Melek is in remission but has low grade lymphoma :(

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Meleksmommy

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Hi all,

I know we've been away for a while, we had very good results with Melek's PZI, in 5 months he was in remission, and has been OTJ for over 2 months now. Unfortunately, the stabilization of Melek's blood glucose coincided with increased appetite, diarrhea and rapid weight loss. He is now under 10 pounds, he was 18 when diagnosed with diabetes, which was admittedly overweight.

So - after a series of tests and an endoscopy, we found that he has gastrointestinal small-cell lymphoma (or at least the condition that leads to it). He has been on chemo for 2 weeks now, we get his first blood panel results tomorrow to see how he is faring. He is starving to death, really. He is always hungry, though the diarrhea is mostly gone now. He comes after people food like a maniac (we never gave him table food), and now he is being fussy about the food they have him on (no chicken, he needs more complex proteins like venison, lamb, etc.)

We gave him catnip today - I am just trying to get him to eat more cat food (have to admit, it was watching Weeds that gave me the idea).

Does anyone have any experienc with lymphoma? How long does it take for the chemo to take effect, if it is going to? I've read that cats with small-scale lymphoma can live up to 2 healthy years if it is controlled, and of course, that's my goal. Any advice would be most welcome!

Thanks,
Melek and Jody
 
Is Melek on chlorambucil (Leukeran)? My Mario lived almost 2 1/2 years on chlorambucil. I think it took a couple of weeks to see any improvement. His oncologist did not want to also use pred because of his diabetes.
 
Yes, he's on Leukeran, and no pred also because we're worried the diabetes would come back. I am comforted to hear that Mario had some good years after taking Leukeran - how long was he on it? Thanks for sharing your experience with your GA :)
 
I had a cat with lymphoma 9 years ago. Back then, there was a feline lymphoma discussion group on Yahoo. I don't know if the group still exists, but if it does, it's worth joining. They were much like FDMB...much knowledge and support.

Best wishes and many prayers to you...

Amy
 
If your cat is going to get cancer, this is a "good" one to get. It can be treated. My McKaela got the top gun chemo as we didn't know when her IBS turned into lymphoma. She was in remission for almost 2 years when another cancer took her life. She went into remission almost immediately. You will know if the runs stop and Melek gains weight. Prayers for a good remission. Donna
 
My civie has had intestinal lymphoma for seven years. He is still doing well on Leukeran (on a maintenance schedule of one tablet every second day). We originally started on a pulse schedule that involved taking a higher dose for 4 consecutive days every third week. He has been on a steroid the entire time as well - initially Prednisolone, and now on injectable Dexasone. Since lymphoma is very similar to IBD, I also keep Teddy on treatments for his IBD-like symptoms - Metronidazole (Flagyl), Pepcid AC, and monthly B12 (Cyanocobalamin) injections. Teddy does suffer from nausea and inappetance, so he takes Ondansetron. He also takes Ursodiol, which helps him with his chronic pancreatitis. If youhave further problems with diarrhea which can't be resolved by Metronidazole, andother good medication for that is Tylosin.
 
If prednisone will help control the cancer, can you live with managing the diabetes he might get again?

If he's on insulin and managed, the pred may help extend his life. It is, of course, an additional cost in time and money, and it will depend on whether that would be an option for you.
 
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