9/11 Jupiter - surgery tomorrow

Link to yesterdays condo: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=104164


Jupiter is not allowed any food after 6pm tonight (I did ask if he could atleast have a small snack a little bit later then that but they said no). I know this is going to be very hard for him as he normally eats most of his food at night. We have to have him to the vet by 8:30am. I asked them if I could ask the vet who is doing the surgery a few questions in the morning and they said he will not be there until 9:30am. I guess I want to meet him before he does the surgery... Dont know if this is going to be possible but I think it would make me feel a lot more comfortable about everything... We will be leaving here about 7:45am. I am doing my best to remain calm for Jupiter, but I am worried out of my mind. I am mostly worried about him staying overnight there. I know he is going to be so scared and wish I could be there with him. There is not anyone at the vet overnight, the vet stops back at 11pm to check on the animals but thats it. I just dont understand why he has to stay there. If he came home I could stay up with him all night and keep an eye on him. At the vet, nobody will even know if something is wrong... I know they have their reasons for keeping him there....I just dont understand them.

I know he will adapt, and I know I will do whatever I can to make him happy during the adjustment. I think the hardest thing for me is going to be for the time he is at the vet... that will probably be the hardest thing for him too, because his anxiety is just so so so bad.

Jupiter is absolutely terrified of the crate and doesnt want to go near it.

We are almost out of catnip and wont be able to buy more atleast until Friday when Dane gets paid... :YMSIGH: just not ready for this

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I have gotten a lot of input these last few days with the questions below... but if anybody has any other ideas on the questions below please give me your input
1. Questions to ask the vet before and after surgery? Questions to ask the oncologist?
2. How to distract Jupiter the night before surgery? I know he is going to be miserable not being able to eat after 6pm and will be on the search for food.
3. Any ideas on how to make Jupiter more comfortable after surgery? Things I can do to spoil him even more & make him happy?
4. Any ideas of what I can do for the 24 hour period that Jupiter is at the vet for? I want to keep myself distracted as possible as I know I am going to be worried out of my mind that day.
5. A list of items to take to the vet with us & a list of items to have here and ready for when Jupiter comes home?
(and if you guys have any other ideas for topics that you think could be something for me to think about and plan - please feel free to let me know )"


Thank you LLEF for doing the fundraiser. Thank you Lantus Land for your generosity - without you, I would not be able to get Jupiter this surgery - so thank you so so so much!!!

Hi guys .. I don't have much advice, but you guys are definitely in our thoughts and prayers ... It will be rough for awhile, but I know jupiter is going to adapt just fine after his surgery and recovery time .. Don't forget to take something from home that has your scent on it .. a towel, a nightgown, a t shirt, anything that smells like home .. :YMHUG:

Hi Jaime, for some reason, I thought Jupe's surgery was yesterday, but was busy all day & couldn't touch in - so he's got 2 days worth of extra prayers & healing vines from our house!!

I think its important for you to stay centered at this point - calm, cool & collected. Visualize everything happening smoothly, minimal pain & disruption to Jupe, skillful vets easy-peasy. And Breathe. Nice slow deep breathing. You're Jupe's anchor, so be strong for him; he'll sense your energy & mood going into this & need you to be centered.

I didn't get to meet Spankey's surgeon for his throat surgery, but he did a fantastic job. I hope you're able to meet Jupe's.

Keep up the amazing job you're doing - plus, you've got a world-wide support web surrounding you both!

Hi Jamie, not really advice but maybe some support --- I know that when Tashie was sick I would worry myself into a dither but when she was actually in the hospital, it was actually calmer for me. I HAD to believe that THEY could do for her what I couldn't and it was a bit of a stress relief.

Know that at night, even though it's not a 24 hour facility, that MAY work out best - the 24 hour ER's are often busy and noisy and it's hard for them to get rest - they are accepting emergencies of all kinds and there can be yelping dogs and screaming cats all night long. The veterinary offices that do surgeries and have a vet rotation to do the night check are much quieter and Jupe will need his rest, it will be a more serene place to sleep.

I always worried too but they often do better than we think. Jupe has been such a trooper! Let's hope that this will be the start of total healing and far less vet visits! Tashie will be watching over Jupiter from her cloud and Mikko, Boris, Lilya & Ivan send lots and lots of prayers and well wishes, they will be rooting right along. And I send my best thoughts to you and will be following Jupiter's PROGRESS faithfully!

xx
Bern

Gobs of vines for you and Jupiter! I hope the surgery goes smoothly and he recovers quickly. :YMHUG:

Question: will he be getting a blood transfusion in the process? I will admit I haven't been following all of your condos closely, so I apologize if you have mentioned it. I am just curious.

This may sound silly, but do you ever sing to Jupiter? It doesn't have to be an actual song. Maybe just a tune you hum, or words you repeat as you snuggle him. Start singing/humming to him if you don't already. Give him lots and lots of love and sing to him as much as you can today so he can associate that with feeling good and being happy. I don't know if they would allow it, but if he's just going to sit in a cage until the surgery, maybe you can stay with him until the vet arrives. Keep singing to him. If you can't be with him, sing it to yourself throughout the day while you're waiting and visualize Jupiter happy. Remember he isn't losing a foot -- you are destroying the evil cancer :evil:

Do ask again why he needs to stay overnight if you have concerns.

hugs and prayers,
MJ

Dear Jamie,
We are sending our strongest vines for a successful surgery tomorrow. It is normal to worry. But keep in mind that Jupiter is a cat. Cats generally "turn off" when they are left to and by themselves. He'll be OK tomorrow night. He will need time to recover from the surgery. He will have been given pain meds and he will probably just sleep. Sleep is the best healing. After the surgery, every minute, every hour will bring healing. A mantra my Auntie Elsie (who lived to be 99) used to recite to herself when she was ill is a good one to remember: "Every day in every way I am feeling better and better." (Substitute "Jupe is" for "I am".)

Your LL family will be with you and with Jupe for the entire time. We will be thinking positively and praying that all will go well.

Many :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG: s to you and Dane, and lots of scritches to Jupiter.

Ella & Rusty

I love Suzanne's idea of visualization.
Visualize Jupe's calmness and relaxation pre- and post-surgery.
Visualize Jupe's leg healing and recovering well.
Visualize you being calm (our kitties pick up on your feelings!).
Visualize you being the loving, caring, attentive mamabean that you are.
And I will visualize the same.

I also love MJ's song idea. One of Ripley's songs is Sea of Love (I especially love the version by Cat Powers...♪♪ Do you remember when we met, that's the day I knew you were my pet? I wanna tell you how much I love you...♪♪♪)

I love Ella's aunt's mantra; I will also join in and recite it. "Every day in every way Jupiter is feeling better and better."

There's so much great advice already.

What I like to do when Ripley or one of my furkiddos is at the vet for a period of time: run fun errands (not grocery shopping for me) like browsing in a bookstore, shoe store, Target, etc. Catch a matinee. If I have to be at home, I find myself missing my furkiddo even more, so I plan an activity to immerse myself in, like cleaning out my linen closet, baking a pie or bread, throwing out all expired food, alphabetizing CDs or books... Or I'll call a friend or family member with whom I haven't spoken to in a while.

Please know that there are many folks who will also be visualizing tomorrow and holding your hand across the miles, ((Jamie)).
:YMHUG:

After tomorrow, Jupe will be so much closer to being MUCH healthier than he is now.

Jamie, I'll be praying for Jupiter and you tomorrow. I think you've already gotten some good advice. I believe Jupiter will be worn out from the surgery and the meds will help him sleep all night.

Sending prayers and hugs to you. :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

(((((Jamie))))))
Sending prayers for Jupiter's successful surgery tomorrow..... Yes.. you have difficulties ahead to work thru but you will still have Jupiter.
You've made the vet aware of his anxieties so I'm sure the vet will help him to be calm when he wakes up from his surgery.
I just sent you $15 via paypal to get Jupiter some catnip and some more fancy feast appetizers.... ( you said you were down to 2 the other day)

We'll all be sending prayers and good vines for tomorrow. :YMHUG:

You guys are all so amazing. Thank you for being so supportive and offering us kind words each day! I dont know how I wouldve gotten through the week without you all. Thank you so much!!

Rhiannon - thank you so so much! So sweet of you. Jupiter and I both appreciate it so much

vines and white light for jupe tomorrow and hugs to you and dane

Tons and tons and tons of prayers coming your way!

MJ is right about the singing! I sing all sorts of silly songs to my cats, and I often find myself singing them even if my cats around around - like when I'm in my car. It always make me smile to sing their silly songs.

Hugs and love...we're all here for you, and with you!!!

I actually sing to Jupe quite frequently... like goofy stuff
i sing: jupa lupa lupa wupa a jupa lupe
and make up random words then rhyme
or i sing something like: bee bop bo boppa be bopa bupa a jupa be be be bot bo bupe jupe :lol:

it does go on a lot longer then that though.... and its never the exact same.

Sending calming vines, tons of white light, and major rager healing vines for tomorrow.

Good luck tomorrow.

I think you have to behave as normally as possible - for both you and him. It will just freak him out more if you behave oddly. But tonite I would spoil him with his favourite toys, treats ( and yes HC), catnip and playtime and cuddles.. whatever he enjoys.

Try not to worry.

When he gets home - same thing - try to behave as normally as possible while letting him rest - he will be tired and likely in some pain (although he may be ok for a few hours while the anaesthetic is in him) Once the anaesthetic wears off let him be quiet and withdrawn and hide if he wants. Offer him his favourite things .. but only if he wants them. Think about how you feel when you are sick - you want TLC but you dont want fussing. Create a quiet zone for him and keep other pets away but keep an eye on him.

He may not want to eat for a day. Find out how long he can be without food before you need to call the vet etc.

For the day he is at the vet - go shopping (pick up all his favourite foods and a treat for you), workout , go for a walk, bake, read, go get your nails done. Go on the board and read other peoples posts on health .. anything to keep occupied and not worried.

When you get him back - make sure you get pain meds and a list of things to watch for in case of issues. A phone number to call if there are any problems.

Let us know how things proceed.
Wendy

Sending successful surgery vines, healing thoughts and prayers Jupiters way for tomorrow. We'll all be here, to help you get through the day and night and supporting you as always.

Jupe may be in strange surroundings. He's also going to be sedated and on pain meds. Hopefully, he will be sleeping much of the time. You need to keep it together for Jupe. If you are a wreck, he will pick up on it. You are doing what is right for your kitty. Without this surgery, his lifespan would be much shorter. He will be fine. You've got to believe that.

Sending all sorts of healing vines to Jupe for surgery tomorrow and comforting support to you. You will both be fine, you are strong and you are survivors! We will have you and Jupe in our thoughts all day tomorrow.

(((Jamie, Jupe and Dane)))
Jamie, please know you have zillions of prayers and vines with you and Jupiter tomorrow. I'm wrapping you all in the white healing light and knowing you will all be well, calm and fine.
If you run out of songs to sing to him, try reading a book to him. My guys love it and they sit still as statues to listen, or curl up on their little rugs. Maybe it will help Jupiter to be calm . one last thing, keep the lights dim in his room.

You have been such a good mom to him, I'm sure you will be the perfect bean through this as well. Tons and tons of prayers and healing vines to you all.
xoxoxoxo mary and ollie

MJ+Donovan said:

This may sound silly, but do you ever sing to Jupiter? It doesn't have to be an actual song. Maybe just a tune you hum, or words you repeat as you snuggle him. Start singing/humming to him if you don't already. Give him lots and lots of love and sing to him as much as you can today so he can associate that with feeling good and being happy. I don't know if they would allow it, but if he's just going to sit in a cage until the surgery, maybe you can stay with him until the vet arrives. Keep singing to him. If you can't be with him, sing it to yourself throughout the day while you're waiting and visualize Jupiter happy. Remember he isn't losing a foot -- you are destroying the evil cancer :evil:

Do ask again why he needs to stay overnight if you have concerns.

hugs and prayers,
MJ

Click to expand...

Ha! Doesn't sound stupid to me! When Alex was at his sickest with DKA the one think that comforted him was when I held him in my arms and sang "My Guy' to him. I swear to God, I'm not kidding. For the next 4 years that was 'our song'.

Jamie..your instincts will kick in. You're his mommy. You're doing what you need to do tomorrow. What's best for Jupe and if he could thank you I'm sure he would. And he will.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jupiter, you and Dane. There is no way to make this easy for any of you...but as trite as it may sound, God doesn't give you more than you can handle. I truly believe this after living through two very dark years.

Love and hugs to you and scritches and kisses to Jupe xoxo
Caryl

Hi Jamie! I was thinking of you guys tonight and will be thinking of you guys tomorrow. Loads of vines and prayers will be said between now and then!!

Hi Jamie,

This whole community is here pulling for you. We will be waiting with you and here for you. Remember to take care of yourself.

donaleen

Jamie,
I have no doubt you will be just fine because you know you have to be for Jupe! You have been strong for him all along. It may not seem like it to you, but you have been the strongest and best Bean a kitty could ever dream of having! I have all the confidence in you and Jupiter.
We will all be here for you tomorrow :YMHUG: :YMHUG: :YMHUG:

(((Jamie)))

Sending positive vines for Jupe tomorrow. Calming vines for you. You are strong and so is Jupiter. New beginnings tomorrow - On the way to healing!
Will be sending prayers and thinking of you tomorrow.

Jane & Cleo

Jamie,
I am also sending tons of vines and prayers for Jupiter's successful surgery tomorrow.
I will also visualize Jupiter sleeping soundly after the surgery, healing well, and being a happy cat again.
I will be keeping positive thoughts for both you and Jupiter.

Jaime,

Since you will have time on your hands May I recommend you go to the local Library and look for the book called Accu-Cat by Nancy Zidonis and Amy Snow. It's a book about Feline Accupressure. Try not to get overwelmed thinking you must learn all the meridans and understand all the traditional chinese medicine terms etc...but read the section about how to open up the meridian you want to work on and work on specific points.

For example. Once he is home the Acupoints to counter the effects of anesthesia are: Liv5, Liv3, GVt

I'm not sure where or which leg is being amputated...so some points you obviously won't be able to do if there is no limb. Liv5 and 3 are both on the inside hind leg. GVt. the book does not show you where GVt is but...

Here is a link which will show you the points on a horse...just picture those same points on a cat

http://www.animalacupressure.com/Page.aspx?ID=192

vines...

(((( Jamie)))))

Sending Jupe tons of good surgery and healing vines and even more comfort vines for you. What great suggestions you got today. I believe strongly in the power of visualization and mantras. And I have songs for each of our cats...their own special song...and I know it comforts them.

Many prayers coming to you all and to the vet. Please keep us posted.

I am handling things okay right now - its tomorrow I am worried about. I will be by myself while Dane is at work and I dont think I will be able to not worry. Ieleiana has been so sweet to Jupiter all day. (Little Rosette is always very sweet to Jupiter, but Ieleiana not so much) Ieleiana was licking his head earlier and now she is cuddling with him. Its unlike her the way she is acting - but I am so glad she is being so affectionate with Jupe today. I think the meds are making him sleepy. Hes more sleepy then normal. We gave him gabapentin at 7pm (its now 11:38pm). The vet prescribed it to him and told us to give him the first dose of it tonight.

The crate is all set up for him. We attached a cardboard box to one end of the crate, and the litter box will be in there to give him more space to lay comfortably. Going to try to post pics of it tomorrow.

I am really tired tonight but want to stay up with Jupiter. Will keep everyone posted tomorrow as soon as I hear/know whats going on.



Thank you all so much for the vines, prayers, positive thoughts, and visits.

Sending major vine to you, your family, and especially Jupiter. Here's to what I know will be a successful surgery. I will be keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs to all.

Sending vines and saying prayers for a perfect surgery and fast recovery for Jupiter.

When J.D. had his dental in January, I sat in the vet's office the whole time and just kept imagining petting J.D. and saying "Good Boy" and cooing to him. What I normally do when he's with me, but I just imagined I was doing it to him, while he was in surgery and away from me.

I'll be thinking of your guys all day.
:YMHUG:

Dropping in to let you know I'm thinking of you and Jupe today! Leleiana knows something is up and is just making sure the Jupe feels loved and is not afraid. Cats are like that, you know ;-)

Wanted to let you know we'll be thinking of you all and praying things go smoothly today. Please know we're sending tons of healing and comfort vines. :YMHUG:

Sending tons of healing vines, and positive thoughts for Jupiter today (09/12). :YMHUG: