Ka'ua's Progress

[MickeyD'sMom]

Here is an update on Ka'ua...looks like our prayers are working!

Hi everyone,

We want to thank you again for all the good wishes, prayers and
blessings
you have sent for Ka'ua. It has been a great comfort to all of us.

Its been a long 12 days since Ka'ua's surgery, but she is progressing
well.

Meant to let you know that the tumor is about the size of a golf ball
on her
aorta, and is benign. However, it was so invasive that there were too
many
veins entwined and therefore inoperable. The "pericardial skirt" was
done,
which made it easier for her heart to work.

We moved her to Petswell Pet Hospital (my sister's place) on Friday,
February 23rd. The next 5 days were a little tough on Ka'ua. She was
in
quite a bit of pain, and it seemed the healing process was slow. Being
the
trouper Ka'ua is, she has pushed through and began her "smile" before
the
week was over.

Ka'ua was down to 47.1 lbs the day she went into surgery, and lost an
additional 2 lbs after surgery. It took a few days before she would
even
attempt to eat anything, but the following Monday, Ka'ua began to eat a
little wet food. She has been on a blend of rice and wet food, and
today she
ate a little kibble. Ka'ua weighed in today at 49.7 lbs. Yeah!!!

We are now able to walk out across the street to a beautiful patch of
grass,
and she loves the tickle on her paws. No walks around the beach park
(similar in length to the walk around Sparks Marina-2 miles), but it
beats
walking out the kennel area to do her business (or the catheter). No
running, jumping or walking up and down stairs (including spins) for
another
4 to 6 weeks though.

However, Ka'ua is relishing that she gets to share Mom's futon to sleep
on
(even though her new fluffy bed is right next to it). Dad doesn't get
to
say much about it, he gets to sleep on the nice leather couch. Ka'ua
is
almost sleeping through the night, gets up once or twice needing to
move
positions (still needs a little help to move from right to left side).

As soon as Ka'ua is able to maneuver stairs we will be able to move
back to
Kaneohe. Until then, Nakili (her kitty sister) is being well taken
care of
(this means spoiled) by my niece, Lisa.

She is doing so much better, that I will be heading back to work
tomorrow.
Ka'ua will get the run of the clinic with her Auntie Doc looking in and
checking her daily, as she waits for Mom and Dad to take care of her in
the
evening.

We won't know how long she will be with us, however, we know that she
is so
much more comfortable since the surgery. Ka'ua has a much more relaxed
and
happier demeanor which she expresses in her face and walk.

For all of you heading to agility trials and jumping competitions,
Ka'ua
sends her love, best wishes and have lots of fun!

We miss all of you, and continue to send you our heartfelt thanks and
love.
Hugs to you and your kids (the two-legged and furry ones).

Aloha, Randy, Mary & Ka'ua