3. Lois and RIP-Java

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@Kris & Teasel , mobile vet said start with 1 U Lantus once a day for 3 days to start. Sound right? I need to go read.
I need to decide.
I agree with the 1 u but it needs to be given twice a day. It can have longer than 12 hour duration but has pretty much petered out in most cats at +12. The depot would be constantly filling and shrinking with once a day dosing whereas it becomes stabilized at a size correlated with the dose when dosed twice a day.
 
I agree with the 1 u but it needs to be given twice a day. It can have longer than 12 hour duration but has pretty much petered out in most cats at +12. The depot would be constantly filling and shrinking with once a day dosing whereas it becomes stabilized at a size correlated with the dose when dosed twice a day.
What about once a day for three days then 1 U twice a day? To start?
 
Lois, why not look at it this way? Give the Lantus a chance to work...if it stabilizes his BG and he still feels crummy, you can make a decision then. But I would really give the Lantus a good try first and see if that helps him feel better.
 
397 PMPS.
1.5 U but check at +4 and 5.5/6 see if need to steer.
I picked up the Lantus, and asked to vet if she can conduct by tomorrow to check his vitals, I think his breathing has changed sometimes.
 
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Please keep posting here sometimes, even though you're starting Lantus tomorrow. We all want to keep up on how you and Java are doing!
 
I texted vet please come check his breathing, and other vitals, this sounds nuts probably but I am ready for euthanasia if he has one more thing going on.* I committed to caring for him and these last couple of days have been more bad than good for him. Wish he could talk. * Or maybe start lantus. The syringes, a whole box from Costco, don't have half markings. Been reading. At lantus thread, seems like soon much reading
I'm so tired, need to set alarm get up test in an hour.
Edit, 426 at +4. He ate quite a lot tonight. I hope that's what that is, not that I messed up another shot. He's come onto the bed with me, his breathing I mentioned before.
Mobile vet texted back this,

I can come by tomorrow evening around 6-7 if that works. The head holding down can be due to elevated glucose. I recommend Lantus in am. Let me know if he gets worse and you can always give some of the buprinex to help him be comfortable.

I am still reading through stickies in Lantus, if I have to wait, give a 1 U shot, I don't have half marking needles only 1 unit, should be good for tomorrow shot.
 
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I texted vet please come check his breathing, and other vitals, this sounds nuts probably but I am ready for euthanasia if he has one more thing going on.* I committed to caring for him and these last couple of days have been more bad than good for him. Wish he could talk. * Or maybe start lantus. The syringes, a whole box from Costco, don't have half markings. Been reading. At lantus thread, seems like soon much reading
I'm so tired, need to set alarm get up test in an hour.
Edit, 426 at +4. He ate quite a lot tonight. I hope that's what that is, not that I messed up another shot. He's come onto the bed with me, his breathing I mentioned before.
Mobile vet texted back this,

I can come by tomorrow evening around 6-7 if that works. The head holding down can be due to elevated glucose. I recommend Lantus in am. Let me know if he gets worse and you can always give some of the buprinex to help him be comfortable.

I am still reading through stickies in Lantus, if I have to wait, give a 1 U shot, I don't have half marking needles only 1 unit, should be good for tomorrow shot.
Give the 1 u and don't worry about the fractions for now, Lois. You can probably eyeball 1.5 u if needed later and use the fat/skinny method for other fractions. There's a ton of info on the Lantus forum so take it in very small bits. At this point your goal is to see how he responds to Lantus. Dosing regimens aren't on the table yet.
 
I'm at vet ER. Realized 6 am that he was trying to poop but hadn't yesterday and I'm not sure if he did day before. Dave vet not open until 10, mobile vet, it's too early, she didn't respond texts.
 
Unable to maintain his body temperature , Dehydrated, stool not the issue, they're recommend giving him prozinc not Lantus, body used to prozinc, at this point do t change today. His BG wasn't too bad, I forget what it was. I tested ketones this am, neg. Breathing is faster than normal but lungs are clear. Bowel has firm-ish stool but not constipated. Dehydrated biggest issue. He wouldn't have absorbed Isulin properly when if he's Dehydrated.
Body temp, I got him a pet heating mat but it was hotter than my people hesting pad.
 
Unable to maintain his body temperature , Dehydrated, stool not the issue, they're recommend giving him prozinc not Lantus, body used to prozinc, at this point do t change today. His BG wasn't too bad, I forget what it was. I tested ketones this am, neg. Breathing is faster than normal but lungs are clear. Bowel has firm-ish stool but not constipated. Dehydrated biggest issue. He wouldn't have absorbed Isulin properly when if he's Dehydrated.
Body temp, I got him a pet heating mat but it was hotter than my people hesting pad.
Lots for you to think about.
 
Appt mobile vet 6 to 7 tonight, friend Victoria coming over this afternoon, Java seems relatively normal right now, he doesn't want to be on the heating pad, so I have a little blanket over him, I have text into the mobile vet to ask about getting a blood test.... ER vet asked if I wanted to check metabolic changes, and I didn't think to ask what that meant, just phoned back, and it probably meant a blood test, I wish I'd done it, I could always take him back today while in same time frame as this morning's visit, just more info, luckily the ER is only about a mile and a half away. I got some sleep feel slightly a wreck, if I hurry I can get to yoga late I think I'll do it. He has Ringers in him, he has insulin and him, he ate some food, I can be gone for an hour plus travel time
 
I'm leaning towards having him put to sleep tonight. He looks miserable. I wish I could wish him well again.

If this is his last day, it's just going to be an ordinary day. We went outside on the deck, and he wasn't very interested. He's only really comfortable lying in this particular way on a pillow on the couch.

What did you do with your cats to make their last day special to them? I suspect it might never be like that, that you only do this when they already are in distress or don't feel well... But I could give him a bowl of Max cat, if he would eat it
 
I feel so sad, and distressed, and guilty because I couldn't take care of him better. I couldn't get the insulated right, and the ringers comma I guess I didn't do it often enough, and I shouldn't have quit following the protocols for insulin here, I knew it was kind of a going to Tijuana for laetrile sort of thing. I wish he'd forgive me.
 
I feel so sad, and distressed, and guilty because I couldn't take care of him better. I couldn't get the insulated right, and the ringers comma I guess I didn't do it often enough, and I shouldn't have quit following the protocols for insulin here, I knew it was kind of a going to Tijuana for laetrile sort of thing. I wish he'd forgive me.
You're being too hard on yourself, Lois. You've gone above and beyond for Java ... how many kitties get to be as old as he is? Unfortunately with mine over the years, my hand was forced because they were very ill. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. We're here to support you. :bighug:
 
Lois, you've been doing an amazing job with Java. He knows it too, and loves you for it. This decision is the hardest one we ever have to make, and whenever you decide it's time, it will be the right one because it's made from your love for Java. Like Kris said, we're here for you:bighug:.
 
I called the vet ER because when they told me that they wanted to know if I wanted to do metabolic work etc I told him I was leaning towards euthanasia because this is hospice care....

The point is the doctor was in a critical situation but the extremely nice person who deals with distressed owners talked to her, then talked to me, and they said that they're not sure Java would be able to maintain until the mobile vet tonight. And if I want to fight with everything, I need to get him in right away and they need to throw everything they have at him.

I think the kind thing to do is to let him go. I'm going to go outside with him again, visit some of his favorite places. Go back to the vet ER it's nearby.

My friend Victoria is good support for me.

I have all these diabetes supplies. You guys can help me by helping me figure out what to do with them, who has a need. I wonder if I can return the Lantus that I just bought yesterday. I feel vile for thinking about that.
 
I called the vet ER because when they told me that they wanted to know if I wanted to do metabolic work etc I told him I was leaning towards euthanasia because this is hospice care....

The point is the doctor was in a critical situation but the extremely nice person who deals with distressed owners talked to her, then talked to me, and they said that they're not sure Java would be able to maintain until the mobile vet tonight. And if I want to fight with everything, I need to get him in right away and they need to throw everything they have at him.

I think the kind thing to do is to let him go. I'm going to go outside with him again, visit some of his favorite places. Go back to the vet ER it's nearby.

My friend Victoria is good support for me.

I have all these diabetes supplies. You guys can help me by helping me figure out what to do with them, who has a need. I wonder if I can return the Lantus that I just bought yesterday. I feel vile for thinking about that.
We'll be here watching for your post telling us what you decided ... whenever you feel ready to tell us.
 
Whatever decision you make is the right one, Lois. I promise! Be gentle with yourself and know that Java knows how much you love him. You did NOT fail him. Eventually, this is a decision we all have to make. Let us know what you do when you're ready and we can help with anything you need. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Mobile vet coming around 5.
The three of us are hanging out
I tired taking Java out to one if his favorite spots, he hid under foliage, look how miserable he looks.
 

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Lois, my heart is breaking for you! You have done an incredible job of taking care of Java!!! He has lived a long and happy life, and I'm certain he knows that you've done everything you can do to care for him well! Above all, he's been in a place where he is loved every moment of every day, and there is nothing more important than that. You will make the right decision. And whatever decision you make, we are here for you with all the love and support we can send.
 
It's done.

I have a headache from crying and clenching my jaw. The vet said that she would not have agreed to do this, if she didn't agree with me that it was time. If she sees a kitty and she knows it still possible, she will say you know, we really need to try this this and this first. She very much agreed that his age, and all these symptoms that came up last night, she said this is not the kitty she saw two weeks ago. It makes me feel better, that it was the right decision.

Photos before she got here. The three of us hanging out, as we do. We still are. A friend came by tonight and is coming tomorrow morning to dig a hole for me. Vet said it's fine it's cool weather.

I know you guys are going to have many kind things to say, cuz that's the kind of people you are. Djamila, I'm still down with getting together next week. The Lantus can't be returned. Of course I can donate all the stuff to a clinic or even give it to Dave the vet, but I would appreciate any suggestions, should I try diabetic cats in need, or you guys, is there anyone here who has financial pressures for whom it would be a lessening of a burden to receive needles, insulin, etc.? @Kris & Teasel, if it isn't a burden, and please tell me if it is, maybe you'd be willing to be the point person on that, or suggest someone who can?

Going to turn this off for a while, but I'm not Vanishing. Thanks for all your kind words. I'm going to read a book and hang out with Java's body and Lily and drink some water to replenish all the water I cried out.

Hugs. He was a special cat and I loved him a lot. My beautiful boy.
 

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I too documented my last moments with my black baby, Bubba. I took a video of his loud and unforgettable purr. It was the first time I heard it in a week so I didn't want to lose the memory again.
My heart aches for you and I hope you can find some peace. Sending hugs and heart healing vines for you.
Rest in Peace Java. :rb_icon:cat_wings>o
 
I feel so bad for you, Lois. This is so very hard even when it's a kitty's time. I'm glad the vet was able to reassure you that you were making the best decision for Java. :rb_icon:cat_wings>o
 
So sorry for your loss. You made the hardest decision any one of us will ever make. This is the last act of love we do for our furry families, and the sadest. Comforting thoughts your way.
 
Oh Lois I'm so so sorry it was Java's time. It was the right decision...you made it out of love, so it was definitely right. You gave Java a wonderful life full of love, sunshine, snuggles, and treats. What more could a kitty want in life? And you finally set him free from pain and let him go to rest.

I hope that you're able to find some rest and peace. I'm sure my Gypsy was waiting for Java at the bridge, to welcome him and show him around. Fly free, sweet Java! Land softly.

Offhand, I don't know who would need the supplies, but you can try posting in the supply closet, or I know DCIN would welcome them.

So many hugs to you, Lois. Please know we're here if you need to cry, laugh, talk about Java, or be distracted. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Djamila passed on the hug from all of you; thank you.

Here we are at the labryrinth at Grace Cathedral. The Transamerica pyramid is in the skyline but it's pretty washed out.

Then here we are at the Ferry Building.

Lastly, Lily is doing well. She's getting extra attention to get her used to being an only cat. Here we are this afternoon looking at a deer that's peering into my bedroom through the French door.
 

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Ohhh what great pictures! I'm so glad you two got to meet! Wish we could have all joined you!

I loooooveee that pic of the deer!

Jenna@DCIN.info was the only email address I could find. @PumpkinsMom is Jenna on here.

Glad to hear from you Lois! We all hope you're doing well and want you to know we're here if you ever need/want to talk (and totally understand if you don't too).
 
@Chris & China , thanks for the help in connecting me with the DCIN. We have been private messaging, but I am posting a tag here in the hopes that you see it today. Now that I have one of those thick styrofoam boxes that medications are shipped in with cold packs, I'd like to get it out today if at all possible. See PM....thanks.
 
Hey all, I vanished on you.
After finding out all that information from. @Chris & China , a former roommate has had her cat diagnosed with.... Prediabetes I think?? So I'm holding off on mailing anything, until I find out what's going on with her cat. She's a teacher, and tells me she can't get back to the vet until next week when school's out. She changed her cats diet immediately.

Thursday was a month since Java died. Der, yesterday. I drove up to Cobb Mountain to see a couple who stayed at my house for months after their house burned to the ground in the Valley Fire. Their next door neighbor is a different former roommate. She phoned me the night of the fire and said we have a place to stay but our neighbors don't know what they're going to do, so I invited them to my house. First we'd met! They were, are lovely people.

Anyway, it's been 21 months since the fire, and a church organization called Hope Cares spearheaded a project to build them a new little house. Lots of church organizations including Mennonites and Amish came to help with the building. It's been very impressive how much assistance came to them through churches. None of us are religious; nobody's mind has been changed by this, but I think all of us are impressed with the true charity that's been demonstrated. Here are a couple photos of their house.

They knew Java of course, lived here with us for it was nice to talk about him and look at a few photos of him. I think of him everyday.
 

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I had no idea some of these groups existed. There's one called Samaritan's Purse. The whole thing is that they go to disaster areas and help people sift through the remains of their homes for keepsakes and so on. We're talking about full body Tyvek suits and filters over the mouth and gloves in 105 degree sumner, fall heat. They showed up in shifts after the fire.

Yikes I said I would take a couple of minutes and I've been on here for an hour and a half. I miss you guys! Glad to see everyone is doing well.

Here's a photo of Java lying in the sun.
 

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