7/10 Bear Man Old Timer - Crossroads

[Linda and Bear Man]

Last week: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=18832&p=186634#p186634

Thread on Health: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=19350

Most recent blood work results: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0Bw ... y=CJ38lKIC

Bear has reached the crossroad that I have been dreading. His bloodwork results from this week showed that his hematocrit has dropped to .19, which is the level at which his vet recommended that he start treatment with Darbepoietin. His thyroid has normalized, his kidney results have worsened as a result, and his pulse is still very high. The options for obtaining Darbepoietin are much more limited here in Canada than they are in the US. There seem to be some logistical problems with accurately measuring and delivering the correct dosage (see Health thread if interested in more detail). Bear's primary vet has been away recovering from surgery, but she is back in next week on limited hours, and I expect to discuss going ahead with the shots with her on Monday. While she has suggested quite a high starting dose, I have been researching various protocols, and find it unsettling that there is such a wide variation in approaches to dosing.

I consider this to be the start of a new, and possibly the final, leg of his journey. This is a treatment which could potentially give him a few more months of comfortable life, or which could have life threatening side effects. The alternative is to do nothing, and allow him to die of anemia. The options are not good, and I am finding it difficult to know what is right, if there is a "right" in this case. Bear has not had a good week. He is very tired and weak, and spends almost all of his time lying on the bathroom floor next to his water bowl and litter box. I have made a soft bed in that spot for him to lie on.

Sometimes Teddy shares the bathroom bed (clickable thumbnails):



And sometimes he doesn't:

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

(((((Linda))))) The choices are not easy. I hope that you will be able to find the best road with the help of your vet. I know that you will do everything you can to make Bear's days comfortable and I hope that he will have some really good weeks to offset the bad ones. Teddy is an enormous help. They are such a pair.
We are thinking good thoughts, sending feel-better vines, and snowflakes, too. Hugs to you all.

Ella & Stu

 

[Libby and Lucy]

((((Linda)))) ((((Bear)))) ((((Teddy))))

I have no advice, just support.

 

[Helene & Tizon]

((((Linda))))) (((((Bearman))))) ((((Teddy)))) ((((DH))))

Opening a condo today must be difficult.... so many questions, few answers, none of which are miraculous. There are moments like this where I would like to have a magic wand and make things better physically and emotionally. I'm sorry that you have in that situation and I'm sorry that I can't help you other than bringing you meals maybe and supporting you morally.

Bear is a very lucky kitty to have you and I'm sure that the cuddles and the purrs you receive from him are very telling and grateful. Your care for him has been and continues to be extraordinary. Listen to Bear...... Whatever you decide will be the right decision.

Tears.... many tears!!!
(((Linda)))) :YMHUG:

 

[OptOut]

Oh Linda!!! I get so, so sad thinking of Bear going downhill. I'm so sorry for both of you. Love your baby lots, and lots and send him kisses from Boo.

 

[Randi & Max (GA)]

((Linda)) ((Bear Man))

Sadly I do not have answers for you. Just prayers and love and hope that Bear Man stays
comfortably for you and you enjoy each precious moment.
As I have offered, if you need anything from the states, I will go for you and bring across
the border

Lots and lots of hugs and healing vines.

 

[Roni and Moonie]

No answers, but this is a place most of us will be at some time..We put it out of our minds, but the stark reality is that, Life is short,
to Have Lived Well and Loved Much is the answer--Keep the Love you have for Bear Man coming, and he will guide you..
You have always been my Hero Momma Bean, caring for your babies against impossible odds---
And somehow there has always been a miracle--Maybe there is still one coming--
With heartfelt Hugs from Us.

 

[Lisa and Do Lou (GA)]

I have no words Linda just sending support and (((HUGS))) to you and Bear Man

 

[Kathy and Kitty]

Vines, snowflakes and hugs to support you and Bear Man, wherever the road takes you.

 

[Ronnie & Luna]

Linda,
my heart goes out to you. And you have our support no matter how it goes. Bear Man will let you know.
In the meantime, the time you have with each other is precious, one day at a time right?

You are both in my thoughts for gentle easy days ahead.
Lots of hugs to Teddy and Bear Man and to their amazing loving mom.
(((((((((hugs))))))))

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

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

There's not much that I can say that you haven't thought. I know in my heart that whatever you decide will be with all the care and love you have for Bear. It will be the right decision. However you may need us here, we'll be there for you and for Bear.

 

[kryskat]

((((Linda)))) -

So sorry to hear about this. You've taken such very good care of Bear Man - he and Teddy are so lucky to have you.

Sending healing vines and blizzards of snowflakes to cool and comfort you and Bear. You're in my thoughts and prayers...

 

[Deb & Spot]

((((Linda, Bear & Teddy)))) Not the best of caturday reports today, Linda and I am so sorry for that. I can only imagine the struggle you have daily to keep Bear happy comfortable but the love you have for him outweighs everything else. Unfortunately I too do not have any answers or suggestions, but my love and support are yours.

You are at a place that none of us want to be, yet someday we will all be there, or we have already been there before. It is not a happy place and there are so many questions that no one has the answers for. All I can say is that you will make the best decision for Bear. Your love for him will guide you in this journey and our love for both of you will be there to support anything and everything you decided.

Sending a truck load of blankets of snowflakes and love vines and hugs and just general feel better whispers.

Oh, almost forgot....If Bear is up for it, Spot is having a Luau Pool party tomorrow and would like it if Bear and Teddy could come. We have lots of floaties that Bear could lounge in if he's not feeling up to partying.

 

[Barbara and tuffy]

(((Linda Bear Man))) What can I say. You have taken such good care of Bear. Prayers, Snowflakes, Reiki, white light on its way. Glad he is enjoying his cuddles.

 

[Pat+Raja+Shadow (GA)]

(((((Linda)))))
I am so sorry that you are at this point in time. I wish that this treatment was a "definite". That would make it so much easier to deal with.

But, there are NO definites in medical treatments, are there? My thought is that you have researched it so much and have such good knowledge of it, that you would be watching carefully to make sure there were no dangerous side effects at the dose you would be giving him. You could stop it immediately if you didn't like what you saw. BUT, if it is a good outcome and he is more comfortable then it would be a good thing. I
just don't know what to say....none of us can say one way or the other, can we? It will be up to you to weigh your choices and find that inner peace that signals that you have chosen the right path.
We will be thinking of you Linda....and praying for you and Bear Man. Hugs to you both...and one for Teddy too.

 

[Dyana]

Snowflakes and vines being sent to the Bear Man today
for the treatment to help him to feel better so that you
enjoy each others company for many more moons to come.

Many hugs and love from Dyana and J.D. and Ginger.

 

[Fleapunk]

My heart is in pieces.

 

[Judith and Thomas]

(((Linda)))

I'm so sorry to hear that Bear has had rough week...rough for him, means rough for you, too.

I don't know what to say re. the Darbepoietin...is it something akin to Epogen? I gave Thomas Epogen shots for his anemia shortly before he died, and I swear it was making him feel better. I could tell he was 'happier', was more comfortable, etc. Unfortunately, he suddenly lost the use of his hind legs three days after we began the shots (it was not a clot...we attributed this to the growth of his kidney tumor being so large it eventually compromised his spine) but had that not occurred, I think it would have bought him some more quality time. He was not 'ready' to go, had the event with his hind legs not occurred. Even on that last day, he was content, as opposed to how he had appeared in the days prior. He had been sleeping (or not sleeping) with his head held upright, not down and relaxed, among other things. After the Epogen, he began sleeping normally, purring alot more, his appetite increased...there were lots of little things I could see that told me he felt better.

That's my only experience with (perhaps?) something similar. If you do decide to go this route, trust your instincts to know whether this is something that is helping Bear feel better. You will know.

You continue to amaze me...you are such a great Mom to your boys.

(((Linda, Bear Man, Teddy)))

 

[Natasha & Seamus]

Aww Linda, I thought I read the title wrong and had to peek in Hang in there, both of you

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

I wish you and Bear man the best. it is difficult I know, words truly do escape me. I can't offer advice, only support. I believe that there is a level of communication and understanding between us humans and those felines that we love and care for. Whatever you decide, you will know that the choice is the right one. Bear man will let you know too. Cherish these days together. You have done so well with him - he couldn't ask for better care, love, and devotion.

it is wonderful that Teddy spends time with him. I find it amazing that cats will do this. There is comfort there for them I think. Mannie sends his love for Bear Man and hopes that maybe he can make it to Spots party tomorrow, he would like to hang out some with his look-a-like twin.

Take care, our thoughts are with you.

 

[Ele & Blackie (GA)]

Only you and Bear will know the right decision, and you will make that decision in love. I am sending prayers for Bear to feel better and for peace to you in whatever you decide.

 

[Sonia & Tom (GA)]

(((Linda))) (((Bear))) been thinking about you. Sending positive vibes.

 

[Meadow]

{{{{{Linda and Bear}}}}

Wish I could offer more than a cyberhug during this very stressful and upsetting time. I have been where you are twice in the past year, so my heart is definitely with you and Bear. There is no right or wrong...only decisions made with all the love in our hearts. Keeping you and Bear in my prayers and sending GLOW for whatever is to come.

 

[skippy and birten]

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

I have not been on LL for sometime and happened to pop in today to read your post. I am truly sorry of the outcome and can only send you prayer and snowflakes with the hopes that you and Bear Man spend these precious days together. I wish I had the answer for you> It is so hard!! Huggs to you both.

 

[CD and BigMac]

I think of you and Bear Man often and wish many more hugs for you both in the days ahead. Such a sweet kitty and a wonderful momma-bean. Prayers for all.

 

[sehjak (Susan & Lanky)]

All our love with lots of prayers for you both.

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

And, more hugs.

 

[D and Noisy]

No words seem right.
I love you both. He is so special to us here.
Sending our prayers Linda.

 

[pjstroop]

((((Linda)))) ((((BearMan))))

Reading this with such a heavy heart for you... and BearMan.
Just wanted you to know that my prayers are with you *****

We're all here for you!