Geoffrey Small Cell Lymphoma

  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #461

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Have not written an update for a while. Shush, Geoffrey just had his Vet appointment. We returned home, an hour ago.
Geoffrey, little piggy, has gained 2 lbs!! OMG... and his missing fur is slowly returning..
The IMVet was really happy! And happy to hear that he is now jumping on top of his cat tree, at night, chasing his tail. The Vet was actually smiling to hear this.

But.... since he has gained weight, and has been drinking a lot of water, in the past week, he had a CBC, Renal Panel, and diabetes check. .... dam... but... Geoffrey is not acting sick.

I am to definitely wean him off the mirtazapine, and the Zofran. I am not sure about weaning him off the Zofran.. I feel he needs it, due to the chemo.. but.... we will see.

Geoffrey is only getting a tiny bit of the Mirtaz, so, I think it will be an easy transisition; but, the last time, I tried, he began vomiting.. but who the heck knows.

Geoffrey also got his Rabies Shot. He is due for the rabies and another one. Dr B said to only give the Rabies.

G was so frightened this morning when I tried getting him into his carrier. He actually gave me a semi difficult time getting in there. He is usually so good about going in there. This time he fought a bit., trying to get out. He cried, and cried and cried.. He usually stops as soon as I start wheeling him out the apartment. Today, he continued until we got into the car... poor thing.. all the way in the elevator, down the corridor, and into the car. He was expecting the worse.. poor baby.. But he was so good for them. No problems at all. Sweet boy... ❤

I am switching regular Vets. Dr B is going to be G's Vet, to handle all his care. I mean, G is complicated, and I run to Dr B with questions, so why not?

The regular Vets office, which I was using, has had so many changes in staff. Geoffrey has a Vet who has never seen either one of us. We have talked on the phone, but that is it. They are difficult to make appointments with--- a 2 month wait.. are limited with emergencies, telling you to go to Angell or elsewhere. So, We are already at Angell, so why not stay there, completely.

Yes, it is a pain to get in there.. Yes, Dr B is not there every day.. but he does have an associate, and when neither one is there, he has someone covering for him. The only problem is traveling in for an emergency or when the Tunnel will be completely closed down.. but I will cross that bridge when I come to it--- literally..

Since being home, Geoffrey has jumped on my bed, walked all around the apartment, sniffing to make sure it is still the same, settled down for a bit, ate some, jumped on my chair with me... and now, who knows..

I need to give him his Chemo. Between that and the rabies shot, he is not going to have a good day...

Fingers crossed about the blood work....and the 'Jinx" I have with updates.. If he does come across as diabetic.. I think eliminating the mirtaz will decrease his appetite a bit, he will lose some weight, and things will be ok.... Fingers crossed...

Picture of Geoffrey being so frightened while waiting for Dr B:
1B9FD671-CE40-408C-B0BE-96B6C745744A.jpeg

He did calm down a bit. I opened up the top entrance; he eventually started calming down, Peeking outside---getting adventurous...sweet thing.
 

daftcat75

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 7, 2018
Messages
12,642
Purraise
25,128
I tried to wean Betty off Zofran and her appetite cratered. The IM doc has since said there's no reason she can't continue on it indefinitely. Or at least we can revisit it later. If he had any concerns, I'm sure he would have brought them up by now. He keeps refilling the prescription without question. Mirataz, being an antidepressant, needs to be weaned, not stopped immediately to prevent unexpected side effects. My IM doc told me to half the dose for a week and half it again for another week before taking it away. You may only need to half it for one week if you're already at less than half a dose. Of course, if Dr B gave you instructions, use those.
 

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
19,637
Purraise
47,802
I am switching regular Vets. Dr B is going to be G's Vet, to handle all his care. I mean, G is complicated, and I run to Dr B with questions, so why not? Fingers crossed about the blood work....and the 'Jinx" I have with updates..
I agree, it makes sense for Dr. B to be Geoffrey's specialist and regular vet. Wise decision! :thumbsup:
We'll keep our fingers crossed that the bloodwork results are in G's favor and do not indicate any sign of diabetes. :grouphug:
 

iPappy

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
5,051
Purraise
15,787
I am so so happy that he's acting like he feels so good!!! And as complicated as Geoffrey's case is, I'd stick with the vet that knows him too. Plus it sounds like he's always available to answer questions via phone, so important and appreciated. (Tags first vet that worked on him was an hour and a half away, and when we transferred when he ran out of options, that vet was 35 minutes but still a lot as we went twice a week.)
I hope his blood results are good! We will continue to be Geoffrey's Prayer Warriors! ❤
 

tarasgirl06

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
24,708
Purraise
64,894
Location
Glendale, CATifornia
Good suggestions/posts, daftcat75 daftcat75 and iPappy iPappy and neely neely and agree 100% about Dr. B., artiemom artiemom . You trust him. He's been very good with and for Geoffrey. Go with what you know, definitely. That can't be overstated in these times, especially.
Geoffrey is looking VERY well and handsome, Cindy. All the best for today.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #466

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Another update.. not good... dam. I guess the Jinx is back...
Geoffrey had the rabies vaccination on Friday. Beginning Saturday, he was off his food, and vomited brown liquid.
Sunday, still not eating much..
This morning, while I was out, he vomited again! I gave him a Cerenia, in a gel cap, with some water. He vomited the gel cap up; it was dissolving. I do not know if he got any of the Cerenia.

Not eating.. His PICA is back.. he is looking for any kind of plastic to eat. Even the plastic lining of the tissue box!

Got his blood results. While the Vet said he is good, there are a lot of things worrying me. Things which point to anemia, or lymphoma. Hematocrit low, lymph low, and glucose high. Vet is off until Wednesday. He may check in tomorrow. or late today. I do not expect any news from him, until at least Tuesday.

Geoffrey has been hiding under my bedspread all afternoon, after the last vomiting of Cerenia.
At 3:15, I opened up a can of Rawz Rabbit, against my better judgement; because he can turn so finicky, so fast. He ran over, as soon as he heard the can open. He was between my legs in no time, flat!!
He ate a large heaping of it, mixed with a tiny bit of water. Now he is hiding...
Fingers crossed he keeps it down. Then I will give him some of the dry RC rabbit prescription food.

Hoping he turns around. This poor baby has been through so much in his short lifetime-- and he is the sweetest boy.
I did get a lot of fur off of him this afternoon. Hoping this is a combination of rabies shot, with an impending fur ball... poor thing.

Geoffrey is getting the full dose of mirtazapine tonight. I do not want him to gain any more weight, but I want his tummy to have something in it because of all the meds he is taking. He gets his Chemo tomorrow. dam..

Yikes, the hits just keep coming... dam
 

FeebysOwner

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 13, 2018
Messages
22,439
Purraise
33,202
Location
Central FL (Born in OH)
Hopefully, it is just a reaction to the rabies shot. When you reach the vet ask about that. And, hopefully, he keeps the rabbit food down! The fact that he ate is good! The blood work numbers, at least the glucose can be affected by stress, perhaps the others as well. All other of his behaviors could be related to being 'off his game' from the shot. Just watch him to make sure he goes back to where he was before the shot.

I don't know if G got a 1 year or 3 year rabies vaccination, but regardless, ask your vet about stopping ALL vaccinations going forward. Most states allow a vet to forgo them all for medical reasons - I'd say Geoffrey should qualify! Feeby's last rabies shot (3 year) was done in 2016, and all other vaccinations were stopped in 2014.
 

neely

May the purr be with you
Veteran
Joined
Dec 22, 2005
Messages
19,637
Purraise
47,802
Cindy, I know you feel jinxed but you have been such a remarkable advocate for Geoffrey. 🤗 Without Dr. B and you he would not be in such a good place. Good luck with his chemo tomorrow. Please let us know when you hear from the vet about his latest results.
 

Margot Lane

Kitten at heart, not a Top Cat
Top Cat
Joined
Oct 24, 2021
Messages
4,368
Purraise
8,961
Fingers crossed that it was just a reaction, nothing more. At least he ran and ate his food…I’d be more concerned if he was losing weight and not eating. Have you found anything that helps him during the drive? I ask b/c my cat yowls sometimes too. Sometimes we have conversations, or I play soothing music, or give him a quick teeny crack of fresh air.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #472

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Fingers crossed that it was just a reaction, nothing more. At least he ran and ate his food…I’d be more concerned if he was losing weight and not eating. Have you found anything that helps him during the drive? I ask b/c my cat yowls sometimes too. Sometimes we have conversations, or I play soothing music, or give him a quick teeny crack of fresh air.
Geoffrey just withdraws during the ride. I play music for him, softly (classical or country--what I listen to in the house).
Once he is in the waiting room, he calms down and becomes inquisitive, yet clingy...
He is the star of the building, when we come home.

Vet is talking to secretary as we speak. I was on the phone with her, and then he beeped in.. So, I will see.

The Rabies shot was one year, versus a 3 year one from last time. If he lasts until next year, I am going to ask for an exemption. I think he is so sensitive, that it bothers him too much. If I remember correctly, he had reaction like this the last time he had a vaccination.

Poor thing.. I am just going to give him the RAWZ, until he gets out of this funk. I will give him another.
He refused the canned RCanin this morning; yet, ate 1/4 can of Rawz--that is what I gave him. He ate 1/2 can of RAWZ yesterday afternoon.
Thank God, I am a hoarder. I have another case of RAWZ in the house, for him. But, he has not done a full transition. I could not afford (physically) for him to refuse a mix of Rawz and RC rabbit. I do not want to create a food aversion.

ugh...
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #474

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Yes in Massachusetts. This is the last vaccination Geoffrey will ever have; if I have any say in it.

No vomiting, so far. Gave the rest of the Rawz Rabbit, he ate it, in 1 servings. Went out for a few hours. Came home, G was under bedspread. I took the breakfast portion, with some added water, of the RC rabbit over to him. He ate almost all of it.. no vomiting.. I think he is a bit improved. Not much but a bit.

Vet wanted a verbal update, late afternoon, even though he is not working until tomorrow. I gave it.
His secretary is not in tomorrow, but I have his Vet Tech's email address, so I will update her tomorrow morning.

I am kicking myself for not insisting on refusing ALL vaccinations...
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #476

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Ugh... Geoffrey Vomited again, yesterday morning... I thought he was out of the rabies vaccination funk, but... he vomited.// I think there was some fur mixed in with food. That makes 3 vomiting episodes in one week.

He is at the point where he is not waning the RC canned food; eating a ton of the RC dry.

Yesterday was the post T-day/Holiday funk day. I overate and such. I had too much onions and mushrooms. It did not really agree with me. Geoffrey, I think felt the same way. He was a cuddle bug, all day..

Lying down for a nap, on the bed with me, and then I got chilled. Came out to the recliner, stretched out, with a blanket. Geoffrey came over and did something he never has done before: He came over to me, (usually lied on my lap) but Not this time, Geoffrey wanted UNDER the blanket with me! OMG>. He was right on top of me, with the blanket cover him. He stayed like that for an hour!! until I moved!

He was stuck to me like glue! All Day...

Today is a chemo day, and cleaner coming in. I am going back to the vinegar, baking soda, cleaning routine. Even for the floor. I tried the wet Swiffer for the floor, last time she was here. Call it superstitious, but, I still think Geoffrey is sensitive to the Swiffer. dam.. It cleans really good, but I cannot use it, not while he is sick.
 

tarasgirl06

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
24,708
Purraise
64,894
Location
Glendale, CATifornia
Ugh... Geoffrey Vomited again, yesterday morning... I thought he was out of the rabies vaccination funk, but... he vomited.// I think there was some fur mixed in with food. That makes 3 vomiting episodes in one week.

He is at the point where he is not waning the RC canned food; eating a ton of the RC dry.

Yesterday was the post T-day/Holiday funk day. I overate and such. I had too much onions and mushrooms. It did not really agree with me. Geoffrey, I think felt the same way. He was a cuddle bug, all day..

Lying down for a nap, on the bed with me, and then I got chilled. Came out to the recliner, stretched out, with a blanket. Geoffrey came over and did something he never has done before: He came over to me, (usually lied on my lap) but Not this time, Geoffrey wanted UNDER the blanket with me! OMG>. He was right on top of me, with the blanket cover him. He stayed like that for an hour!! until I moved!

He was stuck to me like glue! All Day...

Today is a chemo day, and cleaner coming in. I am going back to the vinegar, baking soda, cleaning routine. Even for the floor. I tried the wet Swiffer for the floor, last time she was here. Call it superstitious, but, I still think Geoffrey is sensitive to the Swiffer. dam.. It cleans really good, but I cannot use it, not while he is sick.
I agree about stopping the vax, if at all possible. Geoffrey is indoors only and not exposed to other cats or other animals, so it should absolutely be possible.
Really too bad about vomiting -- the vaxxes can really do that. My roomie was sick in bed for 6 days after getting one of those COVID boosters. Ridiculous to waste that much of your life for that!!! whatever others say/think.
Hoping Geoffrey's system is just about settled after this assault and that he will be back on track with is eating and utilizing his food. The RC dry was very popular here when I used to buy it.
I've tried to entice Elvis under the blankets in bed; he will investigate but he always leaves. Others have really enjoyed sleeping up next to me undercover.
Wishing you both a good CATurday and weekend.
 

iPappy

TCS Member
Staff Member
Forum Helper
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
5,051
Purraise
15,787
I'm sorry he vomited yesterday :( I hope he's done good today and that's all out of his system! I love that he cuddled with you under the blankets. Lila does that, and it's so sweet!
I personally like the baking soda and vinegar cleaning routine. I don't have to worry if someone is too near while I'm cleaning. Plus the house smells just plain fresh.
:hugs: :petcat:
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #479

artiemom

Artie, my Angel; a part of my heart
Thread starter
Top Cat
Joined
Dec 22, 2014
Messages
11,122
Purraise
23,104
Location
near Boston
Fingers crossed as I write this.. Geoffrey is doing well. Last vomit was on Friday Morning. I am hoping that it was a fur ball. I could not tell.. and I am thinking the reaction to the vaccination has passes.

Geoffrey is back to eating normally.. after a bout of wanting 90% dry food. He gets that way when his tummy is not right. I equate it with us getting tummy upsets: saltine crackers.

He has become even more clingy, if that is possible. Always wanting to cuddle with me. Always.
Again, I have a very busy week, so he is on his own a lot. He just stays under my bedspread-- which needs to be washed. Poor thing.

Geoffrey is pretty good when the cleaner comes in. He just stays on my bed, occasionally coming out to inspect. He does not seem to mind her. Weird.

Each evening is a routine: I get ready for the night, go onto recliner-stretch it out, cover up with a blanket. Geoffrey is waiting for me to get ready. He does a couple quick scratches on the side of the recliner, then jumps on my lap--- for the entire evening.. jumping down to get a snack, then back up.

When he feels it it time for me to get to bed.. usually at 10pm.. He is waiting for me in the bedroom. He knows. He automatically goes into the bedroom. Some nights he is a bit too early-- I am only in the Bathroom. I have to tell him, 'No, not yet".. He then follows me back to the recliner, and on my lap.
Other times, he is the one telling me to go to Bed! He yells at me!
On some nights, G is Waiting for me, on top of the bed, before I get in!! He is incredible.

This past Sunday, he surprised me, even more. I was in my PJ's.. yes, in the afternoon. I was tired. I stretched out on the recliner, without the blanket. Geoffrey promptly jumped on top of the recliner, and very gingerly lied down on my lap!! without a blanket!! This was the first time he has done that.

For what ever the reason is, Geoffrey is getting more and more attached to me. and loving. He calls me daily to brush him. We do not spend long doing so, but he calls me..
His new 'thing' is to jump on top of my printer, which is covered in a large white towel, on top of my 5 drawer chest. Geoffrey calls me for 'head Bops"... He loves head bops.. or just 'bops'... purrs, rolls over.. just a bundle of love. He does not seem to get enough love, no matter how much I give him.

He is my sweet little boy..
 

tarasgirl06

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Sep 19, 2006
Messages
24,708
Purraise
64,894
Location
Glendale, CATifornia
Fingers crossed as I write this.. Geoffrey is doing well. Last vomit was on Friday Morning. I am hoping that it was a fur ball. I could not tell.. and I am thinking the reaction to the vaccination has passes.

Geoffrey is back to eating normally.. after a bout of wanting 90% dry food. He gets that way when his tummy is not right. I equate it with us getting tummy upsets: saltine crackers.

He has become even more clingy, if that is possible. Always wanting to cuddle with me. Always.
Again, I have a very busy week, so he is on his own a lot. He just stays under my bedspread-- which needs to be washed. Poor thing.

Geoffrey is pretty good when the cleaner comes in. He just stays on my bed, occasionally coming out to inspect. He does not seem to mind her. Weird.

Each evening is a routine: I get ready for the night, go onto recliner-stretch it out, cover up with a blanket. Geoffrey is waiting for me to get ready. He does a couple quick scratches on the side of the recliner, then jumps on my lap--- for the entire evening.. jumping down to get a snack, then back up.

When he feels it it time for me to get to bed.. usually at 10pm.. He is waiting for me in the bedroom. He knows. He automatically goes into the bedroom. Some nights he is a bit too early-- I am only in the Bathroom. I have to tell him, 'No, not yet".. He then follows me back to the recliner, and on my lap.
Other times, he is the one telling me to go to Bed! He yells at me!
On some nights, G is Waiting for me, on top of the bed, before I get in!! He is incredible.

This past Sunday, he surprised me, even more. I was in my PJ's.. yes, in the afternoon. I was tired. I stretched out on the recliner, without the blanket. Geoffrey promptly jumped on top of the recliner, and very gingerly lied down on my lap!! without a blanket!! This was the first time he has done that.

For what ever the reason is, Geoffrey is getting more and more attached to me. and loving. He calls me daily to brush him. We do not spend long doing so, but he calls me..
His new 'thing' is to jump on top of my printer, which is covered in a large white towel, on top of my 5 drawer chest. Geoffrey calls me for 'head Bops"... He loves head bops.. or just 'bops'... purrs, rolls over.. just a bundle of love. He does not seem to get enough love, no matter how much I give him.

He is my sweet little boy..
What a sweet, sweet boy!
I love the "tail" of your bedtime ritual. Elvis doesn't do this, but our beloved angel Rani used to climb up in the 7' catpipe and launch herself onto the bed with a heavy THUD! to tell me that if I didn't start dispensing her treats, there would be more THUDs! to follow.
IMG_2093.JPG

Beloved angels Tarifa and Sammi enjoying the catpipe.:redheartpump::hearthrob::heartshape:
 
Top