Author: Liz

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Bob progresses

Just a quick update…this morning’s report at 36 hours post-op: Bob was wanting to eat some of the gruel they made him – they are happy about that! Yesterday, they tube fed him as he was too sore to do much with his mouth**. They let him be a bit more awake today and say he does not seem too uncomfortable and is being Mr. Sociable with the head butting, purring, etc. The surgical sites are good and all is progressing normally.

There is a slight chance they will release him to me on Friday – one day at a time. I should be able to visit him tomorrow.

**The surgery Bob had is T.E.C.A.: total ear canal ablation.

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Bob is in surgery

I received a call about 6:40 that Bob was anesthetized, prepped and about to go into surgery.

Dr. Webb phoned me this morning with the good news that Bob’s bloodwork was stellar – they were VERY pleased with the bounce back. The thought is that being so wobbly he was also probably a bit nauseous so not eating and drinking as much as normal leading to feeling even a bit worse from slight dehydration and accounting for the enzyme numbers. The extra fluids brought everything back in line. Additionally, he was continuing to eat well, his glucose stayed normal and he also lost the crankies. He was head butting, purring and rubbing up against anyone who gave him some attention. Everything pointed to a go ahead for the surgery so we did. The start is late as there were some Monday morning emergencies and also once it was a go, they needed to scale back his food intake pre-op.

I feel good and glad about the surgery. Obviously, he was feeling worse than I knew and to continue that way would certainly not have been a good thing. This is a tough surgery and he will remain in hospital probably through the end of the week and maybe a bit longer. They will keep him fairly doped up to manage the pain from this procedure. Once the pain can be controlled with oral medication, he will be released. We will stick around several days after to make sure he’s feeling up to the trip home.

When I spoke with Dr. Scherr on Sunday, he said that typically at day 7, they are feeling wonderful.

I had a tough night last night, but after hearing the good news and making the decision and having Dr. Webb tell me he thought it was the right decision for Bob…I felt calm. Bear and I walked, I worked…and repeat. The RV park has been very helpful and understanding of the uncertainty of my schedule and not only moved things around – twice! – so I could stay in this same spot but they initiated a retro-active campground discount card so that I receive, for all of the nights – the 10% member discount.

Hopefully, I will hear by 9-9:30 p.m. MDT that he is through the procedure. I will post a brief update when I hear.

This is my morning view – my place to sit and be still and ask for comfort and healing for Bob, peace for me, and giving thanks for where we are at the moment.

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A visit with Mr. Bob!

No photos…BUT, I saw Mr. Bob…in hospital.

Bear and I made a run to Wal-Mart which was agony on my part as I am not a huge fan of Wal-Mart but it was a one-stop shopping choice that we could do early.

We proceeded to our river venue for a walk and then whizzed past the veterinary hospital and finding the “customer” part of the lot clear of vehicles we zipped in for a check on Mr. Bob.

The hospital vet met with me and said that Bob was cranky (NORMAL!!) but doing well. She said that he was eating a lot…in fact they needed more of his food :)! – go Mr. Bob!!!

She convinced me that it would be good for him to have a visit so we were set up in a room for some time together. Bob settled with me and we had a good snuggle, chin scratches and a long talk about things.

Dr. Scherr was about for an emergency surgery but he saw me and was waiting for the surgical dog to be prepped so we had a chance to talk briefly. He had reviewed Bob’s history and assured me that we had done exactly what he would have. He also explained a bit more about the procedure to fix things and told me that this particular surgery, while post-op 2-5 days can be tough…at day 7 the results are worth it.

I came away feeling better having seen and held Bob, having more info on the procedure and hearing Dr. Scherr’s confidence.

We await some test results due tomorrow (Monday) morning.

As always, these challenging life things bring a lot of other life issues into perspective.

A short time ago, I discovered Heather Lende‘s books and blog. This past week she wrote about her decision to be ‘present in the moment’ with her grandchildren. That has stuck with me this past week with the travelling, my birthday and the various responses to both. Being ‘present in the moment’ for Bob and for Bear have been so helpful in dealing with the other vagaries.

Bob, Bear and I – we are good.

I appreciate all who have communicated with me genuinely and positively – you have helped all of us and I constantly feel buoyed up by your thoughts and prayers.

Onward!!

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Around Great Falls, Montana

No news is good news.

Bear and I went past the clinic twice and sent love and good vibes to the Bob-a-lu cat. We both miss him. Bear looks all around the motorhome whenever we return. I often think I hear Bob.

The clinic is an ER overnight and weekends and both times we passed the parking lot was fairly full so we did not stop. It is a tough call but my gut feeling is that it is harder for Bob to see me and me not take him with me, then to settle into the hospital routine.

I hate this.

So.

Bear and I had a walk on the River Walk along the Missouri River.

Above is the “great falls” – a little less than great nearing the end of summer.

The tourism link has a beautiful photo of the falls in Spring: Great Falls tourism site

Tired.

Hot.

Actually, residual hot. It was 89F outside, 71F in Wild Thing. But a Jeep ride and then a walk…Hot and tired dog.

Our spot is shady in the afternoon and all things considered, not a bad spot to be in.

Last night…birthday dinner was grilled cheese and mushrooms – good and hit the spot after the day but tonight…for day after birthday dinner: penne pasta with sauteed kale and mushrooms, fresh grated parmesan-reggiano and a side of local tomato.

Dessert was fresh pineapple with a few Flathead sweet cherries.

I think that will hold me until Sunday breakfast!

From the evening walk: Great Falls, Montana.