Hi, Eileen! Nice to hear from you. I was thinking about you last night and hoping that things were okay for you. Sounds like you have a lot on your plate, but are in control, as always.

Thinking about your job situation. SInce design is so commission and economy dependent, have you looked into some kind of office job? I would think that you might be able to get some job training if needed through the state employment service, so that you could work in something like medical coding or transcription, or another office situation. Much better with your bathroom issues, and a regular paycheck, maybe benefits.

Wishing you the best, and that your health and spirit are strong.

Eileen, it is really nice that you have had time to check in and let us all know how it is going. I think of you often and keep you in my wishs for the best now and the better that will come your way, so take care and know many out here wish the best for you.

Hi 3D, glad to hear you're doing much better, busy, and have found some work. Hopefully you'll find a much less expensive place to live so you can catch up.

On Phoenix, uncontrolled thyroid is a horrible way to go. Radiation Iodine Therapy is expensive, but the meds aren't. Maybe your vet can work with you on payments and just do very selective diagnostic testing to save on cost. They usually do a comprehensive workup, but in the case of going without any treatment, they would probably do a clinical eval with a confirmatory diagnostic to streamline costs. Could be something else, but other signs and symptoms could pinpoint it more for the doc to selectively test as they see it. My new vet, in these hard economic times, will work with people in balancing their pets care and expenses. The previous practice owner actually had a payment plan available.

There are also a number of organizations that offer financial support for the care of unhealthy pets, when the owner can't afford it. Worth googling around and speaking to a few of them to see if you qualify.

Pay close attention to Phoenix's behaviors, changes in personality, and habits so you can relay as much as possible to the doc.

Finanial aid resources for pet care:

PGAA Resource List

HSUS Resource List

Hi all. The vet felt a mass in the lower abdomen of my cat Phoenix. Cancer would explain his weight loss. Still waiting for the blood tests results to come back.
Just the tests, visit and fluids cost me $252 - wow.

Good news is that I have found a real estate agent who will be showing me homes in mid December for rent. She is confident that we should be able to get a decent house in my price range. The rents have come down even since last month. Maybe shopping at Christmas time will also give me an advantage since the renters are scarce.

Plus I have to shop for new car insurance. I am going to call my bank now and get some quotes.

Take care all.

Eileen

Hi Eileen, this is a propos of nothing, but I just thought it might make you smile:

Here is a link that might be useful: Surprised kitty

that baby kitty video is adorable - thank you!!!+

threedgrad,
I am sure sorry that you have been dealt all of this hardship.

I wish you the best of luck with everything, but most of all that you stay cancer free.

I just talked to the vet - Phoenix is terminal, bloodwork shows anemia, high platelets, low thyroid, bad liver numbers - looks like liver cancer or splenic cancer or both. So I will just make him comfortable and enjoy each day that he is still alive. This is the 2nd cat I had die this year - both were about 16 years old.

Thanks everyone. Love, Eileen

Eileen,
I am so sorry for Phoenix.

I will keep you both in my thoughts.

Smiles:)

Oh, poor kitty. I'm so sorry, I know how painful this is for you, but for Phoenix, 16 years of being loved is pretty wonderful.

((Eileen & Phoenix))

I too am sorry you have to go through this loss; I'm sure he was happy with you
so you gave him a good life.

Very sorry to hear your furbaby is so ill. My dog got cancer when he was 16. We tried surgery but the tumor grew back quickly. When the vet told me there was nothing more we could do I put her to sleep immediately so she wouldn't suffer.

oops, I meant to say "when SHE was 16". I have 2 male dogs now and out of habit I keep referring to all animals as "he".