7/24 Bear Man update

[Linda and Bear Man]

Last week: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=20012&p=198928#p198928

Bear Man celebrated his three year annifursary yesterday. He was diagnosed with diabetes on July 23, 2007. I am thankful to all of our friends here on this Board and especially in LL who have supported him, not only in his diabetes journey, but through his struggles with his many other health issues. If it were not for Jojo, I don't think Bear would be alive today. Some five or six thousand test strips later, and one thousand days with the bean setting her alarm at three a.m. every day for needles, Bear is still here to enjoy his cuddles with his little brother Teddy.

Bear has completed his first full week on Aranesp (Darbepoietin). Before his first shot, his PCV (a measure of his anemia) was .18. This past Thursday when he went in for recheck and his second needle, it was up to .20. The recommended rate of increase in PCV is 2% per week, so he is on target. I still have some discomfort regarding his dose (see Health thread: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=20534&p=204463#p204463), but so far his BP is stable, and his heart rate has come down a bit.

He continues to do a bit of exploration around the upper floor of the house, visiting some of his old favorite sleeping spots. He is more cuddly and social, and has taken a few swats at Teddy, so he is feeling a bit feisty as well. His next shot Aranesp shot is scheduled for next Thursday.

Miss Emily came through surgery to remove her mast cell tumour well. I am still waiting for the pathology report to tell me what stage the tumour was, if it was benign, and if the margins looked clean.

Thanks again to all of our friends here. I don't post much any more, but I lurk, and I think of all of you.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I'm so glad to hear that Bear's responding to the treatment. Slow and steady sounds very good. He's such a beautiful boy and it's wonderful to hear that his feistiness is intact!

Paws crossed for a good pathology report on Miss Emily.

 

[Dyana]

A good sometimes fiesty and exploring WCR for Bear Man. I'm happy to hear that his PCV values are on target with the medication. Wishing him continued progress, and tumor is benigh vines going out to Miss Emily.
(((Hugs to you all)))

 

[WCF and Meowzi]

Some five or six thousand test strips later...

:lol: we should all have invested in meter company stock. meowzi's just crossed the 3 yr 11 mth mark, i don't even want to think how many strips we've used. here's wishing you and Bear use of another five or six thousand more test strips ;-)

really glad to see the Aranesp report we love a cuddly, social, feisty Bear!

fingers crossed for a benign path report for Miss Emily.

 

[Fleapunk]

Nothing says happiness like an exploring, feisty, Teddy-swatting Bear. :mrgreen:

I am really enjoying Bear's progress reports ::antijinx:: Claws crossed for continued goodliness for all kitties.

 

[JaniceandSpike]

Nice kitty report today. Glad to see some things looking up. Hope you get more good news comimg your way.

 

[Amy and Six]

:YMHUG:

I love Bear Man, Teddy and Emily's Saturday reports.

 

[joyce-tuscany(GA)]

Well, Happy Annifurrsary Mr. Bear Man. 3 yrs takes a lot of dedication! I am glad that he is seeing some response to his new treatment - I hope it continues to help.

Regarding mast cell - tuscany had one removed from the lower inside of one of her ears several years ago. She has done great, the vet did an awesome job - you can't really tell that her ear is a bit narrower than the other. I hope the final path comes back with clear margins. Our vet did say (saw this on one of other posts to you recently too) that mast cells in cats usually aren't the issue that they can be in dogs.

Keeping the fingers crossed for both your furbabies.

 

[Lisa and Do Lou (GA)]

Always love to see the Bear Man updates and to hear he is feeling a bit more feisty :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Paws crossed the tumor report will come back negative

 

[Kelly & Logan]

Feisty and exploring sound good, Linda. So happy Bear Man is doing better and that Emily came through the surgery ok.

 

[Libby and Lucy]

I love this, it sounds like such a good report overall. I like reading a nice WCR for Bear. I'm continuing to send vines for both Bear and Miss Emily.

 

[Cyn and Cosmo]

I'm so glad to read this great report! I hope for many many more test strips and good days for Bear man.

And keeping paws, fingers, toes, and tails crossed for Emily's path report.

(Danger is reading this condo very studiously. He's been sitting in my lap and staring at the screen the entire time. I wonder if Cosmo told him to keep an eye out for all the LL kittehs!)

-Cyn

 

[Lydia & Sid & Jake(GA)]

I'm glad to hear that Bear Man is feeling better.

 

[kryskat]

Thanks for that very positive update on the Bear Man... I like to hear that he's been a bit feisty!

And glad Emily came thru the surgery well and sending healthy vines and white/blue/green lights for a healthy path report...

Blue is curled on the couch next to me and he wants to send his best as well...

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Really good report for Bear Man. Happy Annifursary, Bear! That sure is a lot of test strips!!! We're keeping fingers and paws crossed for Emily.

Ella & Stu

 

[CD and BigMac]

Love to hear about the handsome Bear Man. I smiled when you wrote about him being more social and cuddly. Even that swat at Teddy is a happy thing.

Every little improvement in his health is a beautiful thing and I am sending many vines that these improvements will continue.

Give him a hug for me.

 

[Sonia & Tom (GA)]

Thank you for the update! Always happy to hear about Bear and his family.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Wonderful report!! I am so glad Bear Man is responding, visiting some of his old haunts - just very nice to read. Mannie say hello to his look-alike twin. Thanks so much for the update!