Rosie�s 2nd EPO Injection (Day 35)

Today was Rosie’s second EPO jab.

Rosie’s HCT (equivalent to PCV), at 20.3%, was below the lower boundary of the normal range, which indicates that she is getting more and more anaemic, which is, unfortunately, expected, since the liver makes blood and Rosie’s liver is badly injured.

We decided to start her on the EPO jab two days ago, on Thursday. The jab is to be given a total of three times, every two days. Then, a blood test will be taken after that to determine if the EPO works on her.

Whatever we have done and are still doing doesn’t seem to be working. It is always the same pattern, it works initially, then the disease takes over and we take two steps backwards. Or perhaps, as the senior vet consoled me, perhaps everything that we are doing is keeping Rosie on, perhaps we are still struggling to fight to disease, even though the disease seems to be winning at this point in time. And if we hadn’t done all this, perhaps it could even be worse now.

The funny thing which I cannot understand is that Rosie seems to feel so much better – she is alert, very curious, her appetite is reasonably good (is willing to eat on her own several times a day, compared to last time when she could not eat at all), her nose appears a trifle bit pinker, yet the blood test results are devastating (shows a marked deterioration) and her abdomen is very, very swollen.

I cannot understand it. Or maybe, the steroids, supplements and fluids are making her feel better despite the disease getting progressively worse by the day.

The other day, the senior vet told me this (and I shall paraphrase it here): He said that as a vet, he fights two battles – one with the disease and one with the patient. The one with the disease, he cannot win, but if he can win the one with the patient (ie. by making the patient feel better), that is already good enough.

I am thankful we have vets who are willing to help us help our pets feel better even though we are unable win the battle with the disease.

Ultimately, what is life, but living in the present moment? As long as Rosie is reasonably happy and is able to eat, I should be thankful.

So Rosie had her 2nd EPO jab today and the subcut was done at the clinic too.

Her acupuncture session is supposed to be tomorrow, but the clinic called to postpone the appointment. We hope it can be done soon too. We are truly banking on TCM now, at least to make Rosie feel better.

Yesterday, in my desperation (at seeing how big her abdomen has become), I consulted a holistic pharmacist-nutritionist who has helped me with a lot of health issues previously (including suggesting qigong for my thyroid cyst – and it worked – the cyst is gone now). He recommended that I could do a liver flush for Rosie and taught me how to do it.

I know it’s a long shot, but what is there to lose at this point?  Even the vets have told me – try anything you can. You have nothing to lose.

So, I did it last night – with a natural magnesium supplement and olive oil, with amounts calculated based on Rosie’s weight.

I am not sure if it worked, because Rosie is supposed to have loose stools. That didn’t quite happen. Rosie defecated – normal stools.

This morning on the way to the vet’s – actively trying to dig her way out of the carrier. I have found a way to calm her down in the car – travel at no faster than 45km/h. And I always let her know before we approach a speed-hump.

I did ask the vet this morning if she has seen any other cat with such a big abdomen and she said yes. I asked then if they can recover and she shook her head.

Never mind. Life is meant to be lived. As long as there is life, we have to do everything possible to make life peaceful and comfortable.

Back home, I thought Rosie might want to get some sun out at the patio, but she didn’t. She wanted to come in. I also noticed that Rosie doesn’t quite like when it is too hot.

But she asked for food, and she ate.

Now, Rosie comes into the kitchen and waits whenever she wants food. She still prefers kibble and her current favourites are Tuscan and Royal Canin Fit. When I force-feed the small wetfood meals five times a day, it’s home-cooked, AD or Recovery and Primal. Rosie doesn’t want BARF – she spits it out.

Operation Unite is still on.

We spend time together and she loves being massaged.

Watching tv – Rosie’s favourite activity.

Rosie is very easy to take care of, she eats whatever I feed her, she takes all her medicines and supplements and she is very, very courageous too.

Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone.
Kindness in another’s trouble,
Courage in your own.    
― Adam Lindsay Gordon

Source: https://myanimalcare.org/2017/03/25/rosies-2nd-epo-injection..

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AnimalCare is a registered society that promotes caregiving to street animals and helps in their neutering and medical needs. AnimalCare has a Medical Fund, Food Fund and Education Fund.

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