The last few months have been a bit overwhelming–Everyone is OK now just so you don’t worry! My husband recently had another heart attack, several years after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, which was caused by a cancer treatment he received some time ago. It was heartbreaking to watch my favorite person in this world go through another health trauma and to once again face the fear of losing him.
A few weeks later, I took GB for his semi-annual check-up and vaccinations. Since we foster kittens with serious illnesses, we ran additional tests to ensure he was in good health. One of the snap tests came back inconclusive—it was for Feline Leukemia. There was a faint smudge where the result should have been completely white if it were negative. They ran another snap test, and the result was exactly the same. They contacted the company that provides the test kits and were advised to run one more test, which meant another blood draw. If that was still inconclusive, they would need to do another blood draw from his jugular to send it to a different lab. GB was a champ throughout the ordeal, but I worried he might develop an aversion to vet visits after this. We’ve worked so hard to get him comfortable with being at the vet, but we might have to do some damage control after this visit. More than anything, I was terrified that he might have Feline Leukemia, which has no cure—only supportive care. Some articles suggest an average lifespan of 2-3 years for a cat with FeLV. Waiting for the third test result felt like hours, and I struggled to process the possibility in the exam room. He’s my heart kitty. Despite being poked several times, GB stayed relaxed, even dozing off a couple of times. He settled into a loaf position on the exam table, ready for a catnap. During those 15 minutes, I found it hard to breathe, consumed by worries. I rested my head on the table in front of the cutest loaf, trying not to get upset. GB put his nose on my head, as if to check on me. When I looked up, he gave me a little kitty kiss. How did I get so lucky to have such a sweet kitty in my life?
Over time, I’ve unintentionally developed a coping mechanism from dealing with the illnesses of my loved ones and myself. I lost Jazzy to bone cancer when I thought her limp was just a strain. I found out I had cancer when I went to the doctor for something I assumed was benign. And I nearly lost my husband to a heart attack after he told me he felt like he had heartburn. In all those incidents where I thought it was something minor, the worst-case scenario hit. I used to be more relaxed about medical issues, but now I’ve become overprotective and extra anxious. I’ve learned to expect the worst, so I can be prepared. Some people have criticized me, like when I took a foster kitten to the vet for limping—someone told me I had “more money than brains” and should donate my money to feed the homeless instead. But my approach now is to act fast and do everything I can before things get worse. I’d rather spend my time and money on early detection than wait and risk it.
The third test result for GB’s Feline Leukemia came back negative. I just stood there and cried in relief. All the weight lifted off my body, but my heart still felt sore from worrying.
I still have a few concerns on my mind. One of my foster kittens, Maple, hasn’t been doing well. It’s not life-threatening right now, and she’s improving, but it’s still concerning. I’ve also been dealing with strange headaches and dizzy spells for a while. I decided to go back to my oncologist for a consultation. He ordered some CT scans and bloodwork to rule out any cancer recurrence. While waiting for the scans and results for a few weeks, my mind went to some dark places. One of my fears was who would take care of the furry kids if I got really sick. I’m the primary caregiver for BB, Phoebe, GB, and all the foster kittens. My husband and human son help out a bit, but I’m the only one who manages medical care, monitors their health, provides enrichment and training, and prepares high-quality meals. I’m also responsible for promoting the fosters and finding them the best homes. There are so many details I couldn’t possibly explain if I ended up on bed rest. It was a terrifying thought.
I just received my CT scan results—no tumors or anything cancer-related was detected. Another huge sigh of relief. Still, I realize I need to have a plan in place in case I do get sick or become unavailable for any reason. It’s time for me to ask for help. I love that our rescue operates on a small scale—we take pride in the quality (versus quantity) of care we provide, and one of our missions is raising well-socialized kittens. Having a small group also means fewer politics, something I’ve often experienced while volunteering with other nonprofits over the years. I’ve decided to seek some volunteers to help when needed. I’m looking for a few temporary stand-by foster families within a 5-hour radius of Houston who can care for our foster kittens—whether they’re bottle babies, sick kittens, or healthy older kittens—depending on the volunteers’ comfort level. I’m also searching for additional transport volunteers in Texas, especially for trips to and from Houston.
If you’re interested in helping with transport or short-term fostering, please fill out this form. Thank you! More information: www.borderkittyrescue.org
Bordernerd 
im so sorry for your husband’s health issues, and all the health scares you’re all in the middle of, you must be exhausted and burnt out. I’m glad your fuzzy son was able to give you love and care when you were feeling so vulnerable. I’m too far away to support in person but I appreciate you more than words can say, and I wish you and your whole family so much love and health and peace.
Thank you for your kind words! <3
Blessings to all of you. Sending healing light to you and your family. Help will come when you least expect it…there are angels like you and your family everywhere. Hugs from NEngland….. Robin
Thank you Robin!
I am so very sorry you have had all of these struggles♥️But I guess I think that makes you even more special and aware of how precious life is, and you can see that in all you do♥️I wish I lived closer, and I would definitely volunteer. Sending prayers you find all the support and strength you need to continue doing the amazing work you do♥️🙏♥️
Thank you for your kind words!
You are an inspiration to us. Life isn’t always fair. My prayers to you and your husband. I wish I lived closer to help you whenever you need it. Keep the faith.
GB and all your pets and fosters are so blessed to be in your care. ❤️🙏❤️
thank you for sharing your story. You are amazing person take care of yourself and your family including fur babies ❤️
I’m so very sorry to hear this overwhelming news 🥸…. I’m thankful all is ok, I know the feeling as I had cancer 2, I have only got a son who is Captain on a yacht and works away at least 6 months of the year – I have 5 pets 4 cats and Minpin X who will care for them if anything happens to me 😭😭😭😭and I live in a country that I don’t speak the language so making friends is extremely difficult and I’m 63 years young, so I totally understand your stresses 🥲… I pray Gods hand over your family and all your beloved pets…..
you are a amazing human 💞❤️always in my prayers 🙏
love and prayers for all of you. What you do is so special and so urgently needed. I pray you will find the right people to help. I’m too far away. Thankful things are well with GB and your husband, prayers that all is well with you too, and Miss Maple.
, appliances hi, thank you for sharing. I’m d sad sorry about your husband‘s heath. I’m glad you are cancer free!! I’m twice cancer survivor! I like to share you is do you know about EMF? Electric Magnetic Field. Because we are everyday exposed by EMF. 5G. Phones, high power lines. Smartmeter(dangerous) all this can trigger health issues. Need protection devices there’s websites to share information. I hope this helps. I don’t want to overstep or overwhelm. This is one of that suppress our health. Blessings 🙏🏻
My boyfriend had heart issues and I absolutely understand being scared. I wish I lived closer to be able to volunteer & help. Is there anything we can help you with? Health issues are scary and it doesn’t matter if it’s our cats/pets going through it or ourselves.
If there’s anything we can do to help, please let us know. You do very important work and deserve support.
I’m sorry you have had so much to deal with these last few months. I am also sorry people can be so cruel, what you do is amazing! I wish I was closer, not quite at a place where I can foster right now, but I am so inspired by you and your rescue. Your kitties (and human family) are so very blessed to have you, it is evident in every single one! Prayers that things settle down.
Love comes hand-in-hand with change and loss, just as it does with stability and joy. Sending you my heart-felt wishes for peace and strength as you deal with whatever is ahead. Take comfort in the love of today, as much as you can, and continue to ask for help … it will be there!
I’m so sorry to hear about all of your recent health scares. So happy to hear everyone is ok now. I think it’s wonderful how you are quick to take your fur babies to the vet at the first sign of a potential issue. You’re a good fur baby mama! I lost my beloved Trevor to FeLV when he was only 3 yrs. Then I lost my precious Miller to bone cancer at age 9. Both were devastating losses for me and I miss them each and every day.
what an inspiration you are, and I love reading your posts. Thank goodness you’re all clear from cancer, I had it 15 years ago and thankfully it didn’t come back (so far). I can totally relate to your story both personally and from my family perspective where we have had our fair share of health challenges. It’s my love of animals that keeps me going, knowing they’re totally dependent on us but they give us so much every day. I am in northern England or I would be hammering on your door to help out, I am sure there will be lovely people who will offer their services soon. Sending much love and hugs. J
It is completely understandable for you to feel overwhelmed and very anxious about human and animal health related issues. You are a compassionate and caring person who has dealt with so much. I am glad that everyone is okay right now. I don’t live in the US or I would happily help you. Are there any senior organizations in your area who might have willing retired adults who can help with driving? Maybe check a local seniors community center. I am sending you, your human family and your animal family my prayers.
I’m praying for you and your family. What you do with your furry family and fosters brings joy to many including me!
Herbalist/veterinarian/naturopathic Dr. Patrick Jones may be a good resource for you
Bless you and your family. Take in one beautiful day at a time and take care of yourselves first and foremost. You have done the best thing by reaching out for help. Heaven knows how many people’s well-being you have bolstered by sharing your videos around the world❤️. Sending love and hugs from Portugal.
Is there anything those of us who don’t live near you (I’m in NY, for instance) can do to support and help you? 💖
Take care of yourself! You are giving so many happy moments to your community but the first should be yourself and your immediate family. I wish all good energies reach you through online highways! Thank you for everything you are doing! I wish you all happy and most of all healthy life! ❤️
I’m so sorry for your recent stressful situations. So thankful that you have received good news on everyone’s health front. As for how you run your foster kitties, your family and your life-that is your business! You’re putting good things into the universe and I’m sure you’ll get good vibes back. 💕
Sending you oodles of virtual hugs and many thanks for all you do for both the humans and fur babies in your life. You are a special person and I wish the best for you and your blended family. I’m sorry that I live too far away to help you other than through donations but I’m sure that some wonderful people will volunteer. 💕💕
I am so thankful for the good health news you’ve received after all the stressful health challenges. I pray the health of you and your family continues. You more than deserve it.
:)I know it’s not easy, but please flush the negative comments as soon as you can. They are definitely not worth your very precious energy. You are very smart to put a contingency plan in place. It can be difficult asking for help on any level but doing so demonstrates how much you care for all your animals, both family and foster family. I so admire how well you do it all and as much as we love your posts and photos and videos, and would have them continue forever, please, please take the time you need to take care of yourself. Even brilliant, talented animal fosters need stress-free, healthy, happy times for themselves and their families. :)
that is amazing that GB can eat a treat at the vets. to watch him with Jacqueline is so sweet. you know I know all about Heart Kitties. Prayers for Todd and GB to have a long healthy life! You and the kiddos too!
sending you so much love and hugs. You are amazing. I’m in Massachusetts but am with you in spirit. 😘
I’m so sorry for what you and your family are going through right now. I wish I lived near you; I’d be there in a flash to help.
You may be experiencing a reaction to stress; it causes all sorts of symptoms.
I hope your husband will be alright, and the kitties too. You’re doing everything as well as anyone could ❤️
I have suffered with headaches for most of my adult life. There are several factors involved but an x-ray revealed I have spondylitis of the first 2 cervical vertebrae. If your headaches by any chance start with a stiff neck… I’d investigate that. One of the things that helped me is a good cervical support pillow. Traditional pillows just don’t support our neck properly.
Also… Did they look at your sinuses in your ct scan?
I am so sorry for your husband’s health issues and your own health scares. Sending lots of love to your human family and your furbaby family. I have long marveled at the care, love and dedication that you have shown to all of your pets. Do take care of yourself and try to find something to help destress when you have those thoughts, be it meditation, soft music, whatever works for you. Its easier said than done for sure. Mental stress can be worse than the physical. I’m sure some of the animal lovers near Houston will step up and volunteer as a backup. You have a heart as big as all outdoors. Wishing you all good health and tranquility. Best.
I totally understand all of your anxieties when someone, 2 or 4 legged, starts not feeling well. These last few years for me have been quite difficult as well. Not to soften your circumstances it I lost my brother in 2021, my husband in 2022 and both my cats in 2023. Going through some of the same circumstances as you I totally get your mindset now in seeking help from other people “just in case”. I wish you the best in being able to seek these people out. Wishing you and your family love and strength and sending prayers for only good news in the years to come to all that surround you. I wish I lived closer to be able to help you. ♥️