Multiple myeloma

Hi I am new to the site . My 14 yr old cat Vito has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma . The treatment is chemotherapy . I'm not sure what to do ? Will my cat get sick from chemo ? Is it worth it ? Should I just let him live his life until he gets sick ...he is acting fine now ....back in October he showed signs ( very lethargic) my vet gave him a steroid shot ...he got better for 3 months ....he had another steroid shot in Jan & April .....he took more blood ...the levels of protein ate going up higher ....my choices are : chemotherapy or steroid injections until he gets very sick
Does anyone have any information or exoerience with feline multiple myeloma ?
Any info would be appreciated
Thank you ,
Lisa

Welcome to the site. I'm just sorry for the circumstances that brought you here

Cats can handle chemo much better than humans, typically.  I found this article about cats and multiple myeloma, and it states that chemo works very well for this type of cancer.  You might find it helpful:  http://manhattancats.com/Articles/multiple_myeloma.htm

Did your Vet refer you to an oncologist yet?  I would suggest that at the very minimum you meet with one and discuss Vito's options.  They should be able to tell you whether or not he is a good candidate for chemo, what his chances are for recovery, survival rates, etc.  Then at least you can make a well informed decision about what to do

Thank you for the advice ... My vet spoke to an oncologist & offered to do the chemo treatment ... I'm torn .... Maybe I should go for s second opinion

Second opinions are never a bad option.  That being said,  isn't the oncologist kind of a "second opinion", or are you saying your VET would do the chemo, not the oncologist?

Do you know HOW your Vet diagnosed the myeloma?  That article I shared with you discusses diagnosis, if that helps at all. 

Yes my vet would do the chemo ....I love my vet ...I have been bringing animals to him since I was a kid ...he is very experienced .....he took blood & urine several times ....there is protein on the urine & globulins are high in the blood ...
He told me cars can go onto remission , but it will probably come back ... He said chemo can have dude effects and make Vito sick ....he will do anything I choose .... I just don't wNt yo decide on chemo & he gets sicker ....it's a hard decision to make

I also have another cat Bruno
He has diabetes ....chronic pancreatitis & asthma

My poor guys

Yes, chemo CAN make him sick...for a short time, but it's not usually nearly as bad with cats as it is with humans.  And, naturally, their are other meds they can take (like humans) for any nausea they might have.  There have been many cats here on TCS who have had chemo for different cancers, and mos have done ok.  Of course, I guess there are different kinds of chemo, and have no idea which one your Vet would be giving.

AND,yes, it probably will come back eventually.  But, per that article, most cats gain an additional 18 60 24 months, and some more than that.  

What is your Vet advising?  And what is your heart telling you?  You and only you know your cat best.  What do you think HE would want?  Is he a fighter?  Does he love life?  I have two cats right now, one is the happiest cat I've ever known.  If he got something like this, I think he would want us to try everything we could to save him.  Then again, there is our other cat, whose always seems a little depressed.  Even as a kitten it was hard to get him to play .  He just seems kind of "resigned" to his lot in life .   I honestly don't think HE would want us to put him thru any "heroic" measures.  (but I'd probably try anyway, and see how bad it made him feel...if it was awful for him, then I'd stop)

My vet is leaving the decision up to me ... I found Vito 11 years ago ... He came to my doorstep & that was it .. He was in the house ... He is kind of a scaredy cat .. Hates going to the vet .. Hard to give a pill .. He gets traumatized easily .... Runs away from me after a vet visit because he thinks I'm going to take him again ..... I have read some articles saying that chemo is successful and others saying that I made the cats very sick .... Is there anywhere on the site that I can find people that have given their cats chemo ?..... One minute I am saying to myself just let him be and live his life out and the next minute I am thinking about the chemo .,,,, I am still very torn ... I don't want to start the chemo and him get really sick and not eat and lose weight and then have to put them down ..... Right now he still acting normal
Thanks
Lisa

This is Vito.

Awe...he reminds me of my Sven .  Very handsome little man.

OK, here is a thread about one specific kind of chemo...don't  know if this is the one Vito would be given or not.  This thread has good AND bad, so I think it's a good one to read.  It also discusses prices and places to purchase the chemo, and ways of giving it (pill form vs liquid, etc.)  Plus compounding some of the other meds into transdermal gels, etc.  ALL possible options for you if you decide to go ahead.  After reading, you may decide NOT to.  As I mentioned above, you know your cat best and really have to make that decision based on that. http://www.thecatsite.com/t/215863/leukeran-side-effects/30

Naturally your Vet is leaving the decision up to you, but isn't he telling you anything?  I know this is pretty rare, but is he telling you Vito's chances of extended lifespan?  How long, etc.  Did you ask him what would he do if it was his cat?  I always ask that question of my Vet, because I know my Vet owns cats herself   (not all do...many are dog people (only))

Thank you for the link .. I'm going g to read it ... My vet said he can go into remission but it will come back .. He didn't give me a timeline ... I asked if he will due in a couple of months & he said no

I wanted To give an update on Vito .... We have decided to do the chemo therapy it is called the chop protocol ... He will get the chemo for four weeks straight ( 1xaweek ) along with the daily prednisone pill ... Then chemo is reduced once every three weeks and we will see how he does .... There can be a side effect of the chemo like vomiting and loss of appetite ... I hope you does OK

I'm glad you're going to give it a try.  If it doesn't work out well for him, you can always stop it. 

Remember, there are drugs to counter most side effects, like nausea and loss of appetite.  Sometimes those work quite well.  It really just depends on the cat.  Hopefully Vito will tolerate his chemo very well.  Do keep us posted.

Thank you

I wanted to give it update on Vito ... He has had to chemotherapy sessions and is on prednisones and so far he is OK acting normal so far .. I'm gkad we decided to start chemo ... And his globulins are down in his blood

Wonderful   I'm so glad the chemo isn't affecting him adversely    How many more sessions does he have?

He has had 2 so far ....he will get it 4 weeks in a row ....then I think every 3 weeks ...he is a tiny bit nauseous ..I think ..the vet gave him cerenia....I am becoming a cat nurse ....Vito has the cancer and my other cat Bruno has diabetes , asthma & chronic pancreatitis....he gets insulin , cerenia shot , enzymes& inhaler

That's good to hear that Vito is doing OK with the chemo. I hope he continues to improve. At least you're giving him a good shot at recovery.

Thank you everyone ! ...I will keep you updated on his condition .

Good news vitinis in remission after 4 chemotherapy sessions ... His globulins & proteins are normal range in his blood
He will now go every 3 weeks for chemo to maintain
He is having some side effects now ... Loss of appetite.. Tiredness...
I'm hoping he bounces back to normal
Thanks
Lisa

Sounds like he's doing OK. I hope his appetite perks up, although it's not at all surprising for him to be tired and not very hungry poor wee guy.