Re: Update on TeeCee

[Melbeach]

Stephanie,   I know this is tough, but you don't have to give up yet. A blood transfusion is a quick fix that should turn things around temporarily. If it takes, you will see Tee Cee eating again and acting more normal. If you want to take a serious shot at this, a blood transfusion is the necessary first step. It's only temporary. But it'll give you time to regroup and start on other meds. One thing I've noticed in my short time here is that some cats are lucky and respond to treatment - others don't. Tee Cee could be one of the lucky ones. You just don't know yet at this point.   The next step is ordering some Immunoregulin and interferon alpha on Monday or Tuesday, which you could have next day. These drugs are cheap. $33 for Immunoregulin: http://www.revivalanimal.com/product.asp?pn=31-020&ss=eqstim and $35 for interferon alpha from Island Pharmacy: http://www.islandpharmacy.com/interferon.htm. Island Pharmacy will require a prescription. The bloodwork you already did and the blood transfusion are the expensive parts. Once I had these meds, my vet charged me $10 for the biweekly Immunoregulin injections. The interferon alpha you give at home, by just squirting in the mouth. Immunoregulin is much, much stronger than interferon alpha.   Transfer Factor is great, you should use it. But the Immunoregulin/interferon alpha combo worked really well for Brissle. She was in the same boat as Tee Cee when I took her in - severely anemic, heart murmur, dehydrated, high fever. It didn't look good and the vet recommended putting to sleep. They also said her anemia was non-regenerative - which I think it maybe is, or very close. The only difference I see is the white blood count. Brissle's was normal. Do you have Tee Cee's numbers?   You should also seriously consider finding another vet. Now is the time to do it. It becomes obvious that most standard vet offices aren't setup for this kind of thing. My vet said I was the first customer that actually wanted to try saving a FeLV+ cat. I would find the cat people in your area, a privately run shelter, or even the humane society or the emergency room you went to. Ask who they would recommend for a FeLV+ cat. Your traditional vet just doesn't have the time to learn about this stuff. It was pulling teeth getting my vet to come around and see things my way. If I had it to do over again, I would have found someone else first thing.   I should also mention Virbagen Omega (feline interferon), which would be the preferred treatment over Immunoregulin and human interferon alpha. It's worked wonders in many cases. Unfortunately, it's not approved in the US. But a few people here have obtained it thru emergency FDA approval. It takes about two months after you send in the paperwork and quite expensive. But it does give you another alternative. That's another reason to look for a different vet. Your standard vet may not be enthusiastic about doing the paperwork for this. Someone on the list was able to loan me one round of theirs while I got my paperwork together. It did make a small difference with Brissle. Only a small difference, because the Immunoregulin was already working for her. So I wouldn't let that discourage you from trying Immunoregulin.   I would take Monday off work and have the transfusion done first thing (unless there's a good reason not to). If you do the transfusion at your current vet, make sure you get a copy of your bloodwork. If you do find a vet experienced with FeLV and anemia, they should know if something else like steroids would be appropriate. Either way, the Immunoregulin/interferon alpha combo is easy to get going. If it doesn't work, at least you know you tried. And at least the transfusion will give you a couple more weeks with Tee Cee.   Let us know what you do. I know your vet's prognosis is discouraging. But someone different may offer you some hope. Keep your head up. It ain't over yet!   -Kyle   ----- Original Message ----- From: Nina To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 5:07 AM Subject: Re: Update on TeeCee Steph, Please don't crawl into that hole.  I understand how you feel, it's just awful that this is happening.  I'm not saying you should cheer up or anything as idiotic as that, but try to use the time you have with Tee Cee to share your love and be as optimistic as you can.  Tell him how much he reminds you of Alphie, how you love him the same way.  Tell him what a privilege it is that he's chosen you to show him what love can be like.   I've been told that our loved ones don't want us to suffer over their suffering, and that makes sense to me.  I know it's hard, I know it's unfair!  I also know the desperate, hopeless feeling that comes when you've tried everything and nothing is working.  Have faith that even if the worst happens, his life has been enriched through knowing you, he has someone who loves him, someone who desperately wants him to stay, someone who will love him enough to let him go, if that's what has to be, in order to end his suffering.  I don't know if you believe the same, but I believe everything happens for a reason, maybe he's chosen you because you possess the compassion to fill his crossing with love.  It never gets easier, and it truly stinks. I hope I haven't upset you, or offended you in any way.  I can't help but speak from my heart.  One of my FeLV babies, Jazz, has been failing this last week.  I too have tried everything I can think of and she's not responding.  I have an appointment with my internist on Monday, to see if there's anything else that can be done.  So, you see, I've been sitting here in the dark, contemplating all this myself.  My prayers and thoughts are with you and Tee Cee.  Miracles do happen, a miracle could happen for you and Tee Cee. Much love, Nina Stephanie E Caldwell wrote: Nina, The vet doesn�t recommend treatment because he�s not producing blood anymore, so we�re just prolonging suffering in her eyes. I just purchased a supplement that�s supposed to help emmensley with FELV+ kitties and make their immune systems work again. I talked to a vet who strongly believes in it today. It�s called Transfer Factor. If he can hang on until Tuesday then we�ll see how that works. I don�t feel like an angel right now. I feel like crawling into a hole. This kitty reminds me of my Alphie, I lost her in December to surgery complications after having her for 13 years. Same look, personality. He�s solid white and she had a few black patches. It�s just so very hard to lose him and be so powerless to do anything. He�s on drugs and liquid food, but there�s just nothing that seems to be helping. Steph -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2005 3:17 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Update on TeeCee Oh Stephanie, I'm sorry TeeCee's prognosis looks so grim.  The vet didn't think a blood transfusion would buy him time to try some of the things the list suggested?  I'm sorry for what the two of you are going through, but you're an angel on earth to come to his rescue and give him the opportunity to be loved.  My thoughts and prayers are with you. Nina Stephanie E Caldwell wrote: <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--> Well, I ended up at the Animal ER tonight with TeeCee and the news was not good. He has a severly low white count and is severely anemic. He has the type of anemia where his bone marrow isn�t producing red blood cells. Otherwise he looks fine on his blood work. I brought him home to pursue alternative treatments and so he can be with me when he passes. He came home with ulcer meds (he�s got huge ulcers in his mouth), pain meds (as needed, will slow the heart and shorten his life), and liquid diet. He also has a severe heart murmur and is dehydrated. Thanks for trying guys, Steph