Blood test

Today is Leo's second blood test since ending chemo. We're hoping for good results, but I think both preparing for the worst. And that is the awful part of cancer - well, one of the many awful parts of cancer.  Aside from knowing that Leo (or any person or animal) is on borrowed time, there's the lingering dread around doctor appointments and the fear that any lump, cough, yawn, or sad look is the sign that 'this is it'. While a recurrence, at this point, would not be medically surprising, it would be personally surprising.  He's healthy, vital, and seems happy.  In fact, Leo's been spending a lot of time at my house, and seems quite content, whether he is chasing bally around, snacking on something from the store, making the bed, or just lying quietly on the couch, head on the pillows.

A New Year With Leo

We made it!

Me and Leo at Bushwick Pet Superette

I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to say that, but we made it to 2013 with my boy.  It hasn't been easy, and it is still scary to think about, but for right now, I'm just enjoying having Leo - well, all of them - around.  Happy New Year to Leo, Luna, and Orlando! (Oh, and Byron, and Egon and Percy and Wobble and Bobble, who all live downstairs at the pet store.)

Good News

Leo had been acting a bit funny over the past few days - a little grouchier, a little more particular than usual.  And a lot naughtier outside.  We were concerned - a change in personality is one of the first indications that something is wrong.  We had both taken to checking his lymph nodes every day - hoping to not feel anything, but expecting the worst.  He had a checkup on Thursday (10/25).  I was nervous - I did not want to have bad news.

Nothing to report - which is a good thing

I have, literally, nothing (about Leo) to report.
That's great!
We graduated from chemo on September 8. After the hospitalization and the bad reaction, we finished up with a few treatments of cytoxan, and we're done!

Home

Leo's come back home, finally.  He's still sick, however - but he's eating.  Which is good.

Hospitalized

Leo is now hospitalized for the second day.  This is a reaction to the chemo.

Very Sick Boy

Leo is very, very ill. The latest round of chemo, the doxyrubicin, is really taking its toll on him.  Last night, we were at the vet getting fluids and some meds.  Tonight, Leo is in the hospital, getting IV fluids and anti-nausea meds.