My Ultrasound Today

Hi Friends,
Thanks so much for your purrs for me. You know, I feel fine, and today my oncologist said I put on weight!
I have good news and bad news. The good news is that my node is back to normal size. The bad is that it is a funky color and my small intestine wall has thickened. My doc said this could me I have a form of small cell lymphoma, or that I have IBD. I haven't been sick at all, so Mom elected not to have me cut open to see exactly what is inside me.
Dr. Bulakowski explained that if I have this type of lymphoma, it is generally not very aggressive and that the condition can be managed very well with chemo and steroids. I am going to be ultrasounded every month, so we can keep an eye on things and of course if I get sick, I will be back sooner.
But for now, so far, so good.
Your Pal,
Joey

My Dear Brother Jacob

Hello Friends,
You have been so kind to me, I wondered if I could ask for some additional purrs.
My favorite brother, Jacob, went to a check up today. They found inoperable metastatic disease, tumors all over Jacob's abdominal cavity and lungs. We will continue to treat him with prednisone, laser for his arthritis and b12 shots. We will watch him carefully to be sure he is comfortable until his time comes to cross the bridge.
I am so sad. Jacob is the best friend I have had since I came to this home.
Sad purrs,
Your pal, Joey

My Bad Mystery Node!

Hello, Friends,
I just got back from the doc a little while ago. My node is only mildly swollen; this, coupled with its location made it impossible to do a needle aspiration to see what it was. I also had xrays to make sure there was no other signs of lymphoma; they were completely clear. The doc and Mom thought that opening me up for a surgical biopsy was too radical without any other indicia this was cancer. So, we are going to redo the physical and ultrasound in a month to see what happens with this node. Paws crossed, and thanks for the purrs.
Your Pal,
Joey, off to the food bowl after being fasted twice in a week!

Who's afraid of the Big Bad Node?

Hi Friends,
Well, it's been an eventful few months. I have a new sister, Alma Jean, and a new baby brother, Poco Taz. Just after we added Poco to the family, we all had to start having baths!! I am sure glad that is over.
I have been getting my regular node exams, and this time the news wasn't so good. We don't know if my C has come back; my ultrasound showed a node was enlarged.
I go to see the onco Wednesday. Mom and my regular vet hope they can do a needle biopsy to find out if it is just a bad node or a super bad C node.
Even if it is the super bad kind, we caught this really early. But I sure am hoping it isn't.
I would appreciate your purrs, my friends, they sure helped before.
Your pal,
Joey

Dental Done!

Hi Friends,
I came through my dental just fine but I lost two toothies. I get magic stuff to take care of any pain for a few days, but I should be fine. Brother Jacob has lost more weight, and hopefully the tests he was given can give us some answers on how to control his IBD.
Thanks for the purrs,
Your Pal, Joey

When will spring be here?

Hi Friends,
It has been a while since I wrote an update for my diary. It has been a sad time around our house. My eldest brother Taz went to the bridge last Thursday. We all miss him so much. And, my older sister, Ko, has a very bad disease. So far, she is feeling fine most of the time. My parents and I are glad for each day she is here and feeling well.
Yesterday I had my node exam. I am pleased to report that I again have NO BAD NODES! However, I have developed a very nasty lesion on one of my teeth. Mom made arrangements for me to have a dental next Wednesday, before it gets infected and causes me pain. Brother Jacob will be going in that afternoon for a complete checkup to see how his tummy is doing.
I am hoping spring comes soon. I am tired of the cold and gloomy skies. I want to see flowers and birdies!
Your Pal,
Joey

Oh My! I am Cat of the Day!

Hi Friends,
I was so excited to read this morning that I am Cat of the Day! I am feeling much better, and Mom says that you could never tell I had a problem unless you knew it was there. I still occasionally list to the side in my hindquarters, not consistently and usually when I am making a turn. But otherwise I am fine.
Mom just wishes she knew what caused my symptoms, which were really scary to me and to her when they first appeared. I see my neurologist Thursday so maybe we will find out more then.
Thanks for your purrs and good wishes, dear Friends,
Your Pal,
Joey

Food, Glorious Food!

Hi Friends,
I am back from the neurologist and eating everything! Mom didn't let me eat before I went.
I am better than when I first had my problem Sunday night. For this reason, the neurologist doesn't want to get aggressive with diagnostics or procedures. I was such a good boy the doctor thought this was a symptom! Mom explained to her I was very good for my cancer surgery and treatment and I was naturally quiet and gentle.
Mom was glad that the doctor didn't think my issues could be caused by a tumor. My blood pressure was normal and I had an opthamology exam, as there was a slight difference in the response of my eyes, and the doctor wanted to see if any of my optic nerves were enlarged. This was normal too. They took some blood and urine and will call with results in a few days.
I will see the doctor again in 2 weeks. For now, the doctor is thinking I might have had a small blood clot. We don't know for sure. I am just glad I am able to have a nice dinner!
Thanks so much for purring for me,
Your pal, Joey

Not Feeling so Well

Hi Friends,
It has been a while since I wrote. I have been doing so well, passing my node exams with flying colors.
Yesterday evening, Mom noticed my back legs weren't supporting me right. I walk and it is like they slip from my control. Off I went to the emergency vet, where they made sure I was stable. Today I went to my regular vet. They ruled out anything to do with my ears so I must see a neurologist.
Mom knows the neurologist at the specialty clinic where I was treated for my cancer. She is only there two days a week so my appointment is for Thursday at 5. If I get worse I may have to go to another clinic.
I sure could use some of your purrs. Please.
Your Pal, Joey

Good nodes, Mal Oido!

Hello, Friends,
I hope all of you are having a very nice summer. It is very hot here and I am glad my home has fans and air conditioning.
Today I went for my node exam, and I am happy to tell you that I remain in remission! My Mom asked the Doctor to look at my ears, as Mom thought they looked dirty. They put the dirt stuff under a microscope and it seems I have a yeast infection in my right ear. I have to get drops for 2 weeks, and I am not happy about this at all.
When I got home, that silly Gomez looked at my ear, which was red, and the medicine my Mom got for me, and started yelling, "Mal oído, hermano, Mal oído!!"
It's going to be a long 2 weeks!
Your Pal, Joey