My dear friends, I need to ask you to please keep my precious Noah close in your thoughts and prayers. He will be having serious abdominal surgery tomorrow, September 25, 2012, to remove a mass that has finally impeded his colon. Of course he showed no signs of illness until last Thursday, September 20, when he had an upset tummy after his breakfast. Since he has occassional challenges with furball tummies I gave him a dose of Laxatone which seemed to settle him for the rest of the day. Friday morning, September 21, he had numerous upset tummy spells after his breakfast. I took him to his doctor Friday afternoon at which time an X-ray was taken which showed a suspicious "something" in his intestinal tract but since it was late Friday the only thing the vet could do was give him fluids for dehydration and medication to help with the nausea. He was not a chipper boy during the weekend but we managed to make it through a very difficult yesterday when I thought I might have to take him to the ER vet - - but he settled down after awhile and was okay for the rest of the evening. I took him back to his doctor this morning so she could do a barium GI test. She called a few moments ago to confirm the worst -- that an abdominal mass is pressing on his intestinal tract which is now causing him to exhibit distress. The owner of the hospital who specializes in intestinal surgery will be doing his surgery tomorrow. This is a very long and invasive surgery that he may not survive, and if he does, the recovery is very serious.

I am going to go visit with my precious baby boy for awhile this evening as the hospital is opened until 7 p.m. tonight. As you know there are no words to describe the pain my heart is in - - I want my baby boy well again.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon_beam

I am SO sorry to hear about your precious boy Noah I had no idea he was having troubles. You have provided so much comfort and support to all of us here at LS. Me and Theresa and Tang will keep Noah in our thoughts and prayers for a recovery. I will even appeal to Angel Tom to pull some strings. I just don't have the words to describe how my heart hurts for you and Noah. I hope you can spend some good quality time with him at the vet. From your post I assume they are keeping him over night? Give him an extra pat from me and my fur babies. I am keeping you both in my prayers.

~HUGS~

Tracy

Dear moon_beam, I am so sorry to hear that your precious Noah is ill. I pray that his surgery would be successful tomorrow and that he would recover. I know that he'll appreciate you visiting with him tonight, and I hope that you can get enough rest and a good night's sleep. I know it won't be quite the same without your precious boy at home tonight.

Please let us know about Noah tomorrow as soon as you hear from the vet. You're in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

Hugs,
DannysMom

Oh moon_beam, I am so sorry about your little precious Noah. I hope the surgery is sucessful and that he recovers completely. I can always feel how much you love him in your posts. He and you both will be in my prayers.

May God Bless You Both!

With Love,

LoveMyMickey

Dear Moon Beam,

I'm so sorry to hear about Noah's condition, and how he will be needing extensive surgery tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers will be with him and with you tonight, as well as tomorrow. Words cannot convey the deep heart ache I felt when I read this. You have been such a comfort to me in many ways. The heartfelt and sympathetic words you offered me, when I lost my precious Midnight last June, helped me tremendously in my grief journey. I want to extend this same comfort to you and let you know how much you and your Noah mean to me.

With love . . . Angelinda

Hi, Tracy, DannysMom, LoveMyMickey, and Angelinda. Thank you so very much for your outpouring of love and concern for my precious Noah and me. No words can begin to adequately express the comfort I feel in your thoughts and prayers.

I visited my precious Noah for about 1.5 hours - - almost until the time when the vet office was about to close. Dr. Neal showed me the results of his barium x-rays. The tumor is elsewhere in his body that has grown to the point where it is now collapsing a section of his intestine - - which is now causing him to exhibit symptoms. The surgery tomorrow will be exploratative and to determine the extent of the mass. I told Dr. Neal that I want a DNR on his chart and that if the tumor is indeed as invasive as it shows on the x-rays and that his quality of life would be severely diminished that I do not want him to wake up. She gently told me that this was a wise decision, and reassured me that Dr. Buckland is "the best" veterinary gastric surgeon in the entire region. Dr. Buckland does surgery in the afternoons between 1 and 4 p.m., so it may be late tomorrow afternoon before I know if my precious boy has a chance at recovery - - or if this evening is the last time I have seen him during his living earthly journey.

This house is so empty without his precious energy. Today I looked out the big basement window and remembered how full of life it once was with my beloved Oslo, my number one kitty son Eli, my precious Noah, and beloved beautiful baby girl Abbygayle. I know my precious little boy has been very lonely without his housemates - - particularly his beautiful baby sister Abbygayle and his big adopted kitty brother Eli. It has been 2.5 years since his baby sister joined the angels - - leaving him to be the sole survivor in a household that once enjoyed four furkids - - including my precious Noah. It has been a fear in my haert that I would lose my precious Noah - - a normal paranoia that accompanies grief when one has experienced multiple losses particularly in a short period of time. So to a certain extent I am not surprised that he is now closer to joining his fur family members in eternal joy - - but this does not diminish the deep sorrow in my heart.

I can't believe it's after Midnight already - - I have no desire to sleep. It's hard sleeping when your bed is empty - - no precious furchild to cuddle. I am soooo glad I was able to leave the "pit" in April and spend these precious 5.5 months with my precious, precious baby boy. And I am sooo glad that I do not have a job that I have to try to focus on so that I can focus on him - - and devote my energy for him should God answer my prayer - - and each of your prayers - - that he come through the surgery okay - - that the involvement is not as bad as it looks on the x-rays - - that he will have a safe and speedy recovery, that his quality of life will be a good one for as long as possible.

As I'm writing to you I can hardly see what I'm typing through swollen tear-filled eyes, but I know each of you understand what I am going through, and I deeply and sincerely thank each of you for your comforting support and encouragement. I will let you know how things go tomorrow.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon_beam, I am so sorry that you are going through this, that your precious Noah is going through this. But please, don't give up just yet. It may look bad, but things can always turn around. Never limit what God can do. Things may look impossible, but with God all things are possible. I pray that your precious Noah will have a chance and that he will recover. We all wish him well. Please get enough rest tonight. God bless.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for the comfort of your encouragement and support. I called the vet office this morning and asked them to please save Noah's fur when they shave his tummy for surgery this afternoon. The receptionist, Amy, said she would let the surgical nurse know right away.

About a year ago I started a journal for Noah - - from his point of view - - of what his life has been like. I call it "A Kitty's Journal." Last night I worked on it some more. Eventually - - whenever - - his journal will be converted into a Memorial Video - - but I am so hoping and praying that will not have to be any time in the near future. Working on his journal is comforting because it keeps me focused on his LIFE - - which I hope has been a happy life so far, and with God's blessings - - a happy life still here with me. He truly has always been a happy natured little fellow - - a true friend and comfort to all of his family members - - the nurturer. His name fits him so well - - Noah Terrence which means "Provider of Comfort, Tender." I am sooooo grateful for having him these past 9 years - - and to be blessed to be his earthly guardian. There is NEVER enough time with our precious furkids on this side of eternity.

I love you, my precious baby boy - - far beyond what any words can express. You are always with me - - you are always and forever a heartbeat close to me - - my precious, precious Noah. If my love could make you well again, my love, so that we can enjoy more time together my heart would be profoundly ecstatic. But my love - - even with its most selfish wants and wishes - - is focused on what is best for you. I will never be "prepared" to send you home to the angels, my love - - but if this is best for you then know that I will release you from your earthly journey with all my heart and love - - even though my heart will be breaking for a very long time. And if I must send you home to the angels sooner than what my heart hopes and prays for, I will continue to honor you, my love, the very best I can.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon Beam,

Thank you so much for updating all of us, and also expressing your feelings about Noah. Those are such beautiful and poignant words you expressed to him. The tears just flowed out of my eyes as I read your heartfelt, loving words to your precious baby. I am so sorry you’re going through this, and my heart felt so heavy as I read your words. I agree with Danny’s mom, though, that with God all things are possible. My husband and I held hands this morning and prayed for Noah, and also for God to comfort you and give you strength. I know others are also praying these same things for you, and are hoping that Noah would be healed and have more time to spend with you.

I know, too, that you want the best for Noah, and a good quality of life. But if there is a chance to pull through and have that quality, you'd rather Noah be with you a bit longer. I know that we all have a certain time on this earth, but it never seems like we have enough time with our furkids. It’s as you said, “There is NEVER enough time with our precious furkids on this side of eternity.”

Hang in there Moon Beam and know that we’re all here for you and for your precious Noah.

Love, Angelinda

Dear moon_beam

I too got teary reading your heart felt words to Noah. As much as I appreciated the DVDs of your other precious fur kids, I SO hope you don't have to make another one any time soon. Last night when I was lighting the first of 2 candles I burn every night, I said a silent prayer for Noah. I enlisted Theresa and Tang in this as well; silly as that may sound.

You have offered so much of your time, love and compassion to all of us here, and I know that we all are praying for Noah to come through this safe and sound. As I'm doing my work today, my prayers and thoughts are with you both.

Blessings.

Tracy

Dear moon_beam,

I, too, am crying reading your words of love to Noah. The journal sounds nice, and I hope it won't be a memorial journal for a long time.

You both have constantly been on my mind and I have been praying hard. Like the others here have said, all things are possible with God. Thank you moon_beam for keeping us updated and I am looking forward to good news later. (((((HUGS)))))

Love and Blessings,

LoveMyMickey

Dear DannysMom, Angelinda, Tracy, LoveMyMickey, and friends, my precious Noah and I are deeply touched by your outpouring of compassionate friendship for us. I am ever so thankful to share the news with you that he is still with me, praise God. He has answered our prayers - - miraculously. Today was Dr. Neal's day off, but she went into the hospital specifically to oversee Noah's surgery. She called me while Dr. Buckland was closing the incision. NO TUMORS!!! His colon had collapsed into itself at that particular part of his intestine - - for some unknown reason - - nothing obvious seen during the surgery. Dr. Buckland did NOT have to open Noah's colon - - all he had to do was untwist it from around itself and once he did that - - his little solid waste emission system began to immediately work. NO SIGNS OF GANGRENE. The surgical nurse called me a few minutes ago to let me know that Noah is coming out of the anesthesia fine - - he is awake and following the activities in the recovery room. I can visit him tomorrow after 10 a.m. I don't have a discharge home date yet, but barring any post-op complications, I suspect it won't be any earlier than Thursday, probably Friday, that he will be coming home.

My heart is soaring right now - - he still has a long recovery ahead of him, but I praise God for His infinite mercy - - including that I can stay home with him 24 / 7 to take care of him. He still has a long recovery ahead of him, but the prognosis is greatly improved at this point.

Thank you ever so much for your prayers, my dear friends, and for your compassionate support and sincerely appreciated friendship. I will continue to let you know how he is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam

I am SO happy to hear that Noah didn't have a tumor What you describe almost sounds not unlike a hernia - serious, but NOT a tumor. YAY! Will you be able to visit him while they keep him at the hospital? I'm sure that would be good for you both. I'm so very glad to hear that he came through OK. It would seem God has answered all our prayers. But don't discount Noah's own strong will to live and spend more time with you his forever mom. I'll check in again when I get home from work.

~HUG~ (And extra pats for Noah)

Tracy

Dear Moon Beam,

Thanks so much for sharing this wonderful news!! This is indeed a miracle!!! Praise God! Yes, He has definitely answered all our prayers!

Right now I’m crying, but no longer from a heavy heart. I’m crying from tears of joy! I bet you can hardly wait to see and be with your precious Noah again. Like everyone else who has commented, I’m just so happy to hear that Noah had ‘No Tumors’ and that he is coming out of the anesthesia just fine.

I can just imagine how happy Noah will be when he awakens and sees you there, stroking his face and peppering him with light kisses.

Blessings and peace and {{{hugs}}} to both you and your precious baby! Angelinda

Dear moon_beam, I am relieved, overjoyed and thankful for this wonderful answer to prayer! There is never a time when we may not hope in God, and I give thanks for His love for little Noah and for you. Words just cannot express how happy I am for you and your precious little boy! I will continue to keep you and Noah in prayer. I hope you can bring your sweet little kitty boy home soon.

Hugs,
DannysMom

Dear moon_beam,

Oh I am sooooo happy that Noah didn't have a tumor! Thank the Good Lord! I have tears of joy right now and would do a "happy dance" if I could......I will continue to pray for his complete recovery.

(((((HUGS))))

Much Love to You and Noah,

LoveMyMickey

To moon_beam

I have just caught up with the horrible thing you have ad to go through the last few days. I am so happy to hear that it is not the worst case scenario. You were very brave to except it was best to let him go if it was too bad for him and of course it just shows how much you love your Noah. I am so glad to hear that they did not find anymore tumors though.

I send my love and support however though for him to keep getting better and hopefully he will join you very soon back home.

Please keep us updated.

xxForeverxx

Hi, Angelinda, DannysMom, Forever, LoveMyMickey, Tracy, and friends. I thank you ever so much for your comforting care and support and prayers on behalf of my precious Noah during this time of crisis. I keep thinking about what Dr. Neel was saying last Friday when she examined him that except for the X-rays and bouts of vomitig - - looking at hiim you'd never know there was anything wrong - - he never cried once when he used his kitty latrines - - but from the X-ray you could tell he was in pain.

I visited with him this morning for about 20 minutes or so, and Dr. Neel spoke with me. He was running a low grade fever this morning so they were giving him fluids to help bring his temperature back to normal - - which had begun before I arrived at the hospital. He is alert but not very comfortable as you can imagine having your belly sliced opened. He isn't eating solid food - - which is a concern but yet understandable still at this point. I have plenty of syringes on hand to liquify his food for him if needed. Thank goodness they did NOT put a feeding tube in him like what the vet did with Eli.

Dr. Neel wants to discharge him home this evening with the IV catheter still in place just in case he needs to be readmitted if he doesn't start eating on his own by tomorrow. If he does begin eating, then I can take him back tomorrow to have the catheter removed. As for the post-op fever, that's not too worrisome at this point in time - - it's almost a given for the first 24 hours post-surgery for major surgery. So, in just a short while I will be going back into town to bring my little boy home. God is merciful - - and I thank Him for letting my precious Noah and me still have some time together on this side of eternity

I am so sorry that I haven't had an opportunity to properly respond to forum topics, and until Noah is more stable in his recovery my time will be limited to letting you know how he's doing, so I hope and pray you will understand knowing that each of you are always close in thought and prayer.

I do so sincerely thank each of you for your cherished friendship. Words cannot begin to express how much your care and concern means to me. I will let you know how my precious Noah is doing as he continues in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam

I just read your email. And as I said there, I am so happy Noah is coming home. I hope he is not too uncomfortable having to keep the cath in and that it ulimately becomes unnecessay. The good news is he gets to go home with you his forever mom today. And you do not need to feel at all bad about not posting to other forums with what you have been through. If anything, I feel there should have been more support for you on here. You just focus on helping your precious Noah get better. I think I can speak for us all that this truly was a miracle that you both very much deserved.

~HUGS~

Tracy

Dear moon_beam, so glad to hear that you can take little Noah home tonight. I hope that the fluids helped to bring his fever down and that he will be eating on his own soon. You may try giving him some Nutri-cal, that should help if he is willing to take it. You could also try some baby food as long as it does not have any onions or garlic in any form, or some boiled chicken.

I do pray that Noah will recover fully and that he will be back to his old self really soon. What he needs is probably plenty of rest to recover from the surgery. Does the vet know why this has happened and could it happen again? They sure hide their pain so well. I'm glad that you were able to get him to the vet right away when you noticed something was wrong. We all wish him well.

Hugs,
DannysMom

Dear moon_beam,

I am so happy to see that Noah is coming along in his recovery. I know you and he both will be happy to be together at home. Don't worry about posting in other places, you just take care of you and your precious little Noah.

My prayers continue for Noah's speedy recovery....God Bless you both.

(((HUGS)))

LoveMyMickey

Hi, DannysMom, LoveMyMickey, Tracy, Forever, and all my dear L S friends, thank you soooooo very much for all your continued support and comfort during Noah's medical trials. It warms my heart so much to be here with you, my friends - - for I know each of you know first-hand what my precious Noah and I have been going through.

He is SOOOOOOOOO happy to be home. He slept with me all night and cuddled so close to me in bed after I got him some breakfast early this morning. He cannot get into a comfortable position yet to eat out of his bowl on the table, so I am putting his food on a saucer and holding it for him at chin level so that he doesn't have to bend down or crouch down to try to eat. His appetite is still quite fussy, which is understandable, so I also encourage him to eat by placing some food on the spatula that I use to get his canned food on the saucer. Dry food does not appeal to him right now, and that's okay - - but I have some dry food - - an eighth of a cup - - in a bowl on his table should he want to nibble. And he is drinking water, so that's a good indicator as well.

I called the vet office and spoke with a vet tech who spoke with Dr. Neel who said that this was good enough to take out his IV catheter. So we made the trip into the hospital to have the catheter removed - - for which he is EXTREMELY grateful. The catheter was completely wrapped so that he could not get ahold of it to pull it out - - which was also a concern of mine, Tracy. So, that is another step forward in his recovery. They took his temperature and it is still elevated, but Dr. Neel feels this is due more to post-surgical discomfort than infection, and I was given both an antibiotic and pain meds to give him beginning today. The antibiotics are more of a preventive nature than a treatment. And of course these are both pills. I tried to give him the antibiotic in a pill pocket - - and now I know that this is not going to work. So this is going to be interesting. He's never had to need medication before -- so this is a new experience for the both of us with him to discover what will work and what never to try again.

Right now he is stratched out on his window bench at the big door which is open and gated off so that we can enjoy the songs and sounds of the woodland residents. I also have the basement steps gated off - - which he noticed right away last night and was surveying it with a mischievous glint in his eye - - at which I told him emphatically that he needs to think otherwise. So now he sometimes goes and lays down on the carpet at the bottom of the steps and gazes up the stairs. I have the door at the top of the steps open so that he can see the light and shadows on the hallway walls that come in through the bedroom window that's opposite the basement stairway.

Neither Dr. Buckland nor Dr. Neel have a clue as to why his intestine twisted. I asked Dr. Neel yesterday specificially if it was strangulated or herniated and she said no - - that it was twisted just enough to cause a narrowing of his colon at that specific point. I don't know if this can happen again. That it has already happened is an indication that there is a possibility it could, so I will be keeping a close watch on him for any recurrences. I am sooooo grateful he did not need any resections done because the information I read online confirmed that survival with colon resections is greatly reduced. And I believe it is because he did not have to need this that he was able to be released home so quickly - - again for which I am very thankful.

It is almost time to give him his pain medication, so I will close for now - - wish me luck!!! And yes, DannysMom, I have a supply of NutriCal on hand and will be supplementing him with this. It may also help to stimulate his appetite. I don't know if I'll be able to come back in later today, but I will keep you posted on his progress. Words cannot adequately express to each of you how much I deeply and sincerely appreciate your comforting support and encouragement and genuine friendship. Please know each of you and your precious furkids and beloved companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam

I'm at work on lunch and it's the LONG Thursday, so I'll have to be brief. I am SO glad to hear Noah is home and has the cath out. I'm sure he feels much better about that. I'm happy that he seems to be rcovering and hope he is back to normal in no time.

~HUG~

Tracy

Hi moon_beam,

I'm so happy Noah is home and recovering well. Looks like the vet would have given him liquid meds, especially the antibiotics.
Our vet finally gave Mickey liquid antibiotics after we told her he couldn't swallow or chew those big pills. If any other pills were small enough we would crush or break it up and put it in his food.

Moon_beam, I will continue to pray for Noah and you. You are a blessing to everyone on this board and we love you....I hope you and Noah have a blessed and cozy evening and night.



LoveMyMickey

Hi, Angelinda, DannysMom, Forever, LoveMyMickey, Tracy, and friends, thank you so much for your always cherished friendsip and welcome comforting support during Noah's recovery.

My precious Noah is curled up on his lamb's wool cushion at the foot of the bed taking a peaceful nap as I'm writing to you. He is eating more on his own power now, - - still needing some assistance but not as much. He is showing me his tummy more - - his bare little tummy - - it is so sweet. The incision is looking good and the puffiness has greatly improved even from yesterday. And he is slowly being able to get into his "kitty cleaning" position to take more initiative with his personal care - - although he still needs some assistance. The pain medication yesterday afternoon eventually kicked in - - and my little boy was H U N G R Y BIG TIME!! He is now eating his dry food with gusto once again, and so today I am going to try to ease him back into his regular meal regimen. I am in the process of doing his laundry - - sheets and towels that have helped reduce his "embarassments" while his little body regains normal body functions. He slept with me most of the night and again cuddled so close to me after we went back to bed after I gave him some breakfast early this morning. How I love the feel of his sweet little body snuggled close to me, and the sound of his loving purr. I have the big door open and gated so that the songs and sounds of the woodland residents can be a lullaby for him as he sleeps peacefully.

For those of you who have feline companions, you know that to tell your companion not to jump after surgery is an exercise in futility - - and my precious Noah is no exception. Yesterday he literally wriggled his way into the bathroom through the smallest opening - - as I left it cracked open just a bit so that he could still see me - - and proceeded to jump up onto the commode and then the half wall that separates the commode from the sink vanity - - to keep me company while I was brushing my teeth. THEN he proceeds to jump down from the half wall to the carpeted floor - - which is higher than the commode - - and wriggle his little body back out the door. After I got my heart started again he looked at me with his beautiful green agae eyes as if to say "what??!! I'm not an invalid!!!" He is sooo precious.

I am finding that wrapping his pills in just enough pill pocket as a "lubricant" helps to ease its way down his throat. I then give the rest of the pill pocket to him as a treat, which helps to ease the fleeting "trauma" of med time. Probably by the time his meds are done we will have found the comfort zone of pill dispensing. I'm thankful he doesn't wrestle with me in the process - - it's just a new experience for him which - - along with this entire ordeal - - is yet another part of the journey that has taken him off guard.

I can't believe it has been a week since this journey began. And now as he continues in his recovery each day tears come to my eyes in deeper love for him, thankfulness that he is still physically with me, and the comfort of genuine friendship with each of you and everyone who reads this topic and lifts my precious Noah up in prayer. I am truly blessed with the privilege of your friendships.

It is almost time to give him his pain medication, so I will close for now. Once again, my dear friends, words cannot adequately begin to express to each of you how much I deeply and sincerely appreciate your comforting support and encouragement and genuine friendship. Please know each of you and your precious furkids and beloved companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Thank you so much for the update. I'm glad to hear Noah is eating better and can handle more of his own "kitty cleaning" Oh, how well I know about trying to stop the jumping etc. The Amazing Flying Tang is the expert. I get that same look Noah gave you when I tell him "NO"

I'm glad he at least does not fight you on the meds like my little girl Tazmanian Devil All of us here in the house of Ts are keeping you both in our thoughts and prayers. TTFN.


Tracy

Dear moon_beam, I am so glad to hear that Noah is improving and eating his dry food now. How wonderful that you have found a good way to give him the pills and that he doesn't fight with you about it! He sure sounds like he is getting back to his old self, jumping and all. I know it is such a relief for you to see him doing so much better, and we are all so glad and relieved with you.

Hi, Angelinda, DannysMom, Forever, LoveMyMickey, Tracy, and friends. Thank you so much for your comfort and support while my precious Noah continues with his recovery.

I am happy to share with you that he appears to be doing well today. He is eating completely on his own now - - no need for encouragement or assistance - - definitely letting me know when his tummy is running on empty. A few moments ago he completed his "big top" act by getting on top of the fridge looking so proud of himself. This is his first "athletic feat" for the day, - - so I guess mom will just have to "get with the recovery program" Noah-style. He is now on his lamb's wool cushion at the foot of the bed settled down for a late afternoon nap looking very contented.

I gave him his last pain medication a few moments ago - - before his "fridge" act - - and I'm hoping this will be all he needs. I have antibiotics through all of next week to give him once a day. His incision continues to look okay as well.

Towels, sheets, and blankets continue to be keeping the laundry machines busy for my little boy. I'm wondering if the meds are causing some of the incontinence challenges, although it does appear to be slowing down today. If this continues into Monday I will need to call and let his doctor know what is happening. I do not want to be taking any chances with him.

Need to make a trek to the mailbox to get whatever has been delivered since Thursday and get the latest load of washing into the dryer.

Once again, dear friends, I thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern. Please know each of you and your precious furkids and beloved companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

So glad to hear Noah continues to improve. I'm thinking that as much as he may be pushing buttons with the arial acts, he also is trying to say "Look, mom. I'm doing so much better" Perhaps his way of letting you know he's going to be OK. Trying as I know from personal experience as those moments can be, there is always a glimmer of hope and joy in them too.

I hope you and Noah are enjoying a peacful Sunday.

TTT

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your always welcome responses. I agree with you that his athletic prowess at this time is trying to show me that he's feeling so much better - - which is why I don't fuss at him. Of course my concern is that he could rupture his internal stitches, indeed acquire a hernia from stretching too much which would require immediate surgery, etc.. But I will not fuss at him - - I only want him to hear loving words from my mouth - - which come from my heart - - whatever happens.

For awhile this morning and early this afternoon he was acting a bit depressed which concerned me a little but also realized it could be because he was having some withdrawal from not having a pain pill today. So after I did the lunch dishes I picked him up in my arms, carried him to the bed with me, put a pillow over my legs and encouraged him to cuddle down on the pillow for awhile. He did - - he felt so comfortable that he took a nap and looked so contented. I have always enjoyed watching him sleep and breathe, and I must confess I find extra pleasure in watching him do this since almost losing him this past week. His challenges with incontinence also seem to be abating today as evidenced in his kitty latrines. I know he's a lot happier about this, too. He just has his antibiotic once a day now through this week. His incision is looking beter every day - - the surgeon did a wonderful job with his stitches -- looks very neat like quilting stitches. Dr. Buckland took extra care with my precious Noah, and I am very thankful for that. He has had his dinner - - which I think he was trying to set a new personal record in inhaling - - and is now curled up on his lamb's wool cushion at the foot of the bed taking a nap. It is so good seeing him doing so much better. The next major milestone in his recovery - - providing nothing happens during the next several days - - is getting his stitches out next Tuesday, 10/9.

I thank you, Tracy, and each of our L S friends, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern. Tracy, please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing - - and each of our L S friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Yes, I can see why you would be concerned Noah could "overdo" it. Let us hope this is not the case. I'm sure you are gently reminding him the need to take it a bit easy for now. I'm glad he continues to improve. We are still keeping you and him in our thoughts.

Tracy

Dear moon_beam,

I too, am so happy that Noah is still improving. I was really scared when I read your first post here and soooooo relieved that he is healing. You both are in my thoughts and prayers every day....God Bless..

Okay Noah, no training for the olympics, okay?

LoveMyMickey

Hi, LoveMyMickey, thank you so much for your always welcome responses, and for your cherished friendship and comforting thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah during his medical crisis and continued recovery.

I called the vet office this morning to leave a message for Drs. Buckland and Neel letting them know how my precious boy is doing - - which is very well. What a blessed difference between this morning and this time last week when he was in the hospital undergoing the Barium X-ray which through the course of the test throughout the day confirmed that something was very wrong. The receptionist who took my message said she would relay the information to both doctors and said she was very glad to know that Noah is doing well.

He continues to take his antibiotics like a trooper - - not thrilled with "pill down the throat" but grateful for the remainder of the pill pocket as a treat to help soothe the nerves from the ordeal. He is such a sweet natured little fellow - - I am so blessed to share his earthly journey.

Once again, I thank you, LoveMyMickey, and each of our L S friends, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern. Please know you and your many visitors who come to you for a safe harbor for refreshment are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing - - and each of our L S friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

I am so happy to hear that your precious Noah continues his recovery process. I too was scared when I saw your post for the first time. I'm glad it turned out not to be as serious as once thought. Let us hope he gives the arial act a rest for a while. All our thoughts are with you both.

Tracy.

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support for my precious Noah during his recovery. My heart soars with joy having his sweet precious physical presence here with me - - to the sweet energy he brings to our home. A twisted intestine is a new experience for me as a furchild caregiver - - as well as for my precious Noah - - and I hope and pray he will never have this experience again. As I watched him a week ago Sunday, 9/23, I was so very worried that he could end up with a perforated intestine - - which is usually instant death. A part of me wanted to take him to the ER vet - - which is an hour's drive away - - but I did not want to subject him to the stress knowing that he would probably undergo immediate surgery - - only to have to transfer him to his regular veterinary practice Monday morning when the ER clinic closed for continued intensive care. So instead of subjecting him to that trauma I prayed that we could make it through until the Monday morning, 9/24, when he would be seen by his regular veterinary providers and receive the intensive care he needed. It was very much a "touch and go" situation for him - - and I thank you, Tracy, and all of our L S friends, who have been keeping my precious Noah in your thoughts and prayers for his survival and recovery. It truly means very much to me - - more than words can begin to say.

Tracy, please know you and your precious furkids are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you're doing - - and each of our L S friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam

I'm happy that Noah continues on his upward arc toward recovery. I can only imagine how scared you were for him. As we were all scared for you and him. I'm so glad that our prayers were answered. We in the house of Ts will continue to keep you both in our thoughts.

Moon_beam, I'm just now catching up on everything you and brave Mr. Noah have been going through. I'm so glad it was just a twisting of the intestine, and that it was resolved without a resection. (It's called intestinal volvulus or torsion, in some cases.) I'm so very happy to read that you have Noah at home, and that his recovery is progressing well. I know all too well how scary it is to have one of our loved little ones ill.

I'm not sure how many more days you have left of the antibiotic, but something that has worked well for me in the past is using baby food. I still cover the pill in a thin layer of Pill Pocket, but then I coat the whole thing in either chicken or turkey baby food. The Pill Pocket is usually enough to hide the taste of the pill within, and the baby food is irresistible to most cats I've met. Fortunately, Lance loves Pill Pockets and eats his daily pill with gusto, but I used this to get Pippin to take his antibiotics.

I look forward to reading more updates on how Noah's doing, and again - so happy to hear some good news!

Hi, Tracy and Kel, thank you so much for your most welcome continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's continued recovery - - and to all our L S friends.

Each day I see my precious Noah getting stronger, and my heart soars with joy. This time last week he was being prepped for surgery the outcome of which was tenuous at best - - what a WONDERFUL difference a week can make. This time last week my eyes were swollen from tears of a fear filled breaking heart. Today when I reflect on the events as they have evolved my tears are of joy and thankfulness - - for having my precious Noah still physically with me and equally for the blessing of cherished friendships here on this forum. I am truly blessed, and I thank God for His infinite mercy.

Noah does not like me out of his sight for very long, particularly when I am in the bathroom with the door closed so that he cannot jump up on the commode to his window perch. He does enough jumping up onto the top of the fridge - - I think in part because the coolness of the top of the fridge may feel good to his tummy - - in addition to his defiance to NOT jump while his tummy heals. Thank you, kel, for your suggestion about adding baby food to the process of "pill" time. I had thought of that but did not have a chance to go shopping before he came home - - so I don't have any baby food on hand at the moment. So far the pill pocket method has been working - - thank goodness. I have about 3 or 4 pills left in his med arsenal of antibiotics, and thankfully they only need to be given once a day. Including today there are 7 more days to go until the stitches are removed.

Once again, I thank you, Tracy and kel, and each of our L S friends, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Always glad to hear that Noah is doing better. I'm chuckling at him not wanting you out of sight, and especially not wanting the bathroom door closed. Theresa and Tang (as was Tom) are like that too. Since it's just me and the litter boxes are in there, I don't even bother any more. Sometimes they will both come in there for no particular reason - as if a family meeting had been called.

It's good that Noah is doing OK with the pill pockets and that the pills are almost done. Does he need any more meds going forward? Let us know how your little man is doing.


Tracy

Dear Lightning Strike friends, once again I wish to thank each of you for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah in his continued recovery.

My precious boy continues to do well. This time last week I busy preparing for him to come home from the hospital - - much to my surprise. I did not expect they would release him so early until I got to the hospital to visit with him, and I overheard Dr. Neel and his nurse speaking to one another outside the waiting room door before Dr. Neel came in to speak with me about his progress. What a difference a week makes!!

I am so proud of him - - this morning he took his daily dose of antibiotic wrapped in a pill pocket all by himself - - didn't have to do the "open mouth drop in pill" routine with him. He is such a sweet little boy - - I am soooooo proud of him. Early this morning a feline visitor came up to the big window door and Noah was becoming rather agitated as he does when this happens, so I got up and stood at the window. When the visitor saw me he / she scampered off - - which was my intention as I did not want Noah becoming upset and stressing his body which would have an adverse effect on his tummy. Once the visitor was out of sight he settled down. As I'm writing to you he is perched on his big window seat intently watching the woodland critters. The temperatures are warmed up and the sun is shining so the big door is opened and gated off so that he can enjoy the songs and sounds of the woodland residents.

Tomorrow I will need to make a grocery run. I really wanted to do this last week before Noah came home - - thinking I had a couple of days to plan for his release from hospital. I am a bit concerned about leaving him even for a couple of hours right now as he still gets very upset when he doesn't see me. The first few days when he got home he sometimes actually cried in his sleep - - I would go over to him and gently whisper in his ear that he's home and I'm here with him, and he would stop crying. I am soooo thankful that I am able to be home with him 24 / 7. In previous years when I had to go to work the only good thing about having to leave my precious companions when they were recuperating from an illness or surgery was that they had their housemates to look after them until I was able to get back home. My precious Noah only has me now - - and until now he has ALWAYS been the healthy one. I am sooooo glad I can be home with him now when he needs me.

His GI tract is now working normally as evidenced in his kitty latrines, which I know is as much a relief to him as it is for me.

Once again, I thank each of you, my friends, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Thanks for letting us know how your boy is doing. So glad he is improving each day. It was a rough week for you indeed. Especially those first few days before you posted. It must have felt like a lot to process on your own. But, the good news is that Noah is going to be OK. I hope no other visitors stress him out. Although I do feel bad for the ones with no forever home. I keep putting food out (all be it the cheap stuff) for the ones by me. I hope Noah continues on his path to good health and that he does not stress too much with your shopping today. Hope you both have a great day

Tracy

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers on behalf of my precious Noah during his recovery. Yes, there were many things on my mind and heart before I started to post. I was so very relieved when Monday morning arrived, 9/24, - - a triumph that my precious Noah and I had survived the weekend together and relief that I could take him back to his regular veterinary practitioners who know him and could focus on helping him.

Last night I put another gate up on top of the existing gate at the foot of the basement steps so that my spunky little boy would not get the "bright idea" to try to jump the one gate to go upstairs while I was out shopping today. I have done this before when my other companions were ill and recovering from surgery - - so my precious Noah recognized the routine. I went out the basement door and came back in with the groceries through the basement door, and my precious Noah was on his window bench by the door waiting for me to come home. And bless his heart - - he didn't make a jump through the door when I opened it to bring in the groceries with the cart. So that chore is done for awhile, thank goodness.

We have the big door open and gated off to enjoy the songs and sounds of the woodland residents. Noah is giving himself a bath at the moment - - which is another major milestone in his recovery being able to do the "kitty stretch" comfortably. I have decided to take him in Monday, 10/8, which will be 13 days post-surgery, to get his stitches out because both Drs. Buckland and Neel will be in the office so that they can examine his incision as the stitches are removed to make sure that everything is indeed okay with him.

Thank you again, Tracy, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern - - as well as each of our forum friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear moon_beam, just letting you know that you and Noah are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so glad to hear that his GI tract is doing much better, and that he was so good during your absence today. Poor little guy, I read what you wrote about him meowing in his sleep. It must have been so traumatic for him to be separated from you and all alone at the vet. I know he is so glad to be back home and he probably needs lot of loving and reassurance. I know how cats can get stressed out easily from changes in their daily routine. I know that Noah is so glad that you are able be home with him 24/7 and to keep a watchful eye on him. I hope your sweet little boy will be back to his normal self soon.

Hi, DannysMom, thank you so much for your continued thouhts and prayers for my precious Noah's continued recovery. He continues to take his daily antibiotic in the pill pocket without needing any assistance. He is such a good boy -- I am so proud of him!!!

This morning as I was taking my shower I gated off the bathroom door instead of closing the door so that my precious boy would be able to see where I was. Although he wanted into the bathroom with me, I still do not want him jumping up onto his window perch as he does enough jumping up onto the top of the fridge. When I got out of the shower he was settled onto his lamb's wool cushion at the foot of the bed. So the gate across the bathroom door worked out nicely.

He is beginning to pick a little bit at the stitches now - - they must be pulling a bit and itching - - so I will need to keep my eye on him over these next 3 days to make sure he doesn't start pulling on them when he freshens up his tummy. There is still an area of swelling at the bottom end of the incision - - no redness, no weeping - - just a little swelling. I know from previous experience that sometimes a little pocket of fluid collects which eventually gets reabsorbed into the body, and I think this may be the case with this little section around his incision. He is eating very well, taking care of his personal needs normally, and does not appear to be in any discomfort. The last couple of days he has swatted his little jingle bell balls around but no exerted play - - he saves his energy for jumping on top of the fridge - - my precious little rascalion.

So this is the progress report for today. At the moment he is comfortably curled up on his lamb's wool cushion taking a nap. He has come a very long way in his recovery since his medical crisis began, and I am very thankful for every moment I have with him.

Thank you again, DannysMom, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern - - as well as each of our forum friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

I'm glad to hear Noah continues on the road to recovery. I hope his stitches don't cause him too much discomfort. Also glad to hear he is able to take care of his cleaning now, and that he's playing. Hope you both have a great Caturday, and keep letting us know how you both are doing.

T

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your continued thouhts and prayers for my precious Noah's continued recovery. Today he finished his daily antibiotic in the pill pocket like a pro. He is such a good boy -- I am so proud of him!!!

He has not shown any interest in jumping up on the fridge today - - almost as if it has become boring for him. But of course - - now that it really wouldn't do much harm - - my sweet rascal. He has been keeping me company while I worked on the computer making thank you notes for Drs. Buckland and Neel and staff. He is such a great helper - - chasing the curser around the screen, and of course laying down in front of the screen so that I can't really see what I'm doing. In his younger years I would become a bit frustrated with this and would ask him to please let me finish my work. Now - - I know I can work on it at another time - - my focus is on him - - and what a precious sweet focus it is!!! He is normally due for his annual physical this month, so I have written a note to give to the vet techs to ask either Drs. Neel or Buckland for guidance as to when I should bring him in for a check up - - since he's had a thorough check up for the surgery.

The weather is supposed to take a drastic dip in temps beginning tomorrow, so today we have been enjoying having the big door opened for fresh air and to enjoy the songs and sounds of the woodland residents. I also did a couple loads of laundry -- wanted to freshen up the lamb's wool blanket for his carrier for Monday's trip to get his stitches out as it will be nice and soft next to his tummy, and gave me a good opportunity to wash the blankets and sheets I took off our bed - - it's not just my bed.

Noah has started his dinner dance, although it's a bit early for his dinner yet. He is doing so well - - my heart is soaring with joy and thankfulness - - for being able to enjoy his sweet physical presence with me awhile longer, and equally for the comforting thoughts and prayers and friendship and support from our many L S friends.

Thank you again, Tracy, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern - - as well as each of our forum friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Thank for keeping us updated on Noah's progress. Yes, now that he realizes he's no longer pushing buttons, I think the antics will subside. It's touching how what used to bother you (getting in the way of the screen, etc) is now not even a minor inconvenience. It's amazing how we take stock in what's important after such a shake up. I'm glad your little man is doing OK, and hope he continues to do so. He has the best mom in the world. I hope you both have a peaceful Sunday.

T

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's continued recovery. Today is day 12 in his post-op recovery, and I am thankful to share with you and all our L S friends that he continues to do well. It is becoming more obvious that his stitches are beginning to annoy him, and I am looking forward to him getting them out tomorrow as much as he is. His little tummy is still bare, - - and a sweet little tummy he has, too. I reassure him often that his fur will grow back and then his ordeal will just be another memory of his earthly journey. Unfortunately the surgical techs did not save his tummy fur for me - - but I'm not too terribly upset about that as they were focused on properly preparing him for surgery, and I do save his fur that collects in his brush when I brush him.

This morning he was eagerly anticipating another pill pocket treat, so I gave him one - - this time without needing to disguise any medication in it. It's a gloomy, chilly day here with temps only in the 50's, so he is enjoying quality nap time with the space heater on and a fleece throw over him to keep the chill away. He looks so contented and happy.

Thank you again, Tracy, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern - - as well as each of our forum friends. I will continue to let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam

Thank you for the update on Noah's progress. I can imagine he will be glad to get the stitches out and back on his way to normal. While it's unfortunate they didn't save his fur, it's even better that it wasn't needed. I know Tom always fussed at his front leg they would shave for his teeth cleaning procedure. I would always reassure him as you are Noah.

Been cool here too, but sunny. Just thought I'd drop a line on my lunch. I hope you and Noah have a great day

T

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's continued recovery. Today is day 13 in his post-surgical recovery and this morning he had his stitches removed - - which turned out to actually be staples.

Dr. Neel checked the incision and gave him a good report. She also did a general medical on him and said that he does not need to come back until his next general medical is due unless he is having a medical issue. So this is very good news. About the swelling at the bottom end of the incision Dr. Neel stated this should resolve now that the staples are removed.

I am going to keep him confined to the basement living quarters for a few more days to give his incision a chance to continue to heal and so that I can keep a close watch on him in the process. Perhaps by this coming weekend I will take the gate barriers away from the basement steps so that he can once again venture to the upstairs - - will have to wait and see on this. He has had his lunch and is now very contentedly and enthusiastically giving himself a kitty bath as I'm writing. It is so good to see him feeling so well again. And for being so patient this morning enduring yet another experience of indignity while he was getting the staples removed I gave him a pill pocket "treat" when we got home. I guess this might be a good thing to continue in case he may need medication again - - he would be used to getting the pill pocket as a treat. And I suppose the fact that the flavor of the treat is duck has very little to do with it.

When he is once again allowed upstairs he will be in complete recovery, and I know he is looking forward to that, as am I.

Thank you again, Tracy, for your continued thoughts and prayers for my precious Noah's recovery, and for your cherished friendship and care and concern - - as well as each of our forum friends. I will let you know how my precious Noah is doing in his continued recovery.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam