Saying goodbye

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jkbank

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Hi All

For the most part, I've been managing everything that's going on with Gem pretty well. I amaze myself with that I am capable of doing, particularly with the wound care. But today I am feeling really down. Gem got another bad tear, in a place where she can scratch and lick. So I cover it, but then changing the bandage is awful because it sticks. But if I leave it open, she makes it worse. I am waiting for a call back from my vet. I'm worried as we are heading out of town for the long weekend. We bring Gem with us, but I will be away from the docs that know her.

I wonder it all of this is worth it. Sometimes she seems upbeat and I think, yes of course, whatever I have to do. But days like today, I feel I am really fighting a losing battle.

Well, thanks for letting me rant. I'm sure I'll get past it, but it's hard sometimes. Thanks to all for your support the past month or so.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Squeaky and KT said:
BIG HUGE LOOOOOOOONG HUG....and another....and another....and another....
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Thanks Lyresa, and for your post on my other thread as well.

This is an unabashed cry for sympathy, and I am grateful for everyone's good wishes.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Everyone needs a pity party once in a while. And it looks like you are dealing with a whole lot at once, so I say go for it. Here's some streamers to set the tone: party_cat party_cat party_cat

I think I have seen a soft (made out of fabric) collar for cats so they can't get to wounds they shouldn't lick. Like the white plastic cone but made out of fabric. I'll see if I can find it. Don't know it that would help....

You really can Google anything. These seem to be made for dogs, but the smallest size might work: http://www.designerecollars.com/ PetCo also has one.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Everyone needs a pity party once in a while. And it looks like you are dealing with a whole lot at once, so I say go for it. Here's some streamers to set the tone: party_cat party_cat party_cat

I think I have seen a soft (made out of fabric) collar for cats so they can't get to wounds they shouldn't lick. Like the white plastic cone but made out of fabric. I'll see if I can find it. Don't know it that would help....
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Thanks Sue! I like the streamers!

I actually went this morning and bought that very collar. Unfortunately when I tried to put it on, it fastens in the very spit that's open so that's a no-go :( I don't know what to do for this poor kitty, I feel very helpless, and hopeless right now.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Could you get some velcro - the kind that sticks, doesn't require sewing - and put that on the opening so after it's on, it's closed?
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

:sad: I don't have any suggestions .. but I offer my support and my good thoughts your way .. (((hugs))))
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

I'm just sending you hugs, and moral support. Hang in there. Rant and write all you want. We're here for you... :YMHUG:
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Could you get some velcro - the kind that sticks, doesn't require sewing - and put that on the opening so after it's on, it's closed?
Click to expand...

I appreciate your response - I'm not sure what you mean. The collar fastens with Velcro but the tear is just below her neck so it will be rubbing against the tear.

I've tried putting it on two ways - facing up, the typical way you'd see a collar on, but apart from the rubbing she'd still be able to scratch with her back paw; and facing down, but that puts the collar right up against the wound.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Sue - it wasn't that collar, but similar concept. It's just bad luck that that is just where the tear is.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
Got it. Nope, I'm no help. Thought you meant the opening let her scratch at it......
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Just your responding is a big help, thank you so much. I know there are no good answers for her right now. But everyone's good vibes definitely make me feel better.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

You are absolutely entitled to a pity party!!!!!!! Look at all you are dealing with right now and doing it so well!!! drinking24

So Lets get the party started party_cat party_cat party_cat party_cat

And here are a bunch of hugs for you too. :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

We all have those days where we just meltdown, it doesn't matter the reason, and we are absolutely entitled to have those meltdowns, because we deal with more than most pet owners would do for their pets and we do it out of love. But when you have a special needs human child people applaud you for your efforts, but when it is a special needs animals most of your family and friends look at you like you have two heads because you choose treatment over the quick solution. They just don't get it that this isn't just an animal to be disposed of when the going gets tough. But we all get it here, we have all had our share of challenges with our beloved furry babies.

You are never ever alone in this journey with Gem, not ever. We will cheer with you, we will laugh with you, we will cry with you and most of all there will be 100s of cyber shoulders to cry on, and ears to let you vent too. We are family! And family is there for each other through the good times and the bad times. Gem isn't just your baby, she belongs in little ways to everyone of us, and we hurt when you hurt, and we will be your strength when your own fails you.

Hang in there hon, we've got you, rant all you want, we're here for you.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

I admire you so much for how much you care and love Gem. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to care for such a fragile kitty.
My heart goes out to you and I'm sending you lots of ((((((hugs.))))))))
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Hi - I'm new here so I can't offer any advice, but I wanted to send my moral support and plenty of good vibes. I hope Gem is doing better.... and you too!

Kathie
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :(

Thank you, thank you, thank you! What an amazing place this is!

Mel - your words move me to tears. I know you are dealing with your own situation with sweet Musette (always makes me think of Cosette from Les Miserables, my favorite show!). That you would take time out of your own day to help me is so comforting.

Well, I am off the the ER, seems that is the only shot I have of getting to see the doc I want. Fingers crossed.
 
Re: Having a pity party for myself :( Off to ER

Everyone needs a pity party every once in a while. It can get overwhelming, especially when we feel like our best still isn't enough or we're running on little to no sleep or life is pulling us in every direction...

Hugs, well wishes and prayers coming your way. Do update when you can!

smiley-hug.gif


Libby (and Hershey, too!)
 
I can't really post a long message but we are going to say goodbye. Will try and post back later with details. Thank you so much for all your prayers.
 
jkbank said:
I can't really post a long message but we are going to say goodbye. Will try and post back later with details. Thank you so much for all your prayers.
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I am so very sorry. This has to be so hard for you. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
 
I am so sorry. We were all hoping and praying that she would be okay. Whatever you do, you are doing it out of love for Gem. ((((HUGS))))
 
Oh Hon my heart sank when I saw the change in the title....I am so so sorry we were all praying she would rally for you, you both gave it your all! Never ever doubt that you didn't do enough, and even now you are giving her a gift of pure love...you are taking her pain away and taking it into your own heart. She will always be your shining jewel, your most precious Gem

Fly Free Beautiful Lady and land ever so softly back in your family's heart...You were loved beyond measure and will be missed until you are once again together.

Mel, Maxwell, Musette, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
I'm so sorry .. I hope you know you were the best family for Gem .. and gave her everything you could .. ((hugs)) Know she is forever with you .. Fly Free Sweet Gem ...
 
I'm so sorry. This is heartbreaking. You tried so hard to protect her and you are continuing that love by not letting her suffer.
♡♡♡♡♡(((((((((a million hugs for you)))))))) ♡♡♡♡♡♡
 
I'm so devastated for you. You did your best because you trusted people you didn't even know with suggestions and help for Gem. That says volumes about how much you love her.

My heart breaks for you. I'm so very sorry ((((((Karen))))))
 
Thank you all so much. My heart is heavy & broken, yet also filled with all the love you've shown me and my sweet baby girl.

I am going to take tonight to be with my other baby Kooker, who I'm sure will be lonely without his partner in crime!

If it's OK with you guys, I'd like to post tomorrow with the story of Gem's final journey in the hopes that it will bring me some solace. Know that I have read all your messages with tears running down my face and gratitude in my heart.

I send all my prayers to those whose kitties are struggling, and hold all your babies close.

With love and gratitude,
Karen
 
First off hugs to you. I can't imagine your heart break or the sadness you must feel. When you feel like it please post in honor of your sweet kitty, Gem.

May your tears turn to smiles when you think of Gem. :YMHUG:
Jenn & Baxter
 
I'm so very sorry for you and Gem. I've been following your posts and hoping for the best. You went to the best vets and specialists around and really took on a lot of responsibility. I really admire that. You were so loyal to Gem and tried to see her through a lot of very serious health problems. Gem was so lucky to have you and I'm sure you feel so lucky to have had her in your life. I had really hoped that the medication would have kept her cortisol levels down and she would heal, but it didn't work out that way and I'm so, so sorry.

Thank you for sharing a photo of Gem with us. She sure looks like a very sweet kitty. Big hugs to you and your family.
 
OH (((Karen)))

I'm so sorry. I know how hard you tried to help ((((Gem)))). We also lost Witty about a month after we started treating her cushings. Know you did all you could to help her and she loved you very much for that! My heart is heavy with yours. Fly free sweet Gem.
 
You did good. Gem was as loved as a kitty could be, so loved that when it mattered, you were willing to take away her pain even as your own was multiplied a thousand times.

Soft landings, Gem, can come to your Momma on the warm summer breeze-she will know it's you and that you each carry a piece of the other, 'til you meet again.
 
I'm so sorry about Gem's passing. She was deeply loved and well cared for during her life so you gave her the best. May your angel visit you soon.
 
I am so sad to read of your loss and have been so impressed with your efforts to care for Gem - you've done so much and now the final act of love and kindness to your sweet Gem. It is so hard to say goodbye but so much better than seeing them suffer - you have done an amazing job.
 
You can add my tears with all the others. I'm so saddened to read this. Your love of Gem transends...We are mere mortals trying to do the impossible. It just isnt fair. We're not wired for this.
What a brave wonderful Kitty Gem is. I'm sure that bravery will keep her safe till you meet again.
Fly free wonderful Gem, fly free

May peace find and fill your soul,
jeanne
 
Hi there everybody

Sorry I haven't posted back, been a bit crazy and I had to get upstate to the rest of my family - they went ahead without me last night so I could attend to Gem.

Don't have much time to write now but I promise I will post The Story of Gem soon.

I just wanted to pop on and let you know that I have read all your messages, over and over, and they mean so much to me. To know that there are all these people out there we've never met who have cheered for us, and now cry with us is really amazing and comforting. I have learned so much from each and every one of you - about diabetes, but also about life and living & loving our pets. Every time I came on here I learned something new, and was always struck by what a strong & loving community this is.

To my fellow Cushing's moms out there, thank you for your support, advice & encouragement…I thought we really were going to save her but we ran out of time. Perhaps they're all together trading notes on life with Cushing's

Vicky & Gandalf - thanks for reaching out with the tip on Vetericyn. I do believe using that bought us some more time with Gem while we waited for her body to heal from within. Unfortunately it didn't happen, but we are grateful for the time we had

Mel - sweet Mel always looking out for others even as you deal with your own struggles. How is Musette? Did she get to come home to you for the weekend? Thank you for your uplifting words.

Dyana - I love the candle, thank you so much for taking the time to do that

Lyresa - I'll never forget those pictures of Gem the bird…that's how I will picture my Gem, flying away

To all that read about me and Gem and have posted along the way, to those that read and just posted now with their condolences, and to those that have read along and not posted but thought kind thought for us - I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I'm off to enjoy some relaxation time with my family, but I'll post again soon.

With much love
Karen
 
Yes, Karen, Musette is home with me..thank you for asking...we still have a long ways to go...but we will get there together.

((((hugs to you and your family))) And when you are ready I would so love to read the story of Gem. I want to know her as you have known her...healthy, happy and full of life. She must to have been some girl to have been so blessed with a mom and a family that loved her so dearly. How could she not be simply amazing with a mom as amazing as her's?

Mel, Maxwell, Musette, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
I'm so sorry for your loss. You truly did all you could. You went above and beyond. But sometimes it's just not meant to be. I have no doubt you are doing the right thing. Take the time you need to grieve.
 
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