Well, there is some good news in this otherwise crappy week . . .
At least Patches is not in pain anymore.
Thanks to everyone who wished her well. We all really appreciate it.
We had been doing subcutaneous drips for at least the last 7 months. The Vet said that one of her kidneys was about the size of my thumbnail and the other had a tumor. She was in a lot of pain and could hardly move. The doc said that for another drip to help it would have to be intravenous and her blood pressure was so high and it might buy her a few more days. Abby decided that it would be selfish and so gave her ok to have her put down.
We rescued her from the shelter in Fredericksburg Tx in February 1999. At the time we had just moved out to the country. Se had the run of the place except at night when we kept her in because of the Owls and Coyotes. She used to get in the attic and play the damsel in distress - but she could get in and out of anyplace.
At one point we had put a scarf around her neck which was to help keep off fleas. After a few days it went missing. Several months later I was working on the roof and found the scarf stuck on a loose nail on the ridge of the house. LOL
I'm sure I'll be posting more stuff and pictures . . . later - can't right now.
Thanks for your wishes.
Ya'll are great!
= new reply since forum marked as read
and I hope Patches is playing in the sunshine, somewhere
RIP Patches
Patches I'm sure has joined the rest of the DU kitties over the Rainbow Bridge.
Patches was beautiful.
May she rest in peace and play painlessly forever just over the rainbow bridge.
It hurts to let them go. 
it was everything she wanted. and she loved you right back.
my heart goes out to you and abby. parting with those we love is the hardest thing in the world.
Patches was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have her in your lives. May her wonderful memories bring you peace.