Geoffrey Small Cell Lymphoma

[daftcat75]

Incredible Pets sells Rawz by the can. Oof! That’s a lot for one can. But perhaps you can use it for the med carrier and thus you may be able to get several days out of one can.
RAWZ 96% Rabbit Cat Can

I have also heard that Rawz will send samples if you write them directly.

Contact | RAWZ

 

[artiemom]

Thanks, but looking at the price, it is too expensive for me to buy, on a regular basis. Looked up the cost for a case. Ridiculous.

 

[daftcat75]

Thanks, but looking at the price, it is too expensive for me to buy, on a regular basis. Looked up the cost for a case. Ridiculous.

Yeah. That's too much. Unless that's the only food that keeps your cat stable. I would have paid any price to keep Krista stable, fed, and happy. If you have food that works for Geoffrey, keep feeding that. But if you're looking for something to disguise medicine, this may still be worth the effort to write Rawz for a sample. If he will take a capsule coated in this or flavored oils in a small amount of this, one can should get you at least a few days when used simply as a medicine carrier. A case could last you a month or more.

 

[artiemom]

Right now I am undecided as to keeping the IMVet appointment or wait a bit longer.
Yesterday was a less humid day--hot but less humid. I had the windows open most of the day. I put the AC on at night.

It was cool enough to sleep on my bed with the window open. There was a lot of beach noise, so it took me a long time to fall asleep. Geoffrey was right there with me, cuddling and purring. During the day, he is more listless. I cannot tell if it is related to the chlorambucil or the steroids, or the fact that he is so psychologically sensitive. He was talking to me.. and being a bit more interactive---looking out the windows. Still no play which does bother me. The cuddle time during the day is brief... I hate to bring him in, have the vet look at him, have his blood tests, and then nothing turns up. But I do want to know what is bugging him. Is it the weather, the AC, the lack of sunshine--due to heat (blinds closed).. or the medications?
Or everything combined.

He is eating great. too great.. pee are large, and I mean large softball size clumps, 3 times a day. Huge.. but I am also giving him 20 ml of extra water per day. He drinks a little but not much.. I wonder if he has become diabetic?

If only, he would play.. then I would know that he was ok. I have tried all his wand toys. and his mice. and his Yeow little sardine fishy. nothing.. He is sleeping a lot.

He is scheduled for a follow-up blood test, 8/10. He has a vet appointment for 8/5, with blood tests. I am thinking of postponing the vet appointment, and seeing what the blood test shows.

Financially, it is a huge hit for me. I have insurance, but I need to pay up front. I want to catch whatever it is that may be wrong, if anything--early. July was really bad. August is not looking up either.

Right now, Geoffrey seems good. He is coming out, got to his 'pickle' --just holding it... He has come out several times, since I have been home from Church. and he was talking to me. He took his prednisolone without a gel cap!! It was a pill, in a pill shooter.. not problem at all. I think he was surprised!

Ugh.. decisions to make. I do have to run into Angell to pick up a refill for the prednisolone. I do not have enough to wait for the Vet appointment, if we go in.. dam.. It costs $15 to mail.. and it is too late. Dam.. Not an easy trip..

I just wish he would tell me how he was feeling..

 

[daftcat75]

My experience with Krista was that chlorambucil made her sleepier on dosing days. I considered this a pleasant side effect because the pred made her wired and tired. Restless and sleepless. She ate a lot and drank a lot. It’s probably the steroids more than the chemo that is affecting his behavior. How much pred is he taking and when can you have that dose re-evaluated? Are his IBD/SCL symptoms controlled since starting the chemo? My hope with Krista was that we would achieve remission and be able to reduce or eliminate the steroids and keep her only on chlorambucil for the long term. Fewer side effects. She eventually made remission. But that damn bladder infection took her eleventh life. I swear she had a couple extra with everything she went through.

 

[nanniecat]

Right now I am undecided as to keeping the IMVet appointment or wait a bit longer.
Yesterday was a less humid day--hot but less humid. I had the windows open most of the day. I put the AC on at night.

It was cool enough to sleep on my bed with the window open. There was a lot of beach noise, so it took me a long time to fall asleep. Geoffrey was right there with me, cuddling and purring. During the day, he is more listless. I cannot tell if it is related to the chlorambucil or the steroids, or the fact that he is so psychologically sensitive. He was talking to me.. and being a bit more interactive---looking out the windows. Still no play which does bother me. The cuddle time during the day is brief... I hate to bring him in, have the vet look at him, have his blood tests, and then nothing turns up. But I do want to know what is bugging him. Is it the weather, the AC, the lack of sunshine--due to heat (blinds closed).. or the medications?
Or everything combined.

He is eating great. too great.. pee are large, and I mean large softball size clumps, 3 times a day. Huge.. but I am also giving him 20 ml of extra water per day. He drinks a little but not much.. I wonder if he has become diabetic?

If only, he would play.. then I would know that he was ok. I have tried all his wand toys. and his mice. and his Yeow little sardine fishy. nothing.. He is sleeping a lot.

He is scheduled for a follow-up blood test, 8/10. He has a vet appointment for 8/5, with blood tests. I am thinking of postponing the vet appointment, and seeing what the blood test shows.

Financially, it is a huge hit for me. I have insurance, but I need to pay up front. I want to catch whatever it is that may be wrong, if anything--early. July was really bad. August is not looking up either.

Right now, Geoffrey seems good. He is coming out, got to his 'pickle' --just holding it... He has come out several times, since I have been home from Church. and he was talking to me. He took his prednisolone without a gel cap!! It was a pill, in a pill shooter.. not problem at all. I think he was surprised!

Ugh.. decisions to make. I do have to run into Angell to pick up a refill for the prednisolone. I do not have enough to wait for the Vet appointment, if we go in.. dam.. It costs $15 to mail.. and it is too late. Dam.. Not an easy trip..

I just wish he would tell me how he was feeling..
[/QUOTE it is all so difficult. i agree that it is prob everything that has him not his usual self. the drug is a form of chemotherapy. and humans have a hard time with that. imagine his little body. just keep loving him and soothing him. it is worse on him than u. until cats talk we will have to keep trying to read the signs! it makes it twice as hard . STAY STRONG! he is fighting for you!

 

[daftcat75]

Cats actually do chemo a lot easier than humans do. I don’t know if it’s a difference in physiology or a difference in dosing. Perhaps a little of both. I believe I read somewhere that chemo in cats is less aggressive than chemo in people precisely because people understand what’s going on and can choose the short term hell to knock it out faster. Maybe it’s also because cats who take chemo are usually already on steroids and thus can get by on a smaller chemo dose. Whatever the reason, I caution cat parents against making the comparison to the human experience of chemo because it’s not accurate. But also it discourages human parents of cats from considering chemo when it’s necessary and lifesaving. Cats can be on a low dose of the chemo drug for the long-term and still experience a great quality of life. It should be every cat parent’s goal in a similar situation to be able to trade long-term pred for a maintenance dose of chemo.

If Krista’s experience is typical, it is almost certainly the steroids, and not the chemo, that is making Geoffrey “off” from “normal.”

 

[artiemom]

Geoffrey is on 4 mg of Prednisolone twice a day; total of 8 mg per day. Chemo is 2.2 mg every other day.
His GI symptoms seem to be under control, since starting the Prednisone. Last vomit was a month ago.

I know steroids are rough on animals and humans. I wonder how much of all of this is affecting him. I have read that chemo is not as bad for cast as it is humans.. especially the Chlorambucil, and at this dose.

The bottom line, still undecided on taking him in.. He is scheduled to see IMVet on 10/10... Next blood test was originally scheduled for 8/10... last blood test, was the first week in July, which showed a slight anemia. If anything, I think a blood test is more important, than a physical exam. He gained weight, when he first began the steroid. Then he lost it about 10 days ago. The weight is now regained. We are talking about 1/2 to 3/4 pound.. a lot for a cat. He seems to be able to lose weight very rapidly, in a. couple of days of poor appetite, then regains it, almost immediately. I just cannot understand what is happening to him.

Dam.. cannot decide what to do. I hate to keep vacillating.. One minute I am telling the Vet that Geoffrey is not feeling well, the next day, he is a bit better.. I cannot judge him anymore. I am really confused.

I am really having a hard time remembering how he was before all this started, in May.
All that stands out is that he is not the sam as he was before. No playing, no zooms after poops, not change his tail on top of ht cat tree, not calling me. All changes.. all the little quirks I grew to love about him. All these quirks stopped when he started treatment and came down with bronchitis. He has been through a lot in a short period of time.

And the Vet keeps thinking that I am over reacting. All I know is that he is not the same cat as he was before the endoscopy.

 

[LTS3]

A local pet store may sell cans of the Rawz so you won't have to buy a whole case. Have you looked at the store locator? Where to Buy | RAWZ

Since you have to bring Geoffrey to the vet soon, you might want to stop by a nearby pet store to pick up a few cans.

This web site sells individual cans of Rawz and is an authorized seller: Rawz Natural Pet Food Wet Cat Food from Incredible Pets

 

[daftcat75]

Geoffrey is on 4 mg of Prednisolone twice a day; total of 8 mg per day. Chemo is 2.2 mg every other day.
His GI symptoms seem to be under control, since starting the Prednisone. Last vomit was a month ago.

I know steroids are rough on animals and humans. I wonder how much of all of this is affecting him. I have read that chemo is not as bad for cast as it is humans.. especially the Chlorambucil, and at this dose.

The bottom line, still undecided on taking him in.. He is scheduled to see IMVet on 10/10... Next blood test was originally scheduled for 8/10... last blood test, was the first week in July, which showed a slight anemia. If anything, I think a blood test is more important, than a physical exam. He gained weight, when he first began the steroid. Then he lost it about 10 days ago. The weight is now regained. We are talking about 1/2 to 3/4 pound.. a lot for a cat. He seems to be able to lose weight very rapidly, in a. couple of days of poor appetite, then regains it, almost immediately. I just cannot understand what is happening to him.

Dam.. cannot decide what to do. I hate to keep vacillating.. One minute I am telling the Vet that Geoffrey is not feeling well, the next day, he is a bit better.. I cannot judge him anymore. I am really confused.

I am really having a hard time remembering how he was before all this started, in May.
All that stands out is that he is not the sam as he was before. No playing, no zooms after poops, not change his tail on top of ht cat tree, not calling me. All changes.. all the little quirks I grew to love about him. All these quirks stopped when he started treatment and came down with bronchitis. He has been through a lot in a short period of time.

And the Vet keeps thinking that I am over reacting. All I know is that he is not the same cat as he was before the endoscopy.

8 mg sounds like a lot of pred. But then 12 lbs is a lot more cat than Krista's 7.5 or 6 lbs when we finally started steroids. But even if 8 mg is not a lot for his size, twice a day dosing sounds miserable. Steroids take longer than a day for a cat to clear them. The only reason I can think of for twice a day dosing is because that much at one time would be too much. If taking him meant that you could talk about reducing his pred or possibly moving to every other day dosing (much safer for long-term use), then that alone would be worth it to me for taking him in sooner than later.

I'm in kind of the same boat with Betty. She's reasonably stable now and I don't relish the idea of taking her into the specialist once more--especially because he seems to always push steroids. But taking her in means I can make sure her long term med use isn't compromising liver or kidney function. But more importantly, it also means I can discuss how to wean her off her meds--or at least how to responsibly change her schedule to see if we can wean her off them.

If taking him in means you can discuss his medications, then my vote is to take him in to the vet sooner than later because you are already witnessing troubling changes in his behavior, and you suspect it's his medication. That should be reason enough to be seen and to have a conversation with the vet.

 

[artiemom]

From what I understand, the 4mg BID is pretty standard, along with the chlorambucil.

Geoffrey is a big boy—tall, long, and now getting a bit chunky. His Weight is usually 13.1 -13.5 lbs.

Also, I think the thought is to eventually reduce the prednisone dose. Artie was a big boy, also. His dose was 5 mg once a day. It was compounded into a liquid, so I forget the strength. Artie was taking it for IBD.
Geoffrey has IBD and SCL.

iI am thinking I will take him in, at least for my own sake. If he turns back to the lethargy, I will kick myself for rescheduling this appointment.

 

[neely]

A local pet store may sell cans of the Rawz so you won't have to buy a whole case. Have you looked at the store locator? Where to Buy | RAWZ

Yes, that's a great idea. I've bought single cans of Rawz at a local pet store here. I was experimenting with different wet food brands when Carleton lost interest in the last one. He really liked the Rawz. I paid $2.69 for a 5.5 oz. can.

 

[iPappy]

Geoffrey is on 4 mg of Prednisolone twice a day; total of 8 mg per day. Chemo is 2.2 mg every other day.
His GI symptoms seem to be under control, since starting the Prednisone. Last vomit was a month ago.

I know steroids are rough on animals and humans. I wonder how much of all of this is affecting him. I have read that chemo is not as bad for cast as it is humans.. especially the Chlorambucil, and at this dose.

The bottom line, still undecided on taking him in.. He is scheduled to see IMVet on 10/10... Next blood test was originally scheduled for 8/10... last blood test, was the first week in July, which showed a slight anemia. If anything, I think a blood test is more important, than a physical exam. He gained weight, when he first began the steroid. Then he lost it about 10 days ago. The weight is now regained. We are talking about 1/2 to 3/4 pound.. a lot for a cat. He seems to be able to lose weight very rapidly, in a. couple of days of poor appetite, then regains it, almost immediately. I just cannot understand what is happening to him.

Dam.. cannot decide what to do. I hate to keep vacillating.. One minute I am telling the Vet that Geoffrey is not feeling well, the next day, he is a bit better.. I cannot judge him anymore. I am really confused.

I am really having a hard time remembering how he was before all this started, in May.
All that stands out is that he is not the sam as he was before. No playing, no zooms after poops, not change his tail on top of ht cat tree, not calling me. All changes.. all the little quirks I grew to love about him. All these quirks stopped when he started treatment and came down with bronchitis. He has been through a lot in a short period of time.

And the Vet keeps thinking that I am over reacting. All I know is that he is not the same cat as he was before the endoscopy.

If it's any consolation, I had a cat on long term pred and while I don't remember his exact dosage, he tolerated it once he evened out. It took awhile. My dog (about 12-13 pounds) was on 6 mg. of pred. He's very medication sensitive (plus liver issues) and he didn't tolerate it well, so we went down to 4. I'm sure once the vet feels comfortable he'll taper the dosage to the lowest possible to keep him where he needs to be.
And I know what you mean about remembering quirks and remembering how they were before they became ill. I was looking at old pictures from 6-7 years ago when he was young and healthy and I had to stop

 

[fionasmom]

Use the link in #229 by LTS3. I purchased single cans from Incredible Pets. Their salmon was $3.29 per 5.5 ounce can and their delivery was quite prompt

 

[artiemom]

Shush--- not too loud.. Geoffrey seems a bit better. I do not know if it is because the weather has been a bit cooler--sea breeze and the AC has not been on 24/7.. or if his body is adjusting to his 'new' norm.

He seems to be more interactive, more alert. He has been talking to me, cuddling at night.. even hanging out in his carrier--which he has not done in months. Still eating me out of house and home..His facial expression looks better.

The IMVet wanted to see Geoffrey because we could not tell what was wrong with him, if anything. G had an appointment for this Friday. After how he has been since the week-end, the IMVet and myself decided to cancel it.
Geoffrey has a scheduled Tech appointment for blood work, next Thursday. We will go from there.

Man, I swear this is really doing a job on me emotionally.. I am a stress eater.. I have put on so much weight since all of this has started, in May.. dam.. and I am finding myself to be less patient with people.. more antsy around here.. In addition to me having my own issues... It has been a lot.. I keep eating and eating more, from stress..
The weather does not help, either..

Oh, and I have 3 appointments tomorrow.. One is a good one.. the other 2 are pulmonary testing, and pulmonologist appointment..
But the important thing is Geoffrey appears to have turned a corner..

Now we will see over the next 4 days when the temps will be 100 degrees in Boston.. dam..

 

[daftcat75]

.

Shush--- not too loud.. Geoffrey seems a bit better. I do not know if it is because the weather has been a bit cooler--sea breeze and the AC has not been on 24/7.. or if his body is adjusting to his 'new' norm.

He seems to be more interactive, more alert. He has been talking to me, cuddling at night.. even hanging out in his carrier--which he has not done in months. Still eating me out of house and home..His facial expression looks better.

The IMVet wanted to see Geoffrey because we could not tell what was wrong with him, if anything. G had an appointment for this Friday. After how he has been since the week-end, the IMVet and myself decided to cancel it.
Geoffrey has a scheduled Tech appointment for blood work, next Thursday. We will go from there.

Man, I swear this is really doing a job on me emotionally.. I am a stress eater.. I have put on so much weight since all of this has started, in May.. dam.. and I am finding myself to be less patient with people.. more antsy around here.. In addition to me having my own issues... It has been a lot.. I keep eating and eating more, from stress..
The weather does not help, either..

Oh, and I have 3 appointments tomorrow.. One is a good one.. the other 2 are pulmonary testing, and pulmonologist appointment..
But the important thing is Geoffrey appears to have turned a corner..

Now we will see over the next 4 days when the temps will be 100 degrees in Boston.. dam..

I’m happy to hear G seems to be getting used to his meds. I know pred is going to throw Betty for a loop. I am not looking forward to it.

I too stress eat. Usually comfort foods over volume. When Krista was in the thick of it, I was hiding at the taproom every afternoon before her meds and food schedule started in the evening. I called her my fur-ball and chain. And the extra weight I gained whenever she popped, I called my cat weight. I got the cat weight off before I brought Betty home. But it seems to be slowly creeping back on. I don’t recommend this. But Covid helped take some of that cat weight off again.

Good luck with tomorrow’s appointments.

 

[artiemom]

Please wish us luck... Wednesday at noontime, Geoffrey is having a follow-up blood test.. Kind of snxious about it. More fur is thinning out.. sigh...

I still want my baby back.. dam.. Still not interested in playing.. and is still afraid of me. I do not know haw I am going Tod eat with this 'new' normal.. I miss my baby... I miss my kitty.. I really do.. I miss our play sessions.. I miss having him just hang out, and cuddle with me.. He does a bit of cuddling, but not much. I am hoping a lot of this is related to the heat.

We did not keep last Friday's Vet appointment, since Geoffrey seemed to be stable.

Ts morning, I had to shoo him out from under my bed, in order to give him his Pred. He was not happy. It was also a Chlorambucil day. I had to go out, it was getting to be late morning. The latest I give him the chem is noon time.
I kept him out of the bedroom, while I took my shower, brushed teeth and took asthma inhaler. He was crying up a blue streak. You would have thought I was killing him. He does not even yell this much when he is on his way to the Vets.. only when he is put in the carrier.. I hope I waited long enough in between the meds.

I had to rush through my shower, so I could medicate him, and open the bedroom door!! OMG.. my bedroom is definitely his 'safe' room.. no matter how hot it is... How did that happen?? Under my bed!! from day one! in 2 different apartments, with 2 different bedroom sets.. darn cat.

Chewy still does not have RC PR--- canned rabbit. I called yesterday, was told that the stock should come in today.. called again today.. still not in!! I was told that many people are searching for this food! I hate RC.. I really do..

I have a couple of cases.. but Geoffrey is eating so much of it: 1/2 of a 5 oz can in 2 day--only for breakfast. I would rather he eat wet, than dry.
I think I was able to order some from a different site.. but fingers crossed it is in stock... dam..

I need to know which way he is heading... He is on his 8th week of prednisolone and Chlorambucil. Although his blood tests were previously all normal. It was his 4th of July week blood test which was showing a tiny anemia..
thanks..

So please, send some good thoughts our way.. it has been a tough summer, in more ways than one.. and a very hard 10 days, emotionally..

 

[CL56]

Sending much of everything good your way !

 

[LTS3]

The door latch must not be catching on the door jamb correctly so any pressure against the door will pop it open. You should have the maintenance person look into that. For added security, you can use this to keep the door from opening more than a crack or however much you want it to. The company has info videos here.

 

[iPappy]

This summer has been unforgettable for sure. I hope his blood tests show great improvements and he's back to himself soon. I hate it when they aren't themselves.