Re: 1/4 & 1/5 Jupiter -chemo¬ feeling well..update & PICS
I am posting this in response to the post yesterday from Jess and MrCat
It is very sad that Jupiter is having such uncomfortable side effects, and I am very sorry that this is happening. Per your comments above made in Sept., I thought that cats tolerate chemo well and don't have side effects but it seems that Jupiter is not tolerating it very well. I am curious because I know someone who is considering chemo for their cat and I don't want to mislead her by telling her the wrong information. What does your vet say about the side effects now that Jupiter has them? I thought she said she wouldn't use chemo if the effects were bad. Thanks for the advice. My friend is very concerned about moving ahead and I really want to help her. Do you still recommend chemo now that Jupiter is finished? Thank you so much and I hope Jupiter feels better soon.
I was hoping to type up a better worded response to post.... but still on pain medicine so instead will just copy the message I sent her... just in case anyone else interested in the questions I responded to.
"Okay, I am also going to post this response in my condo later. But will probably do a better job of explaining it later... I am on pain medicine and cant think clearly but wanted to answer your question a little now. I also ask that you read my response later when I can think a little clearer :lol:
They did tell me to expect him to be sleepy for a few days. After the first 2 treatments although he seemed out of it and sleepy... the side effects werent all that bad since those were the only side effects... and since they only lasted a few days.
To be honest with you, I think the HARDEST part of all this for Jupiter has been his anxiety and the constipation issue.
Knowing what I know now... (like knowing how Jupe responds to chemo).... had I known this before the chemo treatments... I still would have opted to get the chemo done. Although it really sucks seeing him likes this, the chemo greatly increases the chances of him living a long and healthy life. He only had 5 treatments and I am really hoping since this was the last one.... he will start feeling much better.
Quality of life is so very important to me... and I took that into consideration before doing the chemo. I figured we could get through a few rough weeks in order to reach the goal of him being healthy and happy again. If it was more then 5 chemo treatments, I cant say that I would have gotten the chemo. If chemo was a longterm plan (as in... if he would keep needing it for months or years.... I think that would have changed my mind about getting the chemo).
And remember, this is only MY opinion. Every cat is different and I dont think a longterm chemo treatment plan would work well for Jupiter but for some cats maybe it would. I think when considering chemo, every cat is different and it depends on the cats personality too. Jupes a fighter... even with his bad anxiety. He is so determined. When he had his leg amputated I thought it was going to slow him down... I was so worried about him. Hes so determined nothing slowed him down. For me that helped to prove that he could handle chemo.... (However if the side effects were ANY worse... for example him constantly vomiting or something.... at that point I would chose not to further continue the chemo treatments). It took me a long time to consider and think about this decision... its something that needs a lot of thought and consideration... and must be prepared for whatever happens. "
