1/9 Max AMPS 268 +2 257 +167 +4 89 +5 76

[Max & Lori]

Well we are sitting here at NCSU and once again Max’s ultrasound appointment got bumped. Last time we couldn’t get it at all, but they have assured me that he will get it at 2:30 which is two hours from now. So here we sit in the cat lobby. Long day for Max. He’s not happy. Also he decided to trend down pretty quickly today (of course he did). Should be a horrible bounce tonight combined with stress. They are going to do light sedation (they said was cardiac safe) and shave his belly. I hope and pray we get some good results.

Yesterday https://felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/1-8-max-amps-217-3-119-4-71-5-48-6-56-9-97.285435/#post-

 

[carfurby (GA)]

 

[Basic's Mom]

Ahhhh...poor you and Max. I'm sorry. Hopefully you get some answers from today's appointment and Max doesn't bounce too much tonight.

 

[Basic's Mom]

Sending him lots of love.

 

[Max & Lori]

Back home. Max had the ultrasound. Something was going on with his spleen and the resident said you can see that in hemolytic anemia but also see it in lymphoma. She said she could do the biopsy for diagnosis or we could return in 3 months (or sooner if needed) and repeat the ultrasound. I didn’t get the biopsy done. We’d already been there all day and the weather in NC is in a state emergency (storms, tornadoes, flooding) so the drive on the highway was already going to be awful (it’s dark and heavy rain). So even though it’s going to worry me not knowing, I just needed to get home safely. BP was sky high but we waited 3 and a half hours to be seen. Resident is going to discuss further with her peers. I’m concerned but I just don’t know what to think anymore. That’s all I know.

 

[Basic's Mom]

I'm glad you made it home safely. I'm sorry you don't have all the answers from today's very long appointment. Max is lucky to have you, Lori. Try to rest and not worrying so much at least for this evening.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

@Max&Lori Lori, I am so sorry you had to wait so long to get the ultrasound done, it had to be horribly stressful for both you and poor Max. Did the actual board certified radiologist examine the result and give you the results or did you only get to talk to the resident? I can hear the worry and fear in your voice, I am sending you my strongest calming vibes, hugs and scritches for poor Max. I am also glad you got home safely, I have been following the news, weather is very scary out your way.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Did you get a written report from today? I'm sorry it was such a long and trying day! I am so glad you are home safely. I know what you mean about the weather. We are south of you and had the bad weather and then it went on up into the Carolinas. Hopefully, it's quiet there now like it is here.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

Oh Lori. I hope you are okay yourself! I’m now worried about you too.

 

[Diane Tyler's Mom GA]

 

[tiffmaxee]

I’m glad you got home safely. If you decide to get another ultrasound it’s important it be done by someone very experienced, preferably a board certified radiologist or an internist very skilled. Seeing the report is not the same as doing the ultrasound yourself. I learned that when I was told Max needed exploratory surgery by a traveling vet that did ultrasounds. Went back to my original vet who had me redo the ultrasound by a radiologist he trusted and I was told it was normal. No lymphoma or anything but pancreatitis. Max was 12 and never got it and lived to 19+.

Forgot to add the repeat was a week after the first one because he was still inappetent and not well.

 

[Jason - Kona's Dad]

Thinking of Max. Hope you get some answers and hoping for the best results! Hang in there, Lori!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

Sending prayers for you and Max.

 

[Max & Lori]

I just want to thank all of you for your concern for Max. It has meant a lot to me over the last couple of years we’ve been here. He’s just a cat to a lot of people I know, but to my husband and me, he’s a family member. It hurts to get scary news. I can’t pretend it doesn’t. I’m human and very emotional when it comes to Max. I’m sorry that I’ve done that here so many times. It’s hard for me to show emotions in person and I think I found this was a safe place to express how I feel without judgement. I’ve never wanted to be pitied at all. I was just looking for somebody to tell me it’s okay and whatever it is we will manage as usual. It may really be okay. I don’t have answers yet, but when I do, we will go on. Thank you again for all of those who’ve encouraged us so many times. I wish you all the best for all of the precious cats here. For all the new people here, this is a great place to learn and this is very doable. There are great people here to help. Max has just been a bit more complicated with multiple comorbidities, and I’ve had my hands full with him. Again, all my best to everyone. Especially @Marje and Gracie I never would have gotten Max this far without you pushing me along in the very beginning. I will always be grateful for that.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

I just want to thank all of you for your concern for Max. It has meant a lot to me over the last couple of years we’ve been here. He’s just a cat to a lot of people I know, but to my husband and me, he’s a family member. It hurts to get scary news. I can’t pretend it doesn’t. I’m human and very emotional when it comes to Max. I’m sorry that I’ve done that here so many times. It’s hard for me to show emotions in person and I think I found this was a safe place to express how I feel without judgement. I’ve never wanted to be pitied at all. I was just looking for somebody to tell me it’s okay and whatever it is we will manage as usual. It may really be okay. I don’t have answers yet, but when I do, we will go on. Thank you again for all of those who’ve encouraged us so many times. I wish you all the best for all of the precious cats here. For all the new people here, this is a great place to learn and this is very doable. There are great people here to help. Max has just been a bit more complicated with multiple comorbidities, and I’ve had my hands full with him. Again, all my best to everyone. Especially @Marje and Gracie I never would have gotten Max this far without you pushing me along in the very beginning. I will always be grateful for that.

(((Lori))))

I’m sorry yesterday was so long and difficult on you all and I’m glad you are safe.

I also want to agree with the others, having been there, that a board-certified radiologist is the best route or a board-certified internal medicine specialist that routinely does their own ultrasounds. There are so many nuances to interpreting an ultrasound and “something go on with his spleen” is really ambiguous. Insofar as lymphoma, unless there are tumors present such as with large cell lymphoma, it’s extremely difficult to dx via ultrasound.

You do the very, very best for your sweet boy. We all love our babies like family members and so can empathize, however, for each of us, there is a special bond with our kitty that no one can understand but the CG and the cat. But know we are all here to support you all.

@Tiger(GA) and Ruth RUTHIE!!!!! I miss you, girl!! I hope you are all doing well up there and it’s so wonderful of you to keep checking in on Max and Lori. Sending lots of love your way.

 

[Max & Lori]

(((Lori))))

I’m sorry yesterday was so long and difficult on you all and I’m glad you are safe.

I also want to agree with the others, having been there, that a board-certified radiologist is the best route or a board-certified internal medicine specialist that routinely does their own ultrasounds. There are so many nuances to interpreting an ultrasound and “something go on with his spleen” is really ambiguous. Insofar as lymphoma, unless there are tumors present such as with large cell lymphoma, it’s extremely difficult to dx via ultrasound.

You do the very, very best for your sweet boy. We all love our babies like family members and so can empathize, however, for each of us, there is a special bond with our kitty that no one can understand but the CG and the cat. But know we are all here to support you all.

@Tiger(GA) and Ruth RUTHIE!!!!! I miss you, girl!! I hope you are all doing well up there and it’s so wonderful of you to keep checking in on Max and Lori. Sending lots of love your way.

Thank you again Marje, and Ruth too, for always checking on Max. It means A LOT. I agree with what Elise said too and I’ve called medical records to see if any of the records or reports were finalized and could be emailed to me. I was told that the vet was still working on his discharge summary. She was very vague in what she said about his ultrasound. She said all of his other organs looked fine but his spleen looked somewhat granular? I asked many questions about it and how that relates to his CBC with diff. His lymphocytes have always been to really low and I was always told it was related to the fact he’s on Budesonide. She offered to do a biopsy but all things considered I thought I’d better get on the road home. Max had already been through so much. The vet didn’t sound very confident, at least to me anyway. I get a different resident there every time, and that’s to be expected but some seem better than others. The last one took a lot more time with us answering my questions and educating me. Max is such a sweet boy. I keep thinking that maybe I shouldn’t keep putting him through so much and let him just live a happy life as long as he can. That’s why I said I don’t know what to think, but I will figure it out. Thanks so much Marje.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Thank you again Marje, and Ruth too, for always checking on Max. It means A LOT. I agree with what Elise said too and I’ve called medical records to see if any of the records or reports were finalized and could be emailed to me. I was told that the vet was still working on his discharge summary. She was very vague in what she said about his ultrasound. She said all of his other organs looked fine but his spleen looked somewhat granular? I asked many questions about it and how that relates to his CBC with diff. His lymphocytes have always been to really low and I was always told it was related to the fact he’s on Budesonide. She offered to do a biopsy but all things considered I thought I’d better get on the road home. Max had already been through so much. The vet didn’t sound very confident, at least to me anyway. I get a different resident there every time, and that’s to be expected but some seem better than others. The last one took a lot more time with us answering my questions and educating me. Max is such a sweet boy. I keep thinking that maybe I shouldn’t keep putting him through so much and let him just live a happy life as long as he can. That’s why I said I don’t know what to think, but I will figure it out. Thanks so much Marje.

There is definitely something to be said for that last part, Lori. He’s lucky that you recognize it. Sending him white healing light, vines, and love for both of you.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

I just want to thank all of you for your concern for Max. It has meant a lot to me over the last couple of years we’ve been here. He’s just a cat to a lot of people I know, but to my husband and me, he’s a family member. It hurts to get scary news. I can’t pretend it doesn’t. I’m human and very emotional when it comes to Max. I’m sorry that I’ve done that here so many times. It’s hard for me to show emotions in person and I think I found this was a safe place to express how I feel without judgement. I’ve never wanted to be pitied at all. I was just looking for somebody to tell me it’s okay and whatever it is we will manage as usual. It may really be okay. I don’t have answers yet, but when I do, we will go on. Thank you again for all of those who’ve encouraged us so many times. I wish you all the best for all of the precious cats here. For all the new people here, this is a great place to learn and this is very doable. There are great people here to help. Max has just been a bit more complicated with multiple comorbidities, and I’ve had my hands full with him. Again, all my best to everyone. Especially @Marje and Gracie I never would have gotten Max this far without you pushing me along in the very beginning. I will always be grateful for that.

I really care about Max! You joined this Board back in July 2021 shortly after I lost my sweet friend Mr. Darcy, who also had acromegaly and then kidney disease. I’ve always had a special interest in Max and, of course, all of our acro babies. I’ve watched you learn how to handling his dosing and manage lots of his other conditions. I admire the great care you take of Max. And there’s no such thing as “just a cat!”

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

maybe I shouldn’t keep putting him through so much and let him just live a happy life as long as he can.

I think that’s what you are already doing, Lori. He’s a very happy cat. I know yesterday was arduous for you and Max. I would not have done the biopsy either at that point. You can always have it done later. I’m assuming it would be a fine needle aspiration of the spleen? That could be nothing. You see some weird stuff on ultrasounds sometimes. I had a FNA done on Darcy’s liver because it looked “moth eaten” and hyperechoic — but there was nothing abnormal after sampling the liver in several places.

 

[Suzanne & Darcy]

His lymphocytes have always been to really low and I was always told it was related to the fact he’s on Budesonide.

This is true. Steroids do reduce lymphocytes and I have seen this in the bloodwork of all my cats on either Pred or Dex. I remember asking my vet for you one day if Budesonide can do the same thing with regard to lymphocytes as the other steroids and she said yes.

 

[Max & Lori]

This is true. Steroids do reduce lymphocytes and I have seen this in the bloodwork of all my cats on either Pred or Dex. I remember asking my vet for you one day if Budesonide can do the same thing with regard to lymphocytes as the other steroids and she said yes.

Yes you did ask about that for me as well as several other things I’ve asked about. Your knowledge and love for cats makes you such a great caregiver and resource for so many people here. I am so appreciative. That’s helps to hear about other people’s experiences. It helps me put things in perspective in my own situation with Max. I learned so much from here. When any vet sees Max’s SS they tell me “just keep doing what you’re doing, this is great.” It’s not been straightforward or easy, as you know with Darcy. I know you love Max and all cats Suzanne. I think you’re a wonderful person.