~ Happy Halloween ~

Hi Friends!

 

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

 

 

Until Next time...

 

Carmen and the Primcats

I hope everyone is safe...

Hi Friends, 

Sending light and love to all those affected by hurricane Sandy. 

I hope everyone is safe and sound. 

Until next time... 

Carmen and the Primcats

Beautiful Pantry boxes

Hi Friends,

A long while back we had an arts and crafts fair in our town and tons of talented artists came to our town to sell there amazing wares.

Remember… One of those being Jan from Life on Buttermilk Hill who gifted me with that beautiful spoon she hand painted. You can see it here if you missed it…

http://primcats.blogspot.com/2012/05/thank-you-jan-life-on-buttermilk-hill.html

Please send some prayers up for Jan, Al, Brian and their cat Stryker. Stryker is very very sick and in the hospital. He isn't doing well. Please Pray for him! Brian needs his boy! 

Anyway… down from her booth was THIS!

Holy Mother of Beautiful Pantry Boxes stacked 10+ feet tall!!!!

Wow… Just WOW.

Can we say… WANT? YES!

STUNNING!

They are hand made by an amazing craftsman… and I just wanted to share so you all can drool with me. LOL!

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

Fall in the Entry Way...

Hi Friends,

Lets check out the fall entryway…

Jugs, crows and pumpkins.

Simple and clean.

Doll, Pumpkin and Pin keep by Eve at http://leehillprimitives.blogspot.com/ 

Baaaaaaahhhhhhhh!

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please keep Fefi Le' Purr in your thoughts. 

Fefi’s Big Holistic Feline Hemangiosarcoma treatment adventure…

Hi Friends,

Dropping in with a Fefi update and a bunch of information about treating Feline Hemangiosarcoma that I hope someday will help someone else dealing with this. The information about this rare cancer in cats is so hard to find that I want to share whatever I can for anyone who may be looking for treatments like us. 

Last Wednesday we visited a special vet, Dr. Carlson from Lifetime Pet Wellness Center in Columbus, Ohio, that practices both conventional and Holistic medicine. He practices a LOT of alternative treatments. His credentials are quite impressive and very inline with my beliefs for raising cats.

Please check him out here:

http://lifetimepetwellness.com/custom_content/c_234767_dr_carlson.html

While searching for a non conventional vet to treat Fefi's cancer I called around and interviewed. I adore my regular vet and have not had to seek a new vet for anything in years because our cats are so healthy, so this was very intimidating. But it had to be done. I started by asking 2 questions that guide me in my care of my cats. 

First... how do you feel about vaccinating? 

**I do NOT vaccinate due to my cats non existent risk of contracting disease. Sadly vets use this as a way to make money even though the risks of getting a fibrosarcoma cancer from a vaccine is more likely than getting the disease they are vaccinating against. Ever wonder why vets started giving each vaccination in a different leg? That's so that when a animal gets a vaccination induced cancer they can just amputate the leg and save the cat. My advice. Weigh your cats risk of disease before vaccinating. And NEVER vaccinate an immune compromised cat. Ever. 

Fefi has not been vaccinated since 2006 when we went all natural and started raw feeding. 

And second... 

How do you feel about raw feeding? 

And how do you feel about raw feeding an immune compromised cat? 

**I raw feed. End of story. I will not feed my cat garbage processed foods lacking in nutrients and likely to face dangerous recalls just because a vet gets kick backs from selling crap food. Won't do it. End of story. There is no better food than the species appropriate diet for the only obligate carnivore on the planet than what we feed our cats. More info at  www.catinfo.org We have been raw feeding the vet created recipe from Cat info since 2006 when we saved 2 of our cats with this diet. 

Those questions narrowed it down to Dr. Carlson and a few others pretty fast. He supports not vaccinating and encourages raw feeding for all animals. Especially for cancer cats. I decided on Dr. Carlson from 3 personal recommendations. I am so glad I did! 

We were seeking alternative treatments to give her body a fighting chance against this rare cancer.

After a 2 hour consultation, more through than any I have ever had, we left feeling very positive. He went over ALL her records from all her life. Read them all. He studied the recipe I feed her and confirmed it is perfect. We went over everything from her 11.5 year life. 

I have also never seen a vet touch, calm and go over a cat like he did with Fefi. I exaggerate not. He felt that cat over from head to toe, deep tissue feeling, for 15 minutes checking for tumors and the entire time she was melted butter in his hands. It was unbelievable to watch. I was shocked. I really was. She was completely calm during the entire appointment. They even took her back for x-rays and she was a good girl for them. 

She is a skittish cat. 

This is unprecedented behavior for her.  

I was very impressed with his “way” with her and the whole overall feeling of the vets office. And I know she felt it too by her calm behavior. I really liked that as not stressing her is on the top of my list. The environment of the office is calming and I know she could sense that. 

Treatment: We have put her on the following 6 supplements.

Let me break this down. For me as well as you, and for anyone that my someday be like I have been, searching the internet for something to help their cat with this rare and deadly feline hemangiosarcoma cancer. 

Stasis Breaker - 2x daily. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Tumor tissues and modules are classified as Blood Stasis and stagnation. The key treatment is to remove blood stasis. 

(Meaning it breaks and removes the tumor.) 

**This is a small round black ball of herbs that I pill her with. She takes it easily. No stress. I am a master cat piller. lol.

Homotoxicology Remedy Detox - Liquid - 3x daily Whole Body detoxification. This is a temporary remedy. just to detox her initially.

**I give this after the Stasis breaker to wash it down or I mix it into her food. I tasted it. No flavor.

Lact-Enz - 2x daily - combines digestive enzymes with probiotic bacteria to support healthy digestion and immune function. Supports healthy gastrointestinal flora. Supports a healthy immune response.

Provides support during the gastric and intestinal phase of digestion.

**This is a powdered capsule and I sprinkle it on her food. She loves it and will eat more if I sprinkle it after she is done. Must taste good to her. Noms!

Feline Whole Body Support - 2x daily. Provides general multisystem support for daily maintenance of all body systems with emphasis on a healthy endocrine system.

** This is a smelly green tablet that she thinks is a treat. I drop it... she eats it. 

Thymex - 2x daily. Supports a healthy thymus gland, the master gland of the immune system. 

Can be used in combination with other immune support products. 

** Her fav!!! This is a smelly red brown tablet that she thinks is a treat. I drop it... she eats it. 

Miatake PET Fraction -  1-2x daily - A substance responsible for the potent immune-support.

**Liquid. I drop it in her bowl and she licks it up. Yummy! I also tasted a drop of this. Not bad. lol! 

The goal of these supplements is to build her immune system up to tip top so that her own body will fight the cancer.

So… do they work? I don’t know.

But I will tell you this…

After 24 hours, 2 doses, she was back to her normal self. 

After 48 hours she was playing again and she hasn't stopped since.

She is acting normal and eating normal.

She is happy and playful and alert. 

She was none of these for the last few weeks. 

And since that is what I wanted I can’t say I’m at all disappointed with these treatments and how quickly they perked her up.

The bonus. She likes every single supplement so we have no stress. In fact she begs for them. I only pill her for the stasis breaker and then give her the Detox from the dropper. The rest she eats as a treat. Can't beat that! 

At this point in time I could not ask for more. I am pleased.

Time will tell the long term benefits of this treatment and if it will save her. The goal is to boost her immune system so she can fight the cancer herself. I must admit, from what I have seen already I am overly hopeful.

We go back in three weeks for a follow up to reevaluate her supps.

If you are wondering... it wasn't cheap, but it also wasn't overly more than I expected. (Though for me price is never a factor. These are my children. I would give anything.) I am not upset at the price and I absolutely don't feel gouged or cheated. Even online prices for these supps were the same as what he sold them to me for.  I feel it was all very fair for what she was getting from a vet that studied everything I need to help Fefi when conventional medicine has nothing to offer. I highly recommend seeking this when needed or just because. I have a feeling we will use this type of treatment in the future as a first option. 

All in all she is doing so much better than she was just one short week ago.

For further informational purposes though I will not dwell on this there have been 2 veterinary studies of Feline Hemangiosarcoma in the last 15 years. One on 52 cats records and one on 18 cats records. They say after tumor removal surgery the average life span left is 44 weeks. 

Fefi intend's to mop the floor with that average time because she's awesome like that. 

Please keep the positive energy flowing and prayers coming her way. I know it is helping too.

(Positive energy is on her treatment sheet! Love this vet!) 

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

~ Thrifty Thursday ~

Hi Friends,

It’s been a while since we have had a Thrifty Thursday and I have collected a bunch of new treasures!

A nice wooden tray. $1.00



2 Wood Candle Sticks. $1.00



Wooden Basket Bowl. $1.00






Adorable snowman candle!!! Love! $1.00



2 Really Cute Flaf banners. These will look cute on my tree in July! $0.50 ea.



3 Great candles. You can bet these will become Pantry cakes!!  $3.00



Rusty bell wreath. $1.00



A nice candle warmer. $2.50



A wonderful antique wall box. $2.00






And last a great wood crate. $2.00



Until Next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

PS. Don’t forget to keep Fefi Le’ Purr your thoughts please.

Fefi Le Purr’s pathology. :(

Hi Friends,

I wish I came to you with better news today but I do not. My overly dramatic motherly instincts were sadly right on.

Fefi Le’ Purr’s pathology came back.

She has cancer.

Feline Hemangiosarcoma.

A very,very, very rare cancer in felines.

(Though very common and deadly cancer in dogs.)

Either way, rare or common, it is a grave diagnosis.

Our vet said the tumor was large and deep. Unfortunately he was unable to get clean margins on the tumor. Left and right were clear but the depth was not clear. The cancer is still in her and is guaranteed to come back.

I asked him about further treatments and he said that chemotherapy after surgery is a common treatment in dogs, but the rareness of this cancer in cats leaves little to be expected from it. There are very few studies on it’s effectiveness. It is a deadly cancer.

We need to watch her for further tumors and surgery will always be an option for the ones we do find but it will continue to spread and it can not be stopped. Eventually it will take over her organs and those tumors will not be able to be removed. 

Though I value his opinion, he has never personally seen this cancer before in cats so I have spent the last few days researching, making calls, asking opinions and deciding what we should do and I am sad to say there is not much that can be done. Yes, chemo is an option, but not one that will give her a lot of time. Even if we do it, we may get maybe two years. She is healthy now, and chemo will make her sick and though I would give anything to save her… I won’t be selfish just to extend the inevitable.

I am destroyed.

Doc said without the cancer she could easily live to 20. And with the way we care for our cats… the cat enclosure removing all outside death risks, raw food giving them optimum health from the inside out, not vaccinating therefor removing the ever increasing risk of deadly vaccination site sarcoma… we can easily add another 5 years to all our cats lifespan.

But the cancer is going to steal that from Miss Le’ Purr.

There is no way to know how long she has. I wish there were. She is 11.5 years young. And I can promise you she has had the best life any cat can ever have. She has lacked nothing in her time here with us and she will continue to lack nothing. I will give her anything and everything she needs.

I am going to look into holisitic supportive options as well to help increase her body's ability to fight this cancer. If anyone has any advice on this I would love to hear. 

Let me also be clear that I will not let her suffer and that is all the further that conversation needs to be taken. Please don’t go there. We are prepared to let her go with dignity and anyone who knows me knows that without question. Discussing that, pointing it out, only brings negative energy into a space where we are trying to hold onto the positive. However holding onto the positive doesn't mean we don't know how this will eventually end or that we aren't prepared to help her cross over if that is what must happen. 

Though her time with us is limited our love and respect for her is not.

We may get lucky. Who knows. I am praying for that.  And I ask that you do the same. Pray for her. Send her good thoughts and positive vibes. Maybe we will get a miracle!

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

Fefi Le’ Purr is home…

Hi Friends,

Just wanted to let everyone know that I took a half vacation day yesterday and I brought Miss Le’ Purr home.

We hung out on the couch and relaxed all evening.

Telling me thanks for being willing to take care of it even if she is an older cat. I believe my cats will all easily live into their twenties with the lives we have created for them. Fefi is 12… We believe she has lots more life ahead of her.

“Thanks Mom!” (really she has no voice right now. She meows but nothing comes out. So heartbreaking.)

In belief that she has many years ahead of her we also had he teeth cleaned since she was already going to be under. See those Pearly whites! She lost 2 tiny teeth. Not bad for a 12 year old. ;o) I attribute that to raw feeding.

Below is about half of her shaved area. the incision runs horizontal but you can not see it in this pic. I haven’t even gotten a great look at it because I’m being very fragile with her. They did dissolvable stitches inside and glued the outside so other than being shaved it’s not really to bad from what I can see so far.

Thank you for all your good thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming. We are still facing her pathology results. They should be in within the week.

Please keep the good thoughts and prayers coming.

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

Prayers for Fefi Le’ Purr please.

Hi Friends,

Just wanted to ask for some prayers today for one of the Primcats.

Miss Fefi Le’ Purr

We found a lump on Fefi’s chest/armpit area a week or so ago and she is in surgery today to remove it.

Fefi is our oldest cat at 12 but she is still spry and lively.

We are praying that the lump is just a benign tumor. The vet said it’s not a fatty mass or a cyst but I am hoping there is still a possibility of it just being a really hard cyst. If not pathology will be done once the tumor is removed.

Whatever it is, it has to come out. And today is the day. If you could just lift us all up in prayer right now I would really appreciate that. Shane and I are insanely stressed that our baby is having surgery today.

Fefi is also “Daddy’s Little Girl”.

She loves her Daddy.

If Shane is on the couch, Fefi is on his chest. She will take me if he’s not around but she will leave my chest for his every time.

Please just send up some prayers, good thoughts, whatever you have for Miss Le’ Purr. She needs them.

I will keep you all posted. Check back later today for an update.

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats

UPDATE: Fefi made it though surgery fine. Thank goodness! They did remove a tumor for sure. It also contained a large blot clot which isn't good. We are sending it out for testing. She is still asleep and they prefer I don't come see her. :( They are keeping her for the night. I hate the thought of her being there all night alone. I would rather bring her home where I can watch her. So we are 50% of the way to a-okay. 

Please keep praying for her test results to come back good.

A beautiful fall wedding…

Hi Friends,

I hope everyone is having a great start to fall. 

September has been such a busy month for Shane and I. Bachelorette Parties, Bridal Showers, Bachelor parties, dress fittings, makeup shopping, hair cuts… all because…

Our very good friends Curt and Jamie got married on Saturday!!!

Meet the happy couple!!!

The bridal party.

Before the wedding… got my “har did”.

The back.

Jamie’s hair… almost done.

Three pretty bridesmaids!

Lisa, me and Melanie.

Before the wedding.

WAITING!!!! NERVOUS!

I don’t’ think anyone took pics of Shane and I on their phones but I know the photographer took tons so I will share those when I get them.

In the mean time here is Danni and I.

After the ceremony. Yep… I cried. I was a mess! LOL! I read Corinthians during their ceremony and I completely lost my cool. I practiced and thought I would be totally fine but nope! Started crying 2 words in and could barely get through it. Choked through the whole first paragraph. I finally pulled it together but geesh! LOL!

I don’t care though. Those were happy tears for two of my favorite people in the whole world!

What do ya’ll think of my Snookie bump? LOL!

The Bride watching the guys get their pics. She was just so beautiful!

Onto the reception…

Unfortunately my phone was going dead, I forgot my charger and it was taking the worst pics ever, but here they are anyway!

The back of Jamie’s hair. Babies breath and ribbons.

The first dance. Awwww.

The cake.

Yep… they smashed!

And after all was said and done we spent the rest of the evening dancing the night away!!!!

Chicken dance! That’s right!

Boogieing down! 

Hokey Pokey!

Last Dance.

The happy couple! Mr. and Mrs!

One last pic before we call it a night…

Until next time…

Carmen and the Primcats