Lymphoma

[christina52388]

I just got back from seeing Dr. Hurwitz, who does internal medicine. She did an ultrasound on Coconut and said it looks like he has lymphoma and something around his intestine that's not yet blocking it but is there. She also said it might have started to spread to his brain because when she turned him on his back his right pupil dilated or something like that. She said steroids could give him a few extra weeks before the cancer becomes resistant to it and the steroids don't do well with the diabetes. I won't try to prolong the inevitable. I opted against steroids. She said he will let me know when it's his time and just to continue feeding him and letting him eat on his own as well. I'm so sad but I have to go to work so I can't think into it right now or I will cry for the rest of the day. I feel relief though finally having some actual answers on him and she was such a concerned and caring vet.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I am saddened by Coconut's diagnosis. You might want to reconsider the steroid (probably prednesolone). My Bailey (diabetic) go a couple of good months on the pred.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

I agree with Larry, pain management trumps diabetes. and while not normally an advocate for steroids, they do have a use in certain situations.

I'm sorry about the prognosis, but happy you found a good vet.

 

[Anonymous]

Oh Crap! I am so sorry Christina. I was so pulling for your Coconut.
There are no words to ease the days ahead....just know I and many of us here on the board care and will be here for you if you should just want to talk.
(((((((((Christina and Coconut)))))))))
Lori
and Tom

 

[Dana & Thomas]

Prayers to you both. Hope that the the two of you can make the best of the time you have left.
Dana

 

[BJM]

You have to do what you think is best for Coconut and you. I say that having been through this with another cat that had lymphoma in the bone; I doubt I'll do chemo again, unless the vet says the objective is cure, not just prolonging life.

Steroid - prednisolone or prednisone - will make Coconut more comfortable, though it tastes pretty awful. If you use it, either use a small amount of a pill pocket to wrap it before dosing, coat it with vegetable oil so it doesn't dissolve in his mouth, or ask for a subcutaneous injectable form to minimize adminstration issues.