out, that he understood that his brothers were sick and so needed extra
    watching.  I just wish cats weren't so darned stoic and *told* their
    owners that they were hurting sooner, when something might be able to
    be done.
    
                                        - Andrea

         Just wanted to let you all know how the story ends ...
    
         We picked up Fluffy's ashes from Tufts last night.  We had him
    cremated individually, and his ashes were returned in a solid marble
    urn (white, with a few streaks of grey and black).  The people at
    Tufts were marvelous, settling the paperwork and our account with their
    usual efficiency and gentleness.  They had set aside his kennel, collar
    and tag as we had requested.
    
         When we got home, we put his collar/tag around the urn (his name
    wasn't on it, so that is how we decided to make it his).  Right now we
    have his urn on a shelf in the bookcase near our bed; when I complete
    the cabinet with glass doors that I am planning to build for the living
    room, he will move in there.
    
         Maybe it sounds silly, but it is nice to have him home rather than
    in some strange place.  Makes his life with us somehow complete.
    
                                        - Andrea

    Andrea,
    
    We did the same thing with Jesse James when he died.  It took me
    about four months to get up the courage to go and pick up his ashes
    though.  It was very hard and I cried the whole way home.
    
    Jo

    Andrea -
      Your feelings are what count.  It doesn't matter what other
    people think about this.  Personally, I understand it completely
    and I don't think its odd at all.
      Nancy DC
    

         We came home last night to find that someone had vomited and
    Bigfoot was on the spare bed.  Loki was acting his normal self, but
    Bigfoot cried when we tried to pick him up, so it was a pretty good bet
    that it was he who vomited.

         They just had their FIP titers checked last Monday.  Loki's was
    the same, but Bigfoot's was up to 1:8192.  Not good at all.

         We are hoping that he picked up a stomach virus or flu from the
    vet's.  They said that if it wasn't for the FIP, it wouldn't be
    something to worry about (dehydration, but at least his kidneys are
    functioning), but with the FIP, it's tough to say.

         I guess I'm asking for prayers (again) for Bigfoot.  Having just
    lost one cat six months ago, we aren't ready (not that we would ever 
    be) to lose another one so soon.

    					- Andrea

    Poor Bigfoot! I hope he gets better soon. I don't really understand what
    an FIP titer is, but I hope its not serious.
    
    I think Bigfoot is a really great name!!
    
    Give him extra snuggles from us,
    
    
    Lisa, Percy and Pookie
    
    

    Andrea, prayers and well wishes for Bigfoot from all of us.
    
    --Roberta, Nikki, T.K., Kelsey, Kirby and Murdock
    

    Poor  Bigfoot. I hope he feels better soon.  I asked the Lord to
    take care of him and make him better. 
    
    Hugs
    
    Flo

    Andrea - our thoughts and prayers will be with Bigfoot too.  
    Keep us posted.
      Nancy DC

    Hi all,
    
         Bigfoot is still in the hospital, but the prognosis is better.  He
    has a mild case of pancreatitis (sp?), and they said that the treatment
    for that was simply taking nothing by mouth for 36 hours, then a gentle
    reintroduction to food/water.  So this morning, they will take him off
    the IV and offer him food/water.  If he takes it and keeps it down, he
    will be able to go home soon.  If he refuses (which he did last time),
    they will send him home if he is stable with instructions to see if he
    eats and watch if he keeps it down; if not, he will have to return.
    
         I saw him last night and brought him some of his normal food (he
    won't eat their food ;-) ) - the poor cat has no fur left!!  They shaved
    his belly to do the ultrasound, they shaved his neck to do blood tests,
    and they shaved both front paws for the IV.  It'll take him months to
    grow it back ;-) but I realize it was necessary.  When I saw him they took
    him off the IV so he had the tube in his paw inside a big sock-like
    thing.  I felt so bad for him, but he looks a whole lot better and
    purred and purred and curled up in my lap.  They said I could visit as
    long as I wanted (even stay overnight - but I have Loki and a husband
    at home ;-) ), and I stayed for about 45 minutes just holding him and
    talking to him while he purred the whole time.  I could tell he was
    kind of weak, but he was responsive and, I think, wants to go home!
    
         Lisa, FIP is a fatal disease, similar to AIDS in humans where the
    test doesn't mean that he has it.  There is no treatment, no cure, at
    the present time.  Having a titer, from what I understand, means that
    he has been exposed to FIP, but it does not mean that he has an active
    case of it.  The titer's going up, though, is not a good sign.  
    
         The good news, however, is the results of the ultrasound.  The vet 
    explained that when FIP is active, there are spots (lesions? masses? I 
    didn't quite understand) that show up on the organs in the ultrasound.  
    Well, Bigfoot doesn't have any!!!  So at least the FIP isn't advanced; 
    why the titer went up is anybody's guess.  And there are no tumors; his 
    kidneys are normal, his liver and spleen are a little small but nothing 
    to worry about (for now) and he seems to be okay.  The pancreatitis
    caused a local peritonitis, which means that he got a little fluid in
    his belly (which is something that FIP does), but that fluid is a
    normal side-effect of the pancreatitis and so nothing to worry about
    unless it continues.
    
         Now the big challenge is can he eat/drink and keep it down?  If
    not, I don't know what the next step is.
    
         Keeping my fingers and toes crossed - I miss my boy!!!
    
    					- Andrea

    Sounds promising! Keep it up!
    
    Thanks for the explanation of FIP, I hope Bigfoot gets better.
    
    Lisa, Percy & Pookie.
    
    

    Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't it FIV that is similar
    to AIDS (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and Not FIP??
    

    FIV is the one that they call Feline Aids, but Andrea is correct
    in the analogy between FIP and it's outlook and the human AIDS virus.
    Basically, you can test positive for the HIV virus, but not get
    aids.  Same with FIP.  You can have a high titer for it, but still
    not get it.  Many things can affect the titer.  During periods of
    stress, the titer can go up.  This thing with Bigfoot's pancreas
    is a source of stress on his body, and could have caused his titer
    to rise.  Also, if he was dehydrated, that could have an effect
    on the titer too.
    
    Andrea, you and Bigfoot are in my prayers.  I wish the best for
    you.  Let us know how he is doing.
    
    Jo

         Well, I was able to bring Bigfoot home last night.  When I went to
    pick him up, one of the ICU people brought him up and, when he saw me,
    he reached out both his front paws as if to hug me (sniff).  I think he
    knew he was coming home.
    
         Once home he drank lots of water and ate quite a bit; you could
    tell he was a little weak and very tired, but he stayed in the living
    room with us until we went to bed (usually he waits for us to come to
    bed) and slept with us all night.  Happy kitty, purring the whole time.
    
         This morning he was kind of loggy and didn't want to eat, but I'm
    assuming that's because he ate so much last night and was just full. 
    We'll see if he eats tonight; he should be hungry by then.
    
         He's on R/D (no fat - I guess fat is bad for the pancreas) which
    is good, since Loki needs to lose a couple of pounds.  They both
    chomped into it last night, and I'm hoping they continue chomping into
    it.  I guess no more 9-Lives for them.
    
         Thanks so much for the prayers and well-wishes.  Bigfoot goes back
    in two weeks for a re-test of his pancreatic enzymes and blood (he
    didn't seem to be regenerating his blood too well, but they want him to
    be home and calm, maybe that will help); he's got low-grade anemia, but
    maybe he'll be able to get back on track at home.
                                                
         We're so *happy* to have him home!
    
    					- Andrea

    
    Andrea -
      The Biliary system - gall bladder, pancreas and I'm not sure
    what else - is involved in the digestion of fats and other materials.
    Bile - stored in the gall bladder - is a fat emusifier.  That's
    why folks with cholesystitis (sp?) (inflamation of the gallbladder) 
    are put on low fat diets.  I know the pancreas produces some enzymes
    used in digestion (as well as insulin) but I don't remember
    exactly what types of food they are for.  Nursing school was a long
    time ago (1973-74) and I've gotten rid of most of the books by now.
      Real Glad Bigfoot is home!
       Nancy DC
    

         Bigfoot went in for his follow-up checkup yesterday, and they found a
    shadow on the x-ray.  We waited while they did an ultrasound, and there
    is something there that wasn't there two weeks ago.  It could be
    adhesions on the intestines, or the FIP kicking up.
    
         I brought my boy into the hospital this morning.  He is to be
    scheduled for surgery tomorrow.  And I'm scared.
    
         Without the surgery, he wouldn't last much longer, so his only
    chance is the surgery.  I know we've made the right decision there.  If
    they find FIP, then there's nothing that can be done and he may have to
    be put down.  If they find adhesions, they will remove them, but they
    could recur.  And since the pancreas will be handled, that might flare
    up again.  There is even the possibility of his becoming diabetic.
    
         The vet thinks that he will pull through the surgery okay (even at
    the age of 11+), but it all depends on what this "thing" is what the
    prognosis is.
    
         This will make four times in one year that Bigfoot has been in the
    hospital.
    
         He knows we love him, we've done all the right things, but I'm
    still scared ...
    
         My boy needs your prayers ...
    
    					- Andrea
                                      

Andrea,

I'll remember your little boy and you, too, in my prayers.  He knows you
love him!!

Mary

    
    
    Andrea....I will send Bigfoot healing thoughts too.
    
    Carole

    Andrea,
    
    You and Bigfoot will be in my prayers too.  
    
    Jo

    
    I'll be thinking of Bigfoot.....
    
    Michele

         Thanks, everybody, you're support means so much to me.  The big
    guy's been sick before, but *surgery* scares me.  At least I know it
    is the only chance he has, so that makes me feel a little better.
    
         He's scheduled for 12:00 noon today.
    
    					- Andrea

    We'll all be thinking of both of you today at noon and through the
    afternoon!
    
    	Pennie and...
    	
    	Coo, Karma, Frosty Man, HopeyCat, Willow, L'il Blue, Farina,
    	and assorted kittens [oh I HOPE I didn't leave anyone out!]

    I hope Bigfoot is OK.
    
    Good Luck, both of you.
    
    
    Lisa plus Percy and Pookie.
    
    

         Bigfoot made it through the surgery!!!!!  In fact, he may be home
    today or tomorrow!!  We saw him Sunday and Monday, and he looked great!

         They took  out  a huge cystic mass on his pancreas, and had to 
    take out part of his pancreas and his entire spleen. They are doing a 
    biopsy today, but it looks  like it is probably malignant. The surgeon 
    said that she found little poppy-seed  like things all through his 
    abdomen, and she couldn't remove them all.  Bigfoot  lost  a  lot  of  
    blood during the operation, so he needed a transfusion, but he made it!  
    What a fighter!

         If it  is  benign,  then  they  have probably cured him. If it is 
    malignant, there  are  several  options,  but  the  prognosis is probably 
    6 months to 2 years. Even 6 months would be worth it. We'll have to see 
    what the treatment (probably  chemo) involves; if they can do it and give 
    him a good quality of life, it'll be worth it; if he will suffer horribly 
    though, it may be better to let him go.  We'll have to decide once the 
    biopsy comes through, sometime this afternoon.

         But he looks great and is anxious to come home!!

         Hope you had a good New Year; Bigfoot's recovery was our New
    Year's gift!

					- Andrea
                                                  

    Sounds like *good* news!!! Keep it up Bigfoot!!!!!!!!
    
    
    Lisa plus Percy and Pookie
    
    

    Andrea, 
    
    That is terrific news!  I will be praying that the mass was benign.
    Bigfoot definitely is a tough cookie.
    
    Jo

         The biopsy came back and it was ... BENIGN!!!  The surgeon seemed
    really surprised, but very happy.  Bigfoot can come home tonight if he
    kept his food down last night!
    
         He goes back in two weeks for suture removal and another belly
    x-ray, to make sure this problem hasn't recurred.
    
         I can't believe it!  Bigfoot must be one tough cookie, Jo.  I
    guess we've started the New Year right with two miracles, Bigfoot's
    survival and the benign results.  Your prayers must have helped, and I
    thank you all for them.
    
    					- Andrea

    Alright Bigfoot!!!!!!!  Andrea, that's great! 

    Hurray, Bigfoot!
    
    karen, Sweetie, Holly, and Little Bit
    

    Some good news at last.
    
    From my little corner of the world, the news has been pretty grim
    for the last year or so. Many have lost pets, and others have had their
    pets endure terrible sicknesses.
    
    Give Bigfoot and extra hg from us, and we'll hope for his continued
    recovery.
    
    Barbara, Mocha, and Ming

    Glad to hear that Bigfoot is doing better !!!!!
    
    Kirk

    GREAT NEWS!!!!! HOORAY HOORAY!!!!!
    
    I had a really rotton day at work yesterday, so I didn't read the
    notes file in case it made me more miserable. I wish I had taken a
    peek!!!! I have been keeping Rob (my fiance) informed about Bigfoot
    and he was disappointed that I didn't have a progress report for
    him yesterday.
    
    I'm really pleased for both of you - can't stop grinning!!!!!!
    
    
    Lisa plus Percy and Pookie.
    
    
    

    Way to go, Bigfoot!!
    
    What a cat!!
    
    Jill
    

    Is Bigfoot OK now? Please let me know! I am hoping that no news
    is good news :-)
    
    Lisa (the curious one) plus P&P (the furry ones!)
    

    Hi Lisa,
    
         Bigfoot's been doing well so far - eating up a storm!!  He's been
    good about those stitches too.
    
         He goes in today for suture removal (hope they've healed enough!)
    and an x-ray (hope everything's okay).
    
         He's acting so much better; he's been sick for a year and
    only last month did they finally pin it down to that cyst.
    
         Thanks so much for asking!
    
    					- Andrea

    Progress sounds good - keep us informed!
    
    
    Lisa plus P&P
    

    Hi Gang,
    
         Well, Bigfoot went in last night for his follow-up x-rays and
    blood tests.  The vet also did an ultrasound (even though it wasn't
    indicated in the x-rays) just to make absolutely sure.
    
         The results are ... great!  The x-rays and ultrasound show nothing
    that isn't supposed to be there, only those things that *are* supposed
    to be there ;-) .  The blood work all came back normal; his blood count
    is a little lower than normal, but it is in the range on cats who don't
    have spleens, so that's okay.
    
         Next visit - six months!  A normal lifestyle at last!
    
         Thanks, everybody, for your concern and support; I really do
    appreciate it!!
    
    					- Andrea
    

    	Glad to hear Bigfoot is doing so well.
    
    	Kirk
    

    Ya gotta love that Bigfoot!  What a trooper he is.  I bet both of
    you will be happy about the "no vet visits for six months".  Here's
    to his continueing good health!
    
    Jo

    right on, bigfoot!
    
    diane, stella & stanley
    

    Great news! Keep it up Bigfoot!!
    
    
    Lisa plus P&P