I called the hospital to check on Tabby just before midnight.   Turns out the critical care vet was going to call.  Tabby's blood pressure was too low - they'd been checking it every 2 hours.   He was getting fluids to help bring the BP back up.    The vet said he'd keep me informed, but no news was good news.

At 4:15 a.m.  the critical care vet called.  Tabby's BP was improving though still not normal so they were checking every hour.   And his red blood cell count was a little too low.

So that was it for any more sleep.

But, this morning the oncologist said, "Tabby's doing just fine".   His BP responded to more fluids and is now about normal.  While the red cell count remains a little low, the oncologist is not unduly worried, saying it isn't anywhere near transfusion level.   They're also going to taper him off the pain meds some to help him become more alert.

I was anticipating Tabby coming home today, but he'll be staying at the hospital again tonight.  I know that's the best place for him right now.  

Tabby's a strong boy - I'm counting on that helping him get healthier over the next 24 hours.

Alison, thanks so much for sharing your baby Shelby's experience with low BP  & low red cells.  Though Shelby was a dog, I think in this case that doesn't matter, since Tabby, a cat, would have the same treatment.   It definitely helps to know that someone else has been through this situation, too.    

Thanks all, for cheering Tabby on!

Just called the hospital to see how my little guy's doing.   Got only a quick progress report because the oncologist is going to call a bit later to go into more detail.

Tabby's vitals are good, and they've "stepped down" the pain meds to a more as-needed basis.  So that's all I know for now.

Holly, I was absolutely pacing the floor last night -  think I'm going to wear a path in it soon!  The last two days have been such a series of extreme emotional highs and lows.   Especially last night, after the 4 a.m. call, it was pretty intense. 

Sally, you're right about the clinics being used to situations that for us pet parents are downright terrifying.  I wasn't prepared for BP/blood cell problems.  But yes, Tabby's lucky to be in good hands in an exceptional animal hospital.

Charliebear, you make a good point about Tabby's possible level of stress.  I think the majority of kitties, maybe dogs too (although most seem to take vet visits more in stride than the kitties do) are nervous going for vet visits.  But because Tabby isn't a house cat, he's even less accustomed to being around people, other animals and all the noise typical of a busy animal hospital.  So that could be affecting his recovery.

Also, I like how you said that "Tabby is teaching us all to be patient and to let Tabby recover in his own Tabby Time!"   That's pretty much what the oncologist told me today.  He said, "He's 18.  He's allowed to take his time".

Not sure what the policy is about visiting.   I believe I could, but sometimes they discourage it because the dog or cat thinks they are going home with you, only to have you leave them again.   But I'll see what the oncologist thinks.

Thanks so much, everybody - you guys have been truly wonderful!!! 

Waited several hours for the oncologist to call back with a report, but worth the wait.  Tabby's BP has been normal all day today!

He's become more alert and is moving around some since the vet discontinued the Fentanyl.  Now he's on a Buprenex IV.

Tabby has also been letting the vet pet him -  a big step for a boy who is very shy with strangers.  Could be the meds making him bolder...

Still not eating, though.  I'd brought food from home when I dropped Tabby off for surgery.  They've tried feeding him with it, but he's not interested.  Since he hasn't eaten in 2 days I asked the vet if a nasal feeding tube, placed temporarily, would help.  Doc didn't think so - says it could be too stressful for Tabby on top of all he's been through.   I may go to the hospital tomorrow to try to feed Tabby myself.  They'll put us in a quiet area away from everything and see if it makes a difference.

Even if it doesn't, the best news is that Tabby may be coming home tomorrow afternoon!!!

I'll admit I'm a little nervous about caring for him.  To try to prep for that, I'm starting to read about other members' experiences with those first days of home care.   Thank goodness for this site - such a wealth of great info here!

Thanks Holly, otisandtess & Kerren for your comments & good wishes.  Deeply appreciate everyone who has been keeping up with Tabby's journey.

Thanks from my little guy & me.  We feel the love!