Managing Symptoms Of Lymphoma

Ravensong

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Silk was diagnosed with lymphoma mid-late July and has been going through chemo. Her last med was Adriamycin. She continues to have diarrhea, although right now it's not as bad as it has been. It was controlled on Cytoxan, but she got pneumonia and after the last chemo, it was back to full-force like it was before diagnosis.

I've been putting down sheets and puppy training pads because she only occasionally will use the litter box (and always pees on the floor). Sometimes it's an accident, but I've seen her pee all over the place, very deliberately.

I put a litter box where she was going and, again, she only uses it sometimes. She won't use the other two at all. At least she hasn't gone directly on the floor for awhile.

I'm frustrated enough with the diarrhea (but willing to do whatever I need to), but poop on the floor is making me crazy.

I've been feeding her a fish-flavored food (because she will eat it), but I'm wondering if it will help to switch to a higher protein? Duck is probably my only option; she doesn't like it, but will absolutely not eat anything else.

Anybody have a similar experience and/or suggestions for managing this?
 

mrsgreenjeens

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What does her oncologist say about the diarrhea? Is the Lymphoma in remission? You said she had her last chemo, that's why I ask. Or did I missinterpret what you said? (always a possibility) Did she have the urination issue before she got ill, or is that a totally new behavior. I'm not exactly sure what do advise you here, because I really think you need to discuss what's happening here with your Vet(s), including a change in diet, if necessary. I would think the main goal right now is to maintain a good weight, so not sure switching her foods is a good idea, but if her Vet thinks food could be upsetting her digestive tract, then it may have to happen. I'm guessing a biopsy was done to validate the Lymphoma diagnosis? I know that's a silly question, but cats with IBD often present the same symptoms, and a change of food usually is recommended in those instances. Exactly what food are you feeding her. Would she be amenable to switching to a highly digestible fish flavored wet food? I have no idea if perhaps she's already eating one, but would say that would be best, if she insists on a fish only diet. Something without a lot of carbs

If the urinating all over the place is new, then it's quite possible she has a UTI, possibly brought on by stress of extra office visits for her chemo, etc. Has she been checked?
 

fionasmom

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I have had two cats with lymphoma, one now and one years ago. First one had chemo and this one will not due to massive issues handling her...basically an inside feral, but we have been doing pred. Both had/have diarrhea and in the case of the first boy it was not that well controlled BUT he resigned himself to using a single litter box with a very large drop cloth under it as he believed that if his feet touched the litter he was in the box enough to relieve himself. Neither cat had an issue with urination. I second that the oncologist or other vet needs to be on board with helping you with this. Can you request any meds that specifically will deal with the diarrhea? I also wonder about a UTI.

I know that this is completely stressful and upsetting for both of you.
 
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Ravensong

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Thanks, mrsgreenjeans and fionasmom!
I see him tomorrow and definitely will talk to him/them about both the urinating and the diarrhea. She's on Flagyl for the diarrhea and it has helped...most of her stools are pasty with solid stool. She's been peeing on the floor for a long while - since she started chemo, I think.

She was diagnosed by endoscopy and the vet told me to feed her whatever she wanted because she wouldn't eat the first Rx food (and lost weight) and threw up on the second. She's currently on Fancy Feast ocean whitefish and their cod and sole.
 
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Ravensong

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It's been a long time since I was last here. I've been emotionally and physically exhausted these past few months, although I'm having many more good days than bad now.

Silk is still around - she gets chemo every 2-3 weeks and has had varying reactions: sometimes she does really, really well and at others not so much. This past chemo was really hard on her. Constant diarrhea, vomiting twice a day, lethargy. She lost a bunch of weight. So they postponed what she was supposed to have this week for another two. She seems some better; stools are bulkier and she is vomiting less.

Taking it day-by-day.
 

fionasmom

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Thank you for the update; the meds can be hard on them but you are doing a wonderful job of helping Silk with this.
 
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Ravensong

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I wanted to post another update on Silk. We are 9 months into this and she is doing pretty well. She eats, pees, poops (ok, it's usually diarrhea, but I've just learned that's going to be a given), and plays. Most of the time she doesn't look like she feels bad; she seems happy. I am so glad I continued to support her in this. Her quality of life is good right now.
 

mrsgreenjeens

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That's great that she seems to feel good and seems happy. And how are YOU doing ? You were pretty stressed out earlier this year, understandably :alright:.

Thanks for the update.
 
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