Hello everyone,
This morning when I went to feed Mazie Grace, it was obvious she was experiencing quite a bit of nausea. The vet had told me this was to be expected post-op and that I should call, leave a message for her and she would call me back and we could develop a plan. Well, that's exactly what transpired.
Since she is on call this weekend, obviously the vet's first priorities are the patients they have in the hospital and any emergencies that came in overnight. Mazie was resting quite comfortably so there was no real rush. While I waited on the callback, I focused on spending time with my Mazie...giving her kisses every chance I could and, hopefully, helping her know and feel how very much she is loved and what a HUGE part of this household she is.
Around 1:30, I was just wrapping up a tube feeding with Mazie when Dr. Rios called me back. We talked through the nausea and made a plan to manage it. We talked about the restorative sleep Mazie is getting, how very important sleep is to the healing process and how much she LOVES the tube feedings...and I do mean LOVES. Quite honestly, the biopsy results were the last thing on my mind...I guess I had filed it away as a "Monday or Tuesday" event that I would somehow manage to deal with when it happened. In all honesty, I have not had a good feeling about what the results will tell us...I've been expecting the worst.
As I'm sure you can imagine, my heart stopped when Dr. Rios said "This morning when I came in I received Mazie's preliminary results from the Colorado lab"...I mean, seriously, my heart stopped...I don't think I actually breathed in oxygen for, like, maybe 5 whole minutes...I just stood there, holding the phone...dumbfounded...afraid of what I was about to hear.
"The preliminary results show inflammatory bowel disease. I will get the full report on Monday but this is good news. No lymphoma," said Dr. Rios, the most wonderful veterinary internist in the whole world.
Normally I can manage my emotions...I'm not a cryer in public...I might fall apart once I am alone but I don't think I've ever just burst into tears...uhm, well...at least not until today. At the end of her "no lymphoma" statement I sobbed like a baby...I'm talkin' "The.Ugly.Cry". I don't quite remember much of the conversation that ensued, what with all the ugly cryin' going on, but...I just know, while IBD is a nasty disease, it's manageable and my little girl can lead a happy life and get back to doing the very important Whiskers & Purrs Gang social directing work that she does so very well.
The bottom line is that I am so thankful...and grateful. Thankful that my little Mazie Grace does not have lymphoma. Grateful that she will be with us and be happy. I'm also completely blown away by the outpouring of care and concern that has come from all around the world...yesterday alone we had a record number of hits to the blog...our Facebook pages have been lit on fire with friend requests and comments. Complete strangers have been sending me emails voicing support, concern and offering suggestions. All I can say is "WOW"!
If you stop and think about it...this really is the spirit of Christmas...not Santa Claus or presents or parties or any of that crap...for me at least, the true spirit of Christmas is people from all around the world, rallying around this poor little helpless blind cat...such a little underdog...loving her and praying for her. To every person that has been there for us, I want you to know that I will never forget your kindness and support. Every prayer, good thought and kind word you have shared to help us get through this stressful time means more than you can ever know. I will always be grateful for your kindness.
And so, little miss Mazie Grace will be continuing to enjoy her pain medications for a few more days as her tiny little body heals. We go back to VRCC on Tuesday for a check of her feeding tube and overall health condition. The vet will receive a more detailed report of her condition and we will work out a treatment plan. Mazie will be on prednisone for the rest of her life...but that's okay...she will be happy and as healthy as possible...and loved always.
Thank you all for your kindness. I am blessed.
All the best,
Jenny
