? New Buster Challenge - dosing

Madm4444

Madm4444

Member Since 2024
@Suzanne & Darcy
@Wendy&Neko

I hope you guys are well. It's been a while since I've posted. We've been going along pretty well with Buster. We've seen some significant drops in bg so have tweaked the dose but no big changes until now.

I've been very cognizant of the comments that we may have rushed reductions in the past so we have been trying to leave the dose steady, even though that means a lot of low preshots. But I'm here to watch him so we keep going.

But now I'm not sure what is going on. He is suddenly in a field of Libre green low numbers (AlphaTrak3 spot checks show mostly low 100s). And yes, that is wonderful but it's just flat, no real curve and low. I'm afraid for hypo all day & all night. Although the random AT checks aren't less than 68, I feel like it's too much insulin. Shouldn't there be highs and lows?

He has some unexplained weight gain, is sleeping more & not as voraciously hungry. Could this be the lower bg?

We've started to lower the dose slowly but with no real response. I'm going to try 6.5 this morning b/c I have to go out for a bit today. Do you think this is the right approach?

Any guidance for this new challenge would be much appreciated. Thanks.
 
With Neko on Lantus and a human BG meter, the IM vet at CSU suggested a rule of thumb of reducing at below 70 post SRT. Not sure what to say for the AT or the Libre, both of which generally read different from a human BG meter. You might want to pick some number that works for you.

Another comment, I found that between 5 and 10 units total dose, decreases by 0.5 units at a time were better/safer. But I was also dealing with the Lantus depot. Anyway, try the 0.5 unit reductions until they stop working.

I did find post SRT times where the reductions came fast and furious, followed by ages of nothing. Depends how fast the tumour cells die off.

Regarding the lack of hunger, the time in normal numbers may be why. Plus if he's gaining weight. Maybe you need to watch how much you are feeding him.

Note to any lurkers, all the above is special for Buster, a post SRT acrocat.
 
Hi there! I was just admiring Buster’s spreadsheet. You are doing a great job. He is making progress — just slow and steady. How is he otherwise (mobility, appetite, etc.)
 
Wendy&Neko said:
With Neko on Lantus and a human BG meter, the IM vet at CSU suggested a rule of thumb of reducing at below 70 post SRT. Not sure what to say for the AT or the Libre, both of which generally read different from a human BG meter. You might want to pick some number that works for you.

Another comment, I found that between 5 and 10 units total dose, decreases by 0.5 units at a time were better/safer. But I was also dealing with the Lantus depot. Anyway, try the 0.5 unit reductions until they stop working.

I did find post SRT times where the reductions came fast and furious, followed by ages of nothing. Depends how fast the tumour cells die off.

Regarding the lack of hunger, the time in normal numbers may be why. Plus if he's gaining weight. Maybe you need to watch how much you are feeding him.

Note to any lurkers, all the above is special for Buster, a post SRT acrocat.
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Thanks, @Wendy&Neko. I'm so glad that you mentioned reductions may need to be fast. We had luck with 0.25 reductions in the past but with this round, 0.5 reductions were needed quickly.

And, of course, in typical Buster fashion, the Libre failed (actually got dislodged). The good news is that he can use his hind legs more right now. The bad news is he can now hit the Libre when he scratches with his hind legs. We will need to rethink placement.

This is a very busy couple of weeks here so we haven't had a chance to get a new Libre placed. Based on all the data we have, we have been testing with the AlphaTrak at his most recent 'low' times. But Buster's lows are all over the place so it's sort of a crap shoot. He doesn't like ear pricks but at least it's a little break from the Libre.

Regardless of all the 'drama,' he is doing so well. I've backed off his food a bit so we shall see how it goes. His legs are so much better right now. It's almost one year since the **** hit the fan. He's come so far. I'm so proud of him.
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Hi there! I was just admiring Buster’s spreadsheet. You are doing a great job. He is making progress — just slow and steady. How is he otherwise (mobility, appetite, etc.)
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Hi! Thanks for checking on him. He's really doing well right now. Good appetite, pees/poops, disposition. His legs are doing so much better. You should see him jog up the stairs. No help needed!

Like I mentioned to @Wendy&Neko, there is no Libre at the moment (4 days now). We are doing our best to manage with ear pricks & food type/timing. It is a bit of a struggle b/c he's gained weight so I'm trying to spread out the low carb food. But sometimes I get nervous & give a little med-carb at night. The nighttime lows scare me.

But having so much data on him & experience with his behavior helps. I don't panic as much anymore & you don't have to put up with my frantic posts at 6am (well, not as much). I can't promise I won't have more crazy moments but I'll try not to... 😉

He will be going in for a thorough checkup (x-rays, bloodwork, cardiology) in the coming weeks. I'll keep you guys posted.

I haven't been on the board that much lately but I do know that you've had a lot going on with your kitties. How are they all doing?
 
Not too well for me.
I am very happy to hear hos legs are finally better! I do wish I could see him jogging up the stairs! 🙂 that made me smile and I needed it today….. Sitting here for hours at UGA emergency and they don’t know what is wrong with my boy. He has a fever that is persistently high and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder affecting his skin (via biopsy.) Now they’re telling are saying they think it’s something else. They naturally want $3-5K to do a workup. I am already maxxed out on all these cat expenses and I guess I am going to take him home. We have been here since 10:30 a.m. and it’s now almost 3 and nothing has been done apart from some bloodwork. I am fried.

You are doing such a good job with Buster. I am so pleased. What a long haul it’s been for you!
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Not too well for me.
I am very happy to hear hos legs are finally better! I do wish I could see him jogging up the stairs! 🙂 that made me smile and I needed it today….. Sitting here for hours at UGA emergency and they don’t know what is wrong with my boy. He has a fever that is persistently high and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder affecting his skin (via biopsy.) Now they’re telling are saying they think it’s something else. They naturally want $3-5K to do a workup. I am already maxxed out on all these cat expenses and I guess I am going to take him home. We have been here since 10:30 a.m. and it’s now almost 3 and nothing has been done apart from some bloodwork. I am fried.

You are doing such a good job with Buster. I am so pleased. What a long haul it’s been for you!
Click to expand...
I’m so sorry Suzanne. Sending you vines and prayers 🍃🍃🍃🍃🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹
 
Suzanne & Darcy said:
Not too well for me.
I am very happy to hear hos legs are finally better! I do wish I could see him jogging up the stairs! 🙂 that made me smile and I needed it today….. Sitting here for hours at UGA emergency and they don’t know what is wrong with my boy. He has a fever that is persistently high and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder affecting his skin (via biopsy.) Now they’re telling are saying they think it’s something else. They naturally want $3-5K to do a workup. I am already maxxed out on all these cat expenses and I guess I am going to take him home. We have been here since 10:30 a.m. and it’s now almost 3 and nothing has been done apart from some bloodwork. I am fried.

You are doing such a good job with Buster. I am so pleased. What a long haul it’s been for you!
Click to expand...
Oh, Suzanne! I'm so sorry to hear that. You have so much on your plate. Sending thoughts & prayers your way. 🙏
 
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