A Little Ray of Light for Lily - Latest Update
By rosie_123
@rosie_123 (6113)
May 8, 2007 11:52am CST
OK - this is for all those many friends and people who have asked me for updates on my sweet kitten Lily............
Today I went to see her consultant surgeon, and he was VERY positive:-)) This morning she had her first skin graft operation, and providing she has no adverse reactions overnight, she will have a second graft tomorrow. It is such an amazing procedure - the surgery today took over 4 hours, as they grafted skin from Lily's nipple area (which has it's own blood supply), and put it on her poor little leg, which has no skin at all. So far the have rebuilt half her leg - the other half will be worked on tomorrow.
Of course there are pitfalls........... it is possible her body will reject the graft - in that case it will be done again next week. But if she rejects it a second time, they will still have to amputate. Even with the grafts, it will be a very long recovery - at least another 2-3 weeks in the Hospital, and then 6-8 weels at home, but isolated from her brothers in case any normal activity or rough play could upset the graft.
However, they are positive. The surgeon said it was the worst injury he had ever seen, and yet Lily was the brightest and feistiest little cat he had ever worked on. He said she was a character, and bought a "ray of sunshine" to the Hospital because all the nurses loved her, and despite her pain, she was busy bossing around all the bigger cats and dogs in the Hospital.
I will let you know more news as and when I have some. Thanks for reading this.
12 people like this
26 responses
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
8 May 07
I'm really glad things are looking positive for Lily, Rosie.
Keeping good thoughts for both of you :D
4 people like this
@charms88 (7538)
• Philippines
8 May 07
Oh rosie, am I glad that Lily is holding up well. It amazes me to see a little creature having such fighting spirit. I know you went through a lot for Lily. I hope and pray that Lily will recover well and be on her way to join her brothers. I bet it will be a nice reunion for Lily. Keep us posted more about Lily.
@nancyrowina (3850)
•
8 May 07
I'm glad to hear that Lily is getting better and hope the grafts take so she can be home and on the mend as soon as possible. She sounds like a great cat and I'm sure she'll pull through whatever happens.
2 people like this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
8 May 07
Yes - she is certainly a great cat, and a real character:-))
1 person likes this
@ElicBxn (63594)
• United States
8 May 07
I'm so glad to hear that Lily is doing well enough that they are going ahead with the skin graft.
After my surgery in 1998, because I wasn't healing right, I had skin grafts in two spots. One healed perfectly, the other got infected - not to scare you. She's a young cat &, nodoubt will heal quickly, I've never healed well.
2 people like this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
9 May 07
Well the Vets have made us well aware of the possible dangers and pitfalls, so all we can do is wait and hope.
1 person likes this
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
9 May 07
i'm glad to hear the news... i hope that she will get well soon... she is definitely a fighter... i pray that she will recover soon... please send her my love... best of luck for both of you...
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
10 May 07
Thank you my friend for giving me an update, I think she's like her lovely mum, strong-willed and not a quitter, she'll get through, she knows she's loved, spoilt and wanted. But as always my fingers are crossed and my thoughts are with you! I think you are both a ray of sunshine x
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
10 May 07
Awww wolfie - thanks - those are really sweet words. Funnily enough, the boys in my office call me their ray of sunshine too. My Eduardo says they wouldn't think that if they had to live with me - LOL! Thanks for your reply.
@brendalee (6082)
• United States
9 May 07
I am so glad that I came across this discussion. I had been wondering how Lily had been doing. I hope the grafts take well. I am happy that she is still fighting. I almost want to cry. Big hugs to you and gentle hugs to Lily.
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
8 May 07
Wow!! Modern medicine is absolutely amazing isn't it? Years ago they would have just put poor little Lily to sleep. Now skin grafts and all for an animal. God Bless technology. Glad to hear your baby is doing so well.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
8 May 07
Indeed yes. And I am continually in awe of the skills of these surgeons who work with things so small and intricate. Of course such treatment does not come cheap, but like most pets in the UK, Lily is well insured, so the Insurance Company will foot the bill. Thanks for your reply.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
18 May 07
Thanks. She's not too well again today - the infection is taking a bad hold - I think she will need all your prayers, or after all this time we may still lose her.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
18 May 07
Thanks sweetie, and I appreciate it. I really missed MyLot without you these past weeks.
1 person likes this
@shambuca (2524)
• United States
18 May 07
Oh Dear God - I pray it won't come to that- I wish I could be there with you right now to give you a big hug and let you know that its gonna be okay- I am tearing up while i am writing this because i know how hard it is to have one of your babies hurting - you just feel so helpless - she is in my thoughts all day and I just keep asking God for his Mercy for Lily to help her heal keep her strong. Hang in there- email me if you need to talk- I'm always here for you!!!!!
1 person likes this
@nglanfield (559)
• Turkey
9 May 07
Thanks for the update Rosie, I was wondering how little Lily was doing. Lets hope that the skin graft takes so the vets can carry on the procedure.
My thoughts are with you and your family, hopefully you'll soon have Lily back at home to boss your other cats about!!
@Naomi17 (624)
•
9 May 07
Lily has reached celebity status she is in our hearts every day, she's certainly a fighter and i'm hopeful her courage will be rewarded!
i will be praying the skin grafts go well she sounds in top form bossing the other cats around what a wonderful cat she is!
Give her a hug from me and a big HUG to you xx
1 person likes this
@xfallenxlostx (2074)
• United States
9 May 07
Aww, i am SO glad to hear your litte Lily is doing much better! i hope the grafts take and she recovers well. Though, if she does have to have an amputation, you will be glad to know that animals adapt very well. Yes, she will have a few limitations because of the missing leg, but overall she will be just a normal, feisty little kitty.
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
9 May 07
Yes - so I believe, - but I am hoping it will not come to that. Thanks for your response.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
9 May 07
how wonderful! what a brave little heart:)
it sounds like she has kicked out of the shock if she's communicating with animals and people-that alone is a positive sign.
1 person likes this
@rosie_123 (6113)
•
9 May 07
Yes - it is a good sign. She is certainly a fighter. Thanks for your reply.
