winding down

We had a vet visit yesterday at which we were supposed to assess progress and figure out next steps. Juliet looked great. Her fur was soft, she'd gained weight, she was happy. From Saturday to Monday, I could tell that the prednisone shot was just starting to wear off, so I asked for another one, which we got.

I also asked if I could start administering prednisone at home, perhaps in a liquid format. I got a prescription, but Randy mentioned that he'd designed the shots to last more than a couple of days -- that he'd combined a fast-acting drug with something that acts more slowly. We agreed that I'd start the home pred tomorrow, Wednesday.

Yesterday, I could tell that the shot had kicked in. There was much eating and general cat happiness. Fortunately or not, I've managed to come down with a bad cold, so have been home much of the day today.

This afternoon, just a day and a half after the last shot, I noticed that Juliet hadn't eaten much. Then I noticed her breathing sounded a little odd, kind of a very quiet chuff-chuff-chuff. And I noticed that her googly eye (third eye-lid) is reappearing.

So, I called into the clinic to get permission to start home pred today instead of tomorrow. With dose administered, not much has changed, except that Robert just visited for a little love fest and she purred loud and long. I'm hoping that we get a little more mileage out of the prednisone, but it's possible that we won't. Robert and I started to talk about the ever-so-euphemistic "final arrangements."

It amazes me to have a cat with a googly eye and stuff in her mouth and all sorts of uncomfortable symptoms who wants to let us know how happy she is to be in our company. I keep thinking that she should be off in the farthest reaches of some dark closet, but no, she wants more than anything to be on my bed, preferably with me there too.

We will see how we get through the night and go from there tomorrow morning.