Things have been rough lately for Feeby (18+ yo) and me. Back in June, she was diagnosed with SCL, based on a PARR assay/FNA on her lymph nodes in her intestinal area. No thickening of her intestinal wall, and as of that time her only 'real' symptoms were lethargy and lack of appetite. (She had two previous ultrasounds, with enlarged lymph nodes appearing in the one done in December, but not the one done August 2021.)
She is being treated for hyperthyroidism and has CKD (Stage 2-3), along with arthritis. Her stool is always normal, and until a few days ago it was a rare event for her to vomit. Peeing has been pretty much consistent over the course of the past few years. Because her other conditions can cause lack of appetite, she has been on Mirataz for months, with good results for the most part.
The oncologist said she didn't see a need to rush right into Pred and chemo, due to her lack of symptoms, and even proposed a gradual phase in of the former, with a later determination to add chemo. She did want her tested for B-12 and Feeby is deficient, so has been getting weekly injections - today will be her 6th.
Since this past weekend, her eating has been down, and she will only eat a bite or two at a time - it doesn't seem to pick up much with Mirataz. Then, Feeby threw up 3 times on Sunday, and again once 26 hours later. She was vomit free until late last night about 20 minutes after eating some baby food meat. It was the first time she ate more at one time since a week ago, so I am thinking she threw up from eating too fast. I could hear her stomach 'gurgling' right before she threw up. Heard that a few times before but it never resulted in vomiting.
I contacted her regular vet and the oncologist on Tuesday. I have not heard back from the oncologist yet. The regular vet wanted to know what the oncologist thought before reacting to Feeby's recent changes. I think the regular vet would like to know if the oncologist thinks these changes are more likely due to the lymphoma than Feeby's other conditions. We are however going to add ondansetron to Feeby's meds for nausea.
I have 'promoted' steroids and chemo to other members on this site, but I have not yet been able to get myself over the hurdle to follow through on my own cat. Now that I am guessing this is where we might need to head, I can't even get the oncologist to talk to me. And I am not even sure if I can have the regular vet pursue this line of treatment without the aid of the oncologist. It doesn't help that the regular vet is the 3rd change for Feeby in the past 1 1/2 years - long story behind that one, but a point I need to make because maybe it is skewing my thoughts.
Did any of you have hesitations before proceeding with Pred and chemo? If so, what was the defining moment(s) to make you move forward? I am really struggling with this. I am happy to answer any questions. Thanks.
She is being treated for hyperthyroidism and has CKD (Stage 2-3), along with arthritis. Her stool is always normal, and until a few days ago it was a rare event for her to vomit. Peeing has been pretty much consistent over the course of the past few years. Because her other conditions can cause lack of appetite, she has been on Mirataz for months, with good results for the most part.
The oncologist said she didn't see a need to rush right into Pred and chemo, due to her lack of symptoms, and even proposed a gradual phase in of the former, with a later determination to add chemo. She did want her tested for B-12 and Feeby is deficient, so has been getting weekly injections - today will be her 6th.
Since this past weekend, her eating has been down, and she will only eat a bite or two at a time - it doesn't seem to pick up much with Mirataz. Then, Feeby threw up 3 times on Sunday, and again once 26 hours later. She was vomit free until late last night about 20 minutes after eating some baby food meat. It was the first time she ate more at one time since a week ago, so I am thinking she threw up from eating too fast. I could hear her stomach 'gurgling' right before she threw up. Heard that a few times before but it never resulted in vomiting.
I contacted her regular vet and the oncologist on Tuesday. I have not heard back from the oncologist yet. The regular vet wanted to know what the oncologist thought before reacting to Feeby's recent changes. I think the regular vet would like to know if the oncologist thinks these changes are more likely due to the lymphoma than Feeby's other conditions. We are however going to add ondansetron to Feeby's meds for nausea.
I have 'promoted' steroids and chemo to other members on this site, but I have not yet been able to get myself over the hurdle to follow through on my own cat. Now that I am guessing this is where we might need to head, I can't even get the oncologist to talk to me. And I am not even sure if I can have the regular vet pursue this line of treatment without the aid of the oncologist. It doesn't help that the regular vet is the 3rd change for Feeby in the past 1 1/2 years - long story behind that one, but a point I need to make because maybe it is skewing my thoughts.
Did any of you have hesitations before proceeding with Pred and chemo? If so, what was the defining moment(s) to make you move forward? I am really struggling with this. I am happy to answer any questions. Thanks.
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