Apr 3 BigMac is hanging in there. NEWS!!

Yesterday's surgery condo


I just walked in the door from my evening visit with BigMac. He is holding his own but is pretty tired. This is much different from how he was after the first surgery. He is very quiet and doesn't move much. But his eyes seem clear and he picked up his head when he heard my voice. He tried to head butt my hand and then rested his head in my hand as I stroked his brow. He purred gently.

Poor guy has been through so much and is really worn out. But he needs to rest and get stronger.
The good news is that the bilirubin has come down one full point from 6 to 5. He has quite a way to go but this tells us that the openings from the gallbladder to the duodenum seem to be working. I hope the bile continues to flow the way nature intended. He getting fed through his J-tube and meds through his IV.

The BEST news is that the pathology report came back. The tumor was NOT, I repeat, NOT cancer! The surgeons were flabbergasted and wondered if the report was wrong. So instead of the aggressive adenocarcinoma originally diagnosed... this is AMAZING news. The cells were pre-cancerous but to me, that doesn't count because the tumor is out. BigMac will not need chemo-therapy. I hadn't really thought too much about what happens after his recovery because he has so far to go. But knowing that he will not need chemo is such a relief and I will not have this nagging fear of where the next tumor might show up. Whatever happened to cause this mass, may not happen again. He will need some treatments to deal with the thick bile and it may mess with his diabetes, but we know how to deal with diabetes.

The surgeon said the "no cancer report" was an Easter gift. That was an interesting comment since BigMac was born on Easter Sunday, 1999. Tomorrow is his birthday.

I'm very concerned (but not too scared) about his physical condition and it is very hard to see him lying there so quietly. I hope tomorrow he will be a little bit more alert. The doctors seem to have faith that he will be better as the days go on. I will hang on to that. Especially since they still have his sign up... Escape Risk. I like that.

You can see his "strait jacket" with all kinds of writings on it. They do not want a repeat of his tube pulling action. ohmygod_smile

 

We are so happy to know that it's not a cancer & chem is not needed! Congratulations to that CD & BigMAC! :razz:

 

WOW! Amazing, wonderful, incredible, awesome news! I tell ya, the power of LL prayers will never, ever cease to amaze me. Tears of joy here!!!

Rest up, BigMac...get nice and strong so you can come home soon!

 

Awww BigMac, bless his little heart. He just looks tired, but what a wonderful report with the "no cancer" and no chemo needed. It is truly a miracle. I love the writings on his jacket. He will get stronger once he's home with you. Big Mac sure is a fighter. Continuing prayers and healing vines for BigMac, and I hope you can get some rest, too, CD. Hugs

 

YAY, BIGMAC, NO CANCER IS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

:RAHCAT


Lots of :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: for you both!

 

THIS IS SUCH WONDERFUL NEWS!!!!!
HUGE SMILES ALL OVER THE PLACE HERE !!!!!!!

SENDING A BIG SMOOCHIE OF JOY TO THE BIG FELLA!!

 

Great great great news about the no cancer! Woohoo! He does have a ways to go but that is a blessing. How sweet that tomorrow is his birthday. He is well on his way and will get better every day. Hugs to you Carolyn! Get some rest so you can party with Big Mac tomorrow. Tarragon is running around saying something about a cake and cookies. The kitties will be there with Big Mac soon! ((((Hugs))))

 

Great news!!!!!! Thank you for posting the update, CD. Wow, that is just fantastic. Quite a relief about the tumor. Great news about the bilirubin too. His liver function is improving! Big hugs to you and sending healing vines to BigMac for his speedy recovery.
Liz, Anne, Zener and Tillie

 

The clinic will never be the same after an LL birthday party! :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Ohhh that is good news!

We've been scouring the forum looking for an update!

Seems like he is resting more on the new pain med...that is good.

:YMHUG: Big hugs to you and Big Mac...it has been quite a week for you!

Tanya

 

What wonderful news! :RAHCAT :RAHCAT
I don't think Big Mac looked bad, not as bad as I'd look after two surgeries. ;-) Sending healing vines and snowflakes for a quick recovery.

 

(((Carolyn))) in every photo that you post of him he just looks more and more beautiful. The bond of love you share is keeping both of you going strong. I am so grateful for the news that there is no cancer. It just is a question of getting him to heal and get his strength back. You and your doctors can help him with that. And, of course, all of his fans are here pulling for him. He gets a new chance at life for his birthday. Sweet! Love ya, BigMac, hope you feel better every day.

 

That is the most wonderful news!

I'm sorry you are having to see him that way. Even when they look good after surgery, its still hard to see them all trussed up like that and not be able to make it all better instantly. :YMHUG:

 

no cancer?! could there possibly be better news ever?! we're cheering for Big Mac - must've been the seeds Dian left on his little buns that did it! ;-)

anybody would be wiped out after 2 major surgeries in a week! he'll get stronger every day now that all is "fixed."

so glad to hear an update. i kept checking today for the latest word. now the latest word is YAY!!!!

 

Carolyn, I have been out of town but have been following BigMac's condo, but was unable to post until today. I am just so happy to hear that it is not the Big C, and for the surgeon to mention that it is an Easter gift and BigMac was born on Easter...just a wonderful sign indeed. He looks very tired, but still so sweet and beautiful. I like that he perked up when he heard your voice...another great sign. I am keeping you two in my prayers. Rest easy.

 

"Every day in every way: better and better"!!
Carolyn, this is wonderful news! Of course he must be tired; he's been through an awful lot. What a strong kitty he is!
BigMac, tomorrow is going to be the best birthday yet. You got your gift a day early. Keep healing, buddy, so you can start your new year with a swift return to good health. All your pals are cheering for you tonight.

Lots of love and hugs, :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

Ella & Rusty

 

I'm glad he's hanging in there. They are tough lovely little creatures :YMHUG:

 

I am so relived to catch your update Carolyn!
oh my gosh it is truly an Easter gift!!
We luv u Big Mac!!! I just wanna reach in to give u big kisses!!



(((((((hugs!))))))))

 

Best news I've seen is a long time, Carolyn! Keep hanging in there, handsome burger boy!

 

WHAT A RELIEF!

 

cat_pet_icon dancing_cat cat_pet_icon Oh, Carolyn, that is such good new to hear that there is no cancer! Such a sigh of relief here! BigMac does look tired, but he also looks good. I know he will be ok! I will continue to send lots of healing vines to BigMac and hugs to you! Thanks for the update and Happy Early Birthday BigMac!!!

 

I'm sorry I never have anything helpful or coherent to say.
All I can do is cry. (these are happy tears)

 

Prayers answered. Best news EVER!!! That's wonderful wonderful news, Carolyn.

 

I am a little tired but the relief is so intense that I don't know if I can sleep. The surgeon was so excited about the news that he came to tell me before he had even finished reading the whole report. I had stepped outside to my car for a second and he came running out to tell me. I was walking back so he 'could' have waited, but no... he was very happy too. He then went up to a window at the hospital and made someone inside finish the printing and hand it out the window so he could read the whole thing (about 4 pages) before we even got inside again. It was so funny! :lol:

This family here on FDMB has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. The day I found out the dire dx, I was very scared and alone. My DH happened to be out of town and I didn't want to call and get him upset when there was nothing he could do. My DD is about to have her baby and I didn't want to bother her. So I just hugged my kitty the night before his surgery.

That day I finally decided I needed to tell someone... and you guys are my family so I sat in the waiting room and posted. I was moved to tears a billion times by the support and hugs and love you sent. Then just when I thought I'd go crazy after so many hours, you guys kept me company. When I needed distractions you had web sites and pictures and funny stories. And when I needed a smile you sent me huge belly laughs!

I finally told my DH when he came home and asked how the past few days were. He was stunned to learn of the dx and surgery and he wasn't here to help ... but he was very glad I wasn't really alone after all.

Your kindness and caring have lifted me up to a level that is hard to explain - but I think you understand. Maybe all your positive thoughts and prayers did make that cancer turn to jelly. We will never know, but to me it was a miracle. The doctors were totally shocked because they said it looked like cancer for sure.

I can hardly believe his second surgery was just yesterday. I feel like it was days ago.

I love you all. And have a teensy bit of guilt about monopolizing your time so much. But gosh I'm so grateful for how you helped me through this. Really...
(((((((((((((Super hugs to each and every one of you.)))))))))))))

 

ah, carolyn - to everything there is a season. you have given so much to all of us. it's ok for it to be your season to receive support right now.

i'm just glad you allowed us to be there for and with you. thanks for letting us be that blessing in your life. it's amazing how you get the sense of each other's kitties being "our" kitties. i'm sure i'm not the only one whose thoughts have been centered around our favorite Big Mac this week.

that's what family is. :YMHUG:

 

This has just made my day! I am so elated!! Good news - YAY!! Hang in there CD - BigMac's story is one I will ever forget. I so respect that kitty - what a strong wonderful cat he is. I hope things go well with his recovery - I am glad that they are taking it slow - he's been through so much, slow and steady is good.

Be well soon BigMac!

 

:RAHCAT That is the best news BigMac... :RAHCAT Just in time for your Bday...

Carolyn, hope you are doing well.. must be such a relief.. it's nice to have a vet who cares :YMHUG:

I would look a lot worse after two surgeries in a week!!! and he has no clue what is going on... Hang in there BigMac.. You'll be home soon cat_pet_icon

 

WOO-HOO - no cancer - that's fantabulous. He does look a little on the tired side but I think I'd look a lot worse if I'd gone through what he has. He's such a sweetheart and such a handsome boy - hopefully now he's on the road to recovery with that nasty thing out of him and never to come back.

Just wish we were closer so that I could have helped in some way while you were going through this. That look on his face might not be "tired" - it might be 'WHAT THE HECK IS THIS STRAIGHT JACKET I'M IN???" Don't wonder that he's not moving around - he's pretty tied up, isn't he?

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers - Bob says to hang in there - and will keep watching the updates.

Mittsi sends her love to the Bug Burger and Dude sends many many head butts and paw pats. I send hugs to you, my friend.

Emmy & Dude (& mittsi too)

 

The miracle of friendship, family, and faith was evident in BigMac's recent journey. Thank you for allowing us to share this time with you. We are so very blessed to have you and BigMac in our lives and in our LL Family!

Lots of hugs
Tena

PS....dang. I'm so happy about his path report. Just say NO to crappy cancer. Wooohooooo!

 

:dizcat Fantastic news to read it was not cancer. Been clicking on LL so many times today looking for an update and I know I'm not the only one doing it. What a fighter your boy is. Contined prayers coming for BigMac and I hope you can get a good night's sleep.

Maybe ask the vet about Ursodiol for the gall bladder. Good drug.

Sending loads of birthday wishes including one huge one for more good and happy years with BigMac.

 

OMG!! I step out on vacation for a couple of weeks and come back to see THIS!! I am so sorry Sam and I weren't there to help you along! I guess that teaches me to take a vaca from Lantus Land!! It really sounds like you have been going through more tough times than anyone should ever have to, esp when you had no one physically there with you. It's a wonderful thing to hear that all your LL buddies supported you (except Sam & me) :cry: At least you can breathe a sigh of relief that it wasn't that nasty "c" word! Poor little guy, he looks so tired. Just keep telling him the good news and that will perk him up for sure!

Hang in there buddy,
We're cheering for you!
You truly are a fighter,
Oh yes, it's TRUE!

What a beautiful kitty,
Your Mama Bean's so proud.
With the great news today,
She's up high on a cloud.

You've had a long week,
You might be down for awhile.
But you've made us all happy,
Yes, all we can do is smile!!

Hang in there big guy! We love you! ​

 

(((Carolyn))) (((Big Mac)))
What great news on so many counts.

Sleep peacefully Big Mac. Gather your strength. Every day you heal more and more and the more you heal, the sooner you come home with your bean.

 

Such wonderful news. I hope BigMac feels better and better as the days go by.

 

Such great news!!!!!

I think Big Mac just needs some rest and time to heal. He has had two very major surgeries and I think even through all of that he looks pretty great.

Take care of yourself Carolyn and get a good night's sleep. :YMHUG:

 

:RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT

 

Wow, that is truly amazing news, and what a great vet you have! So wonderful that they share in your joy! I haven't been here very long but I've seen all you do for others and so it is only MORE than fair that you are getting all this love and support!

Way to go BigMac...can't wait to see what you have planned for his coming home party!!!!! Take care of yourself now, you will need to be good and strong and healthy to take care of him when he gets home. So sorry you had to go thru this with your DH away, I know how that feels and it can be so terribly lonely. You are one brave, strong mamabean, what a lucky cat BigMac is!

 

I was eager to check in tonight to get an update on BigMac, and what a wonderful update it is! I think you mentioned something about reducing his pain killers because of his reaction to it, so maybe that's why he's a little more subdued this time around. Great news on the tumor. It's nice to know there is one less hurdle to jump!

Thoughts and prayers for you guys,

Jason

 

oh thank god, i've been aching for an update. so happy for you.
get stronger, bigmac, we are all pulling for you, dude!

 

I think what you said sums it up beautifully, Michelle

and adding my voice to what the other folks have said, Carolyn...
This is just a wonderful illustration of good Karma...
what goes around, comes around...and you & BigMac got a lot of good vibes in the Karma Bank!

"Monopolizing our time"...PSHAW!!!
Besides...so many of the lady-cats (and possibly Binks as well :? ) are smitten with BigMac...
there'd be a revolt if we didn't get pics and updates! :lol:

:YMHUG:

 

((((Carolyn)))) & ((((BigMac))))


I am so happy to hear this good news and that he did not have cancer. Heal well and soon BigMac!!!

 

Deep intake of breath..... s l o w out going of sigh.... tears massing at eyelids... smile spreading ear to ear.... words forming slowly and quietly... 'THANK YOU LORD' thank you Lord.... Thank you... Loud scream.... TOM IT'S NOT CANCER... BIG MAC DOESN'T HAVE CANCER.... reading post slowly to him.... both smiling... both so very happy for you, your BIGMAC, your DD, DH and your almost grandbaby.... and all who love you. Knowing what you say about FDMB and miracles fighting cancer.... I know... I remember my oncologist punching my shoulder literally screaming... I GOT IT ALL.... I GOT IT All... CAROL DO YOU UNDERSTAND... I GOT IT ALL!!!!

FDMB Family... love in it's truest form.... (((Love you kid)))... Knowing you dear... you can do anything!!!

 

Sitting here crying like a baby, so so happy that Big Mac doesnt have cancer!!! It's like a Miracle
The FDMB kind!! OMG Carolyn, Cyber HUG to you for all you have been through these days & BIg
Scritches for Big Mac for being the Brave Champion he is, fighting so hard!!
Thinking of you both all day, finally seeing a post from you tonite, Makes Us Remember Life is so
Precious...Be well, Sweet Boy, Rest a little Easier Carolyn!
I said a Prayer from the ANENI, which is a prayer book for special reasons in jewish religion, for Health for
Big Mac,--After all God made Cats for so many reasons, including unbelievable Love we share with them..
Continue to get well & get better, both of you ...Love you Kiddo--Hugs & Love from us!!

 

:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

NO CANCER!! YAY!!! NO CANCER!!! YAY! NO CANCER!! PRAYERS & TEARS OF THANKS!!!!!

SO RELIEVED AND HAPPY..WHAT A WONDERFUL SURPRISE!
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL GIFT!!
WHAT JOYFUL NEWS!!

SLEEP WELL TONIGHT, MY LOVELIES....
(((((BIGMAC & CAROLYN)))))
:YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

 

Wishing BigMac speedy healing and so happy, so so happy to hear it was NOT the bad thing. Blessings to you!

 

What wonderful news!



You must still be reeling. They're right Karma at work!

 

Couldn't head to sleep with checking for a BigMac update, and my heart is full with this latest report. So relieved for you and your boy, Carolyn! Will be sending continued prayers for restful healing for BigMac, and stress-free rest for you as well. Much love coming from KC!!

 

tears of happiness and joy, carolyn!
now rest up... both of you. sending hugs, strength, and healing vines for the days ahead...

 

This is such awesome news!!!! BigMac is a true champ!!!! I'll keep the prayers coming for a complete and easy recovery!!!!

 

Hurray!!! What excellent news! That is so great that there is no cancer and everything appears to be working as it should now. I can only imagine how much easier your mind is. Now all he has to do is heal so he can come home. BigMac deserves to be tired. He's really been through a lot and he can't move much anyway. Right now the best thing he could do is rest so its just as well.

I can't believe I was looking for an update all day and evening & it was there. Somehow I missed it. It was definitely worth waiting for. Until the next time.

Melanie & Racci

 

BEST NEWS EVER!!! Awesome report Carolyn! I am so happy for you both. I am sure you will find him gaining energy everyday. His little body just went through a lot. So glad that it wasn't cancer. You saved his life. dancing_cat Happy dance here.

 

Such wonderful news ((( Carolyn & BigMac )))
I hope you both get lots of rest today, and BigMac has a good day of healing.

 

Bless his heart! He's still gorgeous, even after all he's been through. What miraculous news! Such a wonderful gift. I will continue to send healing vines to BigMac for his recovery. I hope both of you get some much-needed rest.

 

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NO CANCER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What an awesome start to the day!! I know you must be so relieved, I think we all felt that weight lift off our shoulders .. We love you and bigmac so much .. I know bigmac is tired, and has been through a lot, but it's ok .. all him and you have to focus on right now is just resting and getting stronger so we can have the best LL party EVERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!

 

I too have been following BigMac's situation and feeling very upset about him. I am on the other side of the world from my Little Boy as my DD has just had her first baby and we are in England helping her for the first few weeks. Carolyn you were so helpful to me when we first joined FDMB and I have always thought of BigMac as the poster-boy of the Maine Coons on the board. My boy is being cared for by a specialist cat clinic back in Melbourne and I am forcing myself not to think too much about him. Just wanted to add my name to the long list of people who are thinking about you and BigMac in a deeply caring way....

hugs
Marilyn

 

Carolyn I can't even find the words to say how happy and relieved I am with the news. Wow. I am on cloud nine with the news and I bet the cement brick in your heart was all broken up and a weight was lifted. We really are a family here. I am blessed to be part of it. Keep hanging in there. Give him a gentle kiss from me.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG MAC!!!

party_cat :RAHCAT flip_cat :RAHCAT party_cat ​

 

Carolyn, been following since yesterday. So verra happy it's not cancer!! Now handsome Big Mac can heal.

Happy Birfday Big Mac!! Big (((hugs))) for you Carolyn and Scritches for that handsome birthday boy

 

That is the best news ever - Harley is doing back flips. Congratulations. What a wonderful Easter gift. I am now giving prayers of thanksgiving.

pattie

 

A big Happy Birthday to BigMac from his pal, Rusty

 

Happy, Happy Birthday to BigMac!
And such wonderful news!

 

Wonderful update - so happy for you. Continued prayers coming your way.

Patti

 

so great, can't wait to hear today's update and Happy Birthday BigMac... a lot of the kitties are partying in the lagoon in your honor today!

 

Do Lou and I are so happy over the news of no cancer whoo hooooo sending lots of healing and recovery vines his way ((((((((((((((((Carolyn)))))))))))))))))))))

 

Happy Birthday BigMac!

 

Happy birthday, Big Mac :RAHCAT

Sending more squishy angel hugs your way :YMHUG:

 

Happy Birthday BigMac !!!
love, J.D., Ginger, and Dyana​

 

WOOOOO HOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! That is very wonderful news!!! Hang in there, BigMac!!! You're doing extremely well!!!

 

BEST DX NEWS IN LL IN YEARS!! :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: !! BIG MAC NO CANCER!!!! This is your Easter, Passover,Christmas, Hanukah AND BIRTHDAY Gift all wrapped into ONE!!!!! BIG MAC IS GETTING BETTER!!!
Love you Both!! Rest some you both need it!!--Love & Hugs from us!!

 

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MIRACLE BOY!!!!!!!!!!!

CELEBRATING BIGMAC'S BIRTHDAY FROM THE NORTH POLE TO THE SOUTH!!!!!!

And such an appropriate lyric...
"All your friends are here tonight.
Happy Anniversary- we hold you tight!"

[youtube]P90dKxlsUJo[/youtube]

 

Carolyn, not only does your news about BigMac, make me cry with happiness, so does all the responses from the people who love you and your baby.
I can't even imagine how it makes you feel. Stay back tears...stay back.
Barb

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIGMAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

 

Happy Birthday Big Mac!!


And many, many more.​

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG MAC​

party_cat party_cat :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT :RAHCAT party_cat party_cat

Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

 

Yay!!!! Woo-hoo. Big Mac is such a tough dude....and so are you CD. I've been following his progress and I am elated to hear such wonderful news for you guys!!!!

 

Best Birthday present ever!



For the Kewlest Cat ever!​

 

Definitely the best birthday gift ever!!! So relieved to hear this news, Carolyn. Happy Birfday BigMac!!!!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BIGMAC!!!!! WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!​

I can't wait to read an update on how BigMac has been doing today.

 

super size those fries and drink to go with that BuRger!!!!! triple decker here we come YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Whew Hoo! I'm so happy for you and Big Mac! Such wonderful news.. It doesn't seem to happen much, so you have a very lucky kitty!

Sandy - Dottie, Jeter and Tilly

 

I must admit I was getting worried when I didnt see an update yesterday morning. But happy HAPPY tears here today.
Will keep the prayers flowing for a complete and speedy recovery.

You GO Big Mac! HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS EVER!!!
jeanne

 

Wonderful news! So happy for you, CD!

 

Happy Birthday BigMac!!! What great news for your special day

You are one pretty kitty!

 

still keeping you both in my daily prayers! he is a miracle kitty! Go BigMac Go!

 

Just getting a chance to check in and see how you are. This is wonderful news. I am so happy for you and Big Mac. Please call either John or I if we can help.... We love ya!!!