Geoffrey Small Cell Lymphoma

tarasgirl06

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I spoke with the covering IMVet.. Gave her a brief history. She said as long as Geoffrey is eating, drinking, peeing, pooping, IfShe feels he is stable enough to wait until Tomorrow-- to see Dr B's associate (student) or Wednesday--when Dr B is back.
She said if any of this changes, or he starts vomiting, or he looks worse.. to go to ER.
Right now they are slammed. I asked If I should call before coming in.. She said that may be a good idea, because sometimes they divert to other ERs..

It would, by avoiding all the closed off roads take me as long to get to Main Angell as it would to get to the Satellite Angell..

Geoffrey did poop, and pee, and came out for nibbles..
Definitely going to get up early, dressed, call and email Dr B's secretary tomorrow. J will be right on top of this.. I trust her immensely..

Still watching him like a hawk..

The covering IMVEt was really nice, kind, understanding.. She is sending Dr Brum and J a note about this..
His normal eating, drinking and elimination are GOOD signs, and the good vet is another plus.
What I'd say is to not borrow trouble. See what tomorrow brings, and in the meantime, may Geoffrey decide he'll trust you for a snorgle today. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes: :redheartpump: :redcat: :redheartpump: :hugs: :hangin:
 
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artiemom

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Got a phone call from Dr B. He called me from home, just before 7am!! He is not working today.
You could tell he just woke up. He read my email and the notes from the On Call IMVet. He was much nicer. Said I was that he could not tell from the pictures. He said, "You are worried. Let's just get a blood test and see"..
Just waiting for a time, when his Vet tech will be able to squeeze him in. and wait from there.
 

tarasgirl06

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Got a phone call from Dr B. He called me from home, just before 7am!! He is not working today.
You could tell he just woke up. He read my email and the notes from the On Call IMVet. He was much nicer. Said I was that he could not tell from the pictures. He said, "You are worried. Let's just get a blood test and see"..
Just waiting for a time, when his Vet tech will be able to squeeze him in. and wait from there.
MUCH better. Even professionals are only human. *PRAYERS* for a good blood test, done quickly. Hoping Geoffrey will come in for some love very soon, understanding that you are helping him and that sometimes that can be stressful, but that it is necessary and caring. :vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::vibes::redheartpump: :redcat: :redheartpump: :vibes::hugs:
 
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artiemom

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Well, I think Geoffrey is proving me to be a liar. He has done a 100% turnaround from this weekend. Ate a ton of canned food-- almost 2/3 of 5 oz can! and nibbled on kibble.
I have not seen him this alert in over a week! He is active! He is talking! His gums are pink and his ears are a normal color!

I gave him chemo this morning and the pred.

Geoffrey is so active that he was literally trying to get out of his carrier when I put him in! disrupted the towel in there!
He never acted that way, before.

The Vet tech is so kind. She said he is going through a lot. She even trimmed his nails for me! .I showed her the pictures and explained things to her. She was understanding.

The blood test results should be in this afternoon. She said that Dr B will probably call me.. even though he is not in.
Or he could wait until tomorrow.

I really cannot understand this cat.. I really cannot..
 
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tarasgirl06

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Well, I think Geoffrey is proving me to be a liar. He has done a 100% turnaround from this weekend. Ate a ton of canned food-- almost 2/3 of 5 oz can! and nibbled on kibble.
I have not seen him this alert in over a week! He is active! He is talking! His gums are pink and his ears are a normal color!

I gave him chemo this morning and the pred.

Geoffrey is so active that he was literally trying to get out of his carrier when I put him in! disrupted the towel in there!
He never acted that way, before.

The Vet tech is so kind. She said he is going through a lot. She even trimmed his nails for me! .I showed her the pictures and explained things to her. She was understanding.

The blood test results should be in this afternoon. She said that Dr B will probably call me.. even though he is not in.
Or he could wait until tomorrow.

I really cannot understand this cat.. I really cannot..
Well, yes, Cindy, you want to understand, so you can give him the best care, right? But very, very glad for you and Geoffrey that he is doing so well today! and praying and hoping that the test results are good, or constructive, and/or informative, ones! Hoping they come soon so you can have a good afternoon/evening. SNORGLES on Geoffrey from me...if he'll accept them, that is!
 
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artiemom

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Ok--Heard that the blood test results are 'normal". I got the report; there were several things flagged, as in being a bit low on the CBC. I had to ask about that. As previously working, in a medical field where I had to interpret patients charts, and such; I asked what they meant. (My gut feeling was a mild anemia--so how could things be ok?)

Just got a call back from IMVet.. It was explained that G has mild anemia, and they will be keeping an eye on it; another CBC in a month.. and to schedule an appointment with him.

He was so nice on the phone.
Now, I understand things better..
 

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If he has mild anemia he may need an iron supplement. Kabby had mild anemia once and I gave him some iron to help getting blood back up. Ask the vet first though too much iron isn't good either.

If your cat hasn't been able to keep his food down this is probably the reason for the anemia.
 

tarasgirl06

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Ok--Heard that the blood test results are 'normal". I got the report; there were several things flagged, as in being a bit low on the CBC. I had to ask about that. As previously working, in a medical field where I had to interpret patients charts, and such; I asked what they meant. (My gut feeling was a mild anemia--so how could things be ok?)

Just got a call back from IMVet.. It was explained that G has mild anemia, and they will be keeping an eye on it; another CBC in a month.. and to schedule an appointment with him.

He was so nice on the phone.
Now, I understand things better..
I have had anemia in the past and supplementing my diet with deep green vegetables and multivitamins has ultimately helped. Geoffrey's care team should be able to suggest ways to alleviate his anemia, as well.
 

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I've been reading and reading, trying to catch up on what I've missed about Geoffrey since being on vacation. Cindy, you are remarkable! :hugs: Yes, you have been through a lot - yes, you have every right to worry and it brings back memories of Artie - yes, you are tired, frustrated and depressed BUT you are the very best advocate for Geoffrey.:hearthrob: It's only normal that he is afraid because he doesn't always understand you are trying to help him. Carleton is the same way with his meds so I talk baby talk to him. My husband thinks I'm off my rocker sometimes but so what. We all do what we think is best and comforting for our cats.:catlove:

I'm glad you heard back from the IMvet and that he was not only nice but explained things more clearly to you. Fingers and paws crossed for dear, sweet Geoffrey. :crossfingers: :bluepaw:
 

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Oh my. Lots of ups and downs but you have handled everything beautifully in spite of the stress you must feel. With all the times Geoffrey has thrown up, been slow to eat and been off the food you prefer him to eat, I am not surprised at things being slightly off. I have Whistle who was deeply anemic as a kitten and I managed to get him to eat the Gerber all meat baby food by slightly warming it up. I really think that is what carried him through much of the time. He made a full recovery which was amazing. My boy Mackie is Felv and is sometimes a little off. He is nearly 16 now. Although I don’t make a habit of this, when he is low, the vet has me cook some red meat for him. When he needs it, he loves it. The rest of the time he ignores it. Cats are pretty good about eating what their body craves but also what it can tolerate or not.
Recently I had to be given a cancer drug myself. It made me totally exhausted. I just wanted to lay there. The drug did work. My energy has been much better lately. I can tell you that I was very pale while on the meds. Maybe I was a bit anemic too but it didn’t occur to me. My color is back now that I am off that medicine. If Geoffrey just walks away, maybe he just feels like I did and laying around somewhere quiet actually feels good!
I guess you know that , besides being caregiver to the kitties, I also was caregiver to my daughter before she passed. Ups and downs constantly and it is stressful without our even realizing how much it takes. Of course we know if we are tired or tense but being focused on the issue at hand we forget ourselves. Every once in awhile I took a moment or a few hours to just go and talk to a neighbor, go for a walk or just shut myself in for a long warm bath and some music or whatever seemed relaxing at the time. I think that your neighbor had an excellent idea. Meeting a few others there would be a nice break from being so totally focused. There is nothing wrong with some rest and recovery time because you return refreshed, renewed and ready. It can help Geoffrey as much as it helps you because you return feeling lifted up. I hope you can take small breaks and maybe make some very nice new friends there. We will always be waiting here for you. Sending purrs to Geoffrey and lots of love to you both.
 
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artiemom

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Thank you all, for your support and kind comments.
Geoffrey is still calling me a liar.. I looked at his gums this morning, while giving him his steroid. They are pinkier !

While he is still not 100% back to normal, he is about 90%. He has not played since his scope. He is ignoring his favorite catnip toys. That is worrisome to me, because he loved his mustache and pickle.
But he is cuddling, all night.... and is talking--not as much as normal, but he is talking.

I made myself a tuna sandwich, for supper. It was unsalted canned tuna.. Geoffrey was all over me. I had to drain the juice, into a bowl, and give him some tuna. He ate it all!

Going to try to take it easy today.. but I do need some groceries and some stuff at drug store. And reds taff is playing bocce at noon. The physical ed instructor asked me to come out and help/watch them. So the is what I planning on doing at noon, with an iced coffee.. or iced green tea lemonade.. my own.. I do enjoy watching them. They are such a good time.. teasing each other, supporting each other.. it is fun!
 

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While he is still not 100% back to normal, he is about 90%.
As long as you are seeing an improvement it is encouraging and brings hope for Geoffie and you. 🤗

Going to try to take it easy today. And reds taff is playing bocce at noon. The physical ed instructor asked me to come out and help/watch them. So the is what I planning on doing at noon, with an iced coffee. it is fun!
Glad to hear you will take it easy today and enjoy watching a bocce game - sounds like an excellent plan! :thumbsup:
 

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Thank you all, for your support and kind comments.
Geoffrey is still calling me a liar.. I looked at his gums this morning, while giving him his steroid. They are pinkier !

While he is still not 100% back to normal, he is about 90%. He has not played since his scope. He is ignoring his favorite catnip toys. That is worrisome to me, because he loved his mustache and pickle.
But he is cuddling, all night.... and is talking--not as much as normal, but he is talking.

I made myself a tuna sandwich, for supper. It was unsalted canned tuna.. Geoffrey was all over me. I had to drain the juice, into a bowl, and give him some tuna. He ate it all!

Going to try to take it easy today.. but I do need some groceries and some stuff at drug store. And reds taff is playing bocce at noon. The physical ed instructor asked me to come out and help/watch them. So the is what I planning on doing at noon, with an iced coffee.. or iced green tea lemonade.. my own.. I do enjoy watching them. They are such a good time.. teasing each other, supporting each other.. it is fun!
I do that with the tuna, too. Baby Su loved it. Elvis, not so much. I keep telling him he's a CAT and that cats love tuna. He cares not one whit.
So glad to hear Geoffrey is feeling better, pinkier of gum, and hopefully getting closer to reacquainting himself with his mustache and pickle. Do you have any silvervine? That just may do the trick. If not, may I suggest a look at Cloud Nine Silver Vine - Medium. Elvis goes absolutely nutzoid over it. A tiny pinch sends him into orbit.
Hoping you enjoy the bocce! and have a good day.:redheartpump::redcat::redheartpump::hugs:
 
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artiemom

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Geoffrey went over to smell his catnip mustache!! and is not sniffing his catnip pickle.. Oh, just let them... Now just walking around, going back to my bedroom.. Just have give his steroid, along with a miralax/water syringe filled chaser...

He is not pooping.. constipated.. ugh... laxatone, later for him...
 

tarasgirl06

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Geoffrey went over to smell his catnip mustache!! and is not sniffing his catnip pickle.. Oh, just let them... Now just walking around, going back to my bedroom.. Just have give his steroid, along with a miralax/water syringe filled chaser...

He is not pooping.. constipated.. ugh... laxatone, later for him...
Interest in the mustache? A good sign. ;):redheartpump::redcat::redheartpump::hugs:
 
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artiemom

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Just wanted to give you a picture of Geoffrey with his pickle.. While he is still not in 'play ' mode, I did take out a Yeow 'stinky' fish for him. He did like that. Attention span not very long..
Last night, I caught him with his 'pickle'... I had to grab a picture..

All in all, he is doing ok... Still a bit pale, and sometimes a bit cold, but better. He is eating like a little piggy... peeing a lot, has gained weight (steroid), is cuddling at night with me.. and for a nap during the day. He seems restless on Chemo days.

He still loves getting brushed.. sessions not as long--restless... still does his 'new' plopping on the rug.. He has been talking a bit more..

He is having a tendency towards constipation, with hard small stools.. Usually a few days of laxatone helps, but I also gave him some miralax, twice a day, over the weekend. I syringed it in him, after his pred capsule. This weekend, I had to give both the laxatone and miralax.. much more normal today. I will continue and see what tomorrow's stool looks like.
09EA7F0D-C038-41EB-861D-A69A15308D72.jpeg


All in all, I would say he is 90-95% back to normal.
Still doing chemo every other day. Steroid twice a day.
 

tarasgirl06

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Just wanted to give you a picture of Geoffrey with his pickle.. While he is still not in 'play ' mode, I did take out a Yeow 'stinky' fish for him. He did like that. Attention span not very long..
Last night, I caught him with his 'pickle'... I had to grab a picture..

All in all, he is doing ok... Still a bit pale, and sometimes a bit cold, but better. He is eating like a little piggy... peeing a lot, has gained weight (steroid), is cuddling at night with me.. and for a nap during the day. He seems restless on Chemo days.

He still loves getting brushed.. sessions not as long--restless... still does his 'new' plopping on the rug.. He has been talking a bit more..

He is having a tendency towards constipation, with hard small stools.. Usually a few days of laxatone helps, but I also gave him some miralax, twice a day, over the weekend. I syringed it in him, after his pred capsule. This weekend, I had to give both the laxatone and miralax.. much more normal today. I will continue and see what tomorrow's stool looks like. View attachment 425891

All in all, I would say he is 90-95% back to normal.
Still doing chemo every other day. Steroid twice a day.
What a sweet face! And holding his pickle. "MY pickle!":redheartpump::redcat::redheartpump::heartshape::cheerleader:Keep up the good work, Cindy! Geoffrey is such a handsome mancatto.
 

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Would digestive enzymes help with the poop? I started using it for the cats and have noticed an improvement. Emma no longer needs Miralax. Leroy's soft poop issue was resolved before his pred dose was increased. Dr. B knows which one I use but of course run it by him if you want to give it a try.
 
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artiemom

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Would digestive enzymes help with the poop? I started using it for the cats and have noticed an improvement. Emma no longer needs Miralax. Leroy's soft poop issue was resolved before his pred dose was increased. Dr. B knows which one I use but of course run it by him if you want to give it a try.
I am not sure.. When he was on Doxycycline, I picked up some Proviable DC. Dr B was on a long weekend , so I was on my own. His stools were progressively getting softer and softer. I stopped the probiotic when he discontinued the Doxy. His stools went back to his normal.
Dr B is out this week.

I think or at least in my personal experience, probiotics are good for soft stools, more than for harder stools. I will ask him.
 
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