10/6 Bear Man Update

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Linda and Bear Man

Linda and Bear Man

Member Since 2009
9/25 Old Timer condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=25904

Vines condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=26633

Bloodwork: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0Bw ... y=CN6RwYwG

I just wanted to post a quick update for all of those who have been kind enough to send their concern, support, and suggestions, here and on FB. Bear Man has been in decline for over a month, and has stopped eating in the last week. Over the last few days, he has eaten only token licks or nibbles of food. He is not taking insulin.

He has made three daily visits to the vet since Monday for sub-Q fluids and injections of Cerenia. I am not willing to give him sub-Q fluids myself, due to the fragility of his skin. His skin is now showing some inflammation from the fluids given by the vet. Today I have given a large dose of steroids and a dose of Cypro, an appetite stimulant. He gets Bupe when I think he needs it. Nothing has made any major difference. He otherwise appears frail, but alert. He is not vomiting, as he was when he was eating. He purrs, rests with Teddy, and sleeps quietly.

His bloodwork shows most values (renal, anemia) stable, no obvious signs of infection, but an increase in eosinophils, a marker for inflammation. His fPL is elevated, as it has been chronically in the past. The vet believes that his IBD has worsened, possibly to the point where he cannot live with it any more.

I have offered a huge array of dry and canned foods, temptations, tinned fish, and liquids such as baby food, ultramilk, etc. I don't think it is a question of not having tried the right magic food that will trigger him to eat. I have not force fed him. The other day, during an unfortunate hypo, I force fed syrup. Force feeding is traumatic for him. Many may question my decision, but I choose to respect his choice to eat or not. Some here on the Board believe in Animal Communicators. I do not, however, I do believe that he is telling me, loud and clear that he is tired of the fight. He is not an "otherwise healthy" cat who has presented with a bout of CP or inappetance. He has been fighting a lot of issues for a long time. I feel that he may have lost the will to fight much longer. He does not have much to look forward to, but more illness down the road. I will give it another day or two, but I have already discussed with the vet, who agrees with me, that Bear Man is telling me he wants to be released. I pray that I am wrong, and that Bear will tell me so, but I wanted to let his friends here know that the situation is grave.

Today:

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(((Linda)))) I am so sorry! You are a wonderful mamabean and you know what your furbaby needs. You can only do what you think is best. Poor Bear Man. He has fought a long fight through his life. Just know you have lots of support here. Sending prayers and hugs your way. So sorry that you have to go through this. Take care.
 
Linda,

I wish I could do something - anything - to help. I just want you to know you, Bear Man, and the whole gang are in my thoughts, and you are definitely not alone in this vigil. You have been an amazing mom to Bear Man, hanging in there with such love and dedication when others likely could not. I hope you find peace in whatever decision you make, and have memories of many happy days from which to derive comfort.

Be sure and take care of yourself too during this trying time.

Best,

LAura
 
(((((Linda and Bear Man))))). My heart is in my stomach and the tears are falling. Unfortunately, time goes much to quickly and we just don't have as much time to have our furries with us. I know that you are doing the very best you can for Bear Man and when the time comes, you will give him that ultimate gift of love. We are her for you, always will be, no matter what. We will cry with you and for you and our hearts will break right along with you. You will not be alone. I am sending peaceful vines to both you and Bear Man for I know you both need them. Bear will let you know when it's his time.
 
Linda, I am very sorry to hear this. You and Bear Man have such a tight bond that I know you can read his signals and I also know that you will do whatever is best for him.

((((HUGS))))
 
(((Linda))) you are the best momma bean ever!!! I know you will do what is best for Bearman, as you always have. And it sounds like Teddy is comforting him too.

My heart hurts and the tears are streaming down my face. We are here for you!

Please keep us updated.

(((Linda & BearMan)))
 
((((((Linda))))) What a wonderful kitty you have. And I love the photo of him. Thank you for sharing that with us today.

I know this is heartbreaking for you. Tears were welling up in my eyes as I read this post and hear how you have done the utmost to help Bear Man have a good quality of life. You know what is best for your Bear Man and you will make the best decision for the situation.
Its just so sad. My thoughts and prayers are with you my dear. We are here to support you in whatever way we can.
 
I write this with tears in my eyes. I cannot imagine the pain you must be dealing with having to make a decision. But in your heart you know what is best for Bear Man. We are all here for you..........I will pray for you and Bear Man. And do not question what others may think....you know best for your baby. Millions and millions of hugs, snowflakes and vines!!!!!!!
:YMHUG: :YMHUG:
 
Linda no one can say anything to ease the pain you are having. I don't know you and I'm new to FDMB. I am a firm believer that our animals will often tell us when it's time we only need to hear them. In my own experiences I found when I tried to do all the heroics despite what I felt in my heart it never ended well.

Two years ago my at least 15 yr old kitty named Lucky who had never been ill in the 8 yrs he adopted us became so ill with a heart problem and he couldn't even participate in two of his greatest loves. Eating and going out to catch voles. He would sit and look at me and I had to say to the vets enough. I prayed to the angels to help him leave this life and cradled him in my arms while this incredible creature slipped away. Amazingly when I picked him up to lay him on his side it was like he wasn't there, no struggle only peace. I still miss him and cry when I think of him but I know I did the most loving act I could when there was no chance of recovery or easing his daily pain. I let him go.

Although I can't help with what you are facing know that you and Bear Man are in my prayers. Bless you both. :cry:
 
Linda & Bar Man-
I am so sorry that you must go through this. You are not alone. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and Bear Man will let you know when it is time. Your decision is the greatest gift of love that you can give him....

Sherry & Squirt (GA)
 
((((((Linda & Bear man))))) ... *tears*, holding you both close in my heart. Linda, they don't come much better than you. You know your Bear the best ... we are all here with you,for whatever you need and holding you up with endless love & support. I'm so sorry.
 
(((((((Linda))))))) My heart is in a million pieces. I know how hard this is, we're all here. :(
 
Oh Linda I'm so sorry. I just don't know what to say right now but I'm sending many hugs, prayers and healing vines to you all. I know that whatever you decide it will be right for your Bear Man. Please give him a gentle kiss from Tori and me.
 
Oh Linda,
I feel I came closer to you and BearMan while working on our calendar. He is such a beautiful guy and with all his special needs - him belonging in our "unusual group of acro/cushings/iaa - where they face more challenges - you are so right in that there comes a time that they tell us when they are tired. It is always so hard for you as the mom! My heart aches so badly for you. And like all the others here - I will share your tears. Bear Man and you have many friends to help you along this way - please let us know what else we can do for you!
xxx
patti
 
Linda - I am a puddle reading this - we love Bearman too :) You have been such a great mommabean to this beautiful Bear. You know him best and you have our support through this horribly sad time. He has had a wonderful life with you - filled with love and pampering. He loves you too. I send all my hugs and prayers for you both. xoxo
 
dear linda, i've been praying for a miracle. they do happen once in awhile, but not always.
you'll know if bear's time has come and you'll help him just as you have been all along... with utmost respect and most of all, love.
we're here. we're very sad and we care.
love and hugs,
jill
 
linda, our hearts are breaking for you. you and bearman are a wonderful pair, and he couldn't ask for a better soulmate. love and prayers for you both.

celi & binks
 
Linda,
I have no words to offer, but I am also hoping for a miracle.
I do know that you will make the right decision for our BearMan by listening to and respecting his wishes, as hard as that may be.
Please know that so very many people are here to support you in any way you may need.
 
Linda, I haven't been here a long time, I don't know you, but I do know your pain...I just went through a very similar situation with one of my dogs. You will know if/when it is time, and while it is so very hard to do, it's the kindest gift you can give him, release from his pain. I'm so very sorry. :cry:
 
((((((((((Linda))))))))))))) ((((((((((Bear))))))))))))))

There is so much love here for you and for Bear. I hope both of you can feel it. I do believe that they tell us when it is time, if we can see it. You will know.
 
((((((((Linda and Bearman))))))) you are the best Mama Bean and I think you are doing all you can and I think there comes a time when we know its time to let go no matter how hard we are all here for you praying for you at this very difficult time
 
((((LINDA)))) ((((BEAR MAN)))) i am sorry. I pray everyday for a miracle. But I too believe that they tell us when it is time. You will know. Mannie and I will have you in our thoughts and prayers, as always. I am so very sorry.
 
Oh Linda. My heart is in my throat or visa versa. I pray for a miracle.
I was trying to imagine him eating today, some nice roast beef num num.
You are the best mommabean!
That's all I know to say,
here's a picture of my beautiful magical light bearing morning glorys
P5211521.jpg


(((HUGE HUGS))) to you and Bearman! I ask God for Bearman to know how much he is loved.
 
i feel helpless - wish there was something i could say or do to make things better.
we may have gone thru something similar with piggy this year. he just plain stopped eating. syringe feeding and force feeding worked for about a week but after that we couldn't even get food in him. cats do know when it's time, i guess, and we do have to respect that. a big part of that is stopping eating and starting to withdraw. main thing is to do everything in our power to help them be theirselves. ... be a cat, not just a patient...
rotisserie chicken gets my vote tho. even if he doesn't eat much, wishful thinking, perhaps, but just the idea of maybe just maybe perking them up for a minute...
 
((( Linda )))

This is so heartbreaking to see, I wish there was something special I could say that would ease your pain. You have been through so much with your Bear Man, and have already given him a life he could not have had otherwise. I can feel your love for each other in every post, and see it in every picture.

I pray that you and your kitties will be able to share some peaceful quiet snuggles together tonight. I have candles lit in my heart for you all, it is such a difficult time.
 
He has fought bravely, long and hard, Linda. I do not think any of us will question your decisions. (((Linda))) (((Bear)))
 
Thank you for sharing this with us (((((Linda)))))
You two have done so much together....you have come so far and conquered many challenges.....
I think you are hearing his heart speak to you, as you always have. Bear Man is so wise...and he knows that you will do whatever he wants...because you love him so....and always have. That will never change, will it? You two have a special bond that is a beautiful thing.
My heart is breaking for you....and I am sending prayers and much love to you both at this time....
Peace be with you both....(((((Linda & sweet Bear Man)))))...we are hugging you across the miles....
 
(((Linda)))) (((Bear Man)))...you obviously have a wonderful and amazing connection and you must listen to him....it doesn't matter what anyone else
may think...you know him best. I once had a vet tell me that the ultimate act of love for an animal companion is when you let them go when they
are ready. Too many people hold on way too long because they can't bear the outcome....but what is most important is that you are listening to him
and he will tell you. And we will all be here...the oldbies and the newbies....your support group is large and here. Having recently lost my dear soul
kitty, I know there is no comfort but there comes peace with knowing you gave him what he needed most all through his life and into eternal life. He
will always be with you. Thinking of you and praying for you and Bear Man.
 
(((Linda))) and (((Bear Man))) leaving work today I search facebook and to see your post with the hopes that Bear Man was eating. I quickly went to your post on FDMB and read the update with sadness. I am hoping a miracle happens and that Bear Man decides to fight some more! If not you will be there for him through his resting place with love and great memories. I am sending you my blessings and hope tomorrow starts with a smile...
 
(((Linda))) (((Bear Man)))
Prayers above equal blessings down often - not always, but my prayers are for you & Bear now. Bless both your hearts, I dont believe in the communicators either, I do believe in our furbaby family communicating to their owners & Bearman is communicating. I so very much respect your decision to not force feed him, so many fight for what they want & not want the kittys want ;-) Bless you both... we are all here supporting...
 
Dear Linda,
Bear Man is letting you know, gently, that it is his time to go. Last week Stu did the very same things: not eating, hiding from his usual routines, getting weaker and weaker, trying so hard to please us by taking a few nibbles, but in such obvious pain all the while.
Our hearts and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. You have been such a wonderful mamabean to Bear. He loves you and knows that you will help him now. Hold him close, and hold Teddy close, too.
Many hugs to you and your family,

Ella
 
((Linda))
You are truly a devoted mama to all of your babies.
Bear Man nknows how much you love him and that you will care for him no
what. He is a wise man your Bear Man.
I just melt when I see his picture.
Both of you are in my heart, prayers and thoughts and are here for
you and whatever we could do.
Sending lots and lots of love your way.
((hugs))
 
(((((Linda))))) ((((Bearman)))))

My heart is also in little pieces..... you are the best mamabean ever!!!
We know you will do what is best for Bearman.
We are all here to morally support you.
 
(((Linda)))

I'm so sorry to read this. Tears are flowing and my heart is breaking. Your status this morning took me right back to Harley's last day. She was telling me that it was time and I was refusing to listen. I wish I could have been as strong as you are now. You've done so much for Bear Man, fought so hard to help him heal, and your compassion and selflessness is immeasurable. You will listen to his heart and he will tell you what to do. I wish we never had to face these decisions or sad times. You will both be in my thoughts...

s
 
Linda-You know you have always been my HERO Momma Bean, because you have loved Bear Man Above & Beyond , and have given your all to caring for him.
I too believe in Miracles, and feel that you will do what you need to keep Bear Man surrounded with the Love you always have given him.
I am praying so hard for you both! Wrapping you both in Love & sending all the snowflkes in the world to you tonite- you have fought long & hard!
((((((Linda-Bear Man)))))
 
(((Linda))) I'm so sorry to read this. Forgive my brevity but I can barely type through the tears...
He's been brave and strong - and very very loved. I don't think anyone will question your decisions.
 
Thank you for the update, Linda.

It is clear from Bear Man's photo that he is wise. I believe with my whole heart that he communicates with you, and that you hear him. You will do what's best.

Sending white light and healing thoughts to you.


((((Linda and Bear Man))))
 
Crap. I so did not want to see this.......

(((((((((((((( linda )))))))))))))))) ((((((((((((((((( Bear ))))))))))))))))

I know with both Winnie and Wolf there was a sort of far off stare and a head turn from any food presented.
*big sigh*

Of course, you know me linda, always looking in my files and links and research for one more hail mary pass.
The only one I can think of to offer you.... is the switch from pred to dex if you have not done that already.
a nice big loading dose of dex ( .75mg ( is based on wt that is what we used) BID for 3 days then SID) takes about 2 days to kick in. Wolfie got 3 extra weeks -- 2 of high quality wonderful time and one week of slow decline.( he was completely limp at start and not eating) Winnie got 5 years..... but that was different circumstances. . That was her crazy chemo experience that almost killed her and dex saved her from that.
of course ECID

I guess I'm very rah rah dex cause of how it saved Winnie and how much it helped Wolf to have some extra quality time. he ate, he played. so I offer this to you with b/c you know how much I care about Bear, our sweet neighbor to the north. I know too, that Bear has used dex before..........

I do realize that it is possible that Bear may have already decided time to go.
You know him best. and I certainly know the look kitties give when they are ready. You will know it too.
I just had to offer..........

We heart you Bear !!

Hoping. We will always hope.



((((( Linda )))))
 
(((((((Linda))))))) (((((((Bear Man))))))))

You have always done what is best for Bear and you will do what you think is best for him now.....nobody could ever question what you do.
My heart breaks for you.
We are all here for you Linda.
 
We all love your Bear Man, through your posts we have come to know him and love him like our own.
I am so sorry he has to leave you but what a great momma bean you are to him, you have done and will always do whats best for him and my heart goes out to you both.
 
Linda, we all love you so much and wish we could be right there with you to hold you and ease your pain. But instead we will have to hold you in our hearts.

The miracle we pray for has already happened -- the love you gave and received from the Bear Man IS the miracle. It is a thing of beauty.
 
I am so sorry to read your update and my heart goes out to you and Bear Man. I think you are right about Bear Man communicating with you. You are so close, I think he will tell you when its time. Sending you both (((((HUGS))))) in this very sad time.
 
Linda,

Thinking of you and know how difficult this is. You have always been there for Bear and know him so well. Your decision will be made by what he tells you.
Our collective arms are around you.
 
Linda, my heart is with you and Bear Man today.
He knows the love you have for him. You will know what to do. Hugs and prayers to both of you. :YMHUG:
 
Linda, I'm so sorry. I agree that Bear Man will tell you when it is time, and hopefully that will help to bring peace. I don't know either of you very well at all, yet my heart is breaking for you. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and hearts.
 
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