SUN 8/10

Against all odds and to the shock of the vets at Metro in Philly, Yoshi has once again risen above. I was told last week that it would be unlikely that he would make it until I got home from South Dakota. The vet said she would "throw the kitchen sink" at him to go about a different plan of attack. This is the steroid, bronchodilator, different antibiotic, and Viagra, which widens the blood vessels in the lungs.

Every day, small progress. As we neared leaving South Dakota, I was feeling confident that he would make it until I got there.

Yesterday, after a LONG day of travel (and I can't thank my band enough for their arduous days of dealing with me this week) - I arrived to find Yoshi at a much reduced oxygen rate, and so happy to see our faces. He ran right over and ate a whole bowl of food while we were there.

Today (while wearing a cone to keep him from getting to his IV fluid) he was so happy that he was trying to burst through the hole in his cage. The vets were astounded and so happy.

It is likely that he will be released tomorrow, where we will follow up with a vet cardiologist to see about keeping our guy healthy and happy for more days.

I'm attaching his GoFundMe because I'm thinking of selling one of my kidneys here - but you have all donated so much already, I am just grateful. As soon as I get back to LI tonight (and back to Philly tomorrow) I'll be putting up more of my merchandise, and I'm happy to trade my solo performances, some of my performance clothing, what the hell ever I have to do to make this work. Need your car washed? CALL YOUR GIRL.

Thank you so much to Lisa B. Kessler and Craig Peters for going above and absolutely beyond.

TUES PM Yoshi Update:

We have entered our exhaustion era.

A long day for us both. Testing, oxygen, waiting.

Blood clot looking less likely, radiology slightly improved- blood work, good. Also new word of a possible tracheal collapse as the culprit (perhaps due to age, if that's what it is, who knows right now). Radiology shows this as a possibility, but not a definite without a scope. I hate that we don't have real answers here.

Still, he continues to need oxygen. We're in this for another 1-2 days, they say. I'll be calling my vet in the morning to get their thoughts.

He was extremely active this morning, trying to break through the plexiglass to get to me. I'm not really able to hold him much bc of the oxygen, but can pet him through a little opening.

This evening, still very excited to see me, but when I was able to pick him up, he softened against me in a sedated way. We are both exhausted.

Many kind offers for lodging and care, I am so thankful for. Your donations- incredible, thank you. I will respond to each personally.

I'll update tomorrow as we go along.

Thank you all for your support and loving the little guy.

-K

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Tues AM Yoshi Update for those wanting to know:

I'm posted up at a PA Starbucks a few minutes away from the vet office. My Holiday Inn Express stay was charming, Shining-Esque. I highly recommend if you're looking for a spot with decent sheets and mystery- is there a murder taking place? Who ripped the AC unit off of the wall? This is part of the charm.

I was feeling pretty optimistic after a good text update this morning, but a recent call from the doctor brought more concern.

No significant change in 24 hours. A bit difficult to wrap my head around after he looked so good last night.

(I'm attaching a photo of Yoshi last night after eating some treats, we all know Yoshi is a looker, c'mon)

I do like the vets there; primarily women, patient, and kind. Yoshi is doing well in oxygen, but he goes back into distress as soon as he is removed. Resting heart rate elevated at 66-80. No fever.

They are repeating radiology to see if there is any shift re: the blood clot in his lung, as well as re-upping the bloodwork with added tests.

We have entered the expensive waiting game of the chat.

The dr was open to considering an antibiotic in case we are looking at something bacterial, but won't know more about which one to go for until the tests come back.

I don't know if I should plague you all with these updates or not, but seeing your support and love is so helpful and calming, so the hell with it.

And - your donations, shares, and support are inspiring.

I'll continue to spam post with updates as I know more.

Thanks for sending your love to our little guy. xo

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Yoshi was rushed to the emergency vet yesterday- right now, possible non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In one day with travel costs and vet bills, we are already up to 4K.

We are flying back to NYC today (then driving to PA) to see him and evaluate. Would appreciate any help you could give, thank you!