First off, I'd like to thank the extraordinary people who have donated money and supplies over the past couple of weeks for the Melonator. Together you have raised over $800 which just about covers her medical needs up until now. It's a blessing to have so many helping to ease the burden of fostering kitties, especially when the going gets rough like it has been. Also I want to thank the fine folks at VSEC, Woodbourne Animal Clinic, Trenton Cats Rescue, and CARES for sharing their time and medical talents, sometimes pro bono, for our little friend.

Today's vet visit was supposed to be a check up on her lungs to see if the antibiotics were helping at all. Unfortunately my heart was sent to Anxiety Land and Depression Adventure Zone two days ago when Melon stopped eating and pooping (and started puking). I took Melon off the doxycycline because it can cause nausea and irritation of the esophagus. It seemed reasonable since she had been on it for about ten days anyhow. My hope was that her gastrointestinal issues were related.

After today's vet visit here is our new game plan:

1. Melon's breathing issues appear to be related to her lungs, not her nose as previously believed. Her lungs are clearing up (YAY!) with the use of antibiotics. We are going to switch over to a new drug (azithromyacin) that hopefully won't cause GI problems. In one week, we will go back to x-ray her lungs again and hopefully it will have improved even more!
2. Her heart is definitely enlarged. We are going to see a cardiologist once she is eating properly again and the antibiotics have worked their magic. A cardiologist can better assess her risks associated with anesthesia.
3. Melon needs to eat again. Today she was so dehydrated, the vet tech swooped her off for subs fluids immediately, and I feel awful that I didn't catch that problem this morning. After the fluids, Melon did eat some food so this is hopeful. If she doesn't return to her regularly scheduled eating program, then we need to bring her back for further, more extensive testing. It's possible there are more congenital problems with her internal organs.
4. When the time comes for surgery, they can probably spay AND BONUS fix her eyelids at the same time. I don't think we get a discount though...

Noodles and Melon are besties, and for now we are going to keep them together if we can. I really think Noodles enhances Melon's life more than I ever could. The chase and chew each other from room to room, and it gives me hope that Melon can lead a normal life if someone is willing to take on her special needs.

Thank you for all your support over the weeks. My mind spirals into negativity when the kittens get sick, and your words and emojis of kindness honestly do make a difference in my life. So thank you again. Let's get this girl through this day, and then the week, and then the month. That is my hope for today.