2/12 Cinco AMPS 242 +4 98 +5.5 94 +7.5 108 PMPS 222 +3 207 +5 138 Civvie Biopsy Results

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

2/10 Recap:
1.25 units bid
AMPS: 273
AM+3.5: 200
AM+6: 150
AM+8.5: 124
PMPS: 160
PM+3: 87
PM+4: 78
PM+5: 92
PM+7: 156

2/11 Recap:
1.25 units bid
AMPS: 229
AM+2.25: 174
AM+4.5: 82
PMPS: 190
PM+3.25: 182
PM+5: 174

Most Recent Condo

Sorry we were MIA/AWOL yesterday. It was a long, stressful day and by the time I could sit down at the PC, it was so late I figured everyone else was in bed, anyway.

Cinco apparently thought I did not have enough to worry about yesterday and gave me that lovely 82 as I grabbed an out the door test. Mark was not working from home, so I had to fill up Otto and pray Cinco would just surf safely. Apparently, he did. Looks like he's off to another great surf. Thank you, Cinco, for being gentle with me today.

Minka's chemo went well - her blood levels were adequate for treatment and her anemia is improved considerably. Her weight is down a scosh, despite my best efforts, but not enough that they were concerned. She's now on the every other week schedule, so that should help her appetite, we hope. She ate well yesterday and actually ate this morning's entree with a minimum of fuss (Wellness Core Chicken, Turkey and Chicken Liver). Sasha did, too. Harvey was the least enthused, but he's eaten about half of his. I suspect his new meds could be in play here.

Yesterday morning, as I was getting dressed to head to UCD with Minka, Dr. B, the first IM that Harvey saw at UCD, called with the biopsy results. Pancreas, liver and that little lump on his belly were all clear, but they found small cell, T-cell lymphoma in his intestine. Not gonna lie - I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Dr. B was very upbeat. She said the treatment was not infusion, but he would be on two pills - Prednisolone and Leukeran. Pred twice a day and the Leukeran three times a week. I asked her to e-mail me the diagnosis and treatment instructions as I wasn't sure my pea brain could take everything in just then:

This is probably the most common type of lymphoma that we diagnose in the cat and it tends to be a very slowly progressive cancer. It is a cancer type that does NOT tend to metastasize to other organs, which is good news. The median survival time can be up to one year, if they respond well to treatment.

The treatment is a combination of prednisolone and leukeran. Leukeran (also called Chlorambucil) is a chemotherapy drug and you would administer that medication (2 mg) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The Prednisolone he would take twice daily. He can take both medications at the same time and with food. He can eat whatever he wants (within reason) while he is on treatment.

A recheck examination is recommended in 3 weeks to make sure the chemotherapy isn't affecting Harvey's bone marrow - we would recheck his weight and his cell counts (CBC - complete blood count). This appointment can be made here, with me, or with your primary care provider. Once we prove that Harvey is tolerating his medications, rechecks maybe every 3-4 months to check his body weight and talk about how he's doing. Of course, he can come in anytime if he's not doing well.

I picked up his meds after Minka's chemo and we started them last night. He will be on them the rest of his life. They are not cheap, but much less than infusion chemo. I checked around, and I can get the Leukeran for about $50 less at Sam's Club or Walmart. Dr. B said she would be happy to give me a prescription I can take wherever, but I wanted to start right away, so I got it from UCD to start.

On a slightly more upbeat note, it was amazing to walk into the waiting rooms and be greeted by the faces of three of my kitties.

When I told the vet tech that brought Minka out about Harvey's diagnosis, he asked where we lived. I told him and he said he would move if it were he! I also mentioned our previous two cats died of Pancreatic cancer. The vets have all assured me it was nothing we've done or not done, but what are the odds???

We have our card playing friends coming Saturday night for dinner, cards and to watch the first NASCAR race of the season, so I have a lot of cleaning to do. I'm hoping it will get my mind off things - if I can just get myself moving.

Sorry for not visiting a lot. I'll try to check in with you all this evening.

Sending healing vines to all in need and hugs to all their beans.. Prayers are ongoing for Amy's DF, Lyresa's DF, DH and DGD, Lisa's DF, Chris' DM and Elise's DM.

 

[Wendy&Neko]

((((Tricia and Mark)))))
So sorry to hear about Harvey's biopsy results. I've heard that kitties generally handle leukeran well. Pred will keep his appy going. I'm sending mega vines that Harvey's going to beat that median survival time. It's just a median (middle), some kitties gotta be on the long end of the range.

Good to hear the Cinco and Minka are doing well.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

(((((Tricia and Harvey))))) My heart aches for you and Mark, I am truly sorry, this was a phone call nobody ever wants to get. Back in the old days in this forum, people used to send "Snowflakes" and "Miracle Vines", (I read old posts when Tiger drops low on me and I have to stay awake nights ) So here are tons and tons of Healing Miracle Vines and Snowflakes. I am keeping Harvey in our thoughts and prayers!

 

[Ann & Tess GA]

Oh Tricia, I'm so sorry that the big C is visiting your furbabies again. At least it isn't an aggressive one and the treatment sounds manageable. Sending tons of snowflakes and lot of vine for Harvey.

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I'm so sorry. I know that's not what you wanted to hear. At least the treatment is something manageable. Sending prayers and hugs.

 

[Amy&TrixieCat]

Aw, I am SO sorry...it is so not fair. We are sending tons of vines your way...a solid flow of them. I can't remember who, but I know there was a member here whose kitty lived for 7 or so years with intestinal lymphoma because of the luekran. More and more prayers

 

[Vyktors Mum]

I'm so sorry Tricia

 

[Linda and Bear Man]

Aw, I am SO sorry...it is so not fair. We are sending tons of vines your way...a solid flow of them. I can't remember who, but I know there was a member here whose kitty lived for 7 or so years with intestinal lymphoma because of the luekran. More and more prayers

Amy may have been thinking of my civvie, Teddy. He was diagnosed at the age of seven with small cell intestinal lymphoma, and he was treated with Leukeran and Prednisolone. He passed away at the age of 14 from pancreatic cancer, but he lived a very happy seven years in remission thanks to the Leukeran. He had some issues with nausea on occasion, and I treated that with Ondansetron.

I am so sorry to hear of Harvey's diagnosis, but I am hoping that he will respond as well to treatment as Teddy did.

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

Well Damn!!! So sorry to hear you've got a 4th Tricia

Don't read much into the "median survival rate"....When my dad had his first heart attack at 59, he was told the "median survival rate" was 6 years....He lived to be 82

They have to take into account cats that are REALLY sick and may only last a few days, as well as those who respond well to treatment and last years. There's just no way to predict, but it sounds like his was caught early, hasn't spread and those are both good!

You have all the support and vines of LL behind you, so hopefully he'll respond great to treatment and you'll have him for many years to come.

Sending many

 

[tiffmaxee]

Darn it. This is not what anyone ever wants to hear but given the alternatives it's not so bad. Some cats handle leukeran without any problems but many do have nausea issues. There are many ways to dose it depending on how Harvey does. The easiest and most used by those that have issues is the pulse method which I think is given every three weeks, just more at once. If necessary I will look for a copy and send it to you. I dealt with intermediate cell which is treated like large cell with infusion. Many cats on the lymphoma list have lived years with it. It is slow to respond at first but once the meds kick in they do so well. It is so much easier than infusion. Hopefully Harvey will have the side effect of increased appetite with the pred. Tiffany wasn't that lucky so I had to use cypro with her.

Prayers and vines to you, Mark, and all the kitties. It just isn't fair!!

 

[Marje and Gracie]

(((((Tricia)))))

I'm so sorry about the dx with all you've got going on and just that your sweet Harvey boy has lymphoma. But when our Teddi was dx with large-cell lymphoma, the oncologist gave us a ton of info and it didn't take me long to realize that if they have lymphoma, you want it to be small cell. Small consolation but.....

I'm glad everyone else is doing well. I was thinking of you all when I saw Dale Earnhardt Jr. on TV....start of NASCAR season!!!

Big hugs and a ton of prayers for your gang.

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Thanks for the support and encouragement, Wendy, Ruth, Ann, Carla, Amy, Serryn, Chris, Elise and Marje. Linda, I especially appreciate your sharing your experience with Teddy. That really helps me, as do the other comments from people who have had experience with this.

I am not as devastated by the diagnosis as I am by the whole picture. As each Kitty has been diagnosed, it just seemed like the weight on my shoulders got heavier, and this one was enough to knock me down. I'll get back up, though. I am so grateful that the treatment is meds and not infusion and/or radiation. This is much easier on both Harvey and me. I called Dawn and told her I need her to make room for one more when she takes my babies so we can join the in-laws in Reno at the end of the month. It'll be Harvey's first experience with boarding, but he handled his ten days in the cage here so well that I am a lot less worried about it than I would have been. I am REALLY looking forward to a couple of days away for some mindless fun (in spite of having to spend it with my DMIL ).

Cinco had a nice day, numbers wise, and I like that PMPS compared to some he's had. He is really doing well lately (knock on wood, anti jinx, etc.), and that helps me, too.

With all the trips to the various vets, my back has suffered from carrying cats, so I got a new toy today. It's a combo - stroller and car carrier. I'm sure I'll get a lot of use out of it!

Dinner is on the stove, so I'd better go stir something! Hope everyone is having a great evening.

 

[Chris/China (GA)/Garfield]

Cinco!! Come on back down to the lagoon buddy!! I strung a new rope swing for us kitties to play on! ~ China

Very cool new toy!! I'm sure it'll make your trips easier on you!!

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

((((Tricia)))), I am very sorry to hear Harvey's dx. I hope that the meds will do their thing and that he will live a long, comfortable life (like Linda's Teddy). Thinking of you and your DH tonight, your kitties, and sending more snowflakes and healing light, as well as healing vines.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

 

[Marilyn and Sheldon]

Just damn! Something in the universe is out of order and I don't like it. Seems so unfair.

MollyCat, a little kitty at work had small cell. Pred. 2x/day, Leukeran 3x/week. Honestly I don't remember how long she was on that protocol before she crossed at around 14 or 15 due to kidney disease. Years. That I know. Maybe 5? And good years.

Beaming all the light I can to you and your kids. One step at a time.

Marilyn and Polly

 

[Rachel & Chyna (GA)]

Argh. I'm sorry, Tricia. I was hoping along with everyone else for better news. Hugs and prayers for you, and hopes of a long long long time past the median! I hope the pills make Harvey comfortable. I don't know anything about it all and have nothing to input, except I'm thinking of you and DH, and all the kitties, and keeping you all in my prayers. And I say again, you're such an amazing bean!

I'm glad Cinco is showing you some lagoon time lately. Good news on Minka, and that Sasha is eating too! And I LOVE your new toy. One of my friends has two Siamese kitties that she puts in a double cat stroller and takes them for walks, it reminds me of that except it doesn't close them in...I'd feel safer to have the one you are getting. And it should be so much easier than lugging a cat carrier. I hope it works well for you! I'm keeping up on your condo and I'm sorry I don't post more. We're all moved now but now it's time to hunt for a new TBP when I have free time, lol. Once in awhile I get a chance to read at work during the odd slow time but it won't let me sign in to post no matter how I adjust "cookies"!. So I'm now sending you some hugs and I hope you know how much I've been/will be thinking of you! . I hope Cinco gives you a nice easy night and you can get some rest. I'll try to post more too

 

[Tricia Cinco(GA) & Harvey]

Thanks for stopping in, Chris, Ella, Marilyn and Rachel.

First, I have to thank @Marje and Gracie for thinking of me when she heard about Dale Jr. I am SO excited that NASCAR is about to return because I do need a distraction from the drama at home.

China, I'm sorry, but it doesn't look like Cinco is going to try out that swing tonight. Maybe tomorrow. I think the food I gave him for supper was 9%, so he stayed on shore. Can he have a rain check for tomorrow, please?

Marilyn, I guess that's the standard dosage, because that's what Harvey's on. So far it hasn't affected his appetite (anti-jinx). I forgot to mention that his favorite part of Dr. B's email was

He can eat whatever he wants (within reason) while he is on treatment.

Since he still had kidney issues, I will be taking that advice in moderation...NO to all the FF he can hold!!!

Ella, thank you for the snowflakes and light. I do love snow...

Rachel, so wonderful to hear from you. I'm glad you are all moved and you and the girls are doing well. Sending you lots of good job hunting vines. I already had two strollers, but they didn't convert to carriers, so you have to put the cat in a regular carrier in the car, then transfer them to the stroller at your destination. It worked okay with Cinco and Minka, as they are such mellow cats, but Harvey is a totally different story, so I'm looking forward to trying it out with him.

Indulging in a little self pity tonight and an adult beverage. Back to some computer games, and then bed.

 

[lovey11]

I am very sorry to hear this Tricia. You have been through a lot; but the report on Sasha and others sounds good. Sending prayers for Harvey for a great response to the medicine. It sounds like it was caught early.

Good idea on the computer games and Nascar. A diversion will help.