Whimsey Has Small Cell Lymphoma

esrandall2000

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I just got a call from Whimsey's oncologist. The results of the biopsies
confirm that he has small cell lymphoma. He will start Leukeran tomorrow. He
seemed concerned that since Whimsey has been taking Prednisolone for years for
IBD and now has lymphoma, that the Prednisolone may be losing its
effectiveness. He is also borderline anemic to the point that if it gets worse,
he would be a candidate for a blood transfusion. Does anyone have any
suggestions for this? His blood sugar will have to be watched as I understand
that incipient diabetes may be an issue here. All of a sudden, I'm feeling
totally overwhelmed.  I've heard of a holistic remedy called ES - Clear that is helpful for cancer kitties.  Of course it isn't a cure, but it is supposed to ease some of the stress and pain.

Best,
Elizabeth & Whimsey
 

 
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pushylady

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I'm so sorry for this bad news. Poor Whimsey. I'm not surprised you're feeling overwhelmed with all this information to deal with at once.
There are a number of people here who have had to deal with their cats getting cancer, so I'm sure someone will be able to answer your question about ES Clear, and give you advice.
 

ldg

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Well, pred isn't a cure for cancer, so I'm not sure why he thinks that. :dk:

I'm also not sure why he's concerned about diabetes. I know that long term use of pred can predispose a kitty for diabetes (the vet warned us about this in Tuxedo, who has Feline Hemolytic Anemia (FHA) and needed depomedrol shots for MANY years). But is there something in his blood work or his blood sugar levels that concerns him? Did he show you how to keep track of his blood sugar levels at home? It's pretty easy to do, you may want to start a thread on it, I know there are a number of people here with experience.

I'm not familiar with ES Clear - someone else was asking about it, so you may want to search the health forum. I think you might want to search E.S. Clear if you don't find any results with ES Clear. :nod:

But when Lazlo was anemic when his cancer was discovered, his holistic vet put him on Yunnan Baiyao. His hematocrit was 17%. What's Whimsey's?

The oncologist had no problem with the use of Yunnan Baiyao - it was not contra-indicated with any of his cancer treatments, and he was put on pred as well. You do not need a scrip for Yunnan Baiyao. Because there is no trauma, I wouldn't use the "emergency stop bleeding" tea pill that comes in the middle of the pack, I'd just use the capsules. Lazlo weighed 9-10 pounds (he used it several times), and his dose was one capsule every-other-day for a week (4 pills), then one every three days until the two packs were finished. We didn't need to use the full course (not even a full pack of 16), his hematocrit improved inside of two weeks. Of course, you should call the oncologist to make sure yours is comfortable with its use.

This is the Wikipedia on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yunnan_Baiyao

This is a discussion of how Dr. Patrick Mahaney uses it: http://www.patrickmahaney.com/anima...y-medicine-can-be-used-in-pet-first-aid/#hide and he specifically mentions it is used "Caner associated coagulopathy — exhaustion of the body’s platelet supply from bleeding or the bone marrow’s insufficient platelet production caused by cancer or chemotherapy."

This is where you can order it:
You'll see in the reviews on amazon that MANY people use it for pets with cancer. :heart2:

:vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes:
 
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ldg

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If you have any questions, and want Whimsey to help with the study, you can contact finnlacy via PM. :nod: She can help expedite/coordinate. The Docs from UC Davis need to get a form to your vet/oncologist (whoever did the blood work/ biopsy) so they can submit the sample. It's time-sensitive, but would be so helpful if you can do it! :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:
 

finnlacey

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Elizabeth please contact me ASAP if you are interested in doing the UC Davis study. They need a small tissue sample from the blood, check out the details here on my site and let me know. If he had a biopsy, you could contact the surgeon and send them the info before they discard the samples! http://www.ibdkitties.net/studiestrials.html
 
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esrandall2000

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Hi there,

I haven't received any of your replies to my original posting.  I wonder why?  Regarding the study, Whimsey has been on prednisolone for over 4 years, which, I think, excludes him from the study.  As mush as I'd like to help, I'm just trying to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of looking after him.  He started luekeran today.

Best,

Elizabeth & Whimsey
 
 

finnlacey

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Thank you Elizabeth, you're right, that excludes Whimsey. 
 

ldg

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Hi there,

I haven't received any of your replies to my original posting.  I wonder why?  Regarding the study, Whimsey has been on prednisolone for over 4 years, which, I think, excludes him from the study.  As mush as I'd like to help, I'm just trying to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of looking after him.  He started luekeran today.


Best,
Elizabeth & Whimsey

 
I don't know why you don't see responses, but I posted to that original thread and your thread in the raw forum. I can see my reply to your original thread - do you not see any replies there? http://www.thecatsite.com/t/246500/whimsey-has-small-cell-lymphona

And having gone through the process of a kitty being diagnosed with cancer and all that accompanies that, I know how challenging it all is. :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: for you and :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: for Whimsey.

I do recommend trying the Yunnan Baiyao for his anemia - or at least asking the oncologist/vet if it's OK to try it. :hugs: :vibes:
 
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esrandall2000

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Thank you.  I will ask about Yunnan Baiyao.  In the meantime my vet has suggested putting a spoonful or two of chicker livers into his E-tube slurry.

This last week has been very hard.  I find that I'mI very depressed.  Feeding my darling 4 times per day plus all the meds and holistic remedies he is on is sapping my energy.

I'm estatic that he is responding very well to the medications and is my affectionate and loving kitty again, but he still needs the E-tube to eat and I worry seemingly about everything.  He started chemotherapy on Tuesday and will be getting his luekeran every three days.

I think that up until the oncologist's call Monday to confirm that he has lymphoma, that I will still in denial and hoped that all he had was an infection.

Best,

Elizabeth & Whimsey
 
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esrandall2000

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Thank you so much for the TCS vibes!

Best,

Elizabeth & Whimsey
 
 
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esrandall2000

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Thanks to the amazing professionals at Sage Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care Medicine/Oncology Dept. in Cambell, Whimsey has begun chemotherapy and only time will tell as to whether his lymphoma will go into remission. He has been fitted with an E-tube that ensures that he will consume enough calories to maintain his weight and makes giving him medication a dream. The early signs are good!!!

 
 

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That's wonderful news! Sending good vibes your way! 
 
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esrandall2000

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Whimsey had a recheck today with his oncologist and the blood work shows improvement in his cancer cell counts
.   

He goes back in 2 weeks for another recheck.

Best,

Elizabeth & Whimsey
 

ldg

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Elizabeth, I've been wondering how Whimsey's doing. I found these updates I haven't seen! I'm SO GLAD to see things have been going well.

Are they still going well??????????????????????? :cross: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: !!!!!! :hugs: :rub: :heart2:
 
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esrandall2000

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Last week Whimsey reached a crisis where he refused to eat, hid to avoid all pills, fluids, injections, and had a look in his eyes that broke my heart.  It was clear to me that he was saying, "Mom, I've tried to get better for you because I love you and know how much you love me, but I can't cope anymore and I want to go home."  I've made arrangements for a mobile vet to come on Sunday to release him and for my other cats to be present so they will know where their friend and playmate has gone.  I took today off from work and will have tomorrow as, "Whimsey Appreciation Days."  Today we stayed in bed and cuddled and he purred and patted my face the way he does and gave the best kitty kisses.  He is not being forced to do anything that he does not want to do.  Again, tomorrow, will be another Whimsey's choice day.   I've always felt guilty that my strictly indoor cats never really left my apartment unless for vet visits.  I ordered a heavy duty pet stroller from Amazon and it arrived this afternoon.  I put Whimsey in it and we went part way down the street I live on and just stopped to watch the cars and people coming home from work and listened to the sounds of birds.  We stayed about 15 minutes and his beautiful green eyes got big from all the new sights and smells.  There is a small park a block or two away and I thought that tomorrow we could go there and spend some more time.

I want to thank all of the members of this group who have been so helpful and caring.  I have thought very long and hard over this.  I can't ask him to hang on one more time just  because it would be devastating to lose him.

Hugs,
Elizabeth & Whimsey

 
 

finnlacey

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Oh my god!!! I am so very, very sorry Elizabeth. Please know we're all sending you our love and support. 
 

ldg

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Oh Elizabeth.... :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :bawling: As heartbreaking as this is, your post is SO beautiful - SO full of love for Whimsey, and clearly, his for you. :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :heart3:

With the positive interim report, this REALLY caught me by surprise. :bawling: But as the very best of pet parents, you are listening to what he wants. And as hard as this is, I am sure you know you're giving him the most selfless gift there is. I'm just SO SO SO sorry, hun! :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

My thoughts are with you and Whimsey during this very difficult, but very special time. :heart3: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :heart3:
 

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Oh Elizabeth.... :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :bawling: As heartbreaking as this is, your post is SO beautiful - SO full of love for Whimsey, and clearly, his for you. :heart3: :heart3: :heart3: :heart3:
With the positive interim report, this REALLY caught me by surprise. :bawling: But as the very best of pet parents, you are listening to what he wants. And as hard as this is, I am sure you know you're giving him the most selfless gift there is. I'm just SO SO SO sorry, hun! :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:
My thoughts are with you and Whimsey during this very difficult, but very special time. :heart3: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :vibes: :heart3:
:yeah:
I can't put it any better than Laurie did.....
I am so so sorry :bawling: :bawling:
This just breaks my heart into a million pieces........
Sending you and Whimsey many vibes, and hugs :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes: :hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs::hugs:
 
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