BH is still in big trouble after returning from a 3 day ER stay last night - liver and ??

[Kwik]

When did she have PCP? Was diagnosis made following a biopsy?

One step at a time---- believe me,I hate cancer but it's not a death sentence either,after all- I'm still here and still "hoping" - so stay hopeful,no matter what and keep taking just one step at a time......and try not to project what may not come to pass and if it does then you discuss treatment,right now she needs nutrients and to be stable.....

I know you heart is aching for your little girl as it's been from the moment she got sick and I'm so sorry this is happening to her and for what you are going through- where there is LIFE there is HOPE

 

[FeralHearts]

When did she have PCP? Was diagnosis made following a biopsy?

About a year into the house and retired from her outside feral ways... she had a swollen foot. 2019. (In 2018 I had let the last vet she was brought in for limping but there was nothing showing at that time.) I took her in fall 2019 when the swelling started and they did a biopsy. Confirmed pillow foot. She also had an area on her belly that resolved that looked like granulomas but they went away and weren't tested. It was severe PCP.

It took an exceptionally long course of doxycycline to get rid of the plasma cell pododermatitis, but it never came back.

One step at a time---- believe me,I hate cancer but it's not a death sentence either,after all- I'm still here and still "hoping" - so stay hopeful,no matter what and keep taking just one step at a time......and try not to project what may not come to pass and if it does then you discuss treatment,right now she needs nutrients and to be stable.....

One step. One step.

I did trun her Ultrasound and blood through an AI... conclusion was the same as her vets before the biopsy and endo. Less likely to be cancer since the numbers did improve and that's not typical. Nor are the Ultrasound findings... so I'm holding on to that.

One step. That's not todays problem. *nods*

I know you heart is aching for your little girl as it's been from the moment she got sick and I'm so sorry this is happening to her and for what you are going through- where there is LIFE there is HOPE

It def aches and she's alone tonight and was it's storming and we just got a tornado warning.. I'm like "Are you kidding me?" Now it's stopped storming badly and the alert is gone and I took a breath in. I will be box breathing tonight.

where there is LIFE there is HOPE

This reminded me of lyrics from a band I adore: (Cruxshadows)

"Where there is love, there is life
And where there is life, there is hope
And in hope we find the sight to see
The essence of divinity "

 

[Kwik]

About a year into the house and retired from her outside feral ways... she had a swollen foot. 2019. (In 2018 I had let the last vet she was brought in for limping but there was nothing showing at that time.) I took her in fall 2019 when the swelling started and they did a biopsy. Confirmed pillow foot. She also had an area on her belly that resolved that looked like granulomas but they went away and weren't tested. It was severe PCP.

It took an exceptionally long course of doxycycline to get rid of the plasma cell pododermatitis, but it never came back.




One step. One step.

I did trun her Ultrasound and blood through an AI... conclusion was the same as her vets before the biopsy and endo. Less likely to be cancer since the numbers did improve and that's not typical. Nor are the Ultrasound findings... so I'm holding on to that.

One step. That's not todays problem. *nods*



It def aches and she's alone tonight and was it's storming and we just got a tornado warning.. I'm like "Are you kidding me?" Now it's stopped storming badly and the alert is gone and I took a breath in. I will be box breathing tonight.



This reminded me of lyrics from a band I adore: (Cruxshadows)

"Where there is love, there is life
And where there is life, there is hope
And in hope we find the sight to see
The essence of divinity "

Hang in there sweetheart

 

[FeralHearts]

She is home. With pure terror in my heart I did her first feeding. This was so far outside my comfort zone it wasn't even funny. I really thought I wasn't going to be able to do this - but I did. Slow and steady.

She was an angel and co-operated. I was surprised. I managed to get her food and one of her antibiotics in her. She has two she needs to take. Good pain meds and her liver protector.

Her numbers are going down again. This means liver cancer is less likely as numbers don't usually do that with liver cancer... but it is still on the table. A couple of other not-so-great things are as well... but we wait on the biopsy now. I so hope this gives us the info we need and we can treat her. I have to remember that's not today's' problem.

They wrapped her up really well and have made it such that I will bring her in once a week for a check and change. I don't think I would be ready for that so I'm relieved about that part.

She's resting in a heated bed with her blankie. She looks so peaceful. So nice to see that.

I'm having a lot of trouble with Charlie with her. So tonight I think I need to have her in my room with me and the door shut. I feel bad about that but he's really not co-operating. I'm gaba-gaba-doing him to try to keep him less crazy but I simply can't trusthim alone with her right now. I feel bad having to lock him and WL out - but I don't think I have a safer option.

I'll be home with her the next couple few days and be able to monitor the situation. I need to go into the office sat though. Then I will have another few days with her.

I've enclosed some more images. One I put in a spoiler as it does show the tube. Not gross, but it could be upsetting to some people so I want to respect that.

Spoiler

Hang in there sweetheart

We are hanging. One step at a time right? One step.

 

[Kwik]

She is home. With pure terror in my heart I did her first feeding. This was so far outside my comfort zone it wasn't even funny. I really thought I wasn't going to be able to do this - but I did. Slow and steady.

She was an angel and co-operated. I was surprised. I managed to get her food and one of her antibiotics in her. She has two she needs to take. Good pain meds and her liver protector.

Her numbers are going down again. This means liver cancer is less likely as numbers don't usually do that with liver cancer... but it is still on the table. A couple of other not-so-great things are as well... but we wait on the biopsy now. I so hope this gives us the info we need and we can treat her. I have to remember that's not today's' problem.

They wrapped her up really well and have made it such that I will bring her in once a week for a check and change. I don't think I would be ready for that so I'm relieved about that part.

She's resting in a heated bed with her blankie. She looks so peaceful. So nice to see that.

I'm having a lot of trouble with Charlie with her. So tonight I think I need to have her in my room with me and the door shut. I feel bad about that but he's really not co-operating. I'm gaba-gaba-doing him to try to keep him less crazy but I simply can't trusthim alone with her right now. I feel bad having to lock him and WL out - but I don't think I have a safer option.

I'll be home with her the next couple few days and be able to monitor the situation. I need to go into the office sat though. Then I will have another few days with her.

I've enclosed some more images. One I put in a spoiler as it does show the tube. Not gross, but it could be upsetting to some people so I want to respect that.

Spoiler

View attachment 484364

View attachment 484365




We are hanging. One step at a time right? One step.

Oh such a baby doll,she does look quite comfy- I'm sure she's plain tuckered out ,very happy to see her home

Good to have that weekly office visit in place- this way they can keep an eye on her tube as well and see thst all is well at the site,clean and rebamdage and wrap- so that must've alleviated some of the stress and concerns you had- that's wonderful

You did well- see? Of course you can do this,I knew you could!That is right dear friend- one step at a time,just stay in the present and NO projecting!!!

You know everyone is here for you and putting in our prayers or sending out good energy and well wishes for a full recovery..... Life=Hope,don't forget! Love you

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. I am sorry you both have been going through this.
So, does she have a PEG tube placed? It would go directly to the stomach.
when feeding, make sure the food is slightly warmer than room temperature. Don’t microwave food to heat it. Use double broiler method and stir well. Always double check the temperature.
Be sure to not leave the tube open on the end you are feeding. Be careful not to get any air in your syringe.
T FAST = Thoracic Focused Assessment For Trauma, Triage, and Tracking. Just FYI.
Did they mention Hepatic Lipidosis?
Definitely keep your other cat away from her. She doesn’t need any additional stress in her life.
Do you know how much fluids they were giving when giving SQ?
How is her breathing now? Keep a close eye on the bandage. Don’t let it get wet.
Is she on pain medication?
You might want to consider switching her to a very low sided litter-box, or even a cut down cardboard box on top of a heavy plastic bag to use as a litter box. You might want to either use shredded paper for litter or yesterdays news. ( paper litter product sold in pet stores) Reason is you don’t want a clay cat or clay to get under the bandage. Also after hospitalization she may need to urinate allot and not have the ability to keep her feet out of it. Then you have a cat with clay clumped on to their feet and that’s a nightmare to get off.
It’s important to keep her quiet and no jumping etc.
Cats can get ( bandage paralysis) my term for cats with an abdominal wrap that think they can’t move. Keep an eye on the bandage for any rolling up or shifting that could cause binding in the abdomen.

I hope she is back to normal soon.

 

[FeralHearts]

Second feeding and meds *thumbs up*

I've not slept much as she was restless all night. up, down, over me, on me rinse and repeat.

Oh such a baby doll,she does look quite comfy- I'm sure she's plain tuckered out ,very happy to see her home

Me too... thought Charlie I think wishes I had left her where she was.

Good to have that weekly office visit in place- this way they can keep an eye on her tube as well and see that all is well at the site,clean and rebandage and wrap- so that must've alleviated some of the stress and concerns you had- that's wonderful

That had me breathing a sigh of relief for sure.

I'm fortunate to have these lovely folks as their docs.

You did well- see? Of course you can do this,I knew you could!That is right dear friend- one step at a time,just stay in the present and NO projecting!!!

You know everyone is here for you and putting in our prayers or sending out good energy and well wishes for a full recovery..... Life=Hope,don't forget! Love you

Yes! You helped me believe I could. One step. One day. One hour.

It's funny. When I picked her up, her lovely Doc and I were discussing how amazing it is that animals like her are able to live in the present and all the things we could learn from that. I'm so glad they are all in her care. We've been making such good strides with them. I feel bad for her that she's inherited these disaster furkids from previous vets that have left... but glad for us that we have her.

Thank you for your prayers and good energy! It's been much appreciated. Love you too

Hi. I am sorry you both have been going through this.

Always nice to see you Silent Meowlook and thank you. It's been a tough year between her sisters passing and both Charlie and WL having crisis. I didn't see this one coming, or rather I thought last year after I said something wasn't right and we did a work up on her including the ultrasound that maybe I was being over worried and over sensitive after all. Apparently not.

So, does she have a PEG tube placed? It would go directly to the stomach.
when feeding, make sure the food is slightly warmer than room temperature. Don’t microwave food to heat it. Use double broiler method and stir well. Always double check the temperature.
Be sure to not leave the tube open on the end you are feeding. Be careful not to get any air in your syringe.

Yes, they won't do a esophageal one as they don't think it's a good idea at home and the nose one is absolutely unsafe for an untrained person at home.

Thank you. That helps as right now I was using warmed water like a baby. Double boiling would be easier to maintain a good temp. Microwaves - yup no way. There was a few tiny mixed air in the food this am at the very end I missed but I think it's okay. Like tiny air where you mixed it? Tiny bit. That be okay, or should I tap more if I see that?

I've been making sure I seal between the tube and the feeding syringe well. I'm going very very slow.

T FAST = Thoracic Focused Assessment For Trauma, Triage, and Tracking. Just FYI.

Thank you. I was told different and that makes way more sense. What's the A FAST?

Did they mention Hepatic Lipidosis?

Yes, and that's what they expected to find during the biopsy but they saw no indication of that. Which surprised everyone.

The other surprise seems to be that she is fully hydrated. In fact it appears that in ER she might have had an episode of fluid overload because of that.. and of course that's not their fault. Default for a cat is always hydration. It often makes them feel better.

Over the weekend one of the things i noted was that she appeared fully hydrated but her pee was bright yellow. Turns out I thought correctly and the bright yellow was Bilirubin in her urine.

Last night she peed two large ones within 3 hours of being home. Nice normal color.

Definitely keep your other cat away from her. She doesn’t need any additional stress in her life.

Yeah - I have to drug him with Gaba right now as he's being a bit of a menace. He wants to see her but they aren't exactly on good terms and although he is trying to be nice - she runs - he chases. So this is a bit of a challenge. It's been some work there but Gabapentin is my friend!

Do you know how much fluids they were giving when giving SQ?
How is her breathing now? Keep a close eye on the bandage. Don’t let it get wet.
Is she on pain medication?

I would have to check but I know when I asked for doing it at home at the start of all this it was 150-250ML they wanted in her.

When I feed her, I drape a towel around everything, gently and loosely, in case something unexpected happens. I figure that would be a good idea.

Her breathing is good now. It went a bit higher during her first feeding... but not like it was that one night that was giving me a heart failure.

Yes. I have Buprenorphine and some gabapentin if needed. Dose for the brup is 0.3 - that's knocking her right out and they said if it does that I can reduce a bit. The gaba is secondary if needed. I have a liquid and pill form. Pill is for Charlie right now. mostly.

She is also on two antibiotics. (Liquid that I place with her food.) Clavamox twice a day that has to be refrigerated and Veraflox (pradofloxacin) once a day.

You might want to consider switching her to a very low sided litter-box, or even a cut down cardboard box on top of a heavy plastic bag to use as a litter box. You might want to either use shredded paper for litter or yesterdays news. ( paper litter product sold in pet stores) Reason is you don’t want a clay cat or clay to get under the bandage. Also after hospitalization she may need to urinate allot and not have the ability to keep her feet out of it. Then you have a cat with clay clumped on to their feet and that’s a nightmare to get off.

I'm actually going out today to do that as that is exactly what happened last night. I hadn't even thought about that. Trying to clean it off her paw and legs last night was a complete nightmare and boy she got upset about that. I was growled at. I felt really bad for her.

So yup you are not kidding about a nightmare that was. Understatement. I should have had common sense about that but honestly wasn't even thinking about it. That should be in the take home rules. LOL

It’s important to keep her quiet and no jumping etc.

Working on that one. Easier said then done.

Cats can get ( bandage paralysis) my term for cats with an abdominal wrap that think they can’t move. Keep an eye on the bandage for any rolling up or shifting that could cause binding in the abdomen..

Her bandage is like fort knox. It's on imho tight with a tight Onesie over it. She falls over right now, like what you see in youtube videos of cats having harnesses placed on them for the first time.

Any thoughts on what I should I look for? This one is very new for me.

I hope she is back to normal soon.

Thanks.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. A FAST=Abdominal instead of Thoracic.

The keeping her quiet and no running etc is extremely important due to the liver biopsy and the feeding tube. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. Liver biopsy sites can bleed. Where the PEG tube goes into the stomach can become a serious liability if for some reason the air tight seal at the tube entrance Becomes compromised. Think stomach acid flowing in abdomen and air filling the stomach. Not trying to scare you, well, maybe a little, because you have to understand she needs to stay quiet.

What you would look for regarding the bandage, would be any signs of the ends rolling. You should be able to comfortably get a finger underneath the wrap. It should not rotate at all or that will cause the tube to move. Make sure she is able to breathe comfortably at all times.

I am not a veterinarian, so take this with a grain of salt. FLUIDS at 250mls SQ in any size cat is idiotic and begging for fluid volume overload. I don’t care if it is a hospital setting or at home, it is dangerous to do. One way to think of it is that you are adding 1/2 lb of fluid to a cat.
Many cats can tolerate this, but it can be deadly to the ones that can’t.
I give my 7lb cat with a heart murmur 50cc of fluids once or twice a day. With my 11 lb no heart issues ( knock on wood) I give him 75cc to 80cc once a day.
Just something to consider.

 

[F+V]

Me too... thought Charlie I think wishes I had left her where she was.

That's not nice

 

[FeralHearts]

Hi. A FAST=Abdominal instead of Thoracic.

Thank you.

The keeping her quiet and no running etc is extremely important due to the liver biopsy and the feeding tube. It shouldn’t be taken lightly. Liver biopsy sites can bleed. Where the PEG tube goes into the stomach can become a serious liability if for some reason the air tight seal at the tube entrance Becomes compromised. Think stomach acid flowing in abdomen and air filling the stomach. Not trying to scare you, well, maybe a little, because you have to understand she needs to stay quiet.

Good to scare me. Sometimes we need that smack and I'm one of those type that it's okay to smack me. Sometimes actually that's best. Fear can be a very good thing when used correctly. :-) As in this case.

I try not to go near or touch her tummy area at all. During and after feeding I do gently roll her to see if I see any fluids.

I will Continue on this path then. Drug Charlie and place her in my room when I can't be here, or awake, to stalk them. She sleeps most of the day, which I think is good. I wake her to feed her or medicate her. I got sit with her but mostly try to let her rest. I hate that I need to go into the office sat but I'll have the cams on her and will put her in my room to rest. Have to earn a living to pay for her vets bills. :-)

What you would look for regarding the bandage, would be any signs of the ends rolling. You should be able to comfortably get a finger underneath the wrap. It should not rotate at all or that will cause the tube to move. Make sure she is able to breathe comfortably at all times.

Thank you!

I am not a veterinarian, so take this with a grain of salt. FLUIDS at 250mls SQ in any size cat is idiotic and begging for fluid volume overload. I don’t care if it is a hospital setting or at home, it is dangerous to do. One way to think of it is that you are adding 1/2 lb of fluid to a cat.
Many cats can tolerate this, but it can be deadly to the ones that can’t.
I give my 7lb cat with a heart murmur 50cc of fluids once or twice a day. With my 11 lb no heart issues ( knock on wood) I give him 75cc to 80cc once a day.

If that's the case I probably got the numbers wrong. For some reason that's what in my head from the night before I took her to ER.

Just something to consider.

Thank you. I appreciate the insight and knowledge so I can care for her better. I want to do the best I can for her. So thank you. Every little bit helps.

In case no one tells you often enough... you are very appreciated.

That's not nice

I know right?!

Charlie can be such a sweet boy too. He just has ...well .... issues... lol

 

[silent meowlook]

You have to give Charlie a break. She smells weird and has weird stuff on her and doesn’t even resemble his friend.

 

[Kwik]

I believe you mentioned 100ml fluids- which is typical for an average size cat...... you might be confused by the different size bags ( 500 ml typical size) but you can also get 200 ml bags- usually Vets dispense these for at home patients with either 1/3 or 1/2 bag administration - rarely are folks sent home with 1000ml bags unless they will be using it within about 5 days once it's been opened (bacteria concerns)- it'll be fine for up to 2weeks but some say 30days.... I've always discarded any unused portion and will not keep longer than a few days

 

[FeralHearts]

She still doesn't want to eat food on her own, but I think it would be too soon for that anyway, but, worth trying. Her tube feeding seems to still be going well. BLessings there but I'm always guarded.

I hope we have the biopsy results today.

She did better with me last night. I think she knows she is safe and can rest.

The litterbox being lower etc is a godsend! She had struggled that first night. I wish my common sense had kicked in and I had that already prepped for her - sadly it did not. Live and learn.

You have to give Charlie a break. She smells weird and has weird stuff on her and doesn’t even resemble his friend.

That's the problem - they were never friends and if I'm really honest I don't understand their relationship as it makes little sense to me.

Charlie is a dominant cat with redirected aggression along with his own health issues and I know that people say cat's don't get jealous - but I beg to differ. My arms have scars from him. He is highly sensitive to smell and touch. Feliway even makes him angry. We've talked about prozac for him.

One second he's this sweet thing and the next - BAM!

Mia was the glue around here. She was so passive she would let him dominate her and there was more peace.

BH is not so passive. She got her name for a reason.

They can sleep 4 feet apart in separate beds and be fine and if Charlie is sleeping , BH with go right beside him to look out a window, no issue... but other than that. It's a game of cat and mouse. One that really ticks off BH. Charlie wants to dominate her and she is having none of it.

I believe you mentioned 100ml fluids- which is typical for an average size cat...... you might be confused by the different size bags ( 500 ml typical size) but you can also get 200 ml bags- usually Vets dispense these for at home patients with either 1/3 or 1/2 bag administration - rarely are folks sent home with 1000ml bags unless they will be using it within about 5 days once it's been opened (bacteria concerns)- it'll be fine for up to 2weeks but some say 30days.... I've always discarded any unused portion and will not keep longer than a few days

Thank you!

I probably am as that was the day we were all running around trying to find an ER that could actually help her.

Failing that we were looking for any possible way we could buy her time until someone could take a real good look at her. Drugs, fluids, hand feeding, whatever we could do.

It was quite the day and I will forever be grateful to the Vet tech, Nurse A, who really fought for her, and for the ER that took her in. She wouldn't be with us right now if they all hadn't done what they did. From Nurse A, to her Doc telling me to follow my gut, even though the science was saying she had time, and the ER that took her in.

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi, thank you.

Way too soon for her to want to eat on her own. Good thing the tube is there. I wouldn’t expect her to want to eat on her own until after 2 weeks since discharge. It’s still okayto offer it.

This is my own thing with these cats that aren’t eating. I don’t leave food out for them. You know how it is to want something, but it’s not there so you want something more? As opposed to not wanting something that is readily available.

 

[Kwik]

She still doesn't want to eat food on her own, but I think it would be too soon for that anyway, but, worth trying. Her tube feeding seems to still be going well. BLessings there but I'm always guarded.

I hope we have the biopsy results today.

She did better with me last night. I think she knows she is safe and can rest.

The litterbox being lower etc is a godsend! She had struggled that first night. I wish my common sense had kicked in and I had that already prepped for her - sadly it did not. Live and learn.




That's the problem - they were never friends and if I'm really honest I don't understand their relationship as it makes little sense to me.

Charlie is a dominant cat with redirected aggression along with his own health issues and I know that people say cat's don't get jealous - but I beg to differ. My arms have scars from him. He is highly sensitive to smell and touch. Feliway even makes him angry. We've talked about prozac for him.

One second he's this sweet thing and the next - BAM!

Mia was the glue around here. She was so passive she would let him dominate her and there was more peace.

BH is not so passive. She got her name for a reason.

They can sleep 4 feet apart in separate beds and be fine and if Charlie is sleeping , BH with go right beside him to look out a window, no issue... but other than that. It's a game of cat and mouse. One that really ticks off BH. Charlie wants to dominate her and she is having none of it.




Thank you!

I probably am as that was the day we were all running around trying to find an ER that could actually help her.

Failing that we were looking for any possible way we could buy her time until someone could take a real good look at her. Drugs, fluids, hand feeding, whatever we could do.

It was quite the day and I will forever be grateful to the Vet tech, Nurse A, who really fought for her, and for the ER that took her in. She wouldn't be with us right now if they all hadn't done what they did. From Nurse A, to her Doc telling me to follow my gut, even though the science was saying she had time, and the ER that took her in.


Yeah,you had your plate overflowing- the long drive there n back.... geez,we were still yapping way past midnight I think ....but you got through it all and baby girl is a little fighter.....one step ,one step,just one,,then another

I agree with S silent meowlook - far too early to expect eating on her own and even when she does start it will likely be inconsistent,if you remember we discussed this when her nasal tube was removed...I expected she'd be tube fed until at least 2 weeks .... The nasal tubes are narrow,there are disadvantages BUT it was no surprised she stopped eating again shortly after

So no interruptions now,the purpose is that she gets the necessary nutrients etc to regain her strength and be in good stable condition as she's being treated

After a proper diagnosis is made then treatment can commence without worry about expected side effects ( such as loss of appetite) from meds that will likely cause it and administering meds are easy,without causing any stress( for both you and her)

I've seen tubes removed too soon unnecessarily( no infiltration,no infection,no problems)- no reason to remove until treatment is complete and they are eating well on their own..... It's a life saver,so many times it's not the sickness, disease or disorder that is the worst of the battle

Your on a good path- keep up the good work my friend

 

[FeralHearts]

Feedings are still going well - guarded - always on guard... but well. She fought me a bit this morning - not much but in a way maybe that's good.

I only woke up a couple of times last night as she was so close to me I was hyper aware of her. It was probably the most sleep I've had in weeks.

As I was writing this her Doc called.

It's not good news.

Liver bile duct cancer. Not treatable. Median survival rate is 270 days. Apparently if it's usually there is in many other places too. There is no tumor anywhere.

We are waiting on the liver culture test.

She is staying on the antibiotics for at least month. Depending on how she is recovering we might add pred.

I've spoken to her doc and we are giving her more time to see how she recovers from all this crazy she's endured. She sleeps most of the time and rests. I think thought at this stage that's to be expected so I'm less concerned about her quality of life at this moment due to that. I didn't ask how long it usually takes for a cat to recover from this surgery.

I'm crushed.

Way too soon for her to want to eat on her own. Good thing the tube is there. I wouldn’t expect her to want to eat on her own until after 2 weeks since discharge. It’s still okay to offer it.

She keeps looking like she wants too but yeah way too soon. I will keep offering though.

This is my own thing with these cats that aren’t eating. I don’t leave food out for them. You know how it is to want something, but it’s not there so you want something more? As opposed to not wanting something that is readily available.

That makes sense.

Yeah,you had your plate overflowing- the long drive there n back.... geez,we were still yapping way past midnight I think ....but you got through it all and baby girl is a little fighter.....one step ,one step,just one,,then another

We were.

She is a fighter - which is why - even with the results - I'm going to fight as long as she wants too.

I agree with S silent meowlook S silent meowlook - far too early to expect eating on her own and even when she does start it will likely be inconsistent,if you remember we discussed this when her nasal tube was removed...I expected she'd be tube fed until at least 2 weeks .... The nasal tubes are narrow,there are disadvantages BUT it was no surprised she stopped eating again shortly after

Nods. Everyone was shocked she wasn't placed on one right away. I guess they wanted to see how she did on her own. Which makes sense.

It's a lot to do this to a little creature. I fully appreciated why they didn't want to have to take this route unless they had to.

I've seen tubes removed too soon unnecessarily( no infiltration,no infection,no problems)- no reason to remove until treatment is complete and they are eating well on their own..... It's a life saver,so many times it's not the sickness, disease or disorder that is the worst of the battle

I have a feeling we won't see the tube come out of her at this point but let's see how she does.

Your on a good path- keep up the good work my friend

HUGS. We are trying.

 

[Kwik]

Feedings are still going well - guarded - always on guard... but well. She fought me a bit this morning - not much but in a way maybe that's good.

I only woke up a couple of times last night as she was so close to me I was hyper aware of her. It was probably the most sleep I've had in weeks.

As I was writing this her Doc called.

It's not good news.

Liver bile duct cancer. Not treatable. Median survival rate is 270 days. Apparently if it's usually there is in many other places too. There is no tumor anywhere.

We are waiting on the liver culture test.

She is staying on the antibiotics for at least month. Depending on how she is recovering we might add pred.

I've spoken to her doc and we are giving her more time to see how she recovers from all this crazy she's endured. She sleeps most of the time and rests. I think thought at this stage that's to be expected so I'm less concerned about her quality of life at this moment due to that. I didn't ask how long it usually takes for a cat to recover from this surgery.

I'm crushed.



She keeps looking like she wants too but yeah way too soon. I will keep offering though.



That makes sense.




We were.

She is a fighter - which is why - even with the results - I'm going to fight as long as she wants too.



Nods. Everyone was shocked she wasn't placed on one right away. I guess they wanted to see how she did on her own. Which makes sense.

It's a lot to do this to a little creature. I fully appreciated why they didn't want to have to take this route unless they had to.




I have a feeling we won't see the tube come out of her at this point but let's see how she does.



HUGS. We are trying.

Again- where there is life there is Hope,I Believe in Miracles,my own life is one after surviving incurable,terminal,Stage IV cancer myself so there's that.......

 

[FeralHearts]

Again- where there is life there is Hope,I Believe in Miracles,my own life is one after surviving incurable,terminal,Stage IV cancer myself so there's that.......

Exactly. One day at a time.

I can't say I didn't break down after I got off the phone though.

This is the report. It was done by a very well respected Pathologist out of Guelph. Through Histovet.

"I am looking at a total of eight histologic sections from the two different liver biopsies that
you submitted. One of the two, in particular, has almost complete white discoloration that is very
unusual for liver. The other biopsy looks more like normal liver.

Microscopically, these biopsies do indeed divide themselves into two groups. Four of the
eight look like relatively normal liver with abnormally prominent portal triads reflecting a
combination of biliary hyperplasia and mixed neutrophilic inflammation and fibrosis causing
thickening of every portal triad. The hepatocytes themselves remain normal. The combination of
cholangiolar proliferation, fibrosis and mixed neutrophilic inflammation is most commonly seen as
a sequel to biliary obstruction predisposing to cholangiohepatitis.

The significance of this lesion pales in comparison to what I see in the sections from the
piece of white liver. The white discoloration is created by massive proliferation of fairly well-
differentiated bile ductules. There is a little bit of relatively normal liver at the periphery of the
section. Because you described the lesions as multiple, I am going to interpret this as bile duct
carcinoma even though, in this particular section, the bile ductules achieve quite a high degree of
architectural sophistication. I have never actually diagnosed a bile duct adenoma in a cat.

Whenever I diagnose true neoplasia of the biliary tree, it is always carcinoma. We also see cystic
hyperplasia of bile ducts, but it looks very different from what I am seeing here.

There is no way to prove that the cholangiohepatitis and the bile duct carcinoma are
causally related, but the bile duct carcinoma certainly has the potential to cause biliary obstruction
and therefore create the repetitive inflammatory and proliferative lesions that I described in all of
the portal triads.

DIAGNOSIS:
1. FOR THE MULTIPLE WHITE NODULES, METASTATIC BILE DUCT CARCINOMA
MULTINODULAR WHITE
2. CONCURRENT SUPPURATIVE CHOLANGIOHEPATITIS WITH PERIPORTAL FIBROSIS
AND CHOLANGIOLAR PROLIFERATION"

 

[fionasmom]

I am very sorry that you received this news, but stay the course for now and see how she does. She may respond enough to have good quality of life and for the two of you to have more time together.

When my GSD had melanoma with his amputation and immunotherapy, the oncologist told me that he would live maximum a year and a half. No matter what. It was almost like she was hinting that I was going to spend money for a not too long survival time, although she was a very good doctor. He lived 4 years and did not die of melanoma.

 

[FeralHearts]

I am very sorry that you received this news, but stay the course for now and see how she does. She may respond enough to have good quality of life and for the two of you to have more time together.

Thank you.

I think that's a good idea.

When I spoke with her doc we talked about letting her go. My thoughts on it, right or wrong, were that we need to give her time to at the very least recover from all she went through with surgery. That was a lot to place on a little body.

While she looks mostly miserable right now. she drugged up and I'm sure very sore. So IMHO this isn't the time to make that decision.

One day at a time.

When my GSD had melanoma with his amputation and immunotherapy, the oncologist told me that he would live maximum a year and a half. No matter what. It was almost like she was hinting that I was going to spend money for a not too long survival time, although she was a very good doctor. He lived 4 years and did not die of melanoma.

I'm glad that was the case for you.

Medical science is imperfect. We don't know everything for sure.

Reading that report does a lot to show that. The Pathologist did their best and even they have questions. The results are based on experience and best guesses. The are educated and experienced guesses but there is room for a little hope in there too.