Update on Belle - CRF

[Susan and the girls]

Hey y'all,
I haven't posted in a while since Belle has been doing so well with her twice daily sub-q fluids, and she has really behaved as if she feels good.

We went on vacation (our first EVER family vacation!) from May 31 - June 5, and I boarded Belle at my vet's office during that time. They were kind enough to only charge me for the boarding ($11 a day) - and not the fluids administration!! (I provided the fluids & needles, and when she got home, I looked in the bag I'd sent with her, and guess what I found? A FULL bag of fluids & the same number of needles!! They were nice enough to use their fluids anyway! They're just the best vet office ever!!) They really love Belle, I can tell, and have a very soft place in their hearts for her. I know they're pulling for her, too!

While she was there, since it was time to repeat her bloodwork & urinalysis, I asked them to go ahead & do it. I don't have the exact numbers (I will get them), but the vet called & left a detailed message about the meaning of the bloodwork & urinalysis (minus the exact numbers). Then, she mailed me a handwritten note about how Belle looked & what the bloodwork told her.

Here's what she said: Belle's weight was 11.25 lbs, the same as 4/11/11, when she last had her checkup & labs. The urinalysis by cystocentesis shows her urine is still dilute, but we know this won't change. But, there was no blood, no RBCs, no protein, no WBC or bacteria! Bloodwork of CBC/SAP repeat from 4/11/11 - Her BUN & Creatinine were higher, as well as the phosphorus, but there was good news: her RBC count, hemoglobin, & hematocrit are increasing - they're not in normal range, but definitely increasing & regenerating at this point. She recommended continuing with 100 ml twice daily and repeating the bloodwork in 6-8 weeks unless she needs it sooner. On her note, she added "She looks GREAT."

All the staff I talked to commented on how good she looked & acted. I agreed - she does act like she feels good - especially given the lab values we see with her.

When we got home from our trip, she was the only cat to meet us at the door! (Scarlett & Daisy just ignored our return....stinkers....) That night, when I went to bed, I carried Belle to my bed with me & put her at the head of the bed, just by my pillow. (She used to sleep there every night before Rob & I got married, and when we married, she just stopped.) Well, every night since then, she has come to bed WITH me, and stayed there all night!!! I love it!!!! (I don't think Rob realizes she's there, either! LOL) I usually sleep holding her paw.... I hear her snoring and/or purring all night. She's such a doll.

I'm doing all I can to keep her with me as LONG as I can. I hope to defy the odds..... Keep praying for her!!

[Traci]

Susan, what a wonderful update on Belle, it is obvious she is fighting this and that you are being very diligent in her home care. GOOD JOB!!

I love that she is sleeping at your pillow again!

Belle is always in my thoughts and prayers, she is such a sweet little trooper!

[Tina B and crew]

That is wonderful news! Keep up the good work!