Not
easy to write this blog! I hope by doing so, it can help straighten my thoughts
so that I can face the upcoming challenge with wisdom and courage.
The
news came as a shock to us in mid February after doing a CT scan and biopsy, though
the signs first appear in January 2021. Goldie is diagnosed with nascal
carcinoma. It’s a rare form of cancer and is very aggressive. Though chemo don’t
generally work, the Oncologist thinks given that Goldie’s current condition is
clinically good (no sign of spreading at the moment), he believes there might be
room for trial. Goldie had already had her first chemo (26/2) and taking
Chinese medicine to supplement. I just pray that the Lord will guard and
protect her, enrich the vets with wisdom, so that she can live the remaining
days in love, comfort and happiness.
The
Oncologist refused to forecast on her life expectancy, so we will treasure each
day as a bonus. Hopefully being swamped with love (from human and pets), she
can find the drive to fight on. My only hope is that she lives for herself and
NOT for me, as I don’t want her to endure unnecessary pain/discomfort.
Frankly,
presently, I’m psychologically better than a few weeks ago, but I know I still
need some more time to fully accept this fact. Since it has happened, I can
only accept, give her the most appropriate treatment (as per her health
condition permits), and be prepared to let go when the time comes. It’s a fact
in life - Every living creature has a beginning and an end. When the time
comes, it will be sad, but we are privileged be in the same family.
No doubt 2020 is an extraordinary year for all people on earth and is a real challenge on our patience, endurance, corporation and adaptability. Nevertheless, for the benefit of our own and our loved ones, we all strive to survive in our own way. So please continue to stay safe and vigilant, probably for another year or so !
For our family, the biggest challenge is Felix's health. At hindsight, apart from getting into the habit to save for the rainy days, keeping an open mind on the treatment options available, seek advise from multiple experts if possible, be on the lookout for the right clues (God's guidance) are very useful during tough times. Once a decision has been made, just go forth in faith, hope and love and strive each day to its fullest. The Lord has His plan for each of us, and He will guide and guard us through different challenges.
As for the happiest moment, its the perfect report card (full blood test, Idexx SDMA and ProBNP Feline test) from Goldie who is over 16 years old. Just hope that this positive momentum would continue in the days to come.
As for the saddest moment, a few friends has lost their beloved kitties, but luckily all are able to adjust and adapt to continue life anew.
Finally,......
So, what will the children be getting for Christmas?..... their bath...... hahaha! But don't you think they look fresh ?!
October 2020 was a really tough month for us. Everything seems to go badly wrong:
- 2 family members of the family face the need for surgery
- 1 family member was told he fall short of the required practical hours to graduate this summer.
With love, faith, hope and perseverance, at least hopefully, we are now seeing light at the end of the tunnel, though the road to the eventual outcome requires a lot of patience and endurance.
One of the family member who requires surgery is Felix. In March 2019, Felix had his gall bladder removed and the temporary stent in the bile duct was displaced 7 days later (original intention was for it to be in place for 2-3 weeks). Post surgery recovery was pretty complicated, and took him close to a year to fully recover. We resorted to Chinese and Western medical treatment, which worked well for around 9 months, making him "hospital free".
Between 9-10/20, the bile duct issue re-emerged. Due to explosive ALT readings, Felix had been in and out of the hospital for a total of 5 times, accounting for roughly 50% of the time. The worst thing is that the time interval between hospital and home stay shorten drastically, with the last one being "discharged on Saturday and readmitted the following Tuesday".
Luckily, the Lord hear our prayer and provided us with guide posts to a decision for surgery to place a permanent stent in the stricture of his deformed bile duct.
1) In 6/19, we consulted Dr A of VSH and Dr. JS of CityU on the surgical alternatives suitable for Felix. Dr. JS walked the extra mile to consult his ex-colleagues in California and sourced permanent stent which arrived in 9/19.
2) In mid 10/20, the most swollen area of the bile duct increased to 1.6cm, from the previous 1cm. To me, this is a warning signal.
3) On 20/10 after a lengthy discussion with Dr JY, we decided to give medical treatment the last chance if the blood test reading shows continuous improvement in ALT on 3/11.
4) When discharged on 31/10, vet said Dr VM suggest revisit on 6/11. But an earlier called with the assistant gave us an appointment on 3/11. So I thought for safety reason, better keep the earlier appointment.
5) On 3/11, the clinic called to confirm our appointment. They had never done this before.
6) On 3/11, despite vomiting food and fur on 2/11 and a small patch of white foam on 3/11, Felix is active and hungry. Won't dream of his ALT exploding again. At that moment, I got the feeling that I might not be able to take him home safely any more. So the idea of surgery crept back in.
7) On 5/11, the clinic has a bag of Type B blood (which is difficult to find) which arrived the day before. So perfect setting for surgery.
Conclusion:
- Must save for the rainy days, so that when the need arise, won't have to spend the time and energy thinking about financial issues. Just focus on getting the best treatment.
- Love, Faith and Hope are great companions along the rugged road.
- Rest well to have a clear mind to observe and analyze.
- Comfort and encourage the sick so that they won't feel lonely in fighting the tough fight.
Our thanks to Dr. JY, Dr VM, Dr. JS, Dr. KH and our trusted friend RY for their care and love towards Felix and family.
We really know what its like, falling from Heaven to Hell and we really don't want such happening again!
Felix got a perfect
blood test report at 1.30pm on 9th October, but was readmitted at noon on 10th
October, as the liver and bile readings shot up, probably due to
gastroenteritis. Really hope this is the last hospitalization for a long long
time to come.
Well, Kitty dear, its been 8 years since we were separated.
How is life in
rainbow bridge? I'm sure you must be doing fine, with lots of friends, enjoying
the sunshine and green pasture. Sometimes, looking at children at home, I sought
of see your character in them.... Goldie - the elder sister role model, Betty -
your elegance, smartness and PR characteristic, Felix - quick learner. Just keep
on going dear and stay in good shape. I'm sure, you know you are always welcome
to visit us whenever you feel like it.
I
will always carry you in my heart, whenever and wherever!!!!! Miss you and Love
you!!
