And Rocky is basically okay

 Since I only had enough money for a basic exam without any tests, all they could do is take his weight, check his teeth and coat and belly, temp all that stuff. They'll be emailing me a list of suggested tests and vaccines he should get because 8 years old is considered 'senior'.  He's none the worse for his ordeal despite his loud protestations from his carrier in the waiting room. Doctor and staff were all very nice, the lump on his back the doctor seemed to feel was more like fat than a tumor or mass. They won't know until they can get a biopsy of course and will find out how much that will cost when I get the email. Doctor did say that cats aren't prone to lumps and masses like dogs are so that's a point in his favor. He should get a 3 month course of flea control because they did find one flea (which I hope they caught and dispatched), which I think is the same one I spied the other day as well. Until I get the flea control started I want to keep him inside and off the lawn. 

 He's actually laying on the floor right now but this is from the other day. 

As for everyone else, we're all doing good so far. I got a look at the physical copy of my procedure information and there was actual photos (yuck, no one wants to see that) and a graphical representation of where inflammation is and where they took samples. Fascinating and actually got a call back from the doctor's office saying that nothing unusual was detected in the samples and keep on doing what we're doing with the infusions. I realized the other day that I am not eating a whole lot of fiber in my usual diet. No dark leafy greens like spinach or broccoli, the wheat bread we have is just that, no whole grains or large amounts of fiber so that will be on the menu more often. We did get a box of instant oatmeal packs and I've been trying to have one of those a day, can't say it's making a big difference though as yet. 

Oh Jon got his laptop back and is absolutely thrilled with how fast it's doing things. I sent a message to Wellman thanking him profusely for doing that for us and I got to see Logan and Amber when they dropped it off. So very proud of all my kids and family. 

That's all the news that's fit to type for now.  Bills are all paid, usual brokeness in the bank but only have ten days left in the month. We survive as we always do.

Oh yes, and it's still HAHT! 

 

Done and done

 It's not just the prep this time, along with being tortured with only liquid intake for two days, this time was different.

Not going into details but the doctor made a note and I agreed that if there's a next time, I get sedated. Combination of labor pains and bad gas pain, it was horrific for about 5 minutes I think (according to the post procedure notes, it was exactly 5 minutes). Which is an eternity and was reminiscent of my worst session on the toilet a month ago. So yeah. When I mentioned if I have it done again, the doctor said, 'well it's likely he'll ask for another sometime and will make a note to have it under sedation'. She'll have results from the samples in about ten days, going to predict nothing significant.

Good news is, the inflammations spots from January are reduced so she said it looked really good other than a few small patches which she took samples of. She mentioned the difference between diverticulitis and diverticulosis. 'itis is bad, 'osis is not so much (you can look it up if you want) which is what I have. So now it's a matter of figuring out just what the heck is causing my issues. I'm giving up sodas again to see if that makes any difference. Because that's the only thing that is a constant in my diet everything else is highly variable

So despite being recommended to eat something light and easy to digest... we stopped at In N Out. I only got a single burger and fries (and despite saying no onion, mine had onion on it) and later on I'll probably heat up the last chicken pot pie.  Only drinking Powerade for the duration at this point and will see what happens down the line. 

Okay next week is another appointment for the top surgery and then the week after that I think is my next infusion.  Rocky has his appointment next week as well. Oh and Jon's last blood tests were all great. A1c is down, cholesterol is down, BP is good, all things considered his numbers are excellent, doctor was very pleased. YAY. 

Need to get gas tomorrow and will check finances and maybe have enough to get sammiches. Because I will still be freaking hungry tomorrow! 

                       

When you need to get something done....

 I sent an email this morning after not getting any feedback and then decided, since we were going to get a birthday lunch for Jon, we'd stop at the vet personally.

 Well, turns out it looked like they only had one vet listed on the front window which makes them a very busy office. The receptionist was friendly and when I explained my problems with making an appointment she said that they had disabled making online appointments because they couldn't keep up. Well it would be nice if they would post that on the website. So she said she had seen my email this morning and got my information and concerns. Asked if he had seen a vet before and I mentioned the name and I had is records, she said 'oh I know them you want us to contact them for his records?' I said sure! So all in all, $68 for initial visit, but if they need any blood work done it can run over $100. I guess I'll mention the senior discount when we get there, and that was it. She said the best way to get hold of them is email, call or text. I'll mention when we get there next week to pass the word along about changing the website info. Jon thought it was sketchy they didn't have their prices posted. I told him I have yet to see a vet post their prices on a website but then I haven't shopped around for vets in a while. Next Wednesday at 2:15 for his appointment is set. Whew!

Rocky seems to be more like his old self this morning. He got some water last night when I filled the bathroom sink a little with water. He's got a little more energy as well and is now napping on the bed again. Apparently 8 years old is considered 'senior' for cats, I beg to differ, but it all depends on how long they live (which is what the receptionist said). I counted with 'he's middle aged'. Oh and Jon cleaned out his box last night but I failed to ask and he didn't offer that there were four large clumps and one small clump in the litter. So that's some progress and I know Rocky used it overnight because there was litter scattered on the bathroom floor. 

So yes, it's Jon's birthday today and with an extra money gift we went down to our favorite taco place and had delicious rolled tacos with rice and beans (my last big meal for the next three days). Then stopped at Baskin Robbins and got two scoop cups for dessert.  He's calling it a great birthday and I'm good with that. I'm feeling better about Rocky but am still concerned about his health and how we're going to pay for it.

Breathing a little easier and less stressed today because we've got ice cream and ice cream always makes things better. Haven't heard from Wellman about the laptop yet, Amber says it's making progress apparently. Would have been nice to have it done by today but oh well.

Going to do some knitting and relax in front of the fan and enjoy it not being 90+ inside the apartment.

 

 

 

A lot of no progress

 I decided to research the teaching hospital/vet down the road from us, literally less than five minutes away. I hate making cold calls to businesses so looked like they had good reviews and a way to fill out a new client form online, great!

Until it wasn't great. I filled out the form, then saw there were three possible financing options available. One of them was the CareCredit card which I knew was a no go, the other two I hadn't heard of. I proceeded to go through the hoops and omg stuff just to get my identity verified. They wanted a photo of my ID/license, well okay see if I can do that on my computer with the camera. My hands shake too much and the lens was probably fogged up so neither front nor back photo was good enough. SIGH okay try my phone, so have to get my phone, open up the QR code reader in order to get to the website.... holy hoops batman!. Then had to take a picture of my license that way, first photo wasn't accepted, second one was, back was accepted immediately (sort of). It then switched back to the computer. All of that, and I didn't prequalify.

NUTS. The last choice had a relatively simple form to fill out until it gets to the bottom and asks what the approximate cost of services would I be getting. I DON'T KNOW! I haven't even talked to a real person yet nor have I gotten confirmation that I'm actually a new client there. I got confirmation that my form had been received and filled out correctly. That was it. I can't even book an appointment until I get a confirmation because it doesn't have a form for me to create a password to go with my email.

::Charlie Brown screaming in frustration::

As for Rocky, he's been sleeping all day. I just gave him some wet food with some added water on the advice online for getting him more liquid.  He pretty much cleaned the plate but has avoided the water bowl. He hasn't even used the litter box yet. That is what has me concerned with a bowel/urinary blockage. I might have to call tomorrow and see about an emergency appointment that may cost in the thousands because it's 'surgery'. Exam, bloodwork, IV for fluids, sedation, all the things. 

I hope that baby lizard he ate isn't the cause for all this. 

I start diet restriction day after tomorrow but will be reducing solid food and upping my liquid intake tomorrow. Not that I've been eating a lot myself, scrambled eggs with sausage and bacon in the morning with a few spoonfuls of yogurt. Lunch today was pan seared oven baked chicken thighs (once again having to open windows and door for ventilation) and mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy. Ice cream sandwich, a BLT for 'dinner' and only had one coke with ice middle of the day. 

So far that's all the news right now. I have zero money and will tell the vet office tomorrow when I call and also that I've been turned down for the three finance options. At least they have a 10% senior discount on services.  

 

I am a very concerned cat mom

 I may be starting a gofundme or looking for paypal donations very soon.

Rocky has been a bit lethargic the last few days, which normally isn't unusual for it being so hot. I noticed he seemed to have lost some weight in the past few weeks and again, not unusual since he doesn't have as much undercoat. The issue is, he stopped drinking water that I can tell the last 24 hours and has no pee lumps in the same amount of time in his litter box. His litter box leavings have been basically normal up until this month.  He's had a soft lump on his back just near his hips but when I've massaged it he hasn't done anything so it's not painful.

But now I'm really worried because I know if cats get dehydrated it can cause a whole lot of other serious complications. He's still hungry and is begging for his wet food or anything but his dry kibble, which he nibbles on when I'm on the toilet if he's awake. But even then it's only a few token nibbles and I saw him look at his water bowl and pause then turned away. I cleaned it out and made sure it was cool water but he doesn't have any interest in it.

I was fixing a roast beef sandwich and he was right at my feet begging for some bits so I made sure to give him some (the london broil slices I got at costco and made sure they were interior not edge with spices). I'll double up his wet food portion in the morning just so he gets some water from that at least. 

My bigger worry is I don't have the money for vet bills, don't qualify for the CareCredit card and  a regular credit card would only be about $200 limit. That's barely a doctor visit cost with labs and tests.  Which is why I have delayed taking him in to have the lump looked at. If it's cancer, I'll be looking at any and all pet charities for sure in the morning. 

He's snoozing on my side of the bed as usual but I keep double checking to make sure he's still breathing.

 

 

 

 

It's hot, just sliding through the week.

That screenshot was taken around 2:30 on Saturday (yesterday). It didn't get below 90 until the sun was almost completely set. Of course by then it was almost dark and Rocky didn't get a chance to go out, same situation today and Friday so he's been an 'indoor' cat for three days, poor baby. Of course I didn't get a chance to go out much either but you don't see me moping on the bed. Well he's not moping, more napping than much else. It's kind of breezy and hazy outside right now, bees are visiting the Jacaranda tree in full bloom and at 1:00 pm it is 96 with a 'real feel' of 100. Yeeeesh! Fans are blowing, AC was on most of the night and is on again now. All the medical people say 'you need to get direct sunlight on your skin for your health'... uhh right, I'll check back with that in about three months.

 Day three of 'staged diet change' for 'oscopy prep. Most of what I'm not supposed to eat, I don't eat much of at all anyway. They want low fiber and no seeds or fruit with seeds, only thing I usually eat that's more fiber is wheat bread. Not even 'whole wheat' just the cheap 'soft wheat' bread we usually have. So went out and bought a loaf of plain white bread for when I want some toast or a sandwich. Three days before is when it starts getting more restricting (as some of you know from experience) so not going into anymore details on that.  

My new tomato plants are doing well so far (got a twofor in a single pot). It's been in the ground for three days and non worse for the transplant. Those are more scallions I planted as well, which isn't much but they're a good stand by all year round. For the actual garden people that's a Bush Champion II, apparently more disease resistant than regular Bush Champion (which is a slicing type). I have never grown this variety so if it's a good one, I'll do a repeat instead of the Roma. Tired of seeds taking so long, not having enough room to start them properly so budget willing will try and do more starts than seeds in the future.

As for everything else, my mental health is.... rather rough right now. Been kind of cranky the last couple of days and I'm chalking it up to prep anxiety. The kind of cranky where the smallest things happen for no particular reason and it's way more frustrating.  Going to also chalk it up to the weather being particularly aggressive which limits going outside. We did get out to the store the other day to pick up a few more things. Our major shopping is done which included a hunk of beef from the store and more chicken from Costco. Got frozen shrimp and chanced on a 'meatball and sauce dinner' from Costco as well. 8 jumbo meatballs in sauce, heating them up in the microwave was easier and neater than using the stove and a pot. As for a do again, not on the list, it was all one flavor. The sauce was more in the lasagna category than a marinara with flavors. The meatballs were definitely jumbo and I could only eat two with the spaghetti I cooked to go with it. The meatballs were not meaty enough for my liking, with the same flavor as the sauce. Kind of soft and almost mushy which tells me they added a lot more bread crumbs to fill them out.  I'll stick with making my own at home with more flavor. 

Once again there was something on my mind I wanted to share but have forgotten now that I'm sitting down at the computer. Oh! Got my driver license renewed, online whooo! Wish the price on that would go down the longer you've been a driver. Cost was only $46 but still would be nice to have a long time discount as well as the safe driver discount from the insurance. I looked into that, in order to be a verified 'safe driver' you have to take a driving course and get certified. Right. No. Not with a cataract that I...uhhhh kind of sort of.... forgot to check off on the form online.....oops.

Rocky likes my shawl project. He can't have it as I am gifting it to someone for Christmas (it's not really my color palette but still lovely). Hoping the person who gets it appreciates the extra 'heathering' of cat fur. I have enough yarn of each color to make a matching scarf as well but I've got socks to finish before the holidays so will see about any other projects when this is done.

I think that's all for now. Mood is improving with food of course, finished off the leftover meatballs and spaghetti for lunch. Everyone stay cool and safe out there!

 

 

 

Rescheduled, a bit more relaxed

 Calling into an organization like this is a phone maze. Finally got through to someone and when I said I was supposed to have this procedure today I had cancelled it on Friday. She asked what did I want to do. Um ... reschedule?  She got my file brought up and looked through appointments and found Aug 14 with a 4:00 check in. YES. She updated my appointments and then we hung up. Okay. Five minutes later the original nurse calls and wanted to know if this Thursday was okay. I told her no, already rescheduled, she noted that and then asked if I had picked up the prep at the pharmacy I told her no I had cancelled it through the pharmacy. She said well they usually just hold it if you don't pick it up. I cancelled it. She then said I can call the pharmacy to have it ready again. She did apologize for the confusion but it's like...no, you reamed me over with the wrong information and is also not a very effective listener. Good news is, I don't need to do the enemas! Hallelujah! She said the doctor didn't want me to do that part of it (he must have remembered my hemorrhoids) so it's just the two jugs of prep, nasty but I can handle that. Very similar prep to the full colonoscopy.

So I have clear and concise information and a time table to follow, what not to eat, when to stop my med and a direct number to call with any questions.  So after having 2 BLT's for breakfast I'm feeling better able to handle the week and the coming procedure that is a week and a half away rather than three days.

So. That's done. Jon's laptop is getting updated (hopefully with all information intact). Wellman asked if he had the Bitsomething code for transferring data and had to tell him a what and no. The issue is Jon didn't get a shelf model he apparently got a display model because all he had was the power cord and the laptop. Wellman messaged a while later and said there was a confirmation code in Jon's email and he needed that. Done and done even though Jon was taking a nap, I gently woke him with small sounds in the kitchen. So here's hoping that'll be done by the weekend and he can get back to having fast fun on the internet.

 It is hot as ever outside, yesterday and today. We were going to go out to do more groceries but we looked at each other, I then looked at the weather app... 93 but feels like 96.... whimper and no. We'll go out after sunset when it's cooler. We have more than enough fixings for food, fans and AC are blasting, Rocky seems to think he's starving and hasn't had three helpings of wet food already. Didn't help that I had pulled out the chicken thigh meat pack that had been thawed for three days and opened it up.... to the smell of slightly fishy sulphur... nope that is spoiled chicken. I put it in a small freezer zip lock bag and in the trash. Rocky of course thought that was a total waste of food and I agree but that doesn't mean you get to have spoiled chicken. We'll probably be hunkering down for the next few days, cooking is going to be minimal of anything creating smoke or smells or heat. Oh and if anyone says that a crockpot is so much better to use during the summer because it doesn't heat up the kitchen, has never had a small kitchen. Will be using that in about a week or two for a small hunk of beef I got. Could not find a decent pack of steaks or a good roast in my budget range.

Jon's fixing a sandwich along with some fried chicken we picked up at the store yesterday. I'm still full from breakfast so am ambiguous on what to have for technical lunch.  So much for that idea. I just decided to go fix a roast beef sandwich on rye bread with avocado. I also now understand why dad liked horseradish sauce on his rare beef. It's delicious! Just enough twang and spice to augment the almost liver taste of the rare meat. I've always liked the horsey sauce from Arby's on the beef sandwiches so there you go I guess.

Alright, all things done, knitting to do, games to play, time to waste indoors. In temp controlled and comfortable 82-84 degrees. (Insides are feeling better than they have in the past two weeks thankfully).

Keep cool!