Life is full of surprises and we are honored to be able to share some of the prizes with other less fortunate children. Thanks be to God!
Felix joined a competition sponsored by Ghana pie甘那派 and came out third. The prize was gorgeous, but unfortunately, could not be shared.
Goldie and Betty was chosen as finalist in a photo competition sponsored by SENS Pet Limited. Because third party voting only account for 30% of the overall score, while 70% was being determined by the Sponsor, we did not aggressively appeal for support.
To our surprise, Betty came out as the Overall Champion in the Cat category 貓萌主. Due to restrictions in title transfer for the free photo and grooming sessions, we only managed to donate the other prizes (including Goldie's consolation prize) to help others.
What we shared
The children seem to like their prized photo taken by SENS Pet Limited.
Felix fall sick the day before he was suppose to end taking his antibiotics.... sure you could imagine the big disappointment in our face. This was a 2 months wait - and we ended up being thrown from the peak to the trough!
The worst thing being not much signs of prior discomfort, until the day he started to vomit and his blood test readings were chaotic, showing signs of bacterial infection. We have no choice, but to start treatment all over again...…
However, things were not as smooth as one would like... within a week, Felix vomited again and the reading shot up again, though not as alarming as last time, but still warrant hospitalization.
This time, Felix himself showed some despair on his look, but luckily with the love and care of the staff, they relocated him to a quieter area and his mood improved
We do not know what the future holds for Felix, but for sure we will be treading this rugged road together with him. The Lord, will hear our prayers. He has His way for him.
In the meantime, the Lord will give us courage, wisdom and serenity to look for the best medical care for him. So please hang in there, Felix, our tough young fighter!
The past 3 years of your life was really very unique. We have experienced a lot -- some tough, some challenging, some rewarding, some happy and some worrying. Yet you made through them all brilliantly, for YOU ARE YOU! We sincerely thank you for all your efforts, love and perseverance.
May we wish you Good Luck, Good Health, Lots of Joy and Happiness, as we jointly move forward in life! We will continue to love, cherish and protect you, as you do to us all!
Felix has lately won a pendant as his birthday present. We intend to put it up for sale and donate the proceeds to help less fortunate children. We are very fortunate to have the support of Cici Au and we have deposited the entire proceeds to BeBe Lee, an experienced cat volunteer in Tai Po.
Felix was sick again in March 2019. Its within 6 months that problem with his bile duct recurred. After a series of examinations, Dr. Vera, the Internal Medical Specialist who has been attending to Felix since late November 2018 referred his case to Dr. Nicolas, the Surgeon.
Being accompanied by Rita (my friend who has sound medical knowledge and is also a cat parent), we met Dr. Nicolas and Dr. Karen on 14/3/19. Via ultra sound, early signs of blockage were noted. After careful explanation, I was presented with the option for surgery to remove the gall bladder, biopsy of the liver and an examination of the related area.
I opted for surgery that afternoon. Though I could take some time to think through it, as this operation is pretty risky (death rate of 30% for older cats and 15% for young ones). With Felix being a blood type B cat also complicate the issue (I need to find potential donor - not easy).
My thinking was as follows:
- The need to remove the gall bladder has been behind my mind since last September, though vet did not see the immediate need at that time since he reacted positively to medication.
- This surgery apart from removing the root of the problem, could also provide more information to better heal Felix.
- Apart from his ATL being high (at 15x above normal), he seemed to be in decent condition. He ate well, did not have anemia and had sufficient blood platelet. So why waste the time and wait till things turn bad to do it. Usually, one would not think of surgery when one is "healthy". With Felix already in hospital did make the decision a bit easier.
- If God wants Felix back, He can do it any time - even before or after the operation. This is beyond my control. I can only have faith in Him.
- The medical bill would be phenomenal. I am NOT RICH, but I am willing to pay the premium in exchange for Felix's safety, not just because he is my son, but also for his "medical complications"
So all I can do is to PPL - PAY (the bill), PRAY (for the Lord's guidance and support) and LOVE (to give Felix the drive to stay firm and recover).
Luckily, with God's guidance, we made the right decision. Inflammation of his gall bladder, bile duct, liver and pancreas was worse than expected. A stent was put in the bile duct to assist in the flow of bile. Apart from some abdominal fluid and slight fever on the first day, pain was well controlled and his recovery had exceeded expectations (except his vomiting tissue a day after returning home).
We would like to give the credit to Dr Vera, Dr. Nicolas, Dr. Karen and Dr. Alice for their professional medical care, support and encouragement. To Xina and Donut, Sandy and Whisky, and Stella, for their relentless love in serving as potential blood donor and finding us blood supply. Last but not least, to Rita and Ruby for their advise and encouragement, to all family members (human and cats) and Auntie Z and R for their prayers and care.
12th-14th March 2019 : up to time of operation
15th - 22nd March: Recovery Period
Some after thought:
- As parent, we really need to have a regular saving program, so that in time of need, money would not be a major obstacle to giving our children the best treatment.
- In times of darkness, FAITH, HOPE and LOVE could be major driving force in helping us move forward into the challenge and to accept the consequence in a calm and rational way.
Betty celebrated her 5 year old birthday on 8th January. Its was just a very simple family event.
We wish you Good Health and Great Happiness as you further blossom in life
Betty took the challenge to participate in the NEFA first cat show in Hong Kong on 12th January 2019. It was a long day, running from 10am to 6.30pm, with 8 competing rings. Being held in a shopping mall, and with a lot or noises. visitors and blasting broadcasts, Betty was indeed very tense and frightened. Nevertheless, she managed to put on a brave face, facing the visitors while in the competition booths. Her performance was decent in the morning, but weakened considerably in the afternoon. Luckily some of the judges were easy on her, and this enabled her to finish most of the competition.
Though not with flying colors, we were happy with the result, as Betty had tried and accomplished her goal.
After this exercise, we are sure that Betty is not born for the ring. She would be happier at home, entertaining occasional visitors as she desire.
Betty, my dear, we thank you for your great effort and promise that NO MORE CAT SHOW FOR YOU IN THE FUTURE.
What we shared
