Re: Lucy--what to do? - pentoxifylline?
Thank you. I have heard of it, and have read up on it. It seems to help sometimes with FIP. However, it's a blood thinner, and she is really anemic right now, so I would be afraid to try it. Also, I think all the meds I have given her have made her not want to eat much, so I don't think I want to start new ones on top. thanks for looking up things for us though, Michelle In a message dated 2/2/2007 10:02:40 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've been praying for Lucy and visualizing her healthy. I've also been looking over various bits of FIP info on the web. I've come across references to pentoxifylline (Trental made by Aventis Pharmaceuticals). I was unable to find a reference to Trental in recent digests, so I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about it. If you're interested, Google "pentoxifylline FIP." Lance
Re: Lucy--what to do? - pentoxifylline?
I've been praying for Lucy and visualizing her healthy. I've also been looking over various bits of FIP info on the web. I've come across references to pentoxifylline (Trental made by Aventis Pharmaceuticals). I was unable to find a reference to Trental in recent digests, so I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about it. If you're interested, Google "pentoxifylline FIP." Lance On Feb 2, 2007, at 7:13 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: oh my, my vet. Well, my vet probably really wishes I would stop asking him these questions every day. My vet thinks there is no way to figure out what is happening, and that I should just decide on something and he will give me the meds. He is very accommodating, but not very decisive. He think she has wet fip, he thinks there is not all that much to do, he is surprised she has been eating to date, he has never heard of some of the stuff I have had him order to put her on (feline interferon) and has never used other stuff (epogen) and I think that he thinks I am trying to solve something without a solution. I was gradually tapering her until yesterday-- she was down to 10 mg/day. And she seemed way more lethargic. Which is why I decided to go the other way and gave her the dex. Now I am going back to 12.5 mg/day of prednisolone and seeing if that helps. She is up at the top of the cat tree again, though she needed some help to get to the top rung this time because her belly is so big it's hard for her to pull herself up there. I am surprised she is up there, because earlier she was so exhausted just from going to the litterbox that she laid down on her way back to take a break. She is eating some again, thank God, but not nearly as much as she was pre-dex. And I can not measure it anymore, because she is only interested in freshly opened jars of baby food today, and then only eats a little, so I have many open jars with a little bit gone and no idea how much she has eaten. I would guess maybe one jar full. Normally by this time of night she has been eating 2 or 2.5 jars full. But at least she is eating something. I syringed her a little food as well with herb tinctures I just got from Robert MacDowell in Australia, and she did not seem to mind so much, so maybe I should syringe her more, I don't know. I hate to bother her so much. she is very purry again, though. I really love her. thanks for asking, Michelle In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:06:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You can always gradually taper off. What does your vet say? How is Lucy doing this evening? elizabeth
Re: Lucy--what to do?
I'm sure you've read a ton of material on this, Michelle - I've only just begun to learn about this because of your experience. I found this in the Merck Veterinary Manual (you've probably already seen it)...(looked it up - 1kg = 2.20462262lb) Treatment is directed toward controlling the immune-mediated vasculitis and reducing viral load. The most effective treatments are combinations of prednisolone (4 mg/kg or 50-100 mg/m2, PO, sid) and cyclophosphamide (2-4 mg/kg, PO, sid for 4 consecutive days of each week). Alternatively, the cyclophosphamide can be given at 50 mg/m2, PO, every 48 hr or 200-300 mg/m2, every 2-3 wk. Other cytotoxic agents may be substituted for the cyclophosphamide, such as chlorambucil at 10 mg/m2, PO, every 2-3 wk. Because this cytotoxic therapy may suppress bone marrow cells, the hemogram should be monitored weekly and the cat observed carefully for signs of sepsis. Supportive therapy for FIP is important and includes broad-spectrum antibiotics, adequate nutrition and fluid intake, and high doses of ascorbic acid (125-250 mg, bid). The use of low doses of aspirin (10 mg/kg every 48-72 hr) may be useful as an anti-inflammatory and possibly antithrombotic agent when used along with the steroids and cytotoxic agents. Treatment directed toward controlling the virus includes systemic interferon-a (10,000 U/kg, SC, sid or 1.3 million U/m2, SC, 3 times/wk). I don't mean to send you things you already know -- I just feel so frustrated because I want to help so much and I just don't know how. love and hugs, elizabeth On 2/2/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: oh my, my vet. Well, my vet probably really wishes I would stop asking him these questions every day. My vet thinks there is no way to figure out what is happening, and that I should just decide on something and he will give me the meds. He is very accommodating, but not very decisive. He think she has wet fip, he thinks there is not all that much to do, he is surprised she has been eating to date, he has never heard of some of the stuff I have had him order to put her on (feline interferon) and has never used other stuff (epogen) and I think that he thinks I am trying to solve something without a solution. I was gradually tapering her until yesterday-- she was down to 10 mg/day. And she seemed way more lethargic. Which is why I decided to go the other way and gave her the dex. Now I am going back to 12.5 mg/day of prednisolone and seeing if that helps. She is up at the top of the cat tree again, though she needed some help to get to the top rung this time because her belly is so big it's hard for her to pull herself up there. I am surprised she is up there, because earlier she was so exhausted just from going to the litterbox that she laid down on her way back to take a break. She is eating some again, thank God, but not nearly as much as she was pre-dex. And I can not measure it anymore, because she is only interested in freshly opened jars of baby food today, and then only eats a little, so I have many open jars with a little bit gone and no idea how much she has eaten. I would guess maybe one jar full. Normally by this time of night she has been eating 2 or 2.5 jars full. But at least she is eating something. I syringed her a little food as well with herb tinctures I just got from Robert MacDowell in Australia, and she did not seem to mind so much, so maybe I should syringe her more, I don't know. I hate to bother her so much. she is very purry again, though. I really love her. thanks for asking, Michelle In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:06:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You can always gradually taper off. What does your vet say? How is Lucy doing this evening? elizabeth
Re: Lucy--what to do?
It sounds like you have such a bond with her. She knows you are taking care of her...mine always seem to know. Please kiss sweet Lucy for me. I'm glad she is able to eat some. elizabeth On 2/2/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: oh my, my vet. Well, my vet probably really wishes I would stop asking him these questions every day. My vet thinks there is no way to figure out what is happening, and that I should just decide on something and he will give me the meds. He is very accommodating, but not very decisive. He think she has wet fip, he thinks there is not all that much to do, he is surprised she has been eating to date, he has never heard of some of the stuff I have had him order to put her on (feline interferon) and has never used other stuff (epogen) and I think that he thinks I am trying to solve something without a solution. I was gradually tapering her until yesterday-- she was down to 10 mg/day. And she seemed way more lethargic. Which is why I decided to go the other way and gave her the dex. Now I am going back to 12.5 mg/day of prednisolone and seeing if that helps. She is up at the top of the cat tree again, though she needed some help to get to the top rung this time because her belly is so big it's hard for her to pull herself up there. I am surprised she is up there, because earlier she was so exhausted just from going to the litterbox that she laid down on her way back to take a break. She is eating some again, thank God, but not nearly as much as she was pre-dex. And I can not measure it anymore, because she is only interested in freshly opened jars of baby food today, and then only eats a little, so I have many open jars with a little bit gone and no idea how much she has eaten. I would guess maybe one jar full. Normally by this time of night she has been eating 2 or 2.5 jars full. But at least she is eating something. I syringed her a little food as well with herb tinctures I just got from Robert MacDowell in Australia, and she did not seem to mind so much, so maybe I should syringe her more, I don't know. I hate to bother her so much. she is very purry again, though. I really love her. thanks for asking, Michelle In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:06:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You can always gradually taper off. What does your vet say? How is Lucy doing this evening? elizabeth
Re: Lucy--what to do?
oh my, my vet. Well, my vet probably really wishes I would stop asking him these questions every day. My vet thinks there is no way to figure out what is happening, and that I should just decide on something and he will give me the meds. He is very accommodating, but not very decisive. He think she has wet fip, he thinks there is not all that much to do, he is surprised she has been eating to date, he has never heard of some of the stuff I have had him order to put her on (feline interferon) and has never used other stuff (epogen) and I think that he thinks I am trying to solve something without a solution. I was gradually tapering her until yesterday-- she was down to 10 mg/day. And she seemed way more lethargic. Which is why I decided to go the other way and gave her the dex. Now I am going back to 12.5 mg/day of prednisolone and seeing if that helps. She is up at the top of the cat tree again, though she needed some help to get to the top rung this time because her belly is so big it's hard for her to pull herself up there. I am surprised she is up there, because earlier she was so exhausted just from going to the litterbox that she laid down on her way back to take a break. She is eating some again, thank God, but not nearly as much as she was pre-dex. And I can not measure it anymore, because she is only interested in freshly opened jars of baby food today, and then only eats a little, so I have many open jars with a little bit gone and no idea how much she has eaten. I would guess maybe one jar full. Normally by this time of night she has been eating 2 or 2.5 jars full. But at least she is eating something. I syringed her a little food as well with herb tinctures I just got from Robert MacDowell in Australia, and she did not seem to mind so much, so maybe I should syringe her more, I don't know. I hate to bother her so much. she is very purry again, though. I really love her. thanks for asking, Michelle In a message dated 2/2/2007 8:06:13 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You can always gradually taper off. What does your vet say? How is Lucy doing this evening? elizabeth
Re: Lucy--what to do?
You can always gradually taper off. What does your vet say? How is Lucy doing this evening? elizabeth On 2/2/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I can't do that. Once they have been on steroids long-term, you can't just stop it. It causes adrenal and circulatory problems and would make her feel way worse. In a message dated 2/2/2007 6:59:31 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I were you, I might just let her body recoup and give it a break from all the drugs a bit.. but I am not there to see her.. I don't know for sure either…
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Oh.. I meant - to tape it down.. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, February 02, 2007 5:08 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? I can't do that. Once they have been on steroids long-term, you can't just stop it. It causes adrenal and circulatory problems and would make her feel way worse. In a message dated 2/2/2007 6:59:31 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I were you, I might just let her body recoup and give it a break from all the drugs a bit.. but I am not there to see her.. I don't know for sure either...
Re: Lucy--what to do?
I can't do that. Once they have been on steroids long-term, you can't just stop it. It causes adrenal and circulatory problems and would make her feel way worse. In a message dated 2/2/2007 6:59:31 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I were you, I might just let her body recoup and give it a break from all the drugs a bit.. but I am not there to see her.. I don’t know for sure either…
RE: Lucy--what to do?
My dear Michelle- I am sorry that Lucy is still not eating - I don't know if this will make you feel a bit better or not.. my Ginger who is Felk positive have gone through a period that she did not eat anything at all over 3 months.. but the weird thing was, she did not act like she was sick or feeling sick.. just did not want to eat anything - she has done this for a couple of times for the past three years I have had her - and eventually she started eating - thank god..- obviously this is not the same situation with Lucy's case. I don't know if Lucy actually does have FIP.. if she does indeed have FIP, anorexia is a common symptom, and almost to be expected as part of the symptoms...all of my kitties with FIP stopped eating way before they got really sick, usually they feel nauseated due to the liver problem, but I don't know if this is what's happening to Lucy, either- Michelle, this just has been the first day, but even if she does not want to eat tomorrow - don't be in despair..see if you can assist feed her - sometimes, they just forget to eat (I know it sounds weird- that's how it was with Ginger).. I have been syringe feeding Ghandi and Ayumi for over 3 months now as they cannot eat on their own for different reasons.. but I keep my hopes.. and take one day at a time..and I do pray and keeping my hope for your baby Lucy.. she is going to overcome this somehow.. she always has... I don't know what's the best thing to give for Lucy - as I have asked for Nina for advise as to what I should do for my babies in the past.. and she would tell me her suggestion.. and I went ahead and did what I was going to do anyway against Nina's suggestion...:-) I am just that way.. If I were you, I might just let her body recoup and give it a break from all the drugs a bit.. but I am not there to see her.. I don't know for sure either... Please know that you and your baby Lucy are in my deep thought and prayers... Hugs, Hideyo.. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 11:02 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? Dearest Michelle, As I wrote before, I just went through this same push/pull anxiety with Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling your pain right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad shape, but it does sound like she's at least comfortable for the most part. When you talk about worsening symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? Today is the first time she hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress will put her off her food, perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The thought of her enjoying a sun bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to wait for the experts to decide a treatment protocol. I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm afraid that no matter how much support we have from others, it always comes down to our call when dealing with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you is that after I calmed my spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last experience with what you are going through), I felt a little more at peace with the circumstances. Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time left to share with me. I never gave up hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and peace. The benefit was that the time we did share was full of unconditional love, and I don't know how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep him with me in the physical, but it allowed us to bond in an extraordinary way. It was an incredible gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll always be grateful to him for the lessons learned during that heartrending time. I have no idea what I would do in your place. Missing the pieces of the puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts of decisions with conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone over what my own gut was telling me though. The specialists may be well meaning, they may even be sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to you she is your heart. The way I see it is we are responsible for interpreting the wishes of our fur children and making sure that our decisions are based on love and not fear. You are the one that has to live with the consequences, no matter what those consequences may be. Clear your head. Sit quietly with her, your next move will come to you. All my love, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Red Bank called to say that now I do not have a return appointment for tomorrow, that the cytology reports won't be back until tomorrow, and that I will get a call tomorrow morning after the oncologist and internist look at the reports, with a plan. Meanwhile, this morning Lucy is not eating at all. I syringed her a little food, but am concerned at the worsening of symptoms. Her back end seems ok now, but she is drinkin
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
O yea... medical model. Actually, I think I'd be looking into Acemann or ImmunoRegulin or sometime like that... Best of luck, Gloria On Jan 21, 2007, at 8:05 AM, TenHouseCats wrote: you're up against the old medical model, which holds true in veterinary as well as in human medicine: diagnosis/treat/cure. if you can't do those things in one swell foop, blame the patient! On 1/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Renee, I think the main difference between the way Dr. Clifford treats you with Emily and the way he's treating Michelle with Lucy is that Emily's breast cancer is considered more treatable, where they are not giving Michelle any hope, and are more or less annoyed that she hasn't given up yet with something they see as terminal. At least that's what I'm pulling from what's been posted here. Almost like they are saying "well, she's old and she's got FIP, there's nothing we can do", but yet they don't seem to be AWARE of the studies that prove Feline Interferon Omega's effectiveness on FIP! Michelle, if I were you, I would be slamming copies of studies down on some desks around that place and making some heads roll if they treated me so disrespectfully! It might not hurt to REMIND them that you are PAYING them for their service, and even if your cat is "hopeless" in their eyes, you DESERVE to get your money's worth of consultation! Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
you're up against the old medical model, which holds true in veterinary as well as in human medicine: diagnosis/treat/cure. if you can't do those things in one swell foop, blame the patient! On 1/21/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Renee, I think the main difference between the way Dr. Clifford treats you with Emily and the way he's treating Michelle with Lucy is that Emily's breast cancer is considered more treatable, where they are not giving Michelle any hope, and are more or less annoyed that she hasn't given up yet with something they see as terminal. At least that's what I'm pulling from what's been posted here. Almost like they are saying "well, she's old and she's got FIP, there's nothing we can do", but yet they don't seem to be AWARE of the studies that prove Feline Interferon Omega's effectiveness on FIP! Michelle, if I were you, I would be slamming copies of studies down on some desks around that place and making some heads roll if they treated me so disrespectfully! It might not hurt to REMIND them that you are PAYING them for their service, and even if your cat is "hopeless" in their eyes, you DESERVE to get your money's worth of consultation! Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html -- Spay & Neuter Your Neighbors! Maybe That'll Make The Difference MaryChristine AIM / YAHOO: TenHouseCats MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ICQ: 289856892
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Renee is who I "inherited" my colony of feral cats from, some of which are FIV+. Just FYI. Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Renee, I think the main difference between the way Dr. Clifford treats you with Emily and the way he's treating Michelle with Lucy is that Emily's breast cancer is considered more treatable, where they are not giving Michelle any hope, and are more or less annoyed that she hasn't given up yet with something they see as terminal. At least that's what I'm pulling from what's been posted here. Almost like they are saying "well, she's old and she's got FIP, there's nothing we can do", but yet they don't seem to be AWARE of the studies that prove Feline Interferon Omega's effectiveness on FIP! Michelle, if I were you, I would be slamming copies of studies down on some desks around that place and making some heads roll if they treated me so disrespectfully! It might not hurt to REMIND them that you are PAYING them for their service, and even if your cat is "hopeless" in their eyes, you DESERVE to get your money's worth of consultation! Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html
Re: Lucy-- what to do?
Poor Kerry, You really can't control what the vet's office did or didn't do. I know it's terrible, but does reliving it again and again do anything positive? No. Beating yourself up and reliving regrets can kill you. Please try to remember, YOU did everything YOU could do, and some things were out of your hands. Though they should have been IN the hands of capable people, sometimes bad things happen and mistakes are made, and you HAD NO WAY OF KNOWING. Please try to remember all the good times with Bandy, and don't relive the bad times. His memory should be one of love and happiness, not something that brings you nightmares. Try to focus on his life, and the joy he brought to you. If he were here, I'm sure he would much rather his memory bring you happiness than regrets! I think you may need to confront the kennel person and sit down and discuss what did happen, because I don't think you will be able to let go and heal until you can confront the pain and the root of your fears and regrets about his care while there. Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Michelle, do you think your vet would be more apt to be positive and helpful (rather than loathe and reluctantly obligatory) if you printed out the studies on the feline interferon Omega that SHOW it's benefit for FIP, FIV, URL, and Stomatitis? I have several you could print and show him, if he's just NOT aware of the studies. Maybe if he sees it now... even if he has to study it himself... it would make him a better vet in the future? Phaewryn http://ucat.us Adopt a New England FIV+ cat: http://ucat.us/FIVadopt.html Special Needs Cat Links (and feline info library): http://ucat.us/domesticcatlinks.html Declawing Creates SUFFERING, Please don't declaw! http://www.pawproject.com/kona.html
Re: Lucy--what to do?
At 07:13 PM 1/19/2007, you wrote: IR does cause a short term increase in temp,,, I was just wondering this too since it seems to happen after?? If I remember I'll ask my vet tomorrow when she calls with Fred's blood work, I don't know if she has used it much so she may not know. Isn't one of the side effects of the IR fever spikes? Am I thinking of something else? Could her fluctuating fever be a reaction to the IR?? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.17.0/639 - Release Date: 1/18/2007
Re: Lucy--what to do?
I was just wondering this too since it seems to happen after?? If I remember I'll ask my vet tomorrow when she calls with Fred's blood work, I don't know if she has used it much so she may not know. Isn't one of the side effects of the IR fever spikes? Am I thinking of something else? Could her fluctuating fever be a reaction to the IR?? -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... Be-Mi-Kitties http://bemikitties.com Post Adoptable FeLV/FIV/FIP Cats/Kittens http://adopt.bemikitties.com FeLV Candlelight Service http://bemikitties.com/cls HostDesign4U.com [affordable hosting & web design] http://HostDesign4U.com BMK Designs [non-profit animals websites] http://bmk.bemikitties.com
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Oh, I have read most of the posts about Emily. I forgot-- sorry. I am glad she is doing well. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 9:00:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: As for Emily, she has mammary gland cancer. She had two surgeries and she is getting chemo now. She is not FELV positive nor are any of my other cats. I'm here because of Phaewryn. When she found out about Emily's cancer she posted here to see if anyone had any experience with that kind of cancer. I have been quietly lurking, more or less, ever since. Renee
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Yeah, I guess Dr. Clifford is a bit frustrated about not being able to give you an answer right away. And the calls may be a bit more than he is used to, especially considering how hectic it gets there, but it's certainly understandable why you would need to make those phone calls. As for Emily, she has mammary gland cancer. She had two surgeries and she is getting chemo now. She is not FELV positive nor are any of my other cats. I'm here because of Phaewryn. When she found out about Emily's cancer she posted here to see if anyone had any experience with that kind of cancer. I have been quietly lurking, more or less, ever since. Renee In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:49:55 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, there are two possibilities as to why he is more patient with you: 1) you are less annoying than I am (extremely possible), or 2) Emily actually has cancer and he doesn't think Lucy does (though I am wondering if the pred she has been on is masking it, as no other diagnosis fully makes sense)-- he has been having to field a lot of questions not necessarily related to cancer because they don't know what is wrong with her and I happened to make an aptmt with him b/c the ER vet said lymphoma. I can't call the internist because he is still my listed doctor and I have not even met the internist-- she looked at Lucy in back-- and now the internist is on vacation and there is a new one who has not even seen her. So Dr. Clifford is it, and I am annoying him with questions that may be out of his field, and which are certainly not what is used to dealing with. And, I saw him yesterday, called twice after I got home, and called twice this morning. so maybe that seems excessive. But things kept changing and I had questions. Plus he kept giving us timelines that would then change, so I was questioning him on this as well (he said she needed to be seen on Sat but the receptionist called and said she didn't so I wanted to talk to him about that). etc. What is Emily's story? Is she FeLV+? what is she being treated for and what is she getting? how is she doing? If you have posted this already, I apologize. I have not been able to keep up with all threads lately. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:36:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, Dr. Clifford is my Emily's oncologist. I'm sorry that you are having a bad experience with him. Can you call the Internist rather than Dr. Clifford with your questions?Hopefully Lucy's fever will stop spiking and they will have some concrete answers for you tomorrow morning. Renee
Re: Lucy-- what to do?
I'm glad she is eating some, Michelle. Still remembering you guys in my prayers. elizabeth On 1/19/07, [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I do have a/d and appetite stims, but she can't handle the appetite stims (periactin makes her a zomby and does not make her eat). Good news though-- Gray bought her some dry i/d and she got all excited and has eaten a bunch of it several times. At this point I think she has had at least one meal's worth today, maybe more. One time I was putting some in a bowl to offer her more, and she jumped off her box and trotted over to eat it on her own. Then the fever came back, though, so I have her on ice packs again. I believe in dex as well. I will see what the hospital has to say tomorrow re: the tests they ran. Problem with steroids is not just infection, but that her heart is enlarged and has a murmer now, and steroids apparently can make that worse. But the enlarged heart and murmer apparently could be from dealing with anemia over 'time, so maybe if dex helped the anemia it would help rather than hurt her heart. I don't know. Unless she has cancer, I doubt I will get any dex from the hospital-- they are very by the book. I am already working on my local vet to try it with her if the hospital's test results are inconclusive. Kerry, do you have any dex left from bandy? I prefer dex shots, which I assume you don't have, but if my local vet won't give me shots, maybe pills would help. And thank you for telling me (reminding me, actually, I do remember now) what it is you meant by panicking and things going wrong. I know it is hard to talk about. But it does help me. I am constantly trying to decide whether to bring her in, and just don't want to. Your conviction that this is ok gives me some strength to hold off. Thanks, Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:15:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle, Do you have any a/d? Appetite stimulants? I went into panic mode when I took him to the hospital for IV fluids and they had to keep him. We had been doing sub-q's and I should have continued them as he wasn't that bad off until some things went wrong while he was there..Since it was over Christmas and no regular vet tech was there only a kennel tech...who could administer meds but I don't think very well...as one time she was going to give Bandy a shot and said what and how much..and I told her that was too much...she really didn't seem to know...then a few other things happened..It is a long story and much different situation than yours..I know something went wrongvery wrong from the time I saw him on Christmas eve 11am until I went back again at 1pm..And I will always believe it is something she did cause there was too much of a drastic change in him and his condition wasn't that bad at 11am..He was sitting up purring and talking to me and eating for me... I'm sorry to go on about this, but I have been having nightmares about it ever since..So I just want you to make sure to not panic and do what you can for her with your knowledge and things at home where she will feel more comfortable and all..I think you know what I mean. You will know if she needs to go for more help at the vet.. I have already been through a couple of ordeals with Inky without rushing off to the vet..just using what I have here at home.. I still believe some dex would do her wonders...as it always did for Bandy with those dreaded fevers...and you know we battled them for months and months..Infection or not..I have seen it do wonders.. I'll keep checking back on your guys, Kerry, Angel Bandy and Inky
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Well, there are two possibilities as to why he is more patient with you: 1) you are less annoying than I am (extremely possible), or 2) Emily actually has cancer and he doesn't think Lucy does (though I am wondering if the pred she has been on is masking it, as no other diagnosis fully makes sense)-- he has been having to field a lot of questions not necessarily related to cancer because they don't know what is wrong with her and I happened to make an aptmt with him b/c the ER vet said lymphoma. I can't call the internist because he is still my listed doctor and I have not even met the internist-- she looked at Lucy in back-- and now the internist is on vacation and there is a new one who has not even seen her. So Dr. Clifford is it, and I am annoying him with questions that may be out of his field, and which are certainly not what is used to dealing with. And, I saw him yesterday, called twice after I got home, and called twice this morning. so maybe that seems excessive. But things kept changing and I had questions. Plus he kept giving us timelines that would then change, so I was questioning him on this as well (he said she needed to be seen on Sat but the receptionist called and said she didn't so I wanted to talk to him about that). etc. What is Emily's story? Is she FeLV+? what is she being treated for and what is she getting? how is she doing? If you have posted this already, I apologize. I have not been able to keep up with all threads lately. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:36:18 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, Dr. Clifford is my Emily's oncologist. I'm sorry that you are having a bad experience with him. Can you call the Internist rather than Dr. Clifford with your questions? Hopefully Lucy's fever will stop spiking and they will have some concrete answers for you tomorrow morning. Renee
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Michelle, Dr. Clifford is my Emily's oncologist. I'm sorry that you are having a bad experience with him. Can you call the Internist rather than Dr. Clifford with your questions? Hopefully Lucy's fever will stop spiking and they will have some concrete answers for you tomorrow morning. Renee In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:12:03 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Craig Clifford. In a message dated 1/19/2007 5:30:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, which oncologist are you dealing with over at Redbank? Hope it's not the one I'm using as he has been very patient with me. Lucy continues to be in my thoughts and prayers, Renee
Re: Lucy-- what to do?
I do have a/d and appetite stims, but she can't handle the appetite stims (periactin makes her a zomby and does not make her eat). Good news though-- Gray bought her some dry i/d and she got all excited and has eaten a bunch of it several times. At this point I think she has had at least one meal's worth today, maybe more. One time I was putting some in a bowl to offer her more, and she jumped off her box and trotted over to eat it on her own. Then the fever came back, though, so I have her on ice packs again. I believe in dex as well. I will see what the hospital has to say tomorrow re: the tests they ran. Problem with steroids is not just infection, but that her heart is enlarged and has a murmer now, and steroids apparently can make that worse. But the enlarged heart and murmer apparently could be from dealing with anemia over 'time, so maybe if dex helped the anemia it would help rather than hurt her heart. I don't know. Unless she has cancer, I doubt I will get any dex from the hospital-- they are very by the book. I am already working on my local vet to try it with her if the hospital's test results are inconclusive. Kerry, do you have any dex left from bandy? I prefer dex shots, which I assume you don't have, but if my local vet won't give me shots, maybe pills would help. And thank you for telling me (reminding me, actually, I do remember now) what it is you meant by panicking and things going wrong. I know it is hard to talk about. But it does help me. I am constantly trying to decide whether to bring her in, and just don't want to. Your conviction that this is ok gives me some strength to hold off. Thanks, Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 6:15:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle, Do you have any a/d? Appetite stimulants? I went into panic mode when I took him to the hospital for IV fluids and they had to keep him. We had been doing sub-q's and I should have continued them as he wasn't that bad off until some things went wrong while he was there..Since it was over Christmas and no regular vet tech was there only a kennel tech...who could administer meds but I don't think very well...as one time she was going to give Bandy a shot and said what and how much..and I told her that was too much...she really didn't seem to know...then a few other things happened..It is a long story and much different situation than yours..I know something went wrongvery wrong from the time I saw him on Christmas eve 11am until I went back again at 1pm..And I will always believe it is something she did cause there was too much of a drastic change in him and his condition wasn't that bad at 11am..He was sitting up purring and talking to me and eating for me... I'm sorry to go on about this, but I have been having nightmares about it ever since..So I just want you to make sure to not panic and do what you can for her with your knowledge and things at home where she will feel more comfortable and all..I think you know what I mean. You will know if she needs to go for more help at the vet.. I have already been through a couple of ordeals with Inky without rushing off to the vet..just using what I have here at home.. I still believe some dex would do her wonders...as it always did for Bandy with those dreaded fevers...and you know we battled them for months and months..Infection or not..I have seen it do wonders.. I'll keep checking back on your guys, Kerry, Angel Bandy and Inky
Re: Lucy-- what to do?
Hi Michelle, Do you have any a/d? Appetite stimulants? I went into panic mode when I took him to the hospital for IV fluids and they had to keep him. We had been doing sub-q's and I should have continued them as he wasn't that bad off until some things went wrong while he was there..Since it was over Christmas and no regular vet tech was there only a kennel tech...who could administer meds but I don't think very well...as one time she was going to give Bandy a shot and said what and how much..and I told her that was too much...she really didn't seem to know...then a few other things happened..It is a long story and much different situation than yours..I know something went wrongvery wrong from the time I saw him on Christmas eve 11am until I went back again at 1pm..And I will always believe it is something she did cause there was too much of a drastic change in him and his condition wasn't that bad at 11am..He was sitting up purring and talking to me and eating for me... I'm sorry to go on about this, but I have been having nightmares about it ever since..So I just want you to make sure to not panic and do what you can for her with your knowledge and things at home where she will feel more comfortable and all..I think you know what I mean. You will know if she needs to go for more help at the vet.. I have already been through a couple of ordeals with Inky without rushing off to the vet..just using what I have here at home.. I still believe some dex would do her wonders...as it always did for Bandy with those dreaded fevers...and you know we battled them for months and months..Infection or not..I have seen it do wonders.. I'll keep checking back on your guys, Kerry, Angel Bandy and Inky - Need a quick answer? Get one in minutes from people who know. Ask your question on Yahoo! Answers.
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Craig Clifford. In a message dated 1/19/2007 5:30:20 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, which oncologist are you dealing with over at Redbank? Hope it's not the one I'm using as he has been very patient with me. Lucy continues to be in my thoughts and prayers, Renee
RE: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
(This email from Michelle didn't reach me directly.) Just want to say shame on this oncologist. He should be understanding of your fears and concerns and respect the fact you have worked hard to be so knowledgeable about your beloved pets. You wouldn't even be talking to him if you didn't love your Lucy so dearly. Don't let him get to you. Lucy's welfare is the most important thing. hugs, Kerry M. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 4:30 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan?? Michelle, which oncologist are you dealing with over at Redbank? Hope it's not the one I'm using as he has been very patient with me. Lucy continues to be in my thoughts and prayers, Renee >>Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:25:49 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan?? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Thanks, Hideyo. Yes, if anyone has any acemannan-- can I please buy some from you?? If we use it, I don't think we can wait until February. I kind of doubt Lucy will last that long without something to turn her around. her gums are mostly gray, with only a few pink spots, so it is hard to tell. Those spots are still somewhat pink, but it could be from inflamed gums, as those spots are right over the canines. Her paw pads are still pink, though not as pink as usual. No less pink than yesterday, though. But the vet said you can't always tell from gums and paw pads. i asked the oncologist if they checked her reticulite count to see if she is regenerative or not, and he said that they did not and there was no point until they know if she has cancer, because if she does have lymphoma the anemia should respond to chemo (but he does not think it's cancer, so why not check it so we know more if it is not???). He is getting annoyed at this point by my phone calls and questions and acts very curt on the phone. He is not a vet who is impressed by a client having knowledge, he is a vet who is annoyed by it. My local vet is more willing to work with me, but at this point wants to defer to the specialists because he feels they know more than he does<< IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayers should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Michelle, I'll be offline till Sunday and just want you to know that though I can't offer any advice I'll be continuing to think of and pray for Lucy. Love and comfort go a huge way in helping fight off illness, and, God knows, Lucy couldn't be more loved or comforted than she is by you. We all know she's also a little trooper, and if anyone can bounce back, she can. Fervently hoping that the vet calls you with a diagnosis and plan of action asap tomorrow. hugs to you both, Kerry M. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 3:45 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? No. Those fever spikes, if they happen, happen immediately after getting it, last about a half hour, and then go away and don't come back. She has gotten I-R in the past for URI's without getting any fever at all from it. And now she gets fevers on and off all day whether or not it is a day she gets I-R. So I really don't think it is the I-R. Unless something about giving it to her sub-q really messed her up, but no one else has seen that. I don't think I am going to keep giving it to her. She is on VO now, and I am hoping to try something else like acemannan if I can get it. But I think she has had a run on I-R and it is not doing the trick. Her fevers may be a reaction to cancer or something else systemic that does not respond to I-R. Or maybe she needs a higher dose of I-R, I don't know. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 4:41:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, Isn't one of the side effects of the IR fever spikes? Am I thinking of something else? Could her fluctuating fever be a reaction to the IR?? Nina IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayers should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor. This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Michelle, which oncologist are you dealing with over at Redbank? Hope it's not the one I'm using as he has been very patient with me. Lucy continues to be in my thoughts and prayers, Renee >>Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2007 14:25:49 EST From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan?? To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" Thanks, Hideyo. Yes, if anyone has any acemannan-- can I please buy some from you?? If we use it, I don't think we can wait until February. I kind of doubt Lucy will last that long without something to turn her around. her gums are mostly gray, with only a few pink spots, so it is hard to tell. Those spots are still somewhat pink, but it could be from inflamed gums, as those spots are right over the canines. Her paw pads are still pink, though not as pink as usual. No less pink than yesterday, though. But the vet said you can't always tell from gums and paw pads. i asked the oncologist if they checked her reticulite count to see if she is regenerative or not, and he said that they did not and there was no point until they know if she has cancer, because if she does have lymphoma the anemia should respond to chemo (but he does not think it's cancer, so why not check it so we know more if it is not???). He is getting annoyed at this point by my phone calls and questions and acts very curt on the phone. He is not a vet who is impressed by a client having knowledge, he is a vet who is annoyed by it. My local vet is more willing to work with me, but at this point wants to defer to the specialists because he feels they know more than he does<<
Re: Lucy--what to do?
No. Those fever spikes, if they happen, happen immediately after getting it, last about a half hour, and then go away and don't come back. She has gotten I-R in the past for URI's without getting any fever at all from it. And now she gets fevers on and off all day whether or not it is a day she gets I-R. So I really don't think it is the I-R. Unless something about giving it to her sub-q really messed her up, but no one else has seen that. I don't think I am going to keep giving it to her. She is on VO now, and I am hoping to try something else like acemannan if I can get it. But I think she has had a run on I-R and it is not doing the trick. Her fevers may be a reaction to cancer or something else systemic that does not respond to I-R. Or maybe she needs a higher dose of I-R, I don't know. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 4:41:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, Isn't one of the side effects of the IR fever spikes? Am I thinking of something else? Could her fluctuating fever be a reaction to the IR?? Nina
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Michelle, Isn't one of the side effects of the IR fever spikes? Am I thinking of something else? Could her fluctuating fever be a reaction to the IR?? Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: She's on I-R. I was giving it to her sub-q for her URI, which I thought was helping, but then she spiked a fever anyway. So I brought her in to the local vet on Wed and got her .25 ml IV. Her fever spiked highest later that night. If I kept her on it she would not be due for another shot until tomorrow.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
She's on I-R. I was giving it to her sub-q for her URI, which I thought was helping, but then she spiked a fever anyway. So I brought her in to the local vet on Wed and got her .25 ml IV. Her fever spiked highest later that night. If I kept her on it she would not be due for another shot until tomorrow. In a message dated 1/19/2007 4:26:36 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Michelle, Do you think that immuno-regulin might help her fevers? I don't know anything about what sweet Lucy is going through but I know with my Smokey when he was running a fever he wouldn't eat. I do know that I was having a terrible time with him getting fevers and the immuno-regulin seemed to have helped. I know with all of her other symptoms it may not be something she needs to be given but it was just a thought. I will be praying that your sweet Lucy starts feeling better and you get some answers as to what is going on with her.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Michelle, Do you think that immuno-regulin might help her fevers? I don't know anything about what sweet Lucy is going through but I know with my Smokey when he was running a fever he wouldn't eat. I do know that I was having a terrible time with him getting fevers and the immuno-regulin seemed to have helped. I know with all of her other symptoms it may not be something she needs to be given but it was just a thought. I will be praying that your sweet Lucy starts feeling better and you get some answers as to what is going on with her. Cindy Reasoner --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > > Thanks. I gave her the feline interferon about an > hour ago. She seemed > feverish, so a while later I gave her some fluids. > She then ate a small handful of > dry EVO on her own. She is just laying there now. > She is not grooming. She is > definitely worse day by day. That said, she looked > terrible last night but > when I got up to check on her at 4 am she had gone > downstairs to use the > litterbox and then trotted over to a plastic bag and > sat on it, I pet her a > while, and then she trotted upstairs back to her > box. I went back to sleep and at > 8 am she looked awful again. I think her fever > comes and goes. I have > stopped temping her. When she is warm I give her > fluids (not more than 150 ml/day) > and put ice on her, and so far she eventually cools > down. I was going to > syringe feed her raw food, but then she ate a > handful (15 pieces?) of dry food > so I held off. I convinced my local vet to order > feline interferon, and now I > am working on getting him to agree to acemannan. He > was skeptical about the > feline interferon, and seems to think Lucy's case is > hopeless and I am > grasping at straws and wasting money. But he is nice > to me, and so far has > ultimately agreed to do as I ask. The acemannan > request may put an end to that. > > Michelle > > > In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:04:07 P.M. Eastern > Standard Time, > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > Dearest Michelle, > As I wrote before, I just went through this same > push/pull anxiety with > Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous > breakdown. I'm feeling your pain > right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad > shape, but it does sound like > she's at least comfortable for the most part. When > you talk about worsening > symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? > Today is the first time she > hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress > will put her off her food, > perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The > thought of her enjoying a sun > bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to > wait for the experts to > decide a treatment protocol. > > I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm > afraid that no matter how > much support we have from others, it always comes > down to our call when dealing > with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you > is that after I calmed my > spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last > experience with what you are > going through), I felt a little more at peace with > the circumstances. > Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time > left to share with me. I never gave up > hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and > peace. The benefit was > that the time we did share was full of unconditional > love, and I don't know > how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep > him with me in the > physical, but it allowed us to bond in an > extraordinary way. It was an incredible > gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll > always be grateful to him > for the lessons learned during that heartrending > time. > > I have no idea what I would do in your place. > Missing the pieces of the > puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts > of decisions with > conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone > over what my own gut was telling > me though. The specialists may be well meaning, > they may even be > sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to > you she is your heart. The way I > see it is we are responsible for interpreting the > wishes of our fur children > and making sure that our decisions are based on > love and not fear. You are the > one that has to live with the consequences, no > matter what those > consequences may be. Clear your head. Sit quietly > with her, your next move will come > to you. > All my love, > Nina > > > > > Bored stiff? Loosen up... Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games. http://games.yahoo.com/games/front
RE: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Michelle - don't let BP issue stop using epogen though in the future - you just need to watch it - if BP goes over 170 or something, you can give norvasc to control BP so that she won't become blind - you can do certain things to prevent it - If you haven't please read this link - it's mainly for CRF kitties - abut it has a great information regarding anemia.. http://www.felinecrf.org/anaemia.htm _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 12:26 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan?? Thanks, Hideyo. Yes, if anyone has any acemannan-- can I please buy some from you?? If we use it, I don't think we can wait until February. I kind of doubt Lucy will last that long without something to turn her around. her gums are mostly gray, with only a few pink spots, so it is hard to tell. Those spots are still somewhat pink, but it could be from inflamed gums, as those spots are right over the canines. Her paw pads are still pink, though not as pink as usual. No less pink than yesterday, though. But the vet said you can't always tell from gums and paw pads. i asked the oncologist if they checked her reticulite count to see if she is regenerative or not, and he said that they did not and there was no point until they know if she has cancer, because if she does have lymphoma the anemia should respond to chemo (but he does not think it's cancer, so why not check it so we know more if it is not???). He is getting annoyed at this point by my phone calls and questions and acts very curt on the phone. He is not a vet who is impressed by a client having knowledge, he is a vet who is annoyed by it. My local vet is more willing to work with me, but at this point wants to defer to the specialists because he feels they know more than he does. Since Lucy does seem to have a heart murmer now and enlarged heart (which they said could be from the anemia) the point about epogen raising blood pressure does scare me some, and makes me want to try it under a vet's watch if possible. I have been noticing that I can see her pulse on her neck, though it might just be because she is shaved. When her fever was really high her irises in her eyes were also pulsating a bit, which Phaerwyn found could be from a heart problem. So given these things, I am a little more scared about epogen now knowing about the blood pressure issue. Of course, if her HCT keeps going down that will kill her, and epogen doesn't work right away so should be started as soon as possible, which leaves me in a quandary. She ate a few more pieces of dry EVO. As long as she is eating a little bit of dry I am loathe to syringe her. I did syringe her 3 cc's of raw food this morning, probably another cc of it with her lysine pill, she ate a capful of baby food, and at this point probably 20 or 30 pieces of dry EVO. About 10 minutes ago I pet her and, for the first time in 2 days, she stood up to be pet and started rubbing her face on a bag of catnip on her box. I gave her some catnip and she ate it and then rubbed her face in it, and then curled up and went to sleep. I think she feels better when her fever comes down for a while, and that is when she eats a little and wants to be pet more. For the last few days she got feverish only in the afternoon to night; now it seems on and off all day. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:28:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Acemmanan might be back ordered - I order for my dog, JoJo a month ago and it's not available until February-if anyone has in their hand, please let Michelle know -- - do you think he will prescribe epogen?Please keep an eye on her gum as if her PCV goes now, you might want to really pay attention to that.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
She just ate a bunch of little pieces of turkey deli slice, then ate a few more pieces of dry EVO. Her nose was stuffy and now is runny (am using vicks vaporizer and neosenephrine) so that may have made the difference. I think that she does have a URI on top of whatever else she has, and I had stopped the amoxi because the oncologist said no point (stupid) so I think her cold got worse again. I restarted amoxi and lysine this morning when I realized she was stuffy again. patches has a uri too (clavamox seems to be kicking it, knock on wood) so I think that, being immune suppressed and having something else long-term going on, she got a URI on top. Michelle
Re: Lucy--what to do?
they don't have a sample anymore. I asked them to run the reticulites from any blood they have, this morning, and they said they don't have any. In a message dated 1/19/2007 3:19:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can you have the run the blood type with the existing sample – so that you know what it is – I did that with Ayumi just in case she needed transfusions.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Can you have the run the blood type with the existing sample - so that you know what it is - I did that with Ayumi just in case she needed transfusions. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 1:08 PM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? Her HCT was 18 when last tested night before last. They generally only transfuse cats if it gets down to 13 or below. I think part of the reason is the potential reaction to the transfusion (they can have an allergic reaction) and part of the reason is a general shortage of cat blood so they wait until it is really critical. Simon had 3 transfusions before his chemo kicked in and brought his HCT back up, but each time they would not do it until he was 13 or below. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 2:47:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Perhaps I have missed something. Have they transfused her, Severe anemia makes the very weak and not eat. When my dog had autoimmune mediated anemia her refusal to eat was the first indication, Epogen is possible depending upon the type of anemia, but to me getting the immediate improvement in crit is basic, then the rest can follow, Maybe I am behind but transufing is not very invasive and gives immediate relief and buys time, Kelly
Re: Lucy--what to do?
What is it that you think you did in panic and regret? Knowing this may help me with the decisions I am making. In a message dated 1/19/2007 2:51:57 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle, I have to agree that Nina said it all...and she is right...Your gut will tell you...Spend time with her and try not to panic...I will always regret what I did with Bandy because I did panic.. So take a deep breath and it will come to you.. Kerry
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Her HCT was 18 when last tested night before last. They generally only transfuse cats if it gets down to 13 or below. I think part of the reason is the potential reaction to the transfusion (they can have an allergic reaction) and part of the reason is a general shortage of cat blood so they wait until it is really critical. Simon had 3 transfusions before his chemo kicked in and brought his HCT back up, but each time they would not do it until he was 13 or below. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 2:47:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Perhaps I have missed something. Have they transfused her, Severe anemia makes the very weak and not eat. When my dog had autoimmune mediated anemia her refusal to eat was the first indication, Epogen is possible depending upon the type of anemia, but to me getting the immediate improvement in crit is basic, then the rest can follow, Maybe I am behind but transufing is not very invasive and gives immediate relief and buys time, Kelly
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Hi Michelle, I have to agree that Nina said it all...and she is right...Your gut will tell you...Spend time with her and try not to panic...I will always regret what I did with Bandy because I did panic.. So take a deep breath and it will come to you.. Kerry - Any questions? Get answers on any topic at Yahoo! Answers. Try it now.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
At 11:36 AM 1/19/2007, you wrote: Perhaps I have missed something. Have they transfused her, Severe anemia makes the very weak and not eat. When my dog had autoimmune mediated anemia her refusal to eat was the first indication, Epogen is possible depending upon the type of anemia, but to me getting the immediate improvement in crit is basic, then the rest can follow, Maybe I am behind but transufing is not very invasive and gives immediate relief and buys time, Kelly I don't know if she is comfortable. When she is feverish, she definitely isn't. At other times it is hard to tell if she is just weak or also nauseous or painful somewhere. The oncologist said he does not think she has any pain. Maybe it is just fatigue from the anemia and the fevers. She is not very interested in food. She would not eat all morning and at this point has eaten probably less than a meal's worth of EVO dry. I tried liver shake and even fancy feast, knowing the fancy feast could wreck her intestines due to her IBD. But she did not want them at all. The EVO tends to bother her intestines too, but it is all she will eat on her own and I hate to syringe her if I can get her to eat something. I may ask Gray to go get some turkey deli slices. Anyway, I would not say she is super comfortable. But maybe she is just weak and has no appetite. I have to say, I don't have any appetite at this point either. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:35:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: it sounds like Lucy is comfortable No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.410 / Virus Database: 268.17.0/639 - Release Date: 1/18/2007
Re: Lucy--what to do?
I don't know if she is comfortable. When she is feverish, she definitely isn't. At other times it is hard to tell if she is just weak or also nauseous or painful somewhere. The oncologist said he does not think she has any pain. Maybe it is just fatigue from the anemia and the fevers. She is not very interested in food. She would not eat all morning and at this point has eaten probably less than a meal's worth of EVO dry. I tried liver shake and even fancy feast, knowing the fancy feast could wreck her intestines due to her IBD. But she did not want them at all. The EVO tends to bother her intestines too, but it is all she will eat on her own and I hate to syringe her if I can get her to eat something. I may ask Gray to go get some turkey deli slices. Anyway, I would not say she is super comfortable. But maybe she is just weak and has no appetite. I have to say, I don't have any appetite at this point either. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:35:04 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: it sounds like Lucy is comfortable
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Michelle, This is a tough one for sure..What tests are they waiting results for? Bandy received epogen for 6 wks, and his anemia was non-regenerative...but you know what it worked..We did this before we ever saw the internal med specialist..his pcv went up rather fast considering things, too...it was around 20 and went to over 30 in less than 2 wks.. We stopped it after we saw the specialist as it had started back down again only to go up again on its own..So I am going to talk to his specialist and run all this by her to she what she has to say about how he responded to things we did until his passing..His ultimate fate was to be uncontrolable anemia and you know what...that wasn't what happened.. She did tell me that he could have developed antibodies to the epogen, but he didn't ..I think I remember them saying that could be stopped when you stop the epogen..Did they do a bone marrow aspirate to see what type of anemia she has..?? I think it is a retic count, too. This will tell about the type of anemia.. I don't know really whether you should start the epogen or not.. I don't think the FOI would hurt though.. Guess you have tried all types of food, too..I am still just trying to figure out anything that might help her.. Keep us posted and you are in our prayers, Kerry, Angel Bandy and Inky - The fish are biting. Get more visitors on your site using Yahoo! Search Marketing.
Re: Lucy--what to do?-- anyone have acemannan??
Thanks, Hideyo. Yes, if anyone has any acemannan-- can I please buy some from you?? If we use it, I don't think we can wait until February. I kind of doubt Lucy will last that long without something to turn her around. her gums are mostly gray, with only a few pink spots, so it is hard to tell. Those spots are still somewhat pink, but it could be from inflamed gums, as those spots are right over the canines. Her paw pads are still pink, though not as pink as usual. No less pink than yesterday, though. But the vet said you can't always tell from gums and paw pads. i asked the oncologist if they checked her reticulite count to see if she is regenerative or not, and he said that they did not and there was no point until they know if she has cancer, because if she does have lymphoma the anemia should respond to chemo (but he does not think it's cancer, so why not check it so we know more if it is not???). He is getting annoyed at this point by my phone calls and questions and acts very curt on the phone. He is not a vet who is impressed by a client having knowledge, he is a vet who is annoyed by it. My local vet is more willing to work with me, but at this point wants to defer to the specialists because he feels they know more than he does. Since Lucy does seem to have a heart murmer now and enlarged heart (which they said could be from the anemia) the point about epogen raising blood pressure does scare me some, and makes me want to try it under a vet's watch if possible. I have been noticing that I can see her pulse on her neck, though it might just be because she is shaved. When her fever was really high her irises in her eyes were also pulsating a bit, which Phaerwyn found could be from a heart problem. So given these things, I am a little more scared about epogen now knowing about the blood pressure issue. Of course, if her HCT keeps going down that will kill her, and epogen doesn't work right away so should be started as soon as possible, which leaves me in a quandary. She ate a few more pieces of dry EVO. As long as she is eating a little bit of dry I am loathe to syringe her. I did syringe her 3 cc's of raw food this morning, probably another cc of it with her lysine pill, she ate a capful of baby food, and at this point probably 20 or 30 pieces of dry EVO. About 10 minutes ago I pet her and, for the first time in 2 days, she stood up to be pet and started rubbing her face on a bag of catnip on her box. I gave her some catnip and she ate it and then rubbed her face in it, and then curled up and went to sleep. I think she feels better when her fever comes down for a while, and that is when she eats a little and wants to be pet more. For the last few days she got feverish only in the afternoon to night; now it seems on and off all day. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:28:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Acemmanan might be back ordered – I order for my dog, JoJo a month ago and it ’s not available until February—if anyone has in their hand, please let Michelle know -- - do you think he will prescribe epogen?Please keep an eye on her gum as if her PCV goes now, you might want to really pay attention to that.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
At 10:17 AM 1/19/2007, you wrote: There is no way I could improve on what Nina has said to you. It was beautifully written and expresses what each of us feel in our hearts all too often, I do look back and question my own decisions to at times, make those extraordinary efforts to keep my beloved fur kids with me, and I do question my own motives, Sometimes the only thing that helps me find peace is that our babies have no fear of death. They do not know it,,They fear pain, but you it sounds like Lucy is comfortable and knows she is surrounded by love, I wish sometimes that I had the spiritual belief that so many here do, but I do not, The one thing I do know, at least in my own heat is that we are all part of the same force, and that the end of this physical separateness is just one stage. The energy and bond you share with Lucy is forever, This will make it hurt less or the decisions easier but you are lucky to have each other. All my hopes for Lucy is good quality bonus time, I have not used acemannan, but I do use I.R. and interferon. I am glad your vet is assisting you and you should have the FOI very soon, All my very best wishes and good thoughts for you both. When you feel up to it , please share some pictures of Lucy,,you can private email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is so nice to send that positive energy to a beautiful little face, Kelly www.kellyscats.zoomshare.com Kelly Thanks. I gave her the feline interferon about an hour ago. She seemed feverish, so a while later I gave her some fluids. She then ate a small handful of dry EVO on her own. She is just laying there now. She is not grooming. She is definitely worse day by day. That said, she looked terrible last night but when I got up to check on her at 4 am she had gone downstairs to use the litterbox and then trotted over to a plastic bag and sat on it, I pet her a while, and then she trotted upstairs back to her box. I went back to sleep and at 8 am she looked awful again. I think her fever comes and goes. I have stopped temping her. When she is warm I give her fluids (not more than 150 ml/day) and put ice on her, and so far she eventually cools down. I was going to syringe feed her raw food, but then she ate a handful (15 pieces?) of dry food so I held off. I convinced my local vet to order feline interferon, and now I am working on getting him to agree to acemannan. He was skeptical about the feline interferon, and seems to think Lucy's case is hopeless and I am grasping at straws and wasting money. But he is nice to me, and so far has ultimately agreed to do as I ask. The acemannan request may put an end to that. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:04:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dearest Michelle, As I wrote before, I just went through this same push/pull anxiety with Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling your pain right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad shape, but it does sound like she's at least comfortable for the most part. When you talk about worsening symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? Today is the first time she hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress will put her off her food, perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The thought of her enjoying a sun bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to wait for the experts to decide a treatment protocol. I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm afraid that no matter how much support we have from others, it always comes down to our call when dealing with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you is that after I calmed my spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last experience with what you are going through), I felt a little more at peace with the circumstances. Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time left to share with me. I never gave up hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and peace. The benefit was that the time we did share was full of unconditional love, and I don't know how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep him with me in the physical, but it allowed us to bond in an extraordinary way. It was an incredible gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll always be grateful to him for the lessons learned during that heartrending time. I have no idea what I would do in your place. Missing the pieces of the puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts of decisions with conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone over what my own gut was telling me though. The specialists may be well meaning, they may even be sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to you she is your heart. The way I see it is we are responsible for interpreting the wishes of our fur children and making sure that our decisions are based on love and not fear. You are the one that has to live with the consequences, no matter what those consequences may be.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
No problem - were you using epogen on Valley to treat anemia due to non CRF? _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 11:32 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: Lucy--what to do? Blood pressure increasing from very low sure may have been behind feeling better. I need to learn more about the side effects before I consider using it again. Our rescue group's vet tech recommended it for a couple of cats in the past but Valley was the first of my own I used it on. Thanks! Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I don't think you imagined it at all - you know your baby, Valley more than anything else probably, and I am sure that she was feeling better - but not sure if it was the epogen that caused - and it's possible - if your kitty's BP is very low, and epogen will very quickly increase BP and it might be related to that?? I just did not want Michelle to expect to see the immediate response from epogen, as she may be discourage if it did not, but wanted her to know it's okay if she did not see any immediate response, but rather wanted her to warn about high BP causing blindness --:-) _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 10:36 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: Lucy--what to do? Hideyo - you are way more knowledgeable about epogen than I am -- I thought my Valley perked up within a day of having it; I guess that isn't physiologically possible -- do you think I just imagined it? Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have used epogen on 5 cats so far, but I did not see any immediate response - for anemia case, it takes up to one to three weeks to take an effect - and the main think you need to watch is to keep an eye on BP as it will increase BP and cat can become blind due to high BP, and could cause seizures - the both of these things happened to my baby Hannibal whom I was treating his anemia due to CRF - but when anemia happens due to CRF, you really don't have much choice but to use epogen as otherwise you would lose a cat from anemia.. my Ayumi is on epogen.. it does not make her feel better directly, but her PCV is slowly going up because of it. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:18 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Blood pressure increasing from very low sure may have been behind feeling better. I need to learn more about the side effects before I consider using it again. Our rescue group's vet tech recommended it for a couple of cats in the past but Valley was the first of my own I used it on. Thanks! Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} I dont think you imagined it at all you know your baby, Valley more than anything else probably, and I am sure that she was feeling better but not sure if it was the epogen that caused and its possible if your kittys BP is very low, and epogen will very quickly increase BP and it might be related to that?? I just did not want Michelle to expect to see the immediate response from epogen, as she may be discourage if it did not, but wanted her to know its okay if she did not see any immediate response, but rather wanted her to warn about high BP causing blindness --J - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 10:36 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: Lucy--what to do? Hideyo - you are way more knowledgeable about epogen than I am -- I thought my Valley perked up within a day of having it; I guess that isn't physiologically possible -- do you think I just imagined it? Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have used epogen on 5 cats so far, but I did not see any immediate response for anemia case, it takes up to one to three weeks to take an effect and the main think you need to watch is to keep an eye on BP as it will increase BP and cat can become blind due to high BP, and could cause seizures the both of these things happened to my baby Hannibal whom I was treating his anemia due to CRF but when anemia happens due to CRF, you really dont have much choice but to use epogen as otherwise you would lose a cat from anemia.. my Ayumi is on epogen.. it does not make her feel better directly, but her PCV is slowly going up because of it. - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:18 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Acemmanan might be back ordered - I order for my dog, JoJo a month ago and it's not available until February-if anyone has in their hand, please let Michelle know -- - do you think he will prescribe epogen? Please keep an eye on her gum as if her PCV goes now, you might want to really pay attention to that. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 11:17 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? Thanks. I gave her the feline interferon about an hour ago. She seemed feverish, so a while later I gave her some fluids. She then ate a small handful of dry EVO on her own. She is just laying there now. She is not grooming. She is definitely worse day by day. That said, she looked terrible last night but when I got up to check on her at 4 am she had gone downstairs to use the litterbox and then trotted over to a plastic bag and sat on it, I pet her a while, and then she trotted upstairs back to her box. I went back to sleep and at 8 am she looked awful again. I think her fever comes and goes. I have stopped temping her. When she is warm I give her fluids (not more than 150 ml/day) and put ice on her, and so far she eventually cools down. I was going to syringe feed her raw food, but then she ate a handful (15 pieces?) of dry food so I held off. I convinced my local vet to order feline interferon, and now I am working on getting him to agree to acemannan. He was skeptical about the feline interferon, and seems to think Lucy's case is hopeless and I am grasping at straws and wasting money. But he is nice to me, and so far has ultimately agreed to do as I ask. The acemannan request may put an end to that. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:04:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dearest Michelle, As I wrote before, I just went through this same push/pull anxiety with Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling your pain right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad shape, but it does sound like she's at least comfortable for the most part. When you talk about worsening symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? Today is the first time she hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress will put her off her food, perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The thought of her enjoying a sun bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to wait for the experts to decide a treatment protocol. I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm afraid that no matter how much support we have from others, it always comes down to our call when dealing with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you is that after I calmed my spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last experience with what you are going through), I felt a little more at peace with the circumstances. Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time left to share with me. I never gave up hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and peace. The benefit was that the time we did share was full of unconditional love, and I don't know how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep him with me in the physical, but it allowed us to bond in an extraordinary way. It was an incredible gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll always be grateful to him for the lessons learned during that heartrending time. I have no idea what I would do in your place. Missing the pieces of the puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts of decisions with conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone over what my own gut was telling me though. The specialists may be well meaning, they may even be sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to you she is your heart. The way I see it is we are responsible for interpreting the wishes of our fur children and making sure that our decisions are based on love and not fear. You are the one that has to live with the consequences, no matter what those consequences may be. Clear your head. Sit quietly with her, your next move will come to you. All my love, Nina
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Thanks. I gave her the feline interferon about an hour ago. She seemed feverish, so a while later I gave her some fluids. She then ate a small handful of dry EVO on her own. She is just laying there now. She is not grooming. She is definitely worse day by day. That said, she looked terrible last night but when I got up to check on her at 4 am she had gone downstairs to use the litterbox and then trotted over to a plastic bag and sat on it, I pet her a while, and then she trotted upstairs back to her box. I went back to sleep and at 8 am she looked awful again. I think her fever comes and goes. I have stopped temping her. When she is warm I give her fluids (not more than 150 ml/day) and put ice on her, and so far she eventually cools down. I was going to syringe feed her raw food, but then she ate a handful (15 pieces?) of dry food so I held off. I convinced my local vet to order feline interferon, and now I am working on getting him to agree to acemannan. He was skeptical about the feline interferon, and seems to think Lucy's case is hopeless and I am grasping at straws and wasting money. But he is nice to me, and so far has ultimately agreed to do as I ask. The acemannan request may put an end to that. Michelle In a message dated 1/19/2007 1:04:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Dearest Michelle, As I wrote before, I just went through this same push/pull anxiety with Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling your pain right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad shape, but it does sound like she's at least comfortable for the most part. When you talk about worsening symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? Today is the first time she hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress will put her off her food, perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The thought of her enjoying a sun bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to wait for the experts to decide a treatment protocol. I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm afraid that no matter how much support we have from others, it always comes down to our call when dealing with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you is that after I calmed my spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last experience with what you are going through), I felt a little more at peace with the circumstances. Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time left to share with me. I never gave up hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and peace. The benefit was that the time we did share was full of unconditional love, and I don't know how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep him with me in the physical, but it allowed us to bond in an extraordinary way. It was an incredible gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll always be grateful to him for the lessons learned during that heartrending time. I have no idea what I would do in your place. Missing the pieces of the puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts of decisions with conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone over what my own gut was telling me though. The specialists may be well meaning, they may even be sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to you she is your heart. The way I see it is we are responsible for interpreting the wishes of our fur children and making sure that our decisions are based on love and not fear. You are the one that has to live with the consequences, no matter what those consequences may be. Clear your head. Sit quietly with her, your next move will come to you. All my love, Nina
RE: Lucy--what to do?
I don't think you imagined it at all - you know your baby, Valley more than anything else probably, and I am sure that she was feeling better - but not sure if it was the epogen that caused - and it's possible - if your kitty's BP is very low, and epogen will very quickly increase BP and it might be related to that?? I just did not want Michelle to expect to see the immediate response from epogen, as she may be discourage if it did not, but wanted her to know it's okay if she did not see any immediate response, but rather wanted her to warn about high BP causing blindness --:-) _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 10:36 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: RE: Lucy--what to do? Hideyo - you are way more knowledgeable about epogen than I am -- I thought my Valley perked up within a day of having it; I guess that isn't physiologically possible -- do you think I just imagined it? Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I have used epogen on 5 cats so far, but I did not see any immediate response - for anemia case, it takes up to one to three weeks to take an effect - and the main think you need to watch is to keep an eye on BP as it will increase BP and cat can become blind due to high BP, and could cause seizures - the both of these things happened to my baby Hannibal whom I was treating his anemia due to CRF - but when anemia happens due to CRF, you really don't have much choice but to use epogen as otherwise you would lose a cat from anemia.. my Ayumi is on epogen.. it does not make her feel better directly, but her PCV is slowly going up because of it. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:18 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Dearest Michelle, As I wrote before, I just went through this same push/pull anxiety with Spencer. It's enough to give you a nervous breakdown. I'm feeling your pain right through the computer. I know Lucy is in bad shape, but it does sound like she's at least comfortable for the most part. When you talk about worsening symptoms, are you referring to her not eating? Today is the first time she hasn't eaten on her own, is that right? Stress will put her off her food, perhaps she's just regaining her strength. The thought of her enjoying a sun bath is encouraging. She may be strong enough to wait for the experts to decide a treatment protocol. I wish I had the answers for you Michelle. I'm afraid that no matter how much support we have from others, it always comes down to our call when dealing with so this sort of quandary. All I can tell you is that after I calmed my spirit and communed with Spencer, (my last experience with what you are going through), I felt a little more at peace with the circumstances. Unfortunately, Spencer did not have a long time left to share with me. I never gave up hope, but I did find a semblance of acceptance and peace. The benefit was that the time we did share was full of unconditional love, and I don't know how else to put it, full of quality. It didn't keep him with me in the physical, but it allowed us to bond in an extraordinary way. It was an incredible gift that we shared, at a very costly price. I'll always be grateful to him for the lessons learned during that heartrending time. I have no idea what I would do in your place. Missing the pieces of the puzzle make it so very difficult to make these sorts of decisions with conviction. I would never take the advice of anyone over what my own gut was telling me though. The specialists may be well meaning, they may even be sympathetic, but to them Lucy is a medical case, to you she is your heart. The way I see it is we are responsible for interpreting the wishes of our fur children and making sure that our decisions are based on love and not fear. You are the one that has to live with the consequences, no matter what those consequences may be. Clear your head. Sit quietly with her, your next move will come to you. All my love, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Red Bank called to say that now I do not have a return appointment for tomorrow, that the cytology reports won't be back until tomorrow, and that I will get a call tomorrow morning after the oncologist and internist look at the reports, with a plan. Meanwhile, this morning Lucy is not eating at all. I syringed her a little food, but am concerned at the worsening of symptoms. Her back end seems ok now, but she is drinking more. her fever went down last night with fluids and ice packs, but she is warm again-- but can't tell if this is because she is lying in the sun (her choice). She can walk to litter box and jump up on 1 foot tall cardboard box without problems. Her pads and gums are still a little pink, though light pink. Thanks to Hideyo, I now have feline interferon and epogen. The oncologist is insisting that I not start her on anything until they look at all the test results. If she has an infection or heart disease, steroids could be harmful. If her blood cells are regenerating but then dying, epogen won't help and she could have a reaction. I have not heard back on any particular reason not to start the feline interferon. Do you think I should start her on something, against the advice of the oncologist and internist? I generally trust specialists, but it seems clear she is going down hill and days are passing. Plus, a friend's dog had neurological problems and saw specialists at a big hospital in Boston for a week before they tested for lyme disease (which I had suggested immediately)-- they had had him on steroids, then when finally saw he had lyme put him on heavy doses of antibiotics and stopped the steroids, and when he got worse they put him back on heavy doses of both and he pulled through. Obviously it would have been better if a) they had tested him immediately (they had not thought the neuro symptoms matched lyme) and b) absent the test if they had just loaded him up with both abx and steroids. So I am wary of specialists waiting for test results that take a while before starting treatment when an animal is going downhill. At the same time, I don't want to harm any possible treatment she could ultimately get if they figure something out. Do any of you have strong opinions or thoughts on this? Thanks, Michelle
RE: Lucy--what to do?
Hideyo - you are way more knowledgeable about epogen than I am -- I thought my Valley perked up within a day of having it; I guess that isn't physiologically possible -- do you think I just imagined it? Hideyo Yamamoto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} I have used epogen on 5 cats so far, but I did not see any immediate response for anemia case, it takes up to one to three weeks to take an effect and the main think you need to watch is to keep an eye on BP as it will increase BP and cat can become blind due to high BP, and could cause seizures the both of these things happened to my baby Hannibal whom I was treating his anemia due to CRF but when anemia happens due to CRF, you really dont have much choice but to use epogen as otherwise you would lose a cat from anemia.. my Ayumi is on epogen.. it does not make her feel better directly, but her PCV is slowly going up because of it. - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:18 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
RE: Lucy--what to do?
I have used epogen on 5 cats so far, but I did not see any immediate response - for anemia case, it takes up to one to three weeks to take an effect - and the main think you need to watch is to keep an eye on BP as it will increase BP and cat can become blind due to high BP, and could cause seizures - the both of these things happened to my baby Hannibal whom I was treating his anemia due to CRF - but when anemia happens due to CRF, you really don't have much choice but to use epogen as otherwise you would lose a cat from anemia.. my Ayumi is on epogen.. it does not make her feel better directly, but her PCV is slowly going up because of it. _ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Loesch Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 9:18 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: Lucy--what to do? He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
He seemed to perk up within 24 hours. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
How soon did the cat feel better from epogen? In a message dated 1/19/2007 11:07:32 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy.
Re: Lucy--what to do?
Wow Michelle - that is a hard one. My gut feeling is that there is no reason not to start the interferon, for sure. I don't know anything about the kind of reactions you get with epogen, but the times I have used the cat has seemed to feel better. Will be interested in seeing what the really experienced folks suggest. Good luck. Prayers for you and Lucy. [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Red Bank called to say that now I do not have a return appointment for tomorrow, that the cytology reports won't be back until tomorrow, and that I will get a call tomorrow morning after the oncologist and internist look at the reports, with a plan. Meanwhile, this morning Lucy is not eating at all. I syringed her a little food, but am concerned at the worsening of symptoms. Her back end seems ok now, but she is drinking more. her fever went down last night with fluids and ice packs, but she is warm again-- but can't tell if this is because she is lying in the sun (her choice). She can walk to litter box and jump up on 1 foot tall cardboard box without problems. Her pads and gums are still a little pink, though light pink. Thanks to Hideyo, I now have feline interferon and epogen. The oncologist is insisting that I not start her on anything until they look at all the test results. If she has an infection or heart disease, steroids could be harmful. If her blood cells are regenerating but then dying, epogen won't help and she could have a reaction. I have not heard back on any particular reason not to start the feline interferon. Do you think I should start her on something, against the advice of the oncologist and internist? I generally trust specialists, but it seems clear she is going down hill and days are passing. Plus, a friend's dog had neurological problems and saw specialists at a big hospital in Boston for a week before they tested for lyme disease (which I had suggested immediately)-- they had had him on steroids, then when finally saw he had lyme put him on heavy doses of antibiotics and stopped the steroids, and when he got worse they put him back on heavy doses of both and he pulled through. Obviously it would have been better if a) they had tested him immediately (they had not thought the neuro symptoms matched lyme) and b) absent the test if they had just loaded him up with both abx and steroids. So I am wary of specialists waiting for test results that take a while before starting treatment when an animal is going downhill. At the same time, I don't want to harm any possible treatment she could ultimately get if they figure something out. Do any of you have strong opinions or thoughts on this? Thanks, Michelle
Lucy--what to do?
Red Bank called to say that now I do not have a return appointment for tomorrow, that the cytology reports won't be back until tomorrow, and that I will get a call tomorrow morning after the oncologist and internist look at the reports, with a plan. Meanwhile, this morning Lucy is not eating at all. I syringed her a little food, but am concerned at the worsening of symptoms. Her back end seems ok now, but she is drinking more. her fever went down last night with fluids and ice packs, but she is warm again-- but can't tell if this is because she is lying in the sun (her choice). She can walk to litter box and jump up on 1 foot tall cardboard box without problems. Her pads and gums are still a little pink, though light pink. Thanks to Hideyo, I now have feline interferon and epogen. The oncologist is insisting that I not start her on anything until they look at all the test results. If she has an infection or heart disease, steroids could be harmful. If her blood cells are regenerating but then dying, epogen won't help and she could have a reaction. I have not heard back on any particular reason not to start the feline interferon. Do you think I should start her on something, against the advice of the oncologist and internist? I generally trust specialists, but it seems clear she is going down hill and days are passing. Plus, a friend's dog had neurological problems and saw specialists at a big hospital in Boston for a week before they tested for lyme disease (which I had suggested immediately)-- they had had him on steroids, then when finally saw he had lyme put him on heavy doses of antibiotics and stopped the steroids, and when he got worse they put him back on heavy doses of both and he pulled through. Obviously it would have been better if a) they had tested him immediately (they had not thought the neuro symptoms matched lyme) and b) absent the test if they had just loaded him up with both abx and steroids. So I am wary of specialists waiting for test results that take a while before starting treatment when an animal is going downhill. At the same time, I don't want to harm any possible treatment she could ultimately get if they figure something out. Do any of you have strong opinions or thoughts on this? Thanks, Michelle