Proof that there is *still* new beauty in the world

When you think that nobody has a new idea...

It pretty much sells itself; a friend sent me here; and now I'm sending you...
http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/videos.shtml?fbid=jgNR5

blatent optimism.

I love it.

Tomcats are TOUGH!

It is now June, almost July (gasp); and I owe you a progress report.

Taffy had his surgery, they removed an entire cancer node, and he spent a couple-three weeks recovering. Back on chemotherapy, we're finding that some drugs work better than others... and some do not work at all.

He's definitely doing better, and we'll keep up this regimen as long as he's enjoying life more than hurting.

The bottom line, today he was up to his old tricks: he climbed onto my desk (while I was gone) and opened and ate from a bag of chicken jerky. He's also motoring around the house jumping on things he hasn't attempted in a while... and purring when he gets his ears scratched.

That's good enough for now...

overwhelmed

Today I got the call from my veterinarian that I have been dreading.

In order to treat Taffy's cancer, the surgery to remove the sites would include removing the leg. The question is... is he strong enough and flexible enough to get through it; or am I just prolonging his suffering. Up till now he's had a pretty good run; but the antibiotics are not enough to clear up the infection and the cancer medicines themselves suppress some of the immune response, making the situation worse. He has been a real fighter, being cuddly and even playful (string chasing) even when I know he's not up to par... but it's a lot to ask; and I don't have an easy answer.

If I don't have the surgery, he's whole but not here for long; if I do... he might not have any more issues... but no one can call it for certain. And nobody can give me the answer.

(loud meeow) oops -- he's here for his dinner, see you later.

Sometimes it's the little things...

My life is a split personality. I have a cat with *cancer*.
I work mostly full-time. I go to school (and take classes).
And... I just aquired a new friend of the female persuasion... still too soon to tell, but I have *hopes*.

Taffy is still soldiering on, his cancer making life more difficult; but every time I think about whether or not it's time... he cuddles, purrs... and asks for more food and treats. As long as he's still actively pursuing this, I guess he feels ok enough. I wish there was more.

Get up, pill the cat. Grab coffee, computer, notebooks and food... and out the door to work. Bug out of work when the plant closes; come home to feed the cats, then (certain days)... off to school. Who'd thought I'd be in classes at 51? It was easier when I didn't have to compete.

Home again, chores, bills... and the occasional SF show or a movie (if the weekend).

And they say the treadmill is only in the gym.

This weekend I'm going hiking.

Of Mackerel and kings...

It's been over a month, and this guy's still with us. Taffy's still not in pain, but definitely less spunky than he was a month ago, and then I was thinking it was end-game. Next week I'll take him in and get evaluated; but as long has he's comfy... who am I to deny him fresh-cooked mackerel? (courtesy of Galleria Market, Reseda and Devonshire). I haven't heard so much snarfelling and mumbling while eating since my Grandfather and dinner... He not only went back for seconds, but snagged the leftovers from all the other cats. (burp).

I guess he liked it.

There is *always* hope... (really random thoughts)

Bear with me, I'm sick working on inebriated (trying to get the two hats thing going on the bedpost)...

Taffy (male cat, don't hassle him.. he KNOWS he's a boy) is feeling better. He's on antibiotics, anti-cancer medication (basically rat-poison specific to the "bad" cells) and lots and lots of love.

Here's a picture of him. Right now I'm just happy he's feeling better. (and yes, I'm a lousy photographer). He's the white tom in front.

Proof positive that there are *real* people out there in internet-land; I responded to a post on CL, and met a real-live-person. I'm amazed (and pleased), but mostly amazed. OK, life isn't perfect but at least it's showing some upside. NO idea where this goes, but for right now... just not bouncing ideas off the underverse and having no response; is a REAL GOOD THING.

I gather that Hillary stepped into it, and her hubby didn't help much (on the campaign trail talking about MLK and Johnson); but since I'm not (insert any disadvantaged ethnic group here), I don't know $h!t about what they are upset about... (yet). Somebody will (undoubtedly) explain it to me, but for now... So I still like her over Obama, and only some of that based upon the past platforms (see latimes) http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/elections/ but then again...

Now, if we could only get out of Iraq with our dignity, but I don't have much hope. I wonder if GWB is going to get labelled in history as another in a long line of really bad presidents; but I don't have that much faith in the short term. We will see.

Meanwhile, my cats are doing better; and I have a cold.

Mal: We're still flying.
Simon: That's not much.
Mal: It's enough

The hard decisions

When I was a young man, my father made the hard decisions. While I was away at college, it was his task to take care of the dogs, and finally to take them to the vet when they were too sick to enjoy their senior doggyhood. It was his compassion that allowed him the strength.

I have four cats; three female and one male. Three are a legacy from my ex, and one from a friend. One is a hyperthyroid(ism) survivor, she putts around the house just fine these days, although I watch her for kidney disease. One has asthma and gets kitty steroids. And my guy, the one tom... has cancer. He's been treated with radiation therapy; but we all know how this must end. As long as the quality of his life is there... I'll fight for him. When it's not; then the decision that I must face will become inescapable.

I dread that day.

Tonight I was reminded that day may come soon. This summer, I just wanted to have him make it to Christmas. Now, (greedy?) I just want him to have his summer.

Tonight I read an article (from the LA Times) about the plight of old folk and the poor in the subway in Russia, and our inability to act.

I hope when the time comes, that I have the courage.

He's depending on me.