For the first time we have not posted anything in May, because.....

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.

Just want to end this blog on a lighter note:

Felix turns 6 years old

 Felix dear, 

Wish you Good Health and Happiness Always!

I'm impressed by the variety of expressions Betty has. Feel free to add in your own interpretation, just for a laugh..... have fun !

Very challenging period

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

祝各好友（家人及龐物）萬事如意， 身體健康 !

 

Below are photos just for a laugh!

OMG! Felix is a bad boy! 

See! He sneakily watches Betty having her bath!!!!!

Felix had his "Hospital-staycation"

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

Betty is 8 years old!

Happy Birthday, dear Betty!

Wish you good health, good luck, great joy and happiness in the years to come!

2021 - its bad and good

Well, I would have thought 2020 with the lockdown and the drastic changes in lifestyle would be bad enough. But for our family, 2021 was even worse. We have lost 2 very important persons, the family membership living under the same roof (including helpers) was downsized from 5 in the beginning of the year to only 2 now, while the cat population shrunk from 3 to 2. It would take time for us (myself and a helper) to get used to the number of empty beds and space, to buy and prepare less food, the quietness etc.

For the cats, like us, they too have to undergo the change. Initially they were quiet and less active, but with each other's company (human and cat), they seem to be adjusting well. I guess, as long as they are being well taken care of, to them life continues. They seem to have fun, sleeping in different places at different time - they know where to go to as they desire - to be pampered, time for solitude, time to eat and play etc. 

On the contrary, 2022 will be a whole new chapter for me and the kids. What we have learnt and those precious memories will never fade, but will continue to ignite our quest for what the Lord has laid out for us in faith, hope and joy! 

I would like to take this opportunity, to thank all of you for your blessings and encouragement during those difficult moment. They are all warmly treasured!

I would find no better way to end this year's blog, by paying a tribute to my beloved daughter, Goldie -- I miss you dearly -- your never ageing appearance, charisma, understanding and thoughtfulness, warmth and above all your love to the whole family!    THANK YOU, DEAR !

Documentary of Goldie's time with us (7/2004-11/2021)

Wishing all our friends Bountiful blessings in 2022!