2022 is a year of transition for us, hopefully for a better future.
The most difficult issue, was Felix underwent his third surgery in June due to blockage in the stent in his bile duct. This sure came as a negative surprise to us and only 1.5 years from the second surgery. The useless dangling part of the stent was removed and biopsy of his liver tissue resulted in his having to take steroid for the long term. Its sad, but this boy is a real fighter. Overall, I would say he is coping well, but for sure less energetic than before. Lately, via X-ray and ultrasound, suspect there might be some sludge accumulation in the bile duct. Hope with the right dosage of medication, this issue could be resolved.
Stella joining us was the happier incident. Her playfulness bought laughter, liveliness and lots of scolding into our otherwise quiet home. Her highest value add was to keep both Betty and Felix moving - teasing, chasing, smelling, kissing each other form part of their daily routine. Just hope their bonding could strengthen further over time.
By coincidence, Stella also gave Betty a special gift. In preparation of Stella coming, I took Betty for a long overdue 3-in-1 injection. From the blood test, found out that she is having early stage renal failure. So promptly, we modify her diet. Surprisingly, she is very co-operative in having acupuncture and taking Chinese medicine. Just hope these efforts would pay off.
As for myself, I entered into the final phase of my life. Now with more leisure time, its mostly spent on the cats, though I hope to assume volunteer work in the coming year. It truly is a very great regret that my parents are no longer around when I can be more accessible! Hope I can continue to adhere to good self discipline when comes to monetary matters and way of living.
Finally wishing all our friends
A short video by the 3 kids for a laugh to end the year!
Tong's Rocking Zebra Training School started in summer of 2013, after adopting a rocking zebra from Qpet. Now, with its mission being fully accomplished, the Rocking Zebra would likely retire in 2023.
Over the past 9 years, a total of 5 smart kitties managed to undergo the harsh training and graduated with flying colors as shown by the following videos.
Kitty and Goldie:
Betty:
Felix:
Stella:
Overall, the above shows the improvement in quality of the photographic equipment (camera and mobile phone) and the various editing software. Also, its easier for a breakthrough to start training at a young age, as they are less risk averse.
Goldie dear, today (9th November) marks the first anniversary of your being an angel. I could still clearly remember our lunch meeting that day. Despite not being well, you ate a few spoons of wet food and we planned to return every 2 hours during clinic opening hours to feed you so that you can eat more and recover well. I remember that after feeding and wiping you, I put back the oxygen mask on you, but very quickly, you shook it off and turn your head to look at us. I still clearly remember your lovely appearance - big warm lovely eyes. At that moment, I have thought of taking a picture of you, but I didn't, as I honestly believed that you could recover. At hindsight, it was a very deep regret. It was actually your saying good-bye to us (for you pass away within 2 hours of our leaving)! How careless of me to ignore your message and missed the chance to accompany you when you made the transition to rainbow bridge.
Life without you is never the same. Occasionally, I still called your name while I was trying to call the boy or girls at home. Don't worry, its a sign of my ageing, and of course how deeply I missed you, for you are you. The one and only!
It was a great comfort to me, that you are enjoying your new life in rainbow bridge. You like your job of helping with harvesting and making a lot of friends. Goldie dear, you know you are always welcome to come and visit us. Pardon me for being insensitive, I have so far not sensed anything.
Stella has been with us for over a month already. She's adjusting to our way of life well and is a bit more disciplined. She still likes to intimidate her brother and sister, and they are both pretty accommodating, though Betty could still give her long lectures. She is still pretty daring, driving us nuts at times with her high jump.
Anyway, she has come a long way and still has a long list of training to go.....
Initially, I was looking for a baby boy, either Ragdoll or Exotic Shorthair. I have specifically stated that I don't want a red and white (Goldie's color). I have nothing to say, except its God who bring us a cream and white female Exotic Shorthair. Dr Vera has kindly named her Stella. She joined us on 1st October 2022.
So far, from our observations, Stella is pretty quiet kid. Highly energetic, intelligent and a fast learner. As all kitten, they are adorable and well liked by human. During the Saint Francis Xavier Day church service, Reverend Chi kissed her a few times and specifically asked to have photos with her..... He only told Betty - I remember you the pretty Ragdoll; and to Felix - you are handsome!
Initially I was worried about Betty, who said she was indifferent about having another family member. For the first 2 days, Betty was pretty unhappy and spent most of her time in my mother's room, though she ate normally. She seldom came out and when given her favorite toy, she showed no interest. Felix though tense, was more forthcoming as he was longing for a baby brother as playmate. He was observing Stella from a distance.
Some improvement came on the third day, after I put on Feliway and light music so that both Betty and Felix managed to catch up on their sleep. The distance between them shorten a bit (at least within seeing distance and in the same room) and was rewarded with words of praise and their favorite snack (2 pieces of Bonito flakes).
Today, being day 7 of Stella's arrival, Stella was allowed to run freely and for the first time greeted her brother and sister at arm's length. I'm more than comfortable with Betty's response, as the pisses weren't loud and she stayed for a short while. Felix was a bit scared, but he keep a watchful eye on her, pissed her a bit and even hit her (I suspect its because he wants her to calm down. Its what Betty would do to him when he's not sitting still while waiting for his snack).
This evening, when Stella was being cleaned, Felix went to sit near by. Betty also went to check on the shelter after we sent Stella back to the room for the night.
I would like to thank DW, JH, MT for their guidance and advise for a smooth transition and how to foster long term cordial relations amongst the children. Hope that with love and patience, we can achieve the desired result.
The children attended Saint Francis Xavier Day Service today in All Saints Cathedral and received the Lord's blessings.
Stella, who is my last child joined the family on 1st October, just in time for this service and received a lot of warm complements.
Kitty the Angel, shall turn 9 on 6h October. Miss you dear! Time flies, but precious memories remain warmly tugged in our mind. We are truly grateful to Kitty for being a perfect role model to Goldie, who passed the technique to Betty and Felix. Stella will hopefully master the skills brilliantly to create a warm, harmonious, loving and caring family for all.
We attended the Pet Accessories Show on 22nd-25th September. Apart from shopping for the kids, we continue to make our best effort to gather samples to help less fortunate children. Overall, we were pretty happy with the result, although we were not that aggressive this time.
I like these free keychains the most... its a surprised that we found a Betty look alike, while a bit difficult to get a perfect resemblance for Felix
Thank God, Felix's life is slowly returning to normal..... Let's take each day as a gift and have fun, dear!
Each morning, the children have their 2 rounds of breakfast at 5am and 9am respectively. Usually, Felix will monitor auntie's activities and escort her to the kitchen..... haha
What is Felix looking at?
Its 14th July in the Lunar calendar. Fits the theme? Scary?
Recently, Felix likes to lie near the kitchen - learning to cook? making sure no food tasting? .... haha
We started the month of July in tranquility until Vet decided to let Felix take Clavet to kill the bacteria in his system. They are aware that he is allergic to Penicillin group of medicine, but believed its worth a try with careful monitoring, as this medicine could kill the bacteria, while Doxy could only inhibit future bacteria growth and let the immune system overtakes them.
Upon starting to take Clavet on 7th July, saw him scratching his neck area a bit. Things turned worse on 17th July, as he started to lick his tummy aggressively, and rashes also appeared in his temporal, ear, chin areas. They came on and off upon applying iodine. Raised to the attention of the vet, who happened to be off till 21/7. No one in the clinic was ready to advise, except to stop the medication on 18/7. Things turned worse after the rashes flared out, with daily vomiting, usually between 3am-5.30am, especially after drinking water. On 20/7, I sent an update email to Dr Tint, in preparation for his return to the clinic on 21/7. Luckily Dr Tint called shortly and asked to see him on the next day.
Because its a full day surgery for Dr Tint, after hearing our update, Felix stayed in the clinic for further examination and pick up at 6pm. After blood test and ultra-sound, everything appears normal. So the conclusion was a delayed drug allergy, which might take longer to heal. I made a quick decision to let him stay in hospital for a few days of drips with hope to alleviate the allergy faster. He stayed in hospital for 3 days, with "red belly" turning paler, but he developed diarrhea. Anyway, on 24/7 we decided to take him home, as he should feel more comfortable using his bigger toilet at home.
Things slowly improved, though the "wet poo" come and go. By 29/7, color in the belly is close to normal, and rashes in the head were healed. There is no daily early morning vomiting since 27/7. Hope this is the beginning of a good recovery track.
The purpose of this blog is to document what happened to the the kids. Because a lot have happened, I plan to document them by date, which would be long winded and uninteresting to our readers. Our apologies.
Never, would I have thought May and June are such difficult months. Weeping is one of my natural response to all the frustrations (not aware that foreign parts inside a body is actually a good hiding place for bacteria, making infections very difficult to heal completely), fear (of loosing Felix, risks associated with each move), pain (that Felix has to go through and the uncertain result).
Frankly, I have thought of giving up, but Felix's determined eyesight, his strong will, love towards the family (greeting only family members with his clear loud meow) and young age swept out this thought.
What have I learn't
- foreign objects inside the body is a site for bacteria to hide, making cure of infections very difficult. At the time of the second surgery, the most common comment is he needs a permanent stent. Now the verdict is the stent is a curse and is the root of the latest problem. Another problem with this expandable metallic stent is that it cannot be removed. A removal would require a by-pass which is a very high risk surgery with the risk that bacteria from the intestine could flow to the liver. So a never ending game.
- Life has its own destiny. It might seem I have dragged on taking the surgery option by around 2 weeks. But at least during that moment, we have exhausted "all" medical means or the lowest risk choice. When the time for surgical option, the Lord guided us via a fast path - the sequence was as follows, and even now I marvel it as a miracle
- Met Dr Lawren on 9/6 and accepted the fact the surgery is the best option for Felix
- I called VSH on the morning of 10/6 enquiring on the queuing time for surgery. The receptionist told me Dr Alane will go on vacation from 20/6 and wont return till August. My immediate thinking was Felix doesnt stand a chance to get it done so quickly (within 10 days).
- So I updated Dr Lawren who is making the referral. She made it an urgent case.
- Believe it or not, at 12.35pm of that day (10/6), I missed the mobile call and they called home. Told me to bring Felix over before 2pm for an emergency consultation. Lucky both VSH and Soares are just nearby, so we made our appointment on time.
- After the half hour consultation, Dr Alane decided to operate on Felix shortly. By coincidence Felix had his last meal at 4-5am that day. So is on empty stomach for over 10 hours.
- Everyone was surprised with the swift prompt action, giving Felix a safety buffer - chance to fall under Dr Alane's care for over 9 days if need be.
This series of events is a living proof that the Lord cares about His children (human and pet alike) and will have things diligently planned for them in times of need.
THANKS BE TO GOD!
Chronological order of events:
14/5
- Felix vomited and the ALT rose mildly to 275. Vet gave him back the Marbofloxacin with the hope that things could return to normal. Recheck 3-7 days later.
- During this week, changed one of his CTM to Long Dan Xia Gan Tang on 18-21/5
21/5 - 8/6
- The ALT shot up to the roof. to 3549. So no choice but to be hospitalized receiving intravenous medication.
- Unlike in the past, the improvement came fairly slowly. Ringing an alert to us.
- Met vet on 27/5, suggest the need for biopsy with laparoscope. Initially scheduled for 31/5, but was called off by me on the better improvement in blood test readings and concern that laparoscope might not work for patients who had open up operation.
- Did 5 days IV liver oxidation, but not much progress. So decided to seek advise from Dr Lawren, Internal Specialist
9/6
- Discharged and met Dr Lawren.
- Conclusion - surgery is the best option and refer to Dr Alane of VSH
10 - 15/6
- Readmitted to Soares in the morning with marginal fever (39.5 degrees) and no appetite.
- Phone call at 12.30pm from VSH telling us to be there by 2pm for a emergency appointment. Dr Alane will go on leave from 20/6 and return in August
- Dr Alane decided to operate on him shortly after the meeting - take biopsy for culture and pathology. Clear the biliary duct, removed part of the stent which is not working (only 20% left and is stuck to the flesh).
- Felix the tough fighter recovered well. With slight fever for 2 days and started earing on his own after surgery.
- Delayed his discharge till day 5 post operation as wont confine his movement while at home.
Rapid explosion of Omnicron in Hong Kong is creating a lot of adverse pressure in everyone's daily life. Apart from irrational behavior from the general public such as hoarding of food, medicine and daily essentials, the supply shortage also drove prices sky high. Apart from staying vigilant, we can only pray that herd immunity would soon arise.
At home, Felix's liver condition suddenly relapsed. This time Dr Tint kept a very close eye on him and luckily, he responded well to treatment. He just revisited Dr. Tint today, and his liver reading is nearly back to normal @133 (upper normal is 130). Just pray that I could resolve his choice of cat litter and his life could soon return to normal.
Betty remains in good condition. She prefers clay litter, but unfortunately those available in the market are in very fine clumps, and sticks to her fur when she splashes the litter around. I'm now slowly trying to help her adjust to the smell of Tofu cat litter. I'm planning to give it a month's time to do this. So far she is slowly adapting. Thank you dear, Betty
Felix vomited once on 20th January and twice on 21st January during early morning hours. However, he showed his tell tale signs of being not well - donkey ride on my back and slept on my pillow. Luckily we were able to squeeze him in to visit family vet. A blood test showed his ALT shot up to 2154 (upper normal is 130). So no choice, but to stay in hospital for treatment.
During his 5 days in hospital, he did not urinate by himself. Each day during examination, the vet would massage his bladder and liters of urine came pouring out. They suspect its his psychological reaction to hospitalization. On second thought, I think he did't like the paper towel being laid in the litter bin.
Different from previous sickness, this time, only the liver reading was abnormal. So vet suggested its local infection. Suspected causes include: (1) reduction of dosage of Marbofloxacin? (2) eating the wrong food (renal wet food)? (3) changed the cat litter to Catsan (too dusty) or Ever Clean (has carbon for which he might be allergic to)?
The initial recovery seemed to be slower than expected. I suspect its because they use oral medication rather than intravenous ones. Besides, they didn't increase the Marbofloxacin back to 1 pill daily. Interestingly, he return to eating the full normal amount 3 days after returning home, which was a lot faster than in the past.
The donkey ride
Sleeping on my pillow - only happen when he is really sick
