I brought Vashti to the hospital this morning, where she will remain at least overnight, and possibly for the next few days. We’re just not sure about anything at this point.
She seemed to rally yesterday after the bad night she had on Tuesday. I had a sense last night that she wasn’t feeling very well (Vashti has an incredibly expressive face), but her stomach seemed to have settled down. Laurence stayed up with her until 3:00am this morning and said that she seemed okay. But when I woke up this morning at 5:30, she was in bad shape. I brought her to the vet’s office as soon as they opened–I considered bringing her immediately to the emergency hospital uptown, but decided it was worth waiting two hours to let her own doctors, who know her medical history intimately by now, take a look at her.
X-rays revealed an indeterminate mass in her intestines, which could be as grave as a tumor and as minor as having something swallowed some silly innocuous thing. They also found some bacteria in her system. Basically, there’s so much ailing Vashti these days that we just don’t know what’s causing her immediate discomfort. But it’s possible that it’s something minor and unrelated to her other health problems–something that can be treated by us here at home with antibiotics or a medicine to soothe her tummy. She’s going to have an ultrasound tomorrow, and we should know more then.
My vet says that she never expected Vashti to make the “miraculous” (her word, not mine) recovery that she made back in January–to gain as much weight or become as happy and relatively active as she did when she got home after first being diagnosed with the CRF and hyperthyroidism. Everybody who works there is united with Laurence and me in praying that Vashti has at least one more miraculous recovery left in her.
I went to see Toy Story 3 this afternoon (I just REALLY needed to get out of my own head for a while), and after frightening a few small children with my inappropriately loud and uncontrolled sobbing when (SPOILER ALERT) Andy says good-bye to his beloved toys before leaving for college, I’m feeling somewhat better. I think I needed a good cry. 
I’ve been trying to hold it together these past few days but…it hasn’t been easy.
Vashti is in good hands, and is receiving the best possible care. I know that she’s sick and that she’ll never be truly well again. But still, I humbly ask that I get to bring her back home one more time. I’m not ready to say good-bye just yet.
I’m hoping that Vashti isn’t either. I’ll keep you all posted.
Thank you for all your love and support these past few days. As always, I’m stronger for Vashti because all of you are so strong for me.
I’m just about to leave for work so will write a better response later, but for now my thoughts are with you and Vashti, and all your family, feline and human.
Oh Gwen, I am so sorry to hear that she is having more problems. I just looked at your pics of the kitties before I left work and then came home to read this. I truly do understand about not being ready to let go yet…..they really do become your family. As I am sure all of your friends will be praying for all of you, so will the Fraser family.
Doreen, Tim, Pepper Cat and Dusty
oh gwen, this brings back such memories for me when i had chelsea so sick. i am sitting here crying as i type this to you. i hope all goes well and that you can bring her home again too. there is nothing easy about this, as you are finding out. nothing we can do to prepare ourselves either. i hope things go well, and that you bring her home tomorrow.
hugs to you and the family
Gwen, I’m so sorry to hear about Vashti. She’s such a beautiful girl. I will keep her in my prayers and hope that she will get well enough to come home. We are never ready to say “goodbye”, and I do not look forward to the day that I have to say that. My babies are my life, and I know that you feel the same about yours. You are a very special person to do the things that you are doing and to handle them as you have. They say that God never gives us more than we can carry, so I hope that your burden will be lightened and she can come home. God bless you.
Gwen,
You and Vashti are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m hoping Vashti comes out of this all right, but I’m praying that she is not suffering pain and anguish from this illness. Remember, you are a caring and loving mother to your cat children .Please, hang in there.
Best wishes and God bless you all.
Your post brought me to tears. I’m sorry she is having more problems. All of us here are sending lots of love and good thoughts her way! I read Homer’s Odyssey out loud to my kids >^..^< so they all know all about your kids. We hope things take a turn for the better and will be waiting for an update. Try to stay strong…though I know how hard this is.
(((HUGS)))- Christina, Shadow, Raven, Isis, and Osiris
Gwen
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved Vashti.
WE also hope that there is one more miracle in her nine lives.
We all await updates on her and will hold her in our prayers as we will you and Laurence.
purrin
Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Gracie & Mom Debra
Hang in there! Warm thoughts to you, Laurence, and especially Vashi!
Positive energy, healing thoughts and hope are heading your way from your so-cal blog/reader/friend/cat mom. We all know exactly how you are feeling as we have all been there ourselves. Hope it brings some comfort to you to know that you are surrounded by people who understand…people who truly “get it.”
Peace
Fingers & paws all still crossed…Many hugz & purrs to you & All… Dr. J. & The Girls.
Gwen,
My thoughts go out to you, Laurence, Scarlet, Homer and especially Vashti. Sending healing thoughts and light her way and hope everyone will be well.
My crew of six also send their love…
Peace and love to you all…
All of you are in my thoughts & prayers. I thought Vashti looked great earlier this week so I believe she’ll come home again!
Oh Dear Gwen and Laurence……my prayers are still with you….I’m hoping that one more recovery is on the way, but if not, I’m certain you will ‘know’ by her beautiful expressive face and eyes that she’s ready. It is NEVER easy….EVER EVER EVER!!
Again, love and prayers from our house to yours.
I think a party for Homer’s birthday with his ‘girls’ is in order!
Poor Vashti. I sending all the positive energy me and my zoo can muster up. Vashti need to be home for Homer’s Birthday
((hugs)) to you, Laurence, Homer & Scarlett.
Gwen, et al. I truly hope all turns out very well for all of you! Keep us posted.
I love you all, Gwen! Thoughts and prayers are with you! Sherri
And – this from Mike:
Light of the Moon
Breath of the Wind
Whisperer of Welcome
– Vashti
She’s a fine kitty – give her a scratch for me
Gwen–I pray that Vashti will rebound from this and be back in her loving home soon.She is a beautiful girl with a lot of love in her heart.
You know the entire Cat Blogosphere is pulling for Vashti…tons of crossed paws and purrs. And I think our people are in on it, too…everyone just wants her miracle.
I just now had time to check on your blog Gwen and I am real sorry to hear about Vashti. I think all of us who read your book my mother included who read your book first and then gave it to me know how loving a person you are with your cats and truly you and they lived through a horrible time in New York during 9/11. I too truly hope and pray that Vashti will make it through yet another miracle. If she has cancer though I hope you will take this as kindly advice, advice that my vet gave me. If you take her home today and she has cancer and is in pain are you taking her home for you or for her? It is a very hard question and when I first heard it thought what is he saying this is my baby cat I can’t let Buttercup go. But I knew the answer as they had found multiple tumors and I couldn’t let her go but also didn’t want to see her die so I asked the vet to put her to sleep in another room. After a few moments he came in the next room and told me it is done. However you do it when the time finally does come it is never easy but over time having talked and blogged about it with like minded people the pain of loss is at least bearable and you go on because you have to as there are others who need you. But as someone else has said you never ever forget and you shouldn’t. To this day I still love those cats I had maybe even more every day because they brought me great joy and happiness to my little corner of the world and perhaps some day I may adopt another cat as I love cats. If not then I will still share the joys and yes sorrows too of others who have cats. May God truly bless You Gwen and Laurence, Homer,Scarlett and dear Vashti. Our family truly loves all of you.
Vashti could not have found a home where she was more loved and I hope she is soon back with her family, and as peacefully relaxed as she is in that beautiful photograph.
Dear Gwen and Lawrence,
I have been reading your blog for 6 months but never had the courage to write before now. I know of many circumstances where cats defied the odds and survived and I feel in my heart that the beautiful Vashti is one of those. We all pray for her every day. The highest praise that I can give you is that if I were a cat, I would want to be YOUR CAT, Gwen!
Much love to you all.
{{{HUGS!!!}}}
Gwen,
I just read this this morning. I’m SO sorry the poor girl’s having problems again but I DO hope that things straighten themselves out and that she’s back home soon in the bosom of her family, where she belongs. Sweet Vashti … Morticia & the Gang are purring HARD for her …
Headbonks are sent to Scarlett & Homer too as I know they know something’s up … and you & Laurence. I’m thinking positive thoughts for you both.
XOXO Love you …
Laura & Gary & the NC Gang
Gwen, I am so sorry to hear that Vashti has had a setback. This is the downside of pet ownership. They bring us so much joy and it just hurts so much when they get sick. I don’t think we are ever ready to let go. I agree with Richard, please make sure that your decisions are based on what is good for Vashti and not because it hurts so much to let go. It was so hard to watch Bud last year losing ground and failing by the minute. Even when my head was ready to let him go, my heart wasn’t. Is it ever?
Whatever happens I know you will have the support of all your loyal fans and friends. Please know that we are all rooting for another miracle for Vashti.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Hugs and kisses to all and God Bless.
Gwen- my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family.
I have really gotten to know your family during this past year and admire your love and support for each other.
I hope that Vashti can come home too and that you can spend more precious time with her.
May God bless you Gwen, and Laurence, Homer, Scarlett and Vashti~
love,
Neisha
Thinking good thoughts about sweet Vashti. Hang in there. Toy Story 3 made me cry too (and it was very therapeutic!). Best, Annie
Ah, Gwen, I’m so sorry that Vashti is struggling. I hope that she does make another miraculous recovery. Vibes and prayers for your girl.
Gwen, you and Vashti will be in my thoughts and prayers. I’ve been where you are so many times with my cats, especially my Emma kitty who is hyperthyroid and has damaged kidneys from a bout of acute kidney failure. She has used up so many of her nine lives already, but she has rallied every time, I’m hoping for the same miracle for Vashti.
I will pray for a miracle for Vashti. I understand what you’re going through and sometimes miracles happen. Stay strong.
Gwen & Laurence,
I am so sorry to hear about Vashti’s latest set back. I just cried as I know what ya’ll are going through. I have been there twice with two furbabies. I’m praying for a miracle. There isn’t much to say except, there are so many people who love you and Vashti, Scarlett, & Homer and don’t even know ya’ll. So many of us know what you are feeling. I went through it the first time about 11 years ago and the latest time this past November. Keep us updated and I’m praying.
Hugs to you & Laurence
Kisses & Headrubs to Vashti, Scarlett, & Homer
Brandi & Jamey
Beau, Violet, Hyacinth, Rose, Daisy
I feel like I know you and your family and my thoughts and prayers will be with you. My kitty Diamond is my love and I know how hard it is when our little babies are sick.
Gwen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time. I hope
that Vashti rallies and is able to spend more time with her
loving family. I also worry when that time comes and having been through it before, it is rough, but you will get through it. She sounds
like a strong girl and you are such a good mom.
My “12″ send their love and kisses to all of you as
well.
Karen
In spite of what I’m dealing with (my husband is in the hospital with a lumbar disc herniation), here’s sending you good thoughts and prayers on Vashti’s health from us in the Clark family!
I just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts. I know that I am not saying anything different than anybody else but I hope that one more good wish for Vashti helps! I lost my Bubba Girl three years ago in April and I still cry over her. It was one of the worst days of my life! It has gotten a little easier as time has passed but I still miss her as much today as I did on the day that I lost her. She is VERY LUCKY to have you for a “mom”! You are taking excellent care of her. I know that the last 2 years of my Bubba Girl’s life were her best! I spoiled her rotten as often as I could. I know that I was a good “mom” to her and that helps a little bit! Take Care and know that I will be thinking positive thoughts for you, Vashti, and the rest of the clan.
Gwen, I’m so sorry you’re experiencing this with Vashti. I know exactly what you’re going through. Every time they bounce back you’re just so thankful and happy and you just keep praying they have one more comeback in them. Try to focus on this time you have left with her and leave your grieving for later. When the time does come you will be ready. I never thought I would be ready with my beloved Jake but when you see them become so “not like themselves” in pain and discomfort you will pray for them to be relieved of that pain. Don’t worry, you’ll know when the time is right. Vashti will let you know.
Awww Gwen, I am so sorry to hear Vashti has had another setback. I will be praying for her… I really hope it is something unrelated to her other health problems and she will be good to go home with you once again. Just remember- you are a wonderful, loving cat mom and whatever happens, just know that you are doing the best you can and that every choice you make is made out of the love you have for her. She knows that too!
I’m glad you had a good cry, sometimes its the best thing for the soul. I haven’t seen Toy Story but it sounds like the way I felt as a kid hearing the words to Puff The Magic Dragon. I still get a tear when Jackie grows up and leaves Puff. Sending love and positive feelings to you all.
Gwen, I’m sending lots of healing vibes to your special girl. {{{{{}}}}}
Vashti please feel better, so you can go home to your mama soon.
I am so sorry to hear that Vashti is not feeling well
I really hope she gets better soon!
Gwen and Laurence,
Stay strong! My prayers are with you both and Miss Vashti. I have found, truly, that prayer is the best thing. Good news or bad news, prayer will always bring you comfort. Vashti is a tough girl, and I’m sure she has some fight left in her. Lots of love from me and crew!
PS, if you need a good cry, watch “My Sister’s Keeper.” I cried like a baby!
Wishing a speedy recovery and many more good times for Vashti and you!
I’m keeping Vashti, you, Laurence and the cats in my prayers. It’s so hard when our babies get sick or just old, my Tillie is almost 15 and arthritic, I cringe watching her come down the stairs but come down and go up she does! Our pets are much stronger then we give them credit for, they fight to live as long as they possibly can. I’m sure Vashti (and my Tillie too) is so thankful for all the love and all the fun you’ve given her and she won’t leave you until she absolutely has to. Know that, believe that, hold onto that but also respect that. The hardest thing we will ever do as people owned by pets is to say good-bye but it’s also the most loving thing we can do. Bucky,Tillie,the bird brothers and I send our love and our understanding–you reached out with your book and your blogs and I hope you know that all your fans are sending love right back at you!
Oh Gwen, I am just sickened to hear about poor Vashti…..may your little Miracle Cat pull another miracle out of her catnip bag…….