Alternative Treatment for Lymphoma

krnlueck

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I am trying desperately to help my kitty Squeaky.

She has been diagnosed with Lymphoma and is not doing well.

We started her on the chemo drug Leukeran a few days ago. She has gotten worse but I am not sure if it's from the chemo drug, or the progression of the disease. She is also taking Prednisolone.n

A few days ago I stumbled on a site where they advertised an herbal supplement that could help.

The site is: http://www.petwellbeing.com/

They advertise an herbal product called ES - Clear. It contains Bucdock, Sheep sorrell, Slippery elm, and Chinese Rhubarb.

There are multiple testimonials from "cat owners" saying how well it worked for their cats.

Of course I know those may be fakes. I know I am probably grasping at straws, but at this point I don't know what else to do.

Has anyone tried this product and the results...good or bad?

I started her on it this morning. She got a heavy injection of steroids last night at the vet's, but her appetite has improved (it had before the herbal supplement was started).

Any thoughts?
 

bluerexbear

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I lost my Sissy girl to lymphoma in the stomach on 7/11/10. My doctor didn't think we should do chemo, but we did give her the prednisone. After awhile, I knew that it wasn't doing any good anymore and I stopped giving it to her. I wish now that we had gotten a second opinion or tried chemo, but hindsight is 20/20.


Wishing you all the best with your baby. *hugs*
 

ldg

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Our cat was diagnosed with lymphoma July 28 by one of our vets. We work with several vets at different vet practices. Initially we thought the problem was an ongoing issue with hairballs. When the local vet ran out of options, we took him to our holistic vet - this is a person that is a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) and is additionally trained in numerous holistic practices and alternative medicines.

When a large mass was discovered in his stomach and it was subsequently diagnosed as large cell lymphoma, she referred us to a feline oncology specialist. She said that if it was determined his cancer was not treatable by conventional route, we would pursue alternatives.

We were fortunate and were able to take our cat, Lazlo, to the specialist the next day. The information provided by the oncologist was that:

1) Lymphoma is the most common form of cancer in cats.
2) There are two types of lymphoma. One is small cell. This is slower growing and almost always treatable. About 15% of cats have small cell lymphosarcoma. Large cell lymphosarcoma is aggressive, and only about 50% of cats respond to chemotherapy.
3) Most cats tolerate chemotherapy well. Even relative to their body size, if proper dosages are used, cats require less medication than people do, thus toxicity is essentially a non-issue in cats. About 15% of cats experience side-effects from the chemo treatments themselves.

The specialist oncologist pursues a very individualized treatment for each situation. We take our cat weekly for treatments. It is done in cycles of four weeks on, one week off, and can take up to six cycles, though usually only 3 or 4 if they're responding to the treatment. We just had treatment #3 in the first cycle yesterday. The specialist oncologist rotates the chemotherapy treatments each week, using different medications, and dosages are precise to the weight of the animal.

Our cat was immediately prescribed an appetite stimulant, Mirtazapine. Though this helped, more importantly he was also prescribed an anti-nausea medication, Cerenia. This helped with his gaining weight more than anything else. He is also on 5mg of prednisone daily.

His holistic vet prescribed iron (because of his blood profile), a chinese herbal (because of the location of the cancer), pepcid a/c because of his ulcers from the cancer, and another chinese herbal also because of his blood profile and his internal bleeding from the ulcers. She also suggested we start him on tumeric: it is a powerful antioxidant. She said we should tell the oncologist about all of the medications.

The oncologist was fine with the two chinese herbals (one of which we were able to stop using after week one), but told us NOT to use the tumeric, as powerful antioxidants interfere with the effectiveness of the chemotherapy.

My recommendation to you is this. Talk to your vet to see if there is a small animal or even feline specialist oncologist anywhere in your area. The drive for us (depending upon traffic) is anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way to see the specialist at one of his offices (we alternative offices because he does. The closer one is 1 hour to 1.5 hours away). We thought Lazlo would freak at the visits, but unlike a normal trip to the vet, he seems to understand he needs this. Obviously if your cat completely stresses for the drive, it's not worth it. But it's at least worth asking about.

Is your cat eating enough and keeping it down? Because even though Lazlo is eating well, I supplement what he eats on his own with syringe feeding of a/d or other healthier food processed in a blender. Since beginning treatment, he's gained over an ounce a day, and is now just 1/2 a pound away from his starting weight. Just getting the nutrition in him seemed to make a real difference, and his coat looks good again, he's grooming... he's "brighter" and clearly happier. So take a step back, and consider that maybe the problem isn't the chemo so much as it is that she needs her strength back.


Discuss with your vet the herbal options you are using. If they don't know anything about them, ask them to do some work with you on them. I know Burdock Root and Slippery Elm are antioxidants - they may interfere with the chemotherapy, if you want to continue with it.

The other thing you may want to consider is searching the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association to see if there is a holistic vet near you. We found one only 35 - 45 minutes away. http://www.ahvma.org Someone trained in the use of alternatives would be able to guide you through real options. Our holistic vet mentioned the use of Neoplasene. In my thread in this forum, another member of TCS mentioned that they went the holistic route rather than using chemotherapy, and Neoplasene helped significantly. It is not something you can buy without a prescription, and administering it can be difficult. It is a liquid that tastes very bitter is my understanding. I also understand they're in the process of coming out with a transdermal patch - don't know if it's out already or if it will be soon. I got the impression it's in the works though.

What herbal treatments should be used will depend upon your cat's blood profile, the location of the cancer, and I highly recommend, if possible, finding a vet trained in Chinese Medicine (at AHVMA it would use the designation for being trained in Chinese Herbals).

Herbal treatments one undertakes on their own can be really hit or miss: they can interfere with traditional medicines; they can do as much harm as good. If possible, find someone trained in their use to help guide you through the process.
It seems they can be very effective where western medicine fails us. But it also seems that your cat is receiving a "protocol" cancer treatment, not an individualized treatment. While the level of veterinary care we have available to us here is something we really appreciate, I do understand it's not available many places. But it sure is worth looking into it.


We don't know if the chemo is sending the cancer in Lazlo back into remission or not. We won't find out where things stand until the ultrasound the week of Aug 29th. But his quality of life has improved 100%, and he's basically back to his happy, bouncy, alpha self. I think the anti-nausea med, the chinese herbals, getting the bleeding ulcers under control (if not healed), and his required daily nutrition (based on his original weight, not his then-current weight) into him were what made the difference.

Right now, we view each day with Lazlo as a gift, and we do whatever we can to make him happy. Some people, when their pets are diagnosed with a terminal illness, opt not to treat them at all, but concentrate on making kitty happy and loving on them. One member described their process as "Love and Cheese Danish." Here is a link to a description: Love and Cheese Danish

Lazlo's "cheese danish" is beef liver and brushes in the bathroom. He's getting both, though for now, he's also receiving traditional treatment overseen by a specialist, and complimentary herbal treatment under supervision of his holistic vet and with the knowledge of the oncologist.

 

ldg

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I'm sorry to bother you with some questions, but just want to help.


You say she started the treatment several days ago, is getting worse, and that she got a shot of steroids last night, but is on pred, and her appetite did start to improve, did I get all of that right?

Was the shot of steroids Depomedrol? If I understood correctly, I'm wondering why they gave her a depo shot if she's on pred? Also, the oncologist indicated that Depomedrol also interferes with the effectiveness of chemo (Laz had been given one just before his diagnosis).

And when you say she's gotten worse, but her appetite has improved, in what way? Diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting? Oncologist said that if a cat is not going to tolerate chemo well, symptoms will usually appear on day 2 or 3.

And while steroids can definitely improve appetite, if she's not on an anti-nausea med, it's something to seriously consider. There are a number of them. We happen to like Cerenia very much, because it doesn't require that hour before eating, and has fewer potential side-effects than most.

More vibes for you and your baby.
 

linda nichols

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My cat has a hi grade lymphoma was diagnosed aug 29 she has been taking lifegold for almost 4 months along with prednislone she was down 3-4 pounds from her usual weight but is much better now. And fatter i also read and supplement her with things from the cancertutor.com website Such as collodial gold, baking soda and organic black strap molasses, tumeric, beta glucans etc
 

mygirls23

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How do you administer the collodial gold, baking soda, organic strap molasses, tumeric and beta glucans? What are the amounts, etc? Thank you for your help!
 

linda nichols

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You administer with a syringe and suck up the powders mixed with water and squirt it into her mouth 2- times a day doctor put her on prednislone 5 mg twice a day
And i experimented with different things i also started giving
Her protandim... you can purchase on amazon its said to be a youth rejuvenator but other places say it helps cancer if you watch videos on you tube about cancer and read alot on cancertutor.com i have been happy with what i am doing and she is doing great going on 5 months at end of january
I buy the beta glucans they recommend on cancertutor.com the colloidial gold is 1/4 tsp a day if you want more specific info email me and we can talk more
 

linda nichols

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Transfer point brand of beta glucans for cat with lymphoma about 1/5 capsule a day
Use organic greens found at health food store( i think it gives meds flavor) plus good to fight off cancer in my opinion feed her the best cat food with no grains or artificial fillers Equal doses od baking soda and organic black strap molasses that was heated on a stove, not in microwave after 3-1/2 months of 5mg of prednislone twice a day i have cut that dose in half on my on decision... not the vets recommendation
 

mygirls23

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Thanks for the information. I do have her on Life Gold. I have also gotten her the Advanced Immune Restoration Kit that I will start her on today. I think it's about the same type of regiment. I'm hoping to see more improvement in her weight gain and activity level. The Life Gold and the a/d prescription food has definitely helped, but I want to do all that I can for her. Thanks again. I'll write an update when I have one.
 

hobodobo

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Hello,

I was interested in how your cat is doing now? My cat Hobo was diagnosed with Lymphoma last week we found a mass on his GI Tract and the first ultrasound showed an Abscess so the lab offered to pay for a 2nd ultrasound so they could get another aspiration and send it out for a culture. Unfortunately the abscess was a large mass but behind that was a small tumor which came back as Lymphoma. Currently he is receiving shots to try to get the infection from the abscess under control, then we will discuss Chemo. My concern is in the meantime what I can do to help my baby since the infection could take a while to get under control if the shots work.
I saw a few different things online and came across the Cancer support kit at PetWellbeing which includes Life Gold, I am going to order this but just wanted to see how your kitty is doing now after being on Life Gold and Advanced Immune Restoration for Cats?


Thanks,
Holly
 

SMC_22

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You administer with a syringe and suck up the powders mixed with water and squirt it into her mouth 2- times a day doctor put her on prednislone 5 mg twice a day
And i experimented with different things i also started giving
Her protandim... you can purchase on amazon its said to be a youth rejuvenator but other places say it helps cancer if you watch videos on you tube about cancer and read alot on cancertutor.com i have been happy with what i am doing and she is doing great going on 5 months at end of january
I buy the beta glucans they recommend on cancertutor.com the colloidial gold is 1/4 tsp a day if you want more specific info email me and we can talk more
Did all the alternative medicines you used work? My cat was diagnosed with lymphoma in his chest.
 

mewcatmew

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Be careful of "alternative" medicines, many are pseudo-science...and basically all crap. If they worked well, they wouldn't be "alternative" medicines, they would be medicine. None of them will "cure" or help cancer. Cancer is the process of cells that are abnormally dividing, and chemotherapy interrupts that cell division. If you are seeing him get a bit worse from the chemo, it is most likely the side effect from the drug. GI lymphoma is mainly a slow growing cancer. If your cat has nausea, ask for a drug like cerenia. What side effects are you seeing?
 

jcat

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Anyone who has a cat suffering from lymphoma should look into ozone treatment.
Ozone Therapy: A Powerful Cancer Treatment & Healing Protocol
I have been using this for my cat at my vets office. Lymphoma cells do not like oxygen. there are many cases proving that ozone kills the lymphoma cells. Worth looking into anyway!
The FDA warns against ozone therapy:

Sec. 801.415 Maximum acceptable level of ozone
Ozone is a toxic gas with no known useful medical application in specific, adjunctive, or preventive therapy. In order for ozone to be effective as a germicide, it must be present in a concentration far greater than that which can be safely tolerated by man and animals.
There are more details here:
Naturopathic Medicine Week And The Problem Of Endemic Quackery, Like Ozone Therapy
 

ALFR

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You administer with a syringe and suck up the powders mixed with water and squirt it into her mouth 2- times a day doctor put her on prednislone 5 mg twice a day
And i experimented with different things i also started giving
Her protandim... you can purchase on amazon its said to be a youth rejuvenator but other places say it helps cancer if you watch videos on you tube about cancer and read alot on cancertutor.com i have been happy with what i am doing and she is doing great going on 5 months at end of january
I buy the beta glucans they recommend on cancertutor.com the colloidial gold is 1/4 tsp a day if you want more specific info email me and we can talk more
Hi Linda - How is your kitty doing now?
 

ALFR

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My cat, Lord Greystone (his friends call him Greystone) has been diagnosed with what is believed to be small cell lymphoma.

An ultrasound on 3/2/19 revealed a mass in his small intestine. The internist followed with a small needle aspiration. The cytology report from the extracted cells came back as positive for lymphoma. Surgery to resect the mass is recommended.

I hate the idea of putting my sweet boy through that. He is in good health, but is also 13 and FIV+. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about this all week. The surgeon, oncologist, and my mobile vet (who is very experienced) all said that small cell lymphoma is actually eminently treatable and the prognosis is very good, especially for a healthy cat like Greystone (tests for blood work, lungs, and heart, all came back solidly good).

They looked over all of the tests and records carefully and felt that surgery was the only way to diagnose his condition accurately and thus treat it. I met with the oncologist this morning, but she said there was no point in chemo without analysis of biopsied tissue, because we would only be guessing on what he has. She said that the surgeon could get in there and find he has something totally different - like a sarcoma or carcinoma. She said she’d be extremely surprised if he had large cell lymphoma, as Greystone is not exhibiting clinical symptoms of large cell. Because we’ve caught it so early, we have an opportunity to remove the mass it before it becomes too big to treat with surgery.

My friend Joseph’s cat, also 13, just had surgery to remove a cancerous mass at the same hospital and he said that the week or so after was very tough, but that two weeks later, his cat was totally herself.

The only option besides surgery would be basically to do nothing but holistic treatments. I believe in them, but if I had a mass in my small intestine that was cancerous, impeding my ability to eat and go to the bathroom and making me uncomfortable, I would want them to get it out of me. Still, I'm one thing. My perfect, handsome boy is another. The thought of him shaved, cut open, with holes poked in him, is torture. But not doing what I can for him is also torture.

All informed western medicinal practitioners concur that surgery is the best step. However, a few of my close friends believe that surgery on an older cat should not be done at all; that it is cruel and he should just be made comfortable and allowed to die naturally. I feel insane at the idea of surgery on my gentle boy, but I don't think I can allow him to slowly die of cancer without trying something with a prognosis this promising. I wouldn't do more than one surgery, nor would I do anything to my cat that I wouldn't do to myself.

Does anyone have experience with surgery to remove a mass, then following up with chemo or holistic meds? Desperate for your experience and recommendations.

Thanks for your kindness and love for animals.
 

Tkfellows

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My cat, Lord Greystone (his friends call him Greystone) has been diagnosed with what is believed to be small cell lymphoma.

An ultrasound on 3/2/19 revealed a mass in his small intestine. The internist followed with a small needle aspiration. The cytology report from the extracted cells came back as positive for lymphoma. Surgery to resect the mass is recommended.

I hate the idea of putting my sweet boy through that. He is in good health, but is also 13 and FIV+. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on about this all week. The surgeon, oncologist, and my mobile vet (who is very experienced) all said that small cell lymphoma is actually eminently treatable and the prognosis is very good, especially for a healthy cat like Greystone (tests for blood work, lungs, and heart, all came back solidly good).

They looked over all of the tests and records carefully and felt that surgery was the only way to diagnose his condition accurately and thus treat it. I met with the oncologist this morning, but she said there was no point in chemo without analysis of biopsied tissue, because we would only be guessing on what he has. She said that the surgeon could get in there and find he has something totally different - like a sarcoma or carcinoma. She said she’d be extremely surprised if he had large cell lymphoma, as Greystone is not exhibiting clinical symptoms of large cell. Because we’ve caught it so early, we have an opportunity to remove the mass it before it becomes too big to treat with surgery.

My friend Joseph’s cat, also 13, just had surgery to remove a cancerous mass at the same hospital and he said that the week or so after was very tough, but that two weeks later, his cat was totally herself.

The only option besides surgery would be basically to do nothing but holistic treatments. I believe in them, but if I had a mass in my small intestine that was cancerous, impeding my ability to eat and go to the bathroom and making me uncomfortable, I would want them to get it out of me. Still, I'm one thing. My perfect, handsome boy is another. The thought of him shaved, cut open, with holes poked in him, is torture. But not doing what I can for him is also torture.

All informed western medicinal practitioners concur that surgery is the best step. However, a few of my close friends believe that surgery on an older cat should not be done at all; that it is cruel and he should just be made comfortable and allowed to die naturally. I feel insane at the idea of surgery on my gentle boy, but I don't think I can allow him to slowly die of cancer without trying something with a prognosis this promising. I wouldn't do more than one surgery, nor would I do anything to my cat that I wouldn't do to myself.

Does anyone have experience with surgery to remove a mass, then following up with chemo or holistic meds? Desperate for your experience and recommendations.

Thanks for your kindness and love for animals.
How is your cat Greystone doing? Just found out yesterday my cat may have this, waiting on biopsy cell test results. My cat Ghostie has not been able to keep any food down and having diarrhea for 3 days. Even he is on Cerenia and I am force feeding him, due to his anorexia.
 
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