Hi all! Paka Tom is blushing with all the compliments he says Asante Sana (thank you very much). We went to the vet yesterday, and had to spend a very long time there because he refused to co-operate with giving blood and they couldn't sedate him so soon after Monday. I have to take him back in this morning and they will have to sedate him again.. poor thing is so choked up with different medicines and chemicals, I really hope his body can take it. I hate putting him through this, but I know it's better than the alternative. Results will only come on Monday though, I really hope these small delays aren't detrimental.

He is covering up his bad arm he licks it often and has started shaking it suddenly, he gives it a little shiver every now and then as if trying to get something off it. He hasn't started chewing it yet, but I will be very watchful of that.

I haven't yet managed to find a place that does titers here but I'll ask a couple more vets and friends, and maybe even check with the local university if that's an option. Still waiting to hear back from the vet on VAS - also going to check with his previous one for the records. It makes me so angry that VAS is an established thing and people are still made to believe that vaccinations are all good. We all think we're doing the best for our babies and then something this big catches them..

More Kiswahili lessons - 'beautiful' is 'mrembo', 'handsome' is 'mtanashati', and thank you so much you watu wazuri (wonderful people) will update as soon as anything changes. Hope you all have a wonderful weekend

Jambo (hello) everyone! Paka Tom has lovely news! His bloodwork came back, he has been responding to iron supplements and is no longer in anesthetic threat, which means we can 98% proceed with surgery this week! The iron has also been giving him more energy - he's less grumpy and just seems healthier! We have to take iron for 2 more days, and get a final x-ray analysed before we lock in on a date for surgery.

That's really interesting that Eli comforts Mona at the vet! We have never tried taking Tom and Leo together since they are mortal enemies at home already, but it might be worth trying - Tom seems to have come to terms with vet visits - he still gets very anxious but he seems to understand that he's going to be home soon, and if I'm waiting with him he generally fares better. But I've definitely made note for future visits.

Tom has been so brave and Mama (Mum) is very proud. He seems to enjoy warmth on the area, so I've been placing a little hot water baggie around him and he adjusts himself depending on how much heat he wants on the leg.

I spoke with his old vets about the possibility of VAS, but from my understanding the cancer develops at the site of vaccination, and he received all his vaccines on the back of his neck. But regardless, we are being very cautious with vaccinating now, and as soon as Tom is sorted and healing we are investigating alternatives and spreading the word!

I will post again as soon as we have a final word on surgery, and sending all of you hugs, face-rubs, licks and all forms of affection for all your support and love.. Thank you all for sending love, kindness, support, advice and warm thoughts across the ocean

P.S. love- upendo (this one is tricky, it changes depending on how you want to use the word); farewell- kwaheri