The lymphoma is in his bone marrow, which interferes with the bone marrow's ability to make red blood cells. They did a bone marrow biopsy to confirm. I can ask them to test for hemobart as well, but the oncologist seems quite certain it's the lymphoma in the bone marrow that is the problem. I will talk to him about hemobart. I would ont want to give him dox without such a diagnosis, though, because it can make them nauseous, especially with all the other meds he is on, and it is so important that he keep eating.
They said Epogen would not help him because the problem is that the lymphoma is killing the red blood cell-making capacity and only getting rid of the lymphoma will reverse that. I am not sure if he is producing any at all at this point or not. I emailed the oncologist to ask him this specifically and whether he can be put on Epogen along with the chemo. I am seeing him on Monday with Simon, but he has been emailing me this weekend from home as well. The oncologist and the internist are very committed and do not seem to treat him any differently at all because he is positive. In fact, the internist had a positive cat who lived to be 8 years old. The problem is that on weekends and nights only the emergency staff is available, and they leave something to be desired. I am trying to sort this out with the internist, who already blew up at the emergency staff last week and told me so when they did not syringe feed him enough the first night, and the oncologist. Thanks, Michelle In a message dated 12/11/04 10:50:38 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: << Michelle, Has he been tested for hemobartenella? Even if he has and tested negative it is hard to get an accurate result on, I would get him on doxocycline right away, if he doesn't have it it won't hurt him, but if he does it may save his life. I don't know if lymphoma can cause the PVC to drop so drastically, but anemia can and does. What exactly do they say is causing his count to drop?? I'm getting worried they are not trying very hard because he is positive and they have given up on him. Epogen may help too, why are the saying it won't? I'm sending prayers but you might want to think about seeing another vet, this one seems vague and lacking not very commited to trying to help Simon. >>
