5/19 Simon AMPS 167 +9 311 Possible lymphoma

Status
Not open for further replies.
Georgia and Simon (GA)

Georgia and Simon (GA)

Member Since 2010
Last night Simon was really bad. Very lethargic and not eating at all. He had diarrhea, but Dyana made a good point on my yesterday condo. All Simon has been eating is food with gravy because that is what still somewhat interests him. He is not used to that type of food so that may be the reason for the diarrhea. Thanks, Dyana!

Last night, he actually ate more food overnight and I woke up in the middle of the night to find him snuggled next to me. That was a special gift he gave me! This morning he looks a little better but still not eating like normal. He has eaten about 1/3 of a small can of food on his own. Not too bad compared to yesterday. I am leaving in a minute with him to go to the vet for the U/S. I want to stay for the whole thing but will need to drop him off and then come back once I can get things settled at work.

Please keep those thoughts, healing vines and prayers coming. They really do help!

http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/...s-299-4-230-u-s-tomorrow.138029/#post-1423638
 
Sending Prayers and Healing vines for Simon that he gets good results from the U/S. Sending hugs to you while you sit on pins and needles waiting for the U/S results.:bighug:
 
Endless prayers coming your way to day. You're right - Dyana makes an excellent point. Add to the gravy food the new med and possible p-tities flare, and it would be no wonder his belly is rattled. It sounds like he is feeling better today...even more prayers!!
 
We are back from vet. The ultrasound shows some inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes between the small and large intestine. The vet is thinking that the most likely cause is lymphoma, although there is no visible mass. He says the only way to know for sure is if I do a biopsy -- surgery. I do not think that is a good option for Simon at this point since he is almost 18 years old with multiple other health issues. I don't want to put him through too much. I don't know much about lymphoma in cats so any information is helpful from any of you that has gone through this. My very first cat had a type of lymphoma but I waited too late to help her because I was not informed about cat health at that time. I know it was not a good thing near the end. In addition to the enlarged lymph nodes, he may have a UTI. Urine culture done. He also has a small lesion on his liver. Once the UTI is ruled out, vet says we should start Simon on prednisone. I can always increase insulin to control his BG. Quality of life is key and I want him to be happy and also to eat. He is still turning away from most food. I will continue to syringe feed. He got an injection of cerenia today and I will continue to give the cerenia pills,B12, Pepcid, ondansetron, bupe and fluids. Also a probiotic to help with the diarrhea.

I am scared about what is in store for my baby. I want to be as informed as possible so if anyone has any websites that are really helpful, let me know.
 
Georgia:

I think Linda's Bear Man was diagnosed with lymphoma. I'd suggest sending her a PM. I believe that prednisolone is the preferred steroid -- it's a form of prednisone. And you're absolutely correct -- you adjust the insulin to offset any effect the steroid may have.
 
I'm sorry to hear the diagnosis of possible lymphoma. It's true that you would need a biopsy to tell you if it is lymphoma, and if so, what type it is. I also completely understand that this is not an option for you right now with Simon being an older kitty and already feeling unwell. My civie, Teddy, had small cell intestinal lymphoma. It is one of the most treatable feline cancers. He was a young and otherwise healthy cat at the time of his diagnosis, so he ended up doing very well with treatment ( a remission of 7 years). One very effective treatment for small cell intestinal lymphoma (if that is what Simon has) is the oral chemotherapy drug chlorambucil (also known as Leukeran). You administer the pills at home. It is given with prednisolone (this is better than prednisone for cats). The drawback is that it may have a negative effect on appetite and can cause nausea. The cat must also have his blood cell count rechecked frequently to make sure the drug is not causing problems with blood cell production. Since Simon is already having problems with appetite and nausea, it may not be an option for him, but it is something you can ask the vet about. Perhaps the vet's plan to start with prednisolone is a good one, and if Simon starts to feel better on it, which is very possible, you can consider adding in Leukeran later, if the vet feels that it is indicated in the absence of a firm diagnosis from a biopsy.

I am sending many healing thoughts for Simon to start feeling better.
 
I'm glad that Linda has the voice of experience and could give you some information, Georgia. It's not something I know much about.

However, I do know how scary it is when your kitty isn't eating or feeling well, and I wanted to send you a little virtual support and a dozen hugs for that. :bighug::bighug:
 
Just wanted mention one more thing ... I think you recently finished a course of Onsior, which is an NSAID. You will be starting prednisolone, a corticosteroid, after a UTI is ruled out. There will probably be enough time built in there, but NSAIDS and corticosteroids must never be given together, and a washout period is required when changing from a corticosteroid to an NSAID or between two different NSAIDs. You might also ask the vet what sort of washout period, if any, is required from switching from an NSAID to a corticosteroid.
 
Oh, I'm so sorry. You are dealing with the same issues I am dealing with for Shadow.
She's on prednisolone and Gengraf ( modified cyclosporine)
The gengraf helps with the inflammation and we are slowly tapering off the prenisolone to see if we can do without it.
also have Cerenia when needed, ondansetron, cyproheptadine, bupe, SEB, pearls probiotic, and b12.

:bighug::bighug:
 
I am overwhelmed with the wonderful words of support from everyone and also the advice from Linda and Rhiannon.
Linda, thank you for the information on the NSAID and prednisolone. I will ask the vet about the washout period. Simon only received one pill of Onsior on Saturday evening, and because his tummy started having problems right away, I stopped it.
If Simon was younger even by a few years, I would probably go for the chemo, but he is very fragile right now and I don't think I want to do something that ultimately, may only give him a few more months. His legs are very weak and I think that it is more related to this current issue than arthritis. From what I have been reading, the two can be related and may even be a sign of more advanced lymphoma.
Rhiannon, I will ask the vet about the Gengraf. Sounds like it has helped Shadow. I may need to be asking you and Linda lots of questions since you are experienced with lymphoma.
Simon didn't even want to sit outside this evening. Not like him at all. I have given him his dose of bupe so hopefully, he is not in pain. This is SO hard.
 
oh Georgia, I am so sorry to hear this, my heart goes out to you and Simon! You're facing the fear that those of us who have had US and don't know if we are looking at lymphoma or IBD face, big hugs to you! You've gotten good advice, I am only at the beginning of this journey, but I do know that there is a very smart vet who posts on the Yahoo Lymphoma Group- his name is Dr. Jory and it may or may not be helpful to post there and see if he has any recommendations.
 
:bighug::bighug::bighug: I am so sorry about the possible diagnosis. One of my kitties had lymphoma, but it was a long time ago, and it was a very rare version, so unfortunately I don't have much help. Elise (Max and Elise) does also have a lot of knowledge on the subject.

I'm just going to keep piling on non-stop prayers. Simon is so very lucky that you are his bean....:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
((((Georgia)))), We are terribly sorry to hear the possible diagnosis of lymphoma. Linda and Rhiannon have so much info. and will be a great help to you. I hope that Simon will feel better with whatever meds his vet and you decide upon. I completely agree with you about subjecting Simon to a surgical biopsy.

We are sending your boy many, many healing vines and thinking good thoughts that he will feel better and be able to enjoy the rest of his life with you.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty
 
Hi Georgia :bighug: I am sorry to rad about the possible Dx for Simon. I went through his with my BJ, when she as 19. I could not in good conscience do any exploratory surgery in hopes of a complete Dx. Mannie was in the same boat. Ruled it out for the same reasons. Mannie also had liver lesions. We did a follow up U/S a few months later to see if they grew etc, which they had not I guess it is quite common for kitties to have them. (??) Linda is such valuable resource, and I do believe you can trust was she tells you. Rhiannon too.

Many hugs for you. I understand how difficult this is for you. Never ever easy when they have multiple health issues. My thoughts are with you. Hugs to all.
 
Georgia
I am so sorry to hear of the possible diagnosis for Simon:bighug::bighug:
I went through this with Sheba's mate Maxie a couple of years ago so I know how upset you are feeling.
It is good there are people on the board who are going through it now who can help you with ideas and suggestions.
Sending healing, strength and apply vines to dear Simon and lots of hugs to you:bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
For the diarrhea, a pinch of plain psyllium powder in the food twice a day, may help soak up some of the excess moisture.
 
{{{Georgia}}}

I am so sorry about this diagnosis, but take heart. My 14 year old civvie, Harvey, stopped eating and was suspected of having intestinal lymphoma last November. He was put on Prednisolone, along with Pepcid to counter the acid stomach Pred can cause, and that brought his appetite back - boy, did it!!! We went ahead with the biopsy to confirm, which was done in February of this year. Then they added in the chlorambucil. He is doing splendidly! Every now and then his appy stumbles a little, but with strategic maneuvers ("forbidden" foods that he loves, like Fancy Feast, freezed dried salmon sprinkled on top, baby food, boiled chicken) and a dose of Ondansetron, it always comes back strong. I have not had to give him Mirtz or Cypro since he was put on the Pred. He is strong and feisty and you'd never know he has a life-threatening illness. So even if you don't do the biopsy, treating with the Pred may help Simon to start eating again, and that will help him regain his strength. Then you can discuss your further options with your vet or oncologist.

I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have, and know that I'm praying for you and Simon and sending lots of healing and appy vines. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Sending you so many hugs and prayers......

I really know anything about lymphoma, but wanted to offer my support, thoughts, prayers, hugs, vines and anything else you may need.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. :bighug::bighug::bighug: Billie is another recent possible IBD or lymphoma case. She has had issues with a lack of appetite, weight loss, bouts of diarrhea/constipation, and an elevated fPL which the vet thinks is pancreatitis secondary to whatever else she has. She had an ultrasound in March and has been on ondansetron. She is now taking metronidazole per the vet's recommendation to see if that helps before pursuing a possible biopsy. It has really helped to normalize her stool so that might be worth asking about for Simon's diarrhea. It has anti-inflammatory properties as well.

What made your vet think that it was likely lymphoma and not possible IBD? Our IM vet said they are impossible to tell apart on an ultrasound because they can look the same, so maybe there's hope that it's IBD? I completely understand not wanting to put Simon through biopsy, chemo, etc, though. Pred and the other meds you're giving will help him feel better whether it's lymphoma or IBD, so I don't know that an official diagnosis would change the treatment in his case.

I definitely second the recommendation to try the Yahoo group and ask for Dr. Jory's help in your subject line - https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/feline_lymphoma/info You can post with as much info as you have. I typed out Billie's ultrasound results, sent BW, and included all the details I could. He is a great resource.

Sending many, many vines your way.
 
Sorry you got scary news. more vines, hugs and good wishes coming your and Simon's way. I stand in awe once again at the amazing people on here w/ so much knowledge. I hope it will help you find the right course for your sweet boy. :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Many hugs and vines from us. Our vet suspected IBD or lymphoma with Zener and we decided not to do a biopsy either. He was on prednisolone and it definitely helped for a couple of months. We got the pred compounded in tiny tabs at http://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/ in NJ and gave them to him in pill pockets.
Liz
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top