Cat Lymphoma

Hi,

Yesterday my 12yr old cat Mickey was diagnosed with Lymphoma on the Lymph nodes. The vet said he could see large and small cells. Surgery really isn't an option since the vet said lymph nodes are all over the body, removing the one tumor may not solve anything. That's fine with me, I'd rather not put him through that. (I understand others who do, no judgement) The vet put him on Depomedrol shots once every 6-8 weeks. He said it's a long lasting extended release prednisone. I like that part, no pills. =) But the thing is he is in excellent health other than the tumor and a hyperthyroid which we already have comtrol of. They checked all the vital organs, blood panels, teeth. They said he is in great health. I'm optimistically hoping that makes a difference in the 6 month - 2yr life expectancy. I'm looking for any experiences or advice on what helped your kitties. Any of your cats in really good health, and did it make a difference? I'd love to hear from you.

I am so sorry to hear about Mickey's diagnosis. Lymphoma is a tough one. Many vibes that his general good health will help him fight it off as long as possible.

We do have a few members here who have battled lymphoma, both successfully and unsuccessfully. Hopefully they will come and share their journeys with you. @LDG

Ok. He still hasn't eaten more than a few bites for 3 days. My vet wasn't in so another one gave me . First-round after I asked for a appetite stimulant. She gave me 7.5mg half a pill twice as day. From what I've been reading that is way too much. Is that right? Should he have a anti-nausea med as well. What are your experiences?

Wow that got messed up. She gave me mirtazapine. Sorry I couldn't edit my last post lol

I would discuss the dosage with your vet. I think an anti-nausea med like Cerenia may be helpful if the appetite stimulant is not working alone.

Hmmmm depo medrol is a new one for Lympyhoma, never heard of it being used for that, I know it's used a lot for allergies and asthma, but in 20 years working in the vet field never heard it used for lymphoma..  Usually it's high doses of Prednisolone then tapered off to a lower dose.  Mirtazapine is usually given every 3 days, not sure why they would have dosed it so frequently.  Cyproheptadine which is another appetite stimulant is given twice a day.  I would check with your regular vet as soon as you can. 

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know how long it should take for depomedrol to start working and helping the tumor to shrink? I'm having to force feed him with a syringe right now, because he's not eating on his own. The tumor is putting pressure on his intestines so he's not wanting to eat. I'm hoping when it shrinks it'll stop putting pressure there and he'll want to eat again. 

My Tazz had intestinal lymphoma, since I chose not to go the chemo route & they didn't feel it could be treated with surgery.
I chose the steroid route, they used the depo -medrol injection. The advantage being NOT having to pill them every day.
It is not a cure, it is meant to increase their appetite and make them feel better. She usually perked up within a couple of days.

It got us five & a half extra months, but her 4th injection never kicked in and I lost her soon after in December. Just keep your kitty hydrated, and keep up the assisted feeding
till appetite perks back up.

Not a happy ending, but she seemed pretty content throughout. Hugs to you and your kitty as you go thru this..

I didn' t mean to chase everybody away ?!

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/feline_lymphoma/

This is a great group with lots of info & support...

He started eating today!!! I got up and he meowed at me so i put him on the ground and he went straight to his regular food bowl. I don't know what changed from me force feeding him last night but i'm so happy i had to post. I hope this means he's getting better. I know it's not permanent but any extra time with him is great. I was starting to think the worst last night and to wake up to this makes me ecstatic. ok enough ranting lol. 

Thats wonderful ! You will be able to tell when he needs another depo-medrol injection when he slows down and loses his appetite again. The vets do like to stretch the time between inj's.

Good luck !

He's not eating again. Is this normal? To bounce back and forth like this?

I haven't dealt with lymphoma but I have a kitty with IBD and this is "normal" with IBD.  IBD and lymphoma are very closely related, it's often difficult to know if a kitty has IBD or small cell lymphoma.

I had a cat with large cell lymphoma. He was treated with chemotherapy, and appetite was a problem. For him, the main issue was nausea. In fact, I really don't understand why vets give an appetite stimulant first - IMO, it's better to give an anti-nausea medication first to make sure the problem isn't simply nausea. What good is it to stimulate the appetite if they feel sick being hungry?? :dk:

There can be different reasons for nausea. If it's acid build-up, then something like famotidine (pepcid) or zantac (ranitidine) are better than an anti-emetic type drug like Cerenia. For our Lazlo, the anti-nausea medication Cerenia worked, and had far more impact than the appetite stimulant.

There are some other steps you can take. Cancer - as with any illness, really - is when the immune system doesn't respond properly. You can help provide immune system support (NOT "boosting" - but things that help kitty's immune system function more the way it should) that should at least improve the quality of his life with you. :rub:

A human probiotic. This is because they tend to be higher quality than pet probiotics, they're live cultures, and they're higher doses. When the problem is in the GI system itself, many are finding that higher doses are more effective. I would recommend purchasing Nexabiotic. This has quite a number of different strains in it. I use 1/2 capsule 2x a day. In fact, I alternate between that and an L. acidophilus supplement, Natural Factors Double-strength Acidophilus+Bifidus supplement, that I combine with Nutricology S. boulardii. I use 1/2 a capsule of the Natural Factors 2x a day along with 1/2 a capsule of the Nutricology S. boulardii. I just alternative days with the Nexabiotic and the other two.

Another supplement with proven anti-cancer properties (so far colorectal cancer and lung cancer) is bovine lactoferrin. This actually works with the probiotics. I use Jarrow brand (I confirmed with the company that the lactoferrin is bovine). It is 250mg, and I give 1/2 a capsule 2x a day.

All of these things I just sprinkle on their food.

I also transitioned to a raw diet when Lazlo was in chemo. Carbs feed cancer, so I wanted to feed the freshest, highest quality diet with the least amount of processing or preservatives or fillers that I could. At the very least, please feed a wet food only diet if your boy likes wet food, and use Dr. Pierson's list to identify the lowest carb foods: http://www.catinfo.org/?link=cannedfoods

There is a link to the list in the article. To identify low-carb foods, use the center column. There the information is presented on a dry matter basis - you're looking for high protein, low carb foods.

I did have to syringe feed Lazlo. I did not let him go a day without all the nutrition he needed to maintain his healthy weight - and we got there.

Many vibes for you and your boy!

I think you are right about the nausea. He's had the stimulant for about a week now. Unlike most i've seen the alternate vet i had to see prescribed once a day. He hasn't really had an appetite except one day. Now he just turns away from any food I offer him. He hasn't vomited yet, so that's a good sign. But I see my vet monday thank goodness, I'm gonna talk more to him. I don't like the alternate vet. She's really clinical and she kept saying "he has cancer". Duh! Like that meant sorry there's nothing you can do. Ugh! Can't wait to see my vet. lol

Well guys, unfortunately Mickey was a little too past the saving point. He got a lot worse, and lost more weight. I had to put him down 2 weeks ago. I just couldn't write about it until then. It was the best for him even though it kills me. But i'm glad he's not suffering anymore. Thank you everyone for your support and advice. It was really great and comforting. Hope everyone else's babies are doing great.

Brooke83 said:

 
Well guys, unfortunately Mickey was a little too past the saving point. He got a lot worse, and lost more weight. I had to put him down 2 weeks ago. I just couldn't write about it until then. It was the best for him even though it kills me. But i'm glad he's not suffering anymore. Thank you everyone for your support and advice. It was really great and comforting. Hope everyone else's babies are doing great.

Click to expand...

I'm so sorry   The greatest love we can give them is letting them go

Run free at the bridge, Mickey

We are losing the battle with lymphoma for Daisy. I feel your pain and am so very sorry for your loss.


And God asked the feline spirit - Are you ready to come home?

Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul. And, as a cat, you know I am most able to decide anything for myself.

Are you coming then? asked God.

Soon, replied the whiskered angel. But I must come slowly. For my human friends are troubled. For you see, they need me, quite certainly.

But don't they understand? asked God. That you will never leave them? That your souls are intertwined for all eternity? That nothing that is created is destroyed? It just is....forever and ever and ever.

Eventually they will understand, replied the glorious cat. For I will whisper into their hearts that I am always with them. I just am....forever and ever and ever.

   Hi,

I am happy to hear your cat is feeling better.       My five almost 6 yr. old was just diagnosed and beginning treatment.   I am researching (he is on 2 med.s.)   Prednisone every day and chlorambucil every 3 days.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Hugs sent to you and your cat.  

spoon

Brooke83,

I am an idiot.  I didn't read thru the whole discussion and was excited about your cat feeling better.  

I don't know how to erase this.  I am so sorry.