Feline gastrointestinal lymphoma?

[mukkia]

So what exactly does she see in the x-ray?
But did not see in the ultrasound, which is much more sensitive?

Based on age and weight loss? I beg to differ. 

Enlarged lymph nodes or thickened intestines are common for IBD, not necessarily lymphoma though, is she willing to start him on leukeran?
So assuming it is lymphoma, I simply do not understand the lack of a plan for treatment.
In her email she does mention treatment including chemo and diet.

She did not mention the chemo, because at the time biopsy was not off the table. I don't know what the diet would be, because she is telling me to feed him anything at this point. I've been trying to. I hope I am not hurting him more now? :-( :-( ;( :-(

 

[mukkia]

What do I do, @catwoman707? He seriously is my life. I cannot have children, so he is my child.

 

[catwoman707]

So is the reason she will not prescribe chemo because she can not confirm the lymphoma with a biopsy?

That happens often so the vet will go ahead and treat with chemo as if it were confirmed, as many either choose not to have a biopsy done, or are too risky to have it done.

I understand he is everything, believe me, I definitely do.

What is he eating?

 

[mukkia]

One more thing. I am the one who thought of giving him mirtazapine. it worked, so I told her the next day and she thought it was a good idea. So, she prescribed him a new bottle. she said she wanted to see if the prednisone would increase his appetite, but it did not. She said she has seen cats do some really strange things on the appetite stimulant.

 

[angels mommy]

I am truly sorry you are going through this. I am sitting here reading, as tears are in my eyes. You see, I just went through this myself.  Just three weeks ago today, I "let my baby go."  He had lymphoma. It was found & diagnosed the week of Dec.8th.there were some masses in his abdomen. We started chemo that week!  It was working at first, shrinking the larger one down from 13 something centimeters, to 8 or 9.

Then about half way through the chemo, a few weeks ago, he didn't want to eat. I found out why when I felt the lymph nodes in his throat were swollen up like a gumball on one side. We had to put a feeding tube in that Monday, because of that. I was so hoping that  he was just going through a rough patch, & once I could get some food in him, he would get a little better, & the chemo would kick in again & he would pull through. 

That wasn't the case however. I feared it was the beginning of the end, & it was. He retreated to staying in the bathroom. It was very sad. He just declined that week. I was praying for more time with him, but that Thursday night when I went & picked him up, to come & lay on me, on the bed, (I wanted to start getting some snuggle time in).  Just hearing him breath.....I knew. I couldn't let him suffer anymore. As much as it tore my heart out, I had to be brave & give him peace.( I had already been laying in the bathroom with him, telling him everything I wanted to tell him, over, & over.)  It was almost midnight, but I called my mom,  & told her it was time, & she would take us in the morning. I also emailed my vet, & let her know we would be there. 

So, I know what you are going through right now.  It's not easy.  You will be in my thoughts & prayers for comfort & strength. 

 

we are here for you.

 

[catwoman707]

One more thing. I am the one who thought of giving him mirtazapine. it worked, so I told her the next day and she thought it was a good idea. So, she prescribed him a new bottle. she said she wanted to see if the prednisone would increase his appetite, but it did not. She said she has seen cats do some really strange things on the appetite stimulant.

Which I suppose is okay, but it should have been her who mentioned putting him on an appetite stimulant though. Makes me unsure of her.

 

[mukkia]

So is the reason she will not prescribe chemo because she can not confirm the lymphoma with a biopsy?
That happens often so the vet will go ahead and treat with chemo as if it were confirmed, as many either choose not to have a biopsy done, or are too risky to have it done.

I understand he is everything, believe me, I definitely do.

What is he eating?

he only really eats on the first day of mirtazapine. right now, I am trying every variety of Fancy Feast there is. I even tempt him with treats. sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.

 

[catwoman707]

 
I am truly sorry you are going through this. I am sitting here reading, as tears are in my eyes. You see, I just went through this myself.  Just three weeks ago today, I "let my baby go."  He had lymphoma. It was found & diagnosed the week of Dec.8th.there were some masses in his abdomen. We started chemo that week!  It was working at first, shrinking the larger one down from 13 something centimeters, to 8 or 9.

Then about half way through the chemo, a few weeks ago, he didn't want to eat. I found out why when I felt the lymph nodes in his throat were swollen up like a gumball on one side. We had to put a feeding tube in that Monday, because of that. I was so hoping that  he was just going through a rough patch, & once I could get some food in him, he would get a little better, & the chemo would kick in again & he would pull through. 

That wasn't the case however. I feared it was the beginning of the end, & it was. He retreated to staying in the bathroom. It was very sad. He just declined that week. I was praying for more time with him, but that Thursday night when I went & picked him up, to come & lay on me, on the bed, (I wanted to start getting some snuggle time in).  Just hearing him breath.....I knew. I couldn't let him suffer anymore. As much as it tore my heart out, I had to be brave & give him peace.( I had already been laying in the bathroom with him, telling him everything I wanted to tell him, over, & over.)  It was almost midnight, but I called my mom,  & told her it was time, & she would take us in the morning. I also emailed my vet, & let her know we would be there. 

So, I know what you are going through right now.  It's not easy.  You will be in my thoughts & prayers for comfort & strength. 

 

we are here for you.

Oh my gosh, very upsetting to read. You were one of the unlucky ones, I'm very sorry for what you went through and are going through now mourning the loss.

It's said that the success of the chemo can usually be based on the first few weeks of chemo. That didn't hold true for your boy

 

[mukkia]

Which I suppose is okay, but it should have been her who mentioned putting him on an appetite stimulant though. Makes me unsure of her.

I know. That is why I turned to the internet to find answers. I am unsure of what to do I found a site on enteritis, but I am truly unsure of all the medical terminology. I'm just trying to find hope beyond hope.

 

[catwoman707]

he only really eats on the first day of mirtazapine. right now, I am trying every variety of Fancy Feast there is. I even tempt him with treats. sometimes it works, sometimes it does not.

You know I can't help but feel you have a very uncooperative vet, it's pretty frustrating even for me on this end. 

Cerenia is great for an appetite stimulant too with IBD. 

I just can't get over the lack of options here!

I feel I want to give you hope, I am a diehard rescuer, and never give up unless there is a confirmed diagnosis with no options available at all. Yet despite my feeling that there most certainly are or should be options, your vet is not willing to do anything except allow your cat to deteriorate, and I just don't understand her reluctance so I can't possibly agree with her.

Even in the pic you posted showing the weight loss, yes he has lost weight but he doesn't look all ruffled and sick. Fur gets a very distinctive look to it. 

 

[angels mommy]

As far as the appetite stimulant, It does increase the heart rate, & seems to make them more vocal. When Angel was taking them, I cut the dose in half, because of that. I think the vocalization, is because they feel that, & know something isn't right, & are trying to tell us. Since I cut it in half, the vet told me, I could do it every other day, instead of ev.3. 

Angel never had a biopsy either. Because when I brought him in, he had some fluid in his chest. She drained 3 large syringes full!  Because of that, she didn't feel like it was a good idea to open him up for an exploratory.

She sent the fluid off to be tested, & it showed enough lymphoma cells, for her to be confident for us to go ahead & start chemo. She had also done an X-ray & an ultrasound. They were visible in the ultrasound.

As far as the pred. Angel was also on Prrednisolone, & after being on so much, he was on the verge of congestive heart failure, so they cut it back, & he had to go on an expensive heart supplement, & blood pressure meds. That was two weeks before his last week.  

 

[mukkia]

You know I can't help but feel you have a very uncooperative vet, it's pretty frustrating even for me on this end. 
Cerenia is great for an appetite stimulant too with IBD. 
I just can't get over the lack of options here!

I feel I want to give you hope, I am a diehard rescuer, and never give up unless there is a confirmed diagnosis with no options available at all. Yet despite my feeling that there most certainly are or should be options, your vet is not willing to do anything except allow your cat to deteriorate, and I just don't understand her reluctance so I can't possibly agree with her.

Even in the pic you posted showing the weight loss, yes he has lost weight but he doesn't look all ruffled and sick. Fur gets a very distinctive look to it. 

the worst part is, after his visit Wednesday I asked her when I should bring them back. she told me anytime I want to, or in a month. I left scratching my head thinking that cannot be right.so, I'm going to truly put myself out there and tell everyone something I don't disclose. I cannot help but to think that this is about money. you see, I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. Maybe, she just doesn't know that much about it and thinks I'm an idiot, I don't know really.my baby's name is unique, so it will not be hard for someone else to find this out about me. now I am forever on the Internet in the full nude too so to speak. that is how much I love him, and need help and advice. as an other opinions, and other people going through this or gone through this.

 

[mukkia]

As far as the appetite stimulant, It does increase the heart rate, & seems to make them more vocal. When Angel was taking them, I cut the dose in half, because of that. I think the vocalization, is because they feel that, & know something isn't right, & are trying to tell us. Since I cut it in half, the vet told me, I could do it every other day, instead of ev.3. 

Angel never had a biopsy either. Because when I brought him in, he had some fluid in his chest. She drained 3 large syringes full!  Because of that, she didn't feel like it was a good idea to open him up for an exploratory.
She sent the fluid off to be tested, & it showed enough lymphoma cells, for her to be confident for us to go ahead & start chemo. She had also done an X-ray & an ultrasound. They were visible in the ultrasound.

As far as the pred. Angel was also on Prrednisolone, & after being on so much, he was on the verge of congestive heart failure, so they cut it back, & he had to go on an expensive heart supplement, & blood pressure meds. That was two weeks before his last week.  

I am so sorry for your loss. :-( :-( :-( I am fearing that I am soon going to be in your situation. I can only pray that my vet is wrong. I'm out of option . He t dying on me, slowl . I can see it. Even if she is wrong, he is dying. I feel as I am too. I was thinking that he cries after the stimulate because it is hitting his bowel, the food that is. Now I don't know what to do.

 

[catwoman707]

the worst part is, after his visit Wednesday I asked her when I should bring them back. she told me anytime I want to, or in a month. I left scratching my head thinking that cannot be right.so, I'm going to truly put myself out there and tell everyone something I don't disclose. I cannot help but to think that this is about money. you see, I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. Maybe, she just doesn't know that much about it and thinks I'm an idiot, I don't know really.my baby's name is unique, so it will not be hard for someone else to find this out about me. now I am forever on the Internet in the full nude too so to speak. that is how much I love him, and need help and advice. as an other opinions, and other people going through this or gone through this.

I don't agree that you are exposing yourself all over the internet about your CP, why would anyone think any differently of you because of this?

I am feeling very frustrated with your vet and the lack of options for treatment, isn't there somebody else you can go to?

She is telling you the next time to bring him to her is for her to end his life? I can't for the life of me understand this.

I am not being hard headed, but practical here.

There aren't even any confirmed diagnostic testing results to cause her to simply be done with this case.

Dammit, it's stressing me out.

Try calling her in the morning if she is open and asking to start him on leukeran and see what she says.

Tell her you are far from ready to simply give up all hope.

 

[catwoman707]

I am so sorry for your loss. :-( :-( :-( I am fearing that I am soon going to be in your situation. I can only pray that my vet is wrong. I'm out of option . He t dying on me, slowl . I can see it. Even if she is wrong, he is dying. I feel as I am too. I was thinking that he cries after the stimulate because it is hitting his bowel, the food that is. Now I don't know what to do.

The first thing that he might be dying from is starvation and dehydration, he is not eating or drinking and this must be stopped.

Can you syringe feed him? Chicken only baby food and water warmed up?

He MUST have food.

 

[kittens mom]

the worst part is, after his visit Wednesday I asked her when I should bring them back. she told me anytime I want to, or in a month. I left scratching my head thinking that cannot be right.so, I'm going to truly put myself out there and tell everyone something I don't disclose. I cannot help but to think that this is about money. you see, I have a mild form of cerebral palsy. Maybe, she just doesn't know that much about it and thinks I'm an idiot, I don't know really.my baby's name is unique, so it will not be hard for someone else to find this out about me. now I am forever on the Internet in the full nude too so to speak. that is how much I love him, and need help and advice. as an other opinions, and other people going through this or gone through this.

So I have followed this thread. You really need to find a vet who specializes in cats. X-rays and chart notes along with any blood work are yours. You may ask for them or ask they be transferred to another vet.  It's possible she is giving you a clear message that there is no way to help Mukkia or that she has made a decision that is not hers to opt for treatment. But for having a team of specialists and a surgeon when we lost Kitten we could not have made the decision to let her go. Has she referred you to an oncologist ? Which should if possible be your next step. If your current vet has done the correct tests then there should be ample information for someone who specializes to get an idea even in a consult.

 

[mukkia]

His gums are not tacky, as I continue to check. Just because he is still drinking excessively does not mean that he can not get dehydrated. So, I have that under check. As far as the baby food, ironically, I did mention not to her, and she said that was not a good idea. simply, because of onion powder and garlic powder. Anything else that won't harm him is a go.

 

[mukkia]

The first thing that he might be dying from is starvation and dehydration, he is not eating or drinking and this must be stopped.

Can you syringe feed him? Chicken only baby food and water warmed up?
He MUST have food.

So I have followed this thread. You really need to find a vet who specializes in cats. X-rays and chart notes along with any blood work are yours. You may ask for them or ask they be transferred to another vet.  It's possible she is giving you a clear message that there is no way to help Mukkia or that she has made a decision that is not hers to opt for treatment. But for having a team of specialists and a surgeon when we lost Kitten we could not have made the decision to let her go. Has she referred you to an oncologist ? Which should if possible be your next step. If your current vet has done the correct tests then there should be ample information for someone who specializes to get an idea even in a consult.

No. She has not mentioned that as a possibility.

 

[kittens mom]

His gums are not tacky, as I continue to check. Just because he is still drinking excessively does not mean that he can not get dehydrated. So, I have that under check. As far as the baby food, ironically, I did mention not to her, and she said that was not a good idea. simply, because of onion powder and garlic powder. Anything else that won't harm him is a go.

First baby meats are a paste. Gerber and Beechnut have one that most of us have used. the other option is to ask for prescription for Hill A/D urgent care. If he isn't eating on his own she should have given you a syringe and some instructions. I hate that I know these things but they are worthless unless shared.

 

[mukkia]

I don't agree that you are exposing yourself all over the internet about your CP, why would anyone think any differently of you because of this?
I am feeling very frustrated with your vet and the lack of options for treatment, isn't there somebody else you can go to?
She is telling you the next time to bring him to her is for her to end his life? I can't for the life of me understand this.
I am not being hard headed, but practical here.
There aren't even any confirmed diagnostic testing results to cause her to simply be done with this case.
Dammit, it's stressing me out.
Try calling her in the morning if she is open and asking to start him on leukeran and see what she says.
Tell her you are far from ready to simply give up all hope.

I have experienced that in the past. That is why I thought that would happen. I'm glad it is not. They are not open tomorrow, however, I will call because they have a 24 hour service and ask about the leukeran. I think this is a brilliant idea to see what she says! :-) finally some bright at the end of the tunnel.