Update on Ebony and Thanks

[Sara and Buttercup]

Thank you so much for all of your thoughts and prayers. It means so much to me. I hope it can help me somehow. He is very ill. Today bun 117 and creatine 4.2 Phosphorus 16.3 today and they aren't giving him a phosphorus binder. I asked why but didn't understand the answer. Doesn't this seem wroong? Is there any reason he shouldn't be getting a phosphorus binder. They found lymphoma in his instestine and some lymph nodes too. There is some fluid in his belly area from they said adema.

I went in today to visit and he looked really bad and there was no food in the cage. I asked if I could feed him and they said no but I"m not sure why. Also, I haven't been able to talk to the actual oncologist once, just a very young 4th year vet student and occasionally a young resident who is not an oncologist.

they said if he doesn't respond to the meds by sunday it might be hopeless.

I am very concerned about the phosphurus and not being able to talk to the board certified oncologist. Also, they only let me visit him for 15 mintues.

I don't konw what else to do at this point. I am beyond exhausted. I'm going to try to drive there after work tomorrow if i can. He really needs emotional support and family around.

Can someone resend the links to the feline lyphoma groups? I know you sent them already but I am too tired to look back. thanks so much for your support.

 

[Victoria & Sundance]

I'm sorry to read this... I'll keep him in my prayers. I'm glad you will try to see him - it's important for both of you.

Here are two post from your other thread...

Sara,

I'm so sorry to hear about your news. Quincy was diagnosed with a different type of lymphoma in April 08 and I know how devastating that news can be. While it is definitely grave news, you are right not to conclude it's a "death sentence." There are a lot of treatment options out there that may be able to extend your cat's life by months if not years. I think it's a great idea for you to see a feline oncologist who can tell you about your options and recommend treatment. Chemo may be intravenous or oral, btw, so it may be something you can administer at home. Whatever path you take, it'll require monitoring to ensure that bone marrow suppression doesn't happen.

Here are some feline lymphoma resources:
http://felinelymphomacaregivers.org/
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/feline_lymphoma/
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=1+1376&aid=219

Good luck and take care

I am very sorry to see this.

This is a link on lymphoma, which has a little information on chemo treatments for renal lymphoma and prognosis. http://maxshouse.com/Oncology/feline_ly ... kemias.htm (scroll down to the prognosis section at the bottom).

A veterinary oncologist would be the best person to talk to about treatments, prognosis, etc.
The ACVIM link that Jess posted in your earlier thread can help you locate an oncologist http://www.acvim.org/websites/acvim/index.php?p=3 Choose specialty: oncology. If there is none local to your area, ask your vet if he knows of and is willing to consult with an oncologist by phone - I believe Cornell does phone consults.

 

[Erimess & Sammy (GA)]

Oh, what a frustrating visit. You were looking forward to seeing Ebony and this has just been a depression.

Can you call your regular vet and ask what reason there might be for not giving binders? That phosphorus is pretty darn high. In fact, perhaps your regular vet will more easily be able to have a chat with the oncologist?

The word is edema. Are they draining the fluids? Kinda between a rock and a hard place, cause he still needs hydration, but now he's building up fluids. Sometimes it ends up being necessary to do a small amount of fluids anyway, just to help them feel better. If the fluids are on his belly, that is not the same as getting them on the lungs. That's what Sammy had when he had intestinal cancer and it's not like it was interfering with breathing or something like that. And it's not as painful to drain them either. So at least there's that. (The fluids kind of come with the territory with cancer.)

I'd sure be wanting to know more what is going on. Can you get your regular vet on Saturdays?

 

[Venita]

((((Sara)))) All my best wished for Ebony's improvement.