Small Cell Lymphoma With Masses - Any Experience W/resection Surgery, Chemo, Holistic Treatment?

ALFR

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Hi friends - I am hoping you can help guide me in my search to do the right thing by my feline soulmate, Greystone. He is a 13 year-old (age estimated -- he's a former stray), FIV+ domestic shorthair who has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, with masses in his small intestine.

On 2/10, I'd taken him to an emergency vet suspecting a resurgence of uterine crystals. They did find a few, Greystone was treated, and he improved.

However, over the past couple of weeks, he ate less and less, began hiding, wasn't himself. On Saturday, an ultrasound by an internist revealed masses in the small intestine, which the internist said looked very aggressive and probably cancerous. Monday's cytology report confirmed small cell lymphoma - a less aggressive variety. Still, the internist indicated that time was of the essence and advised immediate surgery to resect the small intestine, after which, the resected tissue could be extensively analyzed and specific chemotherapy protocol determined.

I had a consultation with the surgeon yesterday and I liked her a lot, but the idea of putting my beautiful boy through the gauntlet of surgery and possible chemo, with a suggested feeding tube, hurts my heart. I am trying so hard to listen to what HE wants. Because I know that if we're going to fight this thing, he's got to want to fight.

I've been up all night trying to learn everything I can online. The surgeon advised the insertion of a feeding tube, which she says is just a suggestion, but an advisable precaution, since meds can be difficult to administer, and the tube must be inserted under anesthesia. The tube can be removed quickly and easily - it may not even be necessary and we can remove it sooner rather than later. He can still eat normally with it in place.

Online case studies are all over the place: some do surgery and chemo and get another year or two, or four, or less. Some proclaim miracle cures from holistic healing. Universally, if left untreated, the cat dies very quickly. Right now, Greystone seems OK. He is eating well and seems more like himself. But even though cytology indicated that he has the less aggressive small cell lymphoma, there's no way to know for sure unless resected tissue from surgery is analyzed. Treatment must be initiated quickly if he is to have a chance of fighting it.

Right now, like I said, my guy seems OK, but last week, he was very uncomfortable. He was holding himself in a tense way, his breathing was shallow, and he was hiding. He has lost about a pound over the last month. He's been unable to produce bowel movements unless I give him Laxatone, and in the last few days, those bowel movements were very odd in shape: like a flat mushroom or a manta ray. At his most uncomfortable, I became concerned that I would find him in crisis when I awoke from sleep. It makes logical sense that a mass that is creating blockage in his small intestine should be removed right away in order to allow for functionality of the digestive system and to minimize his discomfort. Without the removal of the seriously affected area, he may swiftly be in pain. I am concerned that we don't have time to shrink these considerable masses through holistic means and keep him out of suffering. Western veterinarians advise resection surgery ASAP, then chemo. I could do holistic remedies instead of or in addition to chemo. I need to do more research.

The surgeon kindly called me about an hour ago in response to a message I left in the middle of the night and clarified that the cytology report had indeed showed small cell lymphoma. She said that cats with this condition generally respond quite well to treatment, and can live another two years or more. I was supposed to call her back 15 minutes ago to maintain his position on today's roster. I could reschedule him to Monday. Though that is a busier day for the surgeon, it would give me the opportunity to do more research, and also to keep an appointment with a veterinary oncologist that I had made for this Friday morning.

For the last hour, I have been meditating and asking Greystone what he wants. I am doing my best to listen deeply. Having a difficult time getting what seems like HIS answer. Continuing to try.

Has anyone been through anything like this? I want to do everything I can for him, but only if he wants it. Hungry for insight, especially from those experienced with a lymphoma diagnosis.

Thank you for reading and for caring. I've noticed that this is a very kind forum and it gives me hope for the world.

Wishing you and your feline treasures peace and wellness.
 

FeebysOwner

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Hi. So sorry to hear about Greystone's lymphoma. I don't have any experience with this, but I have read so many threads on this site about those who do. I hope some of them will see this post soon and offer some of their first hand insights. Some times, it takes a while for members to log on and get through numerous posts, so please be patient and check back frequently for responses.

In the meantime, here is a link to a Yahoo group you might wan to join that specifically addresses feline lymphoma.

Yahoo! Groups

If you want you can also do a search on this site for previous threads about lymphoma and what some of the members have discussed/done. Just click on the search button and type in the search field "lymphoma" and/or "intestinal lymphoma".
 

Furballsmom

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Timmer

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I'm very sorry you are going through this and my heart goes out to you. My Timmer passed away over a year ago from lymphoma/IBD. I had him on chemo for a short period of time. I used to ball my eyes out whenever I gave it to him. I would think "I'm not sure I would give this to myself...why am I giving it to him?" I can still see his trusting face as I gave it to him. He was so good and always took his meds and never got mad at me. He only had a few doses and it wasn't doing anything for him. I'm told chemo takes awhile to kick in and he didn't have months to wait. I decided to let him go. He was the love of my life. He really was. I wouldn't have put him through surgery. He was in a tremendous amount of pain and I couldn't do anything about it.
Really think long and hard about your decision. I know you are. I know you care about your sweetheart. My heart is aching for you because I've been in your shoes to a certain extent.
I hope you find someone that really can provide you with answers. I'm just telling you my experience.
 
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ALFR

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I'm very sorry you are going through this and my heart goes out to you. My Timmer passed away over a year ago from lymphoma/IBD. I had him on chemo for a short period of time. I used to ball my eyes out whenever I gave it to him. I would think "I'm not sure I would give this to myself...why am I giving it to him?" I can still see his trusting face as I gave it to him. He was so good and always took his meds and never got mad at me. He only had a few doses and it wasn't doing anything for him. I'm told chemo takes awhile to kick in and he didn't have months to wait. I decided to let him go. He was the love of my life. He really was. I wouldn't have put him through surgery. He was in a tremendous amount of pain and I couldn't do anything about it.
Really think long and hard about your decision. I know you are. I know you care about your sweetheart. My heart is aching for you because I've been in your shoes to a certain extent.
I hope you find someone that really can provide you with answers. I'm just telling you my experience.

I feel the ache in your words and my heart breaks for you. I know just what you mean about Timmer's trusting face. As the guardian of his care, you are incredibly brave and unselfish to prioritize his quality of life over even your own suffering. I know our animal loves understand and appreciate this.

You bring up a good point, and I was thinking about this last night. I would not give anything to Greystone that I wouldn't give to myself. If I had a cancerous mass in my small intestine that was impeding my ability to eat and go to the bathroom, I'd probably be inclined to have the surgery. Doing that to myself of my own free will is one thing. Putting my sweet cat through it is another.

I am researching holistic medicines like crazy at the moment, and finding some very interesting things. A friend who literally just cured her (human) mother of breast cancer recommended insanely high doses of CBD Oil. If anyone knows a suitable CBD Oil for cats, I'd be grateful for a recommendation.
 

Furballsmom

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Hi!
Just be sure it's legal where you are and that you can ensure you're getting actual CBD oil, and not hemp being sold as CBD.

For what it's worth I saw Martha Stewart is teaming up with a seller to manufacturer both human and pet CBD products. I don't know if that is available yet though.
 

Timmer

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I had a very similar experience with Timmer not being able to have a bowel movement, we had him on Prednisone for a time but that stopped working.
Like I said, I truly do understand what you are going through. I will never forget him straining in the litter box so hard he fell over and his sides were spasming because he was pushing so hard. I ran him to the ER. Oh it was a nightmare. My prayers are with you. Our specialist never suggested surgery. She was very wrong in having me hang in there with him, like giving me false hope when he was clearly in so much pain, even after being diagnosed. I had to have him sedated and the stool manually pulled out of him twice. He was a trooper! But one morning we got out of bed and he fell over. I called our regular vet and I said listen, this is not good. This cat cannot wait for months of chemo. I had to go to work and when I got home that evening, he had been sick all over the house, watery stuff had dripped out of his back end. It was no way for my dignified, handsome tiger to be. I took him in the next day and said goodbye. I don't think I will ever get over him. He was so special. He was only 8 years old.

Please let us know what happens. Like I said, my prayers are with you. You are not alone. We are here for you.
 
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ALFR

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Hi friends - I am hoping you can help guide me in my search to do the right thing by my feline soulmate, Greystone. He is a 13 year-old (age estimated -- he's a former stray), FIV+ domestic shorthair who has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, with masses in his small intestine.

On 2/10, I'd taken him to an emergency vet suspecting a resurgence of uterine crystals. They did find a few, Greystone was treated, and he improved.

However, over the past couple of weeks, he ate less and less, began hiding, wasn't himself. On Saturday, an ultrasound by an internist revealed masses in the small intestine, which the internist said looked very aggressive and probably cancerous. Monday's cytology report confirmed small cell lymphoma - a less aggressive variety. Still, the internist indicated that time was of the essence and advised immediate surgery to resect the small intestine, after which, the resected tissue could be extensively analyzed and specific chemotherapy protocol determined.

I had a consultation with the surgeon yesterday and I liked her a lot, but the idea of putting my beautiful boy through the gauntlet of surgery and possible chemo, with a suggested feeding tube, hurts my heart. I am trying so hard to listen to what HE wants. Because I know that if we're going to fight this thing, he's got to want to fight.

I've been up all night trying to learn everything I can online. The surgeon advised the insertion of a feeding tube, which she says is just a suggestion, but an advisable precaution, since meds can be difficult to administer, and the tube must be inserted under anesthesia. The tube can be removed quickly and easily - it may not even be necessary and we can remove it sooner rather than later. He can still eat normally with it in place.

Online case studies are all over the place: some do surgery and chemo and get another year or two, or four, or less. Some proclaim miracle cures from holistic healing. Universally, if left untreated, the cat dies very quickly. Right now, Greystone seems OK. He is eating well and seems more like himself. But even though cytology indicated that he has the less aggressive small cell lymphoma, there's no way to know for sure unless resected tissue from surgery is analyzed. Treatment must be initiated quickly if he is to have a chance of fighting it.

Right now, like I said, my guy seems OK, but last week, he was very uncomfortable. He was holding himself in a tense way, his breathing was shallow, and he was hiding. He has lost about a pound over the last month. He's been unable to produce bowel movements unless I give him Laxatone, and in the last few days, those bowel movements were very odd in shape: like a flat mushroom or a manta ray. At his most uncomfortable, I became concerned that I would find him in crisis when I awoke from sleep. It makes logical sense that a mass that is creating blockage in his small intestine should be removed right away in order to allow for functionality of the digestive system and to minimize his discomfort. Without the removal of the seriously affected area, he may swiftly be in pain. I am concerned that we don't have time to shrink these considerable masses through holistic means and keep him out of suffering. Western veterinarians advise resection surgery ASAP, then chemo. I could do holistic remedies instead of or in addition to chemo. I need to do more research.

The surgeon kindly called me about an hour ago in response to a message I left in the middle of the night and clarified that the cytology report had indeed showed small cell lymphoma. She said that cats with this condition generally respond quite well to treatment, and can live another two years or more. I was supposed to call her back 15 minutes ago to maintain his position on today's roster. I could reschedule him to Monday. Though that is a busier day for the surgeon, it would give me the opportunity to do more research, and also to keep an appointment with a veterinary oncologist that I had made for this Friday morning.

For the last hour, I have been meditating and asking Greystone what he wants. I am doing my best to listen deeply. Having a difficult time getting what seems like HIS answer. Continuing to try.

Has anyone been through anything like this? I want to do everything I can for him, but only if he wants it. Hungry for insight, especially from those experienced with a lymphoma diagnosis.

Thank you for reading and for caring. I've noticed that this is a very kind forum and it gives me hope for the world.

Wishing you and your feline treasures peace and wellness.
Hi friends - I am hoping you can help guide me in my search to do the right thing by my feline soulmate, Greystone. He is a 13 year-old (age estimated -- he's a former stray), FIV+ domestic shorthair who has just been diagnosed with lymphoma, with masses in his small intestine.

On 2/10, I'd taken him to an emergency vet suspecting a resurgence of uterine crystals. They did find a few, Greystone was treated, and he improved.

However, over the past couple of weeks, he ate less and less, began hiding, wasn't himself. On Saturday, an ultrasound by an internist revealed masses in the small intestine, which the internist said looked very aggressive and probably cancerous. Monday's cytology report confirmed small cell lymphoma - a less aggressive variety. Still, the internist indicated that time was of the essence and advised immediate surgery to resect the small intestine, after which, the resected tissue could be extensively analyzed and specific chemotherapy protocol determined.

I had a consultation with the surgeon yesterday and I liked her a lot, but the idea of putting my beautiful boy through the gauntlet of surgery and possible chemo, with a suggested feeding tube, hurts my heart. I am trying so hard to listen to what HE wants. Because I know that if we're going to fight this thing, he's got to want to fight.

I've been up all night trying to learn everything I can online. The surgeon advised the insertion of a feeding tube, which she says is just a suggestion, but an advisable precaution, since meds can be difficult to administer, and the tube must be inserted under anesthesia. The tube can be removed quickly and easily - it may not even be necessary and we can remove it sooner rather than later. He can still eat normally with it in place.

Online case studies are all over the place: some do surgery and chemo and get another year or two, or four, or less. Some proclaim miracle cures from holistic healing. Universally, if left untreated, the cat dies very quickly. Right now, Greystone seems OK. He is eating well and seems more like himself. But even though cytology indicated that he has the less aggressive small cell lymphoma, there's no way to know for sure unless resected tissue from surgery is analyzed. Treatment must be initiated quickly if he is to have a chance of fighting it.

Right now, like I said, my guy seems OK, but last week, he was very uncomfortable. He was holding himself in a tense way, his breathing was shallow, and he was hiding. He has lost about a pound over the last month. He's been unable to produce bowel movements unless I give him Laxatone, and in the last few days, those bowel movements were very odd in shape: like a flat mushroom or a manta ray. At his most uncomfortable, I became concerned that I would find him in crisis when I awoke from sleep. It makes logical sense that a mass that is creating blockage in his small intestine should be removed right away in order to allow for functionality of the digestive system and to minimize his discomfort. Without the removal of the seriously affected area, he may swiftly be in pain. I am concerned that we don't have time to shrink these considerable masses through holistic means and keep him out of suffering. Western veterinarians advise resection surgery ASAP, then chemo. I could do holistic remedies instead of or in addition to chemo. I need to do more research.

The surgeon kindly called me about an hour ago in response to a message I left in the middle of the night and clarified that the cytology report had indeed showed small cell lymphoma. She said that cats with this condition generally respond quite well to treatment, and can live another two years or more. I was supposed to call her back 15 minutes ago to maintain his position on today's roster. I could reschedule him to Monday. Though that is a busier day for the surgeon, it would give me the opportunity to do more research, and also to keep an appointment with a veterinary oncologist that I had made for this Friday morning.

For the last hour, I have been meditating and asking Greystone what he wants. I am doing my best to listen deeply. Having a difficult time getting what seems like HIS answer. Continuing to try.

Has anyone been through anything like this? I want to do everything I can for him, but only if he wants it. Hungry for insight, especially from those experienced with a lymphoma diagnosis.

Thank you for reading and for caring. I've noticed that this is a very kind forum and it gives me hope for the world.

Wishing you and your feline treasures peace and wellness.

UPDATE: Thanks so much to all of you who kindly replied to this thread back in March. I hope you and your kitties are well and thriving! Since having surgery March 11, Greystone has been doing really well. The surgeon removed a "really big and really ugly" 12cm mass from his small intestine, and said that without surgery, he would have had mere weeks. The first couple of weeks were rough (message me or reply here if you'd like to hear more about that), but Greystone bounced back surprisingly well. Within a few weeks, he was his playful, sweet self again, and seemed to feel better than he had in awhile.

Since then, he's been on low-dose chlorambucil (chemo) and daily prednisolone, alongside various holistic supplements, most notably, CBD oil. He has thrived.

His appetite has been a moving target all summer, but over the past few weeks, despite opening seven different kinds of food at a time, his appetite has declined dramatically, and he has lost weight. Over the past few months, he has been helped a bit by Cerenia (for nausea), but after the last oncology visit, during which an ultrasound showed a thickening in his ileum, he was prescribed transdermal Mirataz. This did help his appetite within a day, but the Mirataz made him a bit weird - kind of anxious and given to seeking out strange interaction loops. If your cat is prescribed this medication, I strongly recommend proceeding with caution. I would definitely NOT give them this medication daily unless they were in an extreme situation. I've only given it to him twice over the past week. His appetite is again fading, so tonight, I'm going to try giving him a half dose.

Overall, he's OK, but doesn't seem to be feeling that great. The oncologist wants to do another ultrasound in a month if he's still losing weight. I wouldn't put him through surgery again, but the oncologist said she might consider a different chemo drug. I'm not crazy about giving him something that's going to make him feel worse, so I'm thinking about stepping up the CBD oil to twice a day, and bringing in some more holistic meds.

If you've had success with any supplements, I'd love to hear about it.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I'd be happy to offer whatever insight I can if your cat is going through something similar. Sending you and your pets love and strength.
 

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FeebysOwner

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Thanks for updating us! I am so glad that he got the surgery, despite having a rough go of it afterward.

Having known a few people on chemo, it seems like Greystone is reacting like they did. Lack of appetite, feeling crummy, and weight loss. I don't suppose the dosage of Mirataz can be lowered any just to see if some of the side effects would lessen, but still keep him eating? Wish I had more to offer.

Keep us posted!
 

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Have you tried red raspberry leaf tea and lemon balm tea and/or marshmallow root? Slippery elm is so popular nowadays that I am sure that you've tried it. German chamomile would probably be worthwhile S well.
 
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