Update on Bailey...

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't posted anything about Bailey in a little while. I've been trying to distract myself and not obsess over her issues every second of every day. I wanted to update everyone though, since you've all been so helpful and supportive. Here are my previous posts on the issue:

http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=127646
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=127214
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=126278
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=124832

BRIEF RECAP:
Bailey went to the e-vet in late April due to anorexia, lethargy, and vomiting. It was discovered that she had elevated calcium (total and ionized). This launched a search for the cause, and cancer was the top suspect. Over the past 6 weeks, this is what has been done in addition to frequent typical blood panels (liver, kidneys, CBC, etc). Everything has been within normal limits except as noted below:

**8 ionized calcium tests (all high- normal range is between 1.2 and 1.32. Her highest level was 1.54 when she was first admitted, and her lowest level was **1.37 after significant fluid therapy.)
**Malignancy profile blood test (elevated PTHrP noted- indicates cancer)
**X-rays & ultrasounds (no masses found)
**Rectal exam to look for anal sac carcinomas (none found)
**Bone marrow aspirate to test for bone cancer (results did not indicate the presence of bone cancer)
**Oral exam under sedation to look for squamous cell carcinomas (none found)
Elspar trial (the most recent test)

With the Elspar trial, she was given an injection of a chemotherapy drug called Elspar (asparaginase) on May 29th. Her ionized calcium was tested prior to the injection (1.48), and 72 hours after on June 1st (1.43). If her ionized calcium level had decreased significantly (usually into the normal range), then lymphoma would have been considered confirmed. Bailey's ionized calcium did decrease, but 1.43 is still way over the high limit. She was retested yesterday, June 5th. Her calcium had gone back up to 1.5.

According to the internal medicine specialist who has been working on Bailey's case, the slight decrease in her calcium level after the injection was not enough of a decrease to indicate lymphoma, so that has been ruled out. I don't know where we're going to go from here. She has a recheck appointment scheduled for June 14th, so I guess I'll talk to the vet at that point to see what I should do. We haven't done biopsies or anything, since we were trying to avoid invasive procedures. I feel bad that I've put Bailey through all of this and I STILL don't know how to make her feel better. I'm glad that we haven't been able to say she has cancer yet, but the vet strongly suspects that she has cancer that we just haven't been able to find. It makes me sad, because while I obviously don't want her to have cancer, I really want to be able to treat her if she does.

I'd really appreciate if everyone could continue to keep Bailey in their thoughts. As always, if anyone has any input or has had similar experiences, please feel free to share.

Thanks everyone!

I really wish I could help in some way. I've been through it enough times to know that it can be very difficult to find some cancers. Bailey will definitely be in my prayers.

Sending continued prayers for Bailey

Many continued prayers for Bailey, and hugs for you.

Continued prayers for Bailey

Oh, poor baby! Bailey will certainly be in my thoughts and prayers, constantly. Please do continue to keep us updated; I pray her condition is not as severe as cancer, but that the vet soon finds out her situation so she may be treated!

Bailey is in my prayers, my furry friend Pickles has squamous cell carcinoma, since 2004, (there was really no treatment for him the vet said there wasn't any findings that chemo worked on this aggressive type of cancer,). He had a total ear ablation, that is how they found out he had it. I am happy to say it will be 3 years in November and Pickles is doing well. He has surprised everyone, we call him our miracle, I can feel lumps on him in different places, but he doesn't complain or bite at them so we have left them alone. We aren't sure how much time he has left, but we count each day as a blessing. I hope bailey does well, and he is in our prayers.

Originally Posted by l.trant

Bailey is in my prayers, my furry friend Pickles has squamous cell carcinoma, since 2004, (there was really no treatment for him the vet said there wasn't any findings that chemo worked on this aggressive type of cancer,). He had a total ear ablation, that is how they found out he had it. I am happy to say it will be 3 years in November and Pickles is doing well. He has surprised everyone, we call him our miracle, I can feel lumps on him in different places, but he doesn't complain or bite at them so we have left them alone. We aren't sure how much time he has left, but we count each day as a blessing. I hope bailey does well, and he is in our prayers.

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Awwww, Pickles sounds like such a sweet kitty! I'm glad that he has had the past 3 years to be happy with his family, and I'm sure he'll continue to bring you joy (he sounds like a trooper)!! He (and you) will be in my thoughts. I wish you both well, and he'll serve as inspiration to Bailey and me. I have a feeling that Bailey will be a fighter, regardless of what she has. I just hope with all of my heart that she'll be able to enjoy whatever time she has left, whether it be a few months or several years. Thank you so much for responding. It can be difficult to stay positive, and it really helps to know that there truly IS a reason to have hope during this difficult time. Give Pickles a big kiss from Bailey and me!

Hi all just thought I would check in. Pickles is still with us : ) We are very happy he is. He hasn't changed too much, still eating, sleeping and playing. I have noticed several lumps on him, one you can actually start to see when he walks (it's on his side), I have push or should I say touched it and he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. I just hope I am doing the right thing by keeping him home here with us. As I have said in my previous posts we have decided just to let him be, and not to let the doctors poke at him. He really doesn't like leaving the house and it caused too much stress on him. I am hoping that if the lump bothered him he would show it. Does anyone know what he might do to show he is in pain. I have been told he would chew it or something like that, but it doesn't appear to be chewed on. It is still covered by his fur. He is still eating and sleeping and being a snuggle bug, so I am just guessing he is feeling fine. He is my first real cat so I am not sure how he would tell me he is sick. Do cats generally show you, I mean will he cry, not eat etc. He does get sick occasionally but I think it's because of fur balls. Well thats all for now. I will post a picture once I can figure out how to do it. My computer is on the fritz right now. Thanks for listening.


PS: I am thinking of Bailey and hoping she is doing well.