Dad had a routine appointment with his hematologist yesterday. He seemed extra concerned about his test results and before we left for the appointment he pulled of his shoes and socks and showed me his feet. They're covered with what look like rust colored bruises and his ankles are swollen. Dad has this morbid fear of cancer and he was sure ( Read more... )

Shadow's latest test results are back and everything points a problem with her intestines. The vet is certain that she has IBS, lymphoma or both. A more accurate diagnosis would involve anesthetic, biopsy, and lots of money. Given Shadow's age and weight surgery, while doable, is probably best avoided. For now, we're going to assume it's IBS ( Read more... )

My house diva, Shadow, is sick. This week she's become a lap cat and has rarely left my side which is not typical for her. She's been losing weight steadily for the last year and a half and she's lost a total of 2 pounds (she start at 10.6). When she was at the vet last spring her full blood panel came back normal so we took a wait and see ( Read more... )

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On Saturday I attended the Mountain Lake Heritage Fair with my aunt Mavis. Mountain Lake MN was largely settled by Dutch Mennonites who had previously fled to Russia to escape religious persecution. In recent years the town has also gained a significant number of Laotian immigrants ( Read more... )

Today Lucy and I went over to Dad's house and helped do yard work. I raked, cleaned gutters, trimmed bushes and trees, and cleaned out window wells, while Lucy got tangled up in things and barked. At one point she managed to get off her leash and ran circles around me (literally) while I was under a bush trimming off dead branches. I can tell ( Read more... )