12/30 Donovan's buddy Butthead @oncologist
Headed out to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston this morning with Butthead. I plopped him in the litterbox just before we left, and he dutifully piddled. Such a good boy. He is accustomed to shorter trips, so 10-15 min in he was like
Are We There Yet? Let Me Outttt. Butthead has a barely perceptible meow, so it was mostly him headbutting the sides of his soft carrier. He was next to me on the passenger seat, so I gave him lots of scritches.
Didn't get lost finding the place. Let's just say I've had several very long adventures in the Boston area before (no GPS), so was happy not to have to backtrack through those often nonsensical street patterns. Had to wait a bit after checking in, and then we were escorted to an exam room where a technician got his weight, temp, and heart rate, and then asked for a brief summary of the events that brought me and Butthead there. I believe my theory about Butthead and authority figures who have a Y chromosome is correct. He wasn't thrilled with this guy, yet all of the techs (females!) at the VCA where he had his surgeries just loooove him, and he loves them back. He hates his regular vet too, who also has the Y chromosome issue. Bottom line is, apparently Butthead really likes women.
I let Butthead wander around the exam room while we were waiting for the vet. He walked on the counter/exam area, sat on the office chair, sniffed the printer, turned around and did happy pee-pee tail to everything, and.... decided to investigate the sink. Maybe he was thirsty? Unfortunately, the faucet was one of those motion-activated things, and he set it off :shock:. He didn't get too wet, but he did avoid that area afterward. Finally the vet and another technician arrived (female!).
***Note to anyone who has a cat with potato farms in their ears like Butthead: apparently ears that are actively producing "stuff" and/or become inflamed or irritated on a regular basis are more prone to cell mutations. I never thought about it that way. Just thought Dang, some cats always have dirty ears. Try to keep an eye on them.
Given that Butthead's ear canal ablation showed clean margins, and whatever was left behind grew back so quickly, the vet recommended either carboplatin (IV chemo) or Palladia (oral chemo). From what I could understand, carboplatin is used more for existing tumors, and Palladia is better for keeping bad cells from getting to that point. While carboplatin would be effective more quickly vs. Palladia which takes several weeks to build up, carboplatin requires more visits for treatment and more monitoring. I would not have any issue with that if it was the only deciding factor. But there is very little data on use of Palladia in cats, except that vet says it seems effective and well-tolerated. Vet asked if I wanted some time to think about it, but I felt the sooner we start, the better. Palladia could not have been started any sooner because of its mode of action -- it would have affected his healing after surgery. Could also theoretically use BOTH drugs, and/or switch to the other if it appears not to be working. Vet tech was leaning toward Palladia. I decided to try that first. Once Butthead starts the drug, he will have to have his blood tested in a week (CBC, which I can get done locally), and vet wants to see him again in a month. Also have to watch for side effects, mostly stomach upset. I mentioned dietary changes (like maybe finally get rid of ALL the HC food and kibble in the house? - theory that sugar feeds cancer cells), but she did not seem concerned aside from giving him good quality food. I'm still going to lobby for removal of the Kitty Crack though. That crap isn't good for any of them.
Butthead and his women.... vet had her laptop on the counter and Butthead lay down beside it and stretched out his paw on the keyboard :roll:. They left and she typed up a summary of the visit to give me. I'm cheating and looking at it now -- very good idea because who ever remembers everything the doctor says?
Drive home took much longer than the drive out. Sucky traffic for no visible reason; typical Massachusetts. Butthead wanted OUT of his carrier, so I relented and set him free, but I put his harness and leash on just in case. He's really good though. He likes to look out the windows, hang out on the back seat, and most of all my lap. He was purring, silent meowing, and making happy feet. This is not an ill cat! I was completely covered in Butthead fur by the time we got home.
I have yet to give him a pill. Have to see how that goes tonight. He does NOT like anyone futzing with his mouth, so I think I will have to combine it with something pleasant like nummy fuds. I wonder if the others will catch on like they did when it was Donny's pokey time. They discovered he got a treat then, and darnit, they wanted one too.
THANK YOU again for all of your support for Butthead and me.
We really needed it. Thank you.
I think I will start a new thread for any further updates. This one has grown rather large
MJ&Donovan&Butthead
. Whiskers and I will cross our fingers toes and paws for all of you. Keeping you in our prayers for a good oncologist appointment.
