Sharing My Blog--When Imperfect Is "Good Enough"

FeLV Month 2025 has come and gone.

The FeLV Warriors: Raltegravir & Anti-Retroviral Support group has now passed its first birthday, with more than 150 members from around the world!

And yet, here I am—still hesitant to “let go” and fully share this blog. This is a public yet intensely private space. Chiana is just one cat, but she’s my cat. And I pray her life will somehow matter in the larger search for an FeLV treatment.

The fear, of course, is always there: What will people think? Will they judge me? Will the blog come across as too rough, too imperfect, too personal? It’s easy to imagine just handing the URL to someone who specifically asks about Chiana. But what about everyone else—those who might stumble across her story and find hope, or at least a glimpse of what the future could look like?

Even after all these years, I feel new at this. Naïve, even. Blogging, like YouTube or social media, never feels finished. Every post takes incredible amounts of time, energy, and mental bandwidth. It’s not just writing—it’s making things look polished, presentable, “professional.” And honestly, I don’t know how others keep up with it. I've learned at times, that it does become easier though--and this is always worth it.

As I finally think about sharing this more widely, I know it’s not perfect. The fact that there's serif and sans-serif fonts in the posts bothers me. There’s a random bar floating on the home page. The “Just the Numbers” and “Viral Load Graph” pages constantly need updates. The “About Chiana” page probably should become “Start Here.” Even the big question nags at me: Can people actually find this blog online?

But there’s also so much more I want to write:

• My husband brushes Chiana’s teeth—how in the world does he manage that?
• I use AI to help shape these posts—what does that look like in practice?
• And sometimes, I want to break away from test results and write “just for fun” or faith-based posts. Because while data matters, sometimes I need to lighten things up.

This blog will never win awards or gather thousands of followers. And that’s okay. If even one person finds hope or understanding here—or if one day this data helps research move forward—it will have been worth it.

I admit, every time I update something I worry I’ll “break” the whole blog. Blogger feels fragile, like a relic of the internet past. What if Google sunsets it? I'm not even sure all the links and tools work. But Blogger is free, and for now, it’s still here—and so am I.

When is “good enough” enough? Maybe now. Because every morning I wake up and Chiana—my FeLV-positive cat who was never supposed to live this long—is still alive. Still purring. Still following me around like my shadow.

And this blog is part of making her life matter.

If you’ve ever thought about starting a blog yourself, know this: it doesn’t have to be perfect, expensive, or flashy. It just has to be yours.

🎉🐾 Happy 3rd Birthday, Chiana! 🐾🎉

On August 11, 2025, Chiana turned three years old! That makes her officially an adult cat—and, being a Maine Coon, she’s now stepping into her regal years with even more grace and fluff.

From the day she joined our family, Chiana has been a quiet, gentle presence—chirping, chittering, and following me from room to room like a loyal little shadow. She may live with FeLV, but she doesn’t let it define her. Every milestone with her is worth celebrating, and this one feels especially meaningful.

At three years old, she’s a full-grown Maine Coon lady—still playful, still loving, and still reminding us every day how precious life is.

Here’s to many more birthdays, cuddles, and chirps from our beautiful warrior cat. 💖🐾

Test Results: July 28, 2025: Still REGRESSIVE

Update

Another six week testing done: another test result. It's amazing how "routine" these tests have become for all of us. Yet, when the latest numbers showed that she's STILL REGRESSIVE, we're excited. Nothing to report. Nothing needs to change. Not today. :)

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
6/17/25	REGRESSIVE	7.9 10⁵ = 790,000
7/28/25	REGRESSIVE	4.9 10⁵ = 490,000

To the FIP Warriors: You Are My Heroes

There’s a quiet power in those who refuse to accept “no hope” as the final word. The FIP Warriors—patients, caregivers, vets, researchers, and fierce advocates—are living proof that determination can change destiny. You are my heroes.

Once, FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) was a death sentence. It was a whispered goodbye, a slow heartbreak, an impossible choice. But then something shifted. The world saw you rise. You fought back with science, with support, with the kind of grit that keeps others alive. And now, what was once a hopeless illness has a treatment, and often, a cure.

That’s more than medicine. That’s a revolution. And it gives those of us walking the FeLV road something priceless: hope.

I look at what the FIP community has accomplished and I dare to believe. I dare to dream that one day, we’ll say the same about FeLV. That one day, the words “Feline Leukemia Virus” won’t send people spiraling into despair, but into action—with options. With real help. With a future.

“If it can happen for FIP, it can happen for FeLV.” That phrase echoes in my mind like a battle cry. Your journey is our blueprint. Your success is our map.

To the FIP Warriors: Thank you for proving what’s possible. You are the storm breakers, the ones who cracked open the sky and let the light in. We walk behind you with gratitude and stubborn resolve. We’re not there yet—but we’re coming. And we owe so much of our hope to you.

From one warrior to another—thank you. Keep fighting. We are watching. We are learning. And we believe.

With all the gratitude in my heart,

—Dawn

A Thank You, Joel of FIVTherapy.com

Early in our search for hope in treating Chiana’s FeLV diagnosis, my husband stumbled across a site that, while focused on FIV, offered more than just medical insights—it offered heart. That site was www.fivtherapy.com. It was created by Joel, a fellow cat person walking his own difficult path. In 2024, he retired the website. As of July, 2025, it still can be found but that could change at any time.

Though we eventually chose a different treatment path—moving away from Virbagen Omega, which we initially considered—it was Joel’s site that first made us feel less alone. FIVTherapy.com was simple. No frills. No flash. Just solid information, warmth, and honesty.

I’ve always leaned toward the old-school approach when it comes to websites. Give me straightforward content, a working search bar, and I’m set. That’s why I started documenting Chiana’s journey on CaringBridge, and eventually moved to Blogger. Not exactly cutting edge in 2025, I know—but it works. It’s readable. It’s real.

Every time I update this blog, I say a quiet prayer: that I’m getting it right. And if I’m not, that someone out there will gently let me know. Because this isn’t easy. Even with AI tools, it’s a labor of love—and AI? It can be confidently wrong. You still have to think, cross-check, and dig deeper.

In March 2024, I reached out to Joel with questions about how he built his site. He replied:

“I am hardly a model of how to create a website since my own was created and shaped in the most ad hoc way imaginable... The original version of the site was created with a Word Perfect word processing program that had a Convert to HTML function. Voila! It was crude... Eventually I bit the bullet and recast the site in a more advanced design... I googled free website templates, chose one that featured the color orange to reflect Bud being an orange tabby, and downloaded it... Anything I wanted to add that wasn't part of the downloaded templates (e.g., Site Search), I googled how to create and added it myself...”

That made me laugh—Word Perfect! I remember that archaic program. And now here I am, blogging on another relic from the past. Maybe it's fitting. And maybe that’s okay.

If anyone knows of a newer option I could migrate this blog to—especially one that allows import from Blogger and doesn’t break the bank—I’d love to hear it. For now, this is home.

I can only dream of ever having a list like the one on Joel’s “Endorsements and Appreciations” page. I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m not a scientist. At best, I’m an “independent researcher,” hoping to do right by the one cat who matters most to me—Chiana.

Bud was one cat. But he mattered.
Chiana is one cat. She matters.

Thank you, Joel, for passing the torch—whether you meant to or not. I carry it now in the hopes of helping others find their way through the fog of FeLV. Your simple message remains my compass:

“Embrace all hope, ye who enter.”

Test Results: June 17, 2025: REGRESSIVE Again?

Update

Regressive... again? Honestly, we thought the numbers would climb, and we were mentally bracing ourselves to add another drug. But then came this message from our vet:

"Good morning! Here is Chiana's result—7.9 x 10⁵ copies/ml. She actually went down a little from last time! I will call you later this afternoon to discuss."

He didn’t even mention that it had flipped back to regressive—because this dance is becoming routine. The up, the down, the cautious hope. This is life on antiretrovirals. And every time the number drops, even just a little, we dare to hope she’s pulling further from danger.

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
5/5/25	Progressive	1.6 10^6 = 1,600,000
6/17/25	REGRESSIVE	7.9x10^5 = 790,000

Analysis

Seeing the word "REGRESSIVE" always lifts our spirits—but we’ve been here before. This isn’t a clean victory, it’s another dip on the viral rollercoaster ride. We're starting to ask bigger questions: Is dolutegravir alone enough? If not, what drug would we dare to add next?

At least raltegravir and dolutegravir were tested in cats and showed no obvious toxicity. The others? We just don’t know. They come with higher costs, both financial and medical. Could they harm her organs? We’re not sure what risks we’re willing to take… yet.

The silver lining? Even on her worst days, Chiana’s viral load hasn’t touched her original pre-treatment level of 90.98 x 10⁶ (90,980,000). That alone reminds us how far she’s come. For now, we keep walking this line—eyes on the next test, minds on the possibilities.

After seeing these results and pondering it all, I had ChatGPT create a few viral rollercoasters to show the ride thus far. Here's one of them. Enjoy!

Next Steps

• Maintain her current dolutegravir dosage (50 mg/day) through the next test cycle.
• Watch closely for any shifts in her behavior, appetite, or energy.
• Research potential second-line antiretrovirals in case we need to pivot quickly.
• Retesting Date: Week of July 29, 2025.

Just for Fun: A Shout-Out to Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary in Faribault, MN USA

Let’s take a break from science today and dive headfirst into something that just makes my heart purr—Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary, nestled right here in Minnesota in the city of Faribault.

Imagine a place where over 300 feral cats roam free in safety, community, and comfort. Where they aren’t just tolerated—they’re loved. That’s Furball Farm. This incredible sanctuary doesn’t just house cats—they celebrate them. And honestly? They do it with a style and spirit that’s pure social media magic.

Let’s be real: their social media game is STRONG. I don’t say that lightly. Their videos are heartfelt, hilarious, and honest without being preachy. They share real moments—sweet nuzzles, little cat dramas, happy tails—and I shed happy tears every time I watch. These aren’t curated cat influencers. These are ferals with stories, scars, and sass. And they are seen.

And in a world where some folks have left Facebook behind? Furball Farm stays. And posts. And cares. And they do it without politics. Without drama. Without noise. Just… cats. And connection. And joy.

Their YouTube livestreams are usually just what my soul needs: cats being cats. Napping in corners, wandering around or just existing with the volunteers and visitors who love them. Nothing fancy. Just raw, peaceful, ordinary magic.

I had the joy of visiting once. It was everything I hoped it would be—and more. I asked about FeLV cats, and they shared something that hit me hard: they don’t encounter many. Not because they don’t care—but because FeLV+ cats usually don’t survive long enough to make it to sanctuary. And that truth stuck with me.

So when I watch their videos and live feeds now, I do it with my FeLV warrior heart wide open. I cheer for every cat who made it there. I mourn those who don't and those that cross the rainbow bridge. I root for every adoption. Every pet that comes with the patience and time that these volunteers and visitors give. Every crusty-eared boy who finds a patch of sunlight and decides, finally, that he’s safe and home.

Bonus awesome: As of May 5, 2025, Furball Farm now has their own on-site veterinarian! That’s game-changing support for cats who were once completely overlooked by society. They even have an Airbnb on site if you want to stay and be part of the magic yourself.

If you’ve never watched their stories, go now. Like—now. And if you have? Watch again. Let your heart stretch a little wider. Let your smile linger a little longer.

• Visit their website
• Watch them on YouTube
• Follow them on Facebook
• Stay at their Airbnb

To Furball Farm: Thank you. Thank you for showing what compassion looks like in action. Thank you for your heart, your humor, and your hope.

I see you. I cheer for you. And I’m so, so grateful you exist.

Finding the Nitty-Gritty: Dr. Bozelka Talks FeLV

I’m not even sure how I stumbled onto Dr. Bozelka—an ER vet on YouTube with a hilariously nerdy sense of humor that matches mine perfectly. You can follow him here.

What started as short, goofy videos turned into a binge session of some very informative—and very appreciated—longer videos on cats. One of them focused on Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), and I’ve rewatched it several times in my ongoing efforts to understand the basics of this virus and fight it.

Here’s the full video:

He calls it a “whopper” of a virus—and oh, how I get that. As I dive deeper into test results, antiretroviral treatments, and the unpredictable nature of FeLV, it’s become clear: this isn’t something you can casually read about and walk away from. It takes commitment and curiosity. And mostly, sheer stubbornness.

These two moments in the video made me nod out loud:

Eventually, I commented on the video. Here’s what I wrote:

Great overview on FeLV! I'd love to see a follow-up that dives into the "nitty-gritty nerdy details" and scientific complexities behind this virus. We’ve been using antiretrovirals like raltegravir and dolutegravir to treat our asymptomatic FeLV+ Maine Coon, tracking progress with Quantitative FeLV PCR tests. The results have varied over time, and we're now exploring combination therapy (cART) as a possible next step. It would be amazing to hear your take on these treatment approaches—and the future of fighting this virus—from a more in-depth scientific perspective. Thanks again for shedding light on such an important and often overlooked topic!

Will he respond? I don’t know. But the FeLV video itself was originally requested by a viewer—so I’m holding onto hope that someday, he’ll dig into the complex treatment paths, like the one I’m navigating right now with Chiana and with others on the Facebook group. Because for some of us, this isn’t just science—it’s personal.

🐾 Confessions of an "Insane" Cat Lady 🐾

I’ve started calling myself an “insane” cat lady—and no, it’s not just for dramatic flair.

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We've all heard of the “crazy cat lady” stereotype.

• Probably single
• Has a house full of cats
• Talks about them nonstop
• Dreams of opening her own cat sanctuary someday
• Some of the cats might be on anti-anxiety meds
• A little socially awkward
• A little isolated
• But always well-meaning

Sure, I can check a few of those boxes myself.

"It's definitely NOT the original version that my husband showed me from The Simpsons."

But here’s where the “insane” part comes in:
It’s not about how many cats I have.
It’s not how often I talk about them.
It’s about purpose.

My cat, Chiana, is FeLV-positive.
And we’re not just waiting for the inevitable.
We’re fighting.

Most people follow conventional wisdom:

• Keep the cat comfortable
• Let the virus run its course

But we’re choosing something different—something:

• Experimental
• Hopeful
• Scientific

What does that look like?

• We began with a baseline IDEXX FeLV PCR test
• Introduced antiretrovirals
• Tracked every:
  • Test
  • Shift
  • Symptom

“This isn’t just care—it’s uncharted territory.
Real-time learning.
Living science.”

And let me tell you: it’s not easy.

• Early hopes with mono-drug therapy aren’t holding steady long term
• But we keep going
• Because Chiana is still asymptomatic

Why I created this blog:

To document:

• Chiana’s story
• Our treatment path
• Everything we’ve discovered along the way

I also run a small private Facebook group supporting other FeLV caregivers using anti-retrovirals.

It’s a space for:

• Honest updates
• Questions
• Encouragement

Because let’s face it—very few places offer that.

Our Household

• Talyn, our other cat, is FeLV-negative
• He receives annual vaccination to stay that way

Living this way—balancing care, treatment, risk, and hope—takes “crazy cat lady” to a whole new level.

This path is not for the faint of heart.

• Yes, this disease is isolating
• Yes, social media can be messy

But I have:

• My faith in God
• The growing power of AI to assist me
• A small global network of support

“I am not just caring for a cat.
I am fighting a virus.
I am walking with others.
I am chasing hope.”

And I’m doing it all because one cat might be the beginning of the cure.

She is one cat.
But the true treatment starts with one cat.

And I am the Insane Cat Lady.

Test Results: May 5, 2025: Progressive: Increase

Update

After the initial drop in viral load on the new drug, it appears that Chiana's viral load is creeping up again and she's progressive. We're sad to see this. We saw this with raltegravir but now that we know that weight/dosing isn't an issue, we're wondering what the future holds regarding using this drug.

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
3/24/25	REGRESSIVE	5.2 10^5 = 520,000
5/5/25	Progressive	1.6 10^6 = 1,600,000

May 2025: Closing Down CaringBridge

Visit the original page: www.caringbridge.org/visit/chianawill

I just posted this on CaringBridge. I'll be honest—using CaringBridge to post updates about my cat always felt a little... off. While “family” can mean many things, I never quite felt this platform was the right fit for sharing Chiana’s journey.

Still, finding a better option took a lot longer than expected. I tried an online class on blogging, wrestled endlessly with WordPress, and came up short each time.

I had a clear vision: I wanted something simple and text-focused—nothing flashy or modern with oversized images and minimal substance. Just a good old-fashioned blog where I could post updates and maybe tweak things here and there. Free was a bonus.

Surprisingly, I found exactly what I was looking for on one of the oldest blogging platforms still around: Blogger. Remember that one? Barely, right? Now owned by Google, it’s a bit under the radar, and I hope it stays that way—fingers crossed they don’t sunset it (to borrow an IT term).

It’s not perfect. Subscribing to the blog is a bit tricky, and I’m still unsure if the third-party app follow.it actually works. If you happen to try subscribing, please let me know so I can make sure you’re receiving updates.

I began transitioning to Blogger around Christmas 2024. Thankfully, the platform lets you backdate posts, so I was able to move much of the history from here over there.

Now, in May 2025, it feels like the right time to officially close this chapter on CaringBridge. I’ll always be grateful to this site—it gave me a place to share honestly and openly during a time when I really needed it.

If you'd like to continue following Chiana’s story, you can find her blog here:
👉 https://felvwarriorchiana1.blogspot.com/

With heartfelt thanks,
—Dawn

February 15, 2025: FeLV Vaccine: Talyn: Another Year Still Negative

Every February brings a familiar mix of emotion in our home—but mostly, it brings peace of mind.

You see, we have a mixed household: Chiana, our beloved FeLV+ Maine Coon, and Talyn, our FeLV-negative tuxedo cat. While that might sound risky, it's actually very manageable thanks to a thoughtful approach and a little bit of science.

Each year around this time, Talyn gets his Nobivac Feline 2-FeLV vaccine. We’re consistent with it—religiously so—because we believe in being proactive. This diligence, combined with other important factors, keeps the risk of transmission very low. In fact, there are several reasons why we feel confident in their safety:

• Age matters – Adult cats are significantly more resistant to FeLV than kittens.
• Viral load management – We work hard to keep Chiana’s viral load as low as possible, and that makes a difference.
• Vaccination – The vaccine adds a meaningful layer of protection.

Still, when February rolls around, I feel that familiar flicker of worry. Living with FeLV has taught us not to take anything for granted. So, on February 15^th, we brought Talyn in for his annual SNAP test and FeLV vaccine. Just as we hoped, the result was negative—and just like that, another year of reassurance was added to our story.

Now, I get to watch Chiana and Talyn playfully race up and down the stairs, chasing each other and play fighting. That sight never gets old, and every clean test feels like a quiet celebration.

If you’re navigating life with a mixed FeLV household, I hope this gives you hope. With careful planning, veterinary support, and a little courage, the risk can be managed—and the love is always worth it.

Test Results: March 24, 2025: REGRESSIVE

Update

We're ecstatic to report that switching to dolutegravir has been successful and that, at this time, she's REGRESSIVE again :) This is once again a huge milestone. We hope that this continues with the next tests.

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
2/4/25	Progressive	22.69 10^6 = 22,690,000
3/24/25	REGRESSIVE	5.2 10^5 = 520,000

A Tool We Love: The EquaDose Pill Splitter

Note: This isn’t a sponsored post—we just really like this product and wanted to share.

If you’re splitting antiretrovirals like dolutegravir, you know how frustrating it can be to get a clean, even cut. That’s where the EquaDose Pill Splitter comes in.

For us, dolutegravir comes in 50mg tablets. That’s far too high a dose for Chiana, so we need to split it—precisely. Crumbly, uneven cuts just don’t cut it (pun totally intended). This splitter has saved us from so much frustration. Its blade design holds the pill firmly in place and makes the split incredibly clean—even on the chalky tablets.

Here’s what we like about it:

• It’s built like a tank—seriously sturdy, with quality materials.
• It's easy to clean and simple to use.
• It's become one of our most-used tools alongside our weekly pill organizer.

Quick How-To Video

This short video tutorial shows just how simple it is to use.

In the image above, you can see our routine setup: the dolutegravir tablets, our EquaDose splitter, and a basic pill organizer. It’s not fancy—but it works.

If you're treating a FeLV+ cat and using antiretrovirals, a high-quality pill splitter like this can make your life a little easier. In a world full of uncertainty, that kind of consistency is gold.

Wellness Test Results February 2025: Stable on Dolutegravir

Summary

Chiana’s bloodwork results indicate mostly normal health parameters. The main point of interest is a mild elevation in SDMA, which may suggest early kidney function changes, warranting follow-up testing. Her liver function, blood sugar, and electrolyte levels are stable, while her platelet count appears low but may be due to clumping rather than a true deficiency.

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1. Kidney Function

• SDMA: 15.7 µg/dL (Mild increase, normal <15.0)
  Mildly elevated SDMA suggests potential early kidney changes; a follow-up in 2–4 weeks is recommended.
• BUN & Creatinine: BUN at 28 mg/dL and creatinine at 1.2 mg/dL are within normal limits.

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2. Liver Function

• ALT: 28 IU/L (Normal: 10–100), and Alkaline Phosphatase: 19 IU/L (Normal: 6–102), both within normal limits.

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3. Blood Sugar & Electrolytes

• Glucose: 96 mg/dL, reflecting stable blood sugar levels.
• Electrolytes: Sodium (150 mEq/L), Potassium (4.7 mEq/L), and Chloride (116 mEq/L) are all balanced.

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4. Blood Health

• White Blood Cells: 5.5 x 10³/uL (Normal: 3.5–16.0), indicating no infection concerns.
• Platelets: 144 x 10³/uL (Reference: 200–500); low but likely due to clumping.
• Eosinophils: Slightly elevated (10%), potentially indicating mild allergies or an immune response.

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What It All Means

Chiana’s overall health is stable, with the primary focus on monitoring kidney function due to the mild SDMA elevation. A follow-up test is recommended to confirm trends.

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Final Thoughts

Chiana remains in good health, with only minor concerns to monitor. Regular checkups and hydration management will help ensure her continued well-being.

Test Results: February 4, 2025: Progressive: Decrease

 

Update

In December 2024, we switched Chiana from raltegravir to dolutegravir. We also gave her a much higher dose of this drug than we had with raltegravir. For the first time ever, we have her on a dosage that's more in line with her 14 lbs. 
We did this for numerous reasons. Among them: 
1: We were able to get the drug from an overseas pharmacy at an incredibly inexpensive rate. Considering we'd been spending $1,000+ USD on raltegravir, the $300+ cost for this drug made it worth the risks.
2: The pills are smaller and easier for Chiana to digest.
3: The fact that it's given to her once a day makes it much easier for everyone to handle. 

While we'll discuss the viral load here, I'll add another post about the CBC test results (spoiler alert: no change. everything looks good).   .

We're excited to report this latest test results.

Test Results

Date	Status	Viral Load
12/30/24	Progressive	45.91 x 10⁶ = 45,910,000
2/4/25	Progressive	22.69 x 10⁶ = 22,690,000

Analysis

• Chiana’s viral load dropped by 50.6% after switching from Raltegravir (RAL) to Dolutegravir (DTG).
• This is a positive sign that Dolutegravir is working better at suppressing FeLV.
• However, 22.69 × 10⁶ copies/mL still indicates a progressive infection, meaning the virus remains active.

Next Steps

• Continue on 50mgs of dolutegravir / day.
• Continue tracking any changes in her behavior or health.
• Retesting Date: Last week of March 2025.

Update on Chiana and Her Treatment Plan

I posted this in the FeLV Warriors Group to share an update on Chiana's progress and treatment.

Viral Load and Weight Data

Date	Viral Load	Weight (Vet)	Weight (Home)
10/8/24	17.10 x 106 = 17,100,000	13.3 lbs	13.2 lbs
12/20/24	45.91 x 106 = 45,910,000	13.6 lbs	13.4 lbs

Switch to Dolutegravir

On 12/21/24, we started her on dolutegravir (50 mg/day). We plan to retest her during the first week of February and will also conduct a CBC test to monitor any effects on her organs.

Why We Changed Drugs

We have two theories about why raltegravir stopped working:

1. Possible drug resistance.
2. Underdosing: Chiana, at 14 lbs, should have been on 400 mg/day, but we were giving her 200 mg/day due to:
• Cost: The drug is expensive!
• Physical limitations: The dosage size is significant and hard for her to swallow twice daily.

Husband's Theories on Dolutegravir

Positives:

• There was one study on dolutegravir with cats, though it focused on FIV. As with raltegravir, the drug didn’t work for FIV but may work for FeLV.
• For humans:
• The pill is smaller and taken once daily.
• Dosage is less than raltegravir.

Our Theories:

The dolutegravir study on cats used 2.5 mg/kg/day. My husband believes this is too low. Using the raltegravir dosage as a reference, we calculated a starting dosage of 7.87 mg/kg/day. With her weight of 6.35 kg, that comes to 50 mg/day. We'll see how this works when we get her test results in February.

Has anyone used dolutegravir at such a high dosage for a cat? If so, do you have any results to share?

Current Status

Chiana has been on dolutegravir for over a week. My husband finds it easier to give her the medication once daily (in 4 smaller pieces), and she’s less stressed about it. So far, she hasn’t shown any side effects.

Final Note

Please let me know if you have any questions about Chiana’s treatment plan. We’ll share updates in 2025 as we learn more!

By Faith: Word of the Year: Engage

Do you have a word of the year? I do. For the past three years, I’ve chosen a word to guide me through the year. It started when I began exploring year-long Christian devotionals, and the idea just resonated with me.

Here are my words so far:

• 2023: And
• 2024: Nuance
• 2025: Engage

This year’s word surprised me because it came to me early—in November, during my early morning Bible study and devotional. The word engage kept appearing in my thoughts, almost like a quiet nudge. I wasn’t sure what to make of it at first.

Later, while volunteering at church as part of the Volunteer Central team, I found confirmation. Another team member shared how her word came early, too. For her, the word is ascend. She’s not entirely sure what it means yet, but as a Christian counselor stepping into more management roles, it feels significant. We had a great conversation about how these words shape our perspectives and paths.

Reflecting on my previous words, I’ve gained a lot of insight over the years. In 2023, I struggled with seeing things in shades of grey. I was very much a black-or-white thinker. The word and challenged me to embrace complexity—to hold together ideas, emotions, and situations that didn’t seem to belong.

In 2024, nuance became my guide. It taught me to let go of rigid expectations, especially in relationships. I often wanted more from others than they could give, and learning to appreciate subtlety and small shifts was a challenge. But when I accepted those moments, they brought peace.

Every time I think of engage, I picture Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation, boldly commanding the Enterprise into new frontiers. That image inspires me to step into the year with intention and courage.

What about you? Do you have a word of the year? I’d love to hear about it.

From CaringBridge (January 2024) to Blogger (???? - Present)

In January of 2024, I had a revelation: our FeLV story was so much more than numbers and test results. For my husband, the goal of documenting Chiana’s journey was clear. He hoped her data could become the foundation for meaningful research into the use of raltegravir and other antiretrovirals for cats. For me, the purpose was less defined but deeply personal. I wanted to share our story, to let others know they weren’t alone in navigating the heartbreak of an FeLV diagnosis.

I knew the "black hole" that loomed ahead—the uncertainty, the emotional weight of knowing Chiana’s life would be far shorter than we hoped, and the constant fear that her journey could end abruptly. For months, I wrestled with the tears and grief that came with her diagnosis.

But I also wanted to find a way to channel those emotions, to turn our pain into something constructive. I’d heard of CaringBridge, a free online service designed for documenting the journeys of those facing serious illnesses. It offered a space to write publicly while maintaining some privacy. Although the platform emphasized "family members," I wondered: could Chiana be considered family? For me, the answer was an unequivocal yes.

Finding My Voice

At the time, I didn’t know the first thing about blogging. I wasn’t sure how to start or whether anyone would care. But during this uncertain period, I connected with a coworker who shared my love for cats. Her encouragement was a lifeline. She believed in my idea and bolstered my confidence to give it a try. Without her early support, I might never have taken that first step.

When I launched the CaringBridge site, I didn’t promote it widely. It became a quiet repository for Chiana’s story—old anecdotes, test results, and reflections. With the support of a few trusted readers, I allowed myself to reveal what I learned as I learned it. Surprisingly, the site became a resource. When someone reached out to me about her kittens’ FeLV diagnosis, I shared the link, and she found the information she needed to support her own journey. Knowing our story could help someone else was deeply rewarding. You can find that old site here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/chianawill

A New Chapter

By summer, changes to the CaringBridge platform made it clear that it was time to move. I needed a space better suited to my goals and the needs of others who might stumble upon Chiana’s story. That’s when I decided to explore blogging more seriously.

In September 2024, I enrolled in a free online WordPress class. I was nervous but hopeful. I had specific goals: I wanted a free blog with a simple, old-school design. This wasn’t about flashy visuals or monetization; it was about authenticity—sharing my journey with Chiana and creating a resource for others.

While I’d dabbled with WordPress before, I’d found the free options limiting and often abandoned my attempts. During my research, I discovered Blogger. It wasn’t flashy, but it had been around for ages and seemed to meet my needs. Plus, as an old Google property, it felt familiar. I even found a few ancient blogs I’d created years ago and promptly deleted them to start fresh.

With my husband’s IT expertise and with ChatGPT's help, I created a basic but functional blog. The ability to backdate posts allowed me to transfer content from CaringBridge seamlessly. In early 2025, the new site was ready to go live. I was thrilled to have a dedicated space to continue sharing Chiana’s story and, hopefully, connect with others navigating similar challenges.

An Open Invitation

If you’re considering starting a blog to share your own story—whether it’s about a beloved pet, a personal journey, or a cause close to your heart—know that you don’t have to be an expert to begin. Platforms like Blogger and WordPress make it accessible, and there’s a supportive community out there ready to cheer you on. 

Chiana’s story is still unfolding, and this blog is just one chapter in our journey. If you’re interested in creating something similar or want to connect, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can turn stories into a source of comfort and strength for those who need it most.

Wellness Test Results December 2024

Summary

Chiana, my Maine Coon cat, is thriving despite her Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) diagnosis. Her latest bloodwork highlights stable health, including normal liver and kidney function, balanced blood sugar and electrolytes, and strong immune system markers. Though her platelet count is slightly low, it’s not a critical concern. This report showcases her resilience on her care plan with 200 mg of raltegravir.

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1. Overall Health Indicators

• Total Protein: 8.5 g/dL (Normal: 5.2–8.8)
  Proteins in the blood are vital for immunity and overall health. Chiana’s levels are within the normal range.
• Albumin & Globulin: Albumin at 4.0 g/dL and globulin at 4.5 g/dL indicate no protein imbalances.
• Albumin/Globulin Ratio: 0.9 (Normal: 0.35–1.5)
  This ratio suggests balanced liver and immune function.

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2. Liver & Kidney Function

• Liver Enzymes: ALT (42 IU/L) and Alkaline Phosphatase (5 IU/L) are within normal ranges, indicating no liver damage.
• Kidney Indicators: BUN at 27 mg/dL and creatinine at 1.3 mg/dL are normal. SDMA at 15.0 µg/dL is mildly increased but not alarming.

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3. Blood Sugar & Electrolytes

• Glucose: 92 mg/dL, reflecting stable blood sugar levels.
• Electrolytes: Sodium (149 mEq/L), potassium (4.3 mEq/L), and chloride (113 mEq/L) are well-balanced.

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4. Immune System & Blood Health

• White Blood Cells: 7.9 x 10³/uL (Normal: 3.5–16.0)
  Her immune response is healthy with no infections.
• Platelets: 259 x 10³/uL, slightly below the normal range but adequate for blood clotting.

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What It All Means

Chiana’s condition is stable, with healthy organ functions and no major signs of complications from FeLV. Regular monitoring ensures early detection of any potential issues.

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Final Thoughts

Managing a FeLV-positive cat like Chiana requires dedication, love, and careful observation. Her progress is encouraging, showing that proactive care can make a difference.