Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Jen, I am so happy that Ewok is doing so well from the shots! I wish you and Ewok a very Merry Christmas! :) (big grin while picturing Ewok running around exploring) Wendy --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Michelle! Thanks for the email! The last few days have been a whirlwind...I'm not sure when I updated last, but Ewok got a shot of Elspar last Friday and actually ate a few bites of food on his own later on that evening! The next day, I took him into our regular vet's with your email about the steriods in hand...she went ahead and gave him the shots in addition to more fluids...by the time we left about noon, she could tell he was already feeling a little better...and by that night he was eating a little on his own! The weekend went well, and by Sunday he was playing with the feather wand like his old self! So, Monday rolls around and we have a decision to make because we were supposed to leave a few days earlier to head home to Chicago for X- mas! I called the oncologist and updated him on Ewok's condition...he suggested we take him with us (we were driving) as he preferred that he be with us as opposed to our vet's office if he were to take a turn for the worse. I said, Great! and then called our regular vet to update her...we both agreed that taking another shot of dex with us wouldn't be a bad idea if something were to happen. Anyway, we made it to Chicago late last night with two dogs and Ewok in tow! He was such a good boy throughout the 24 hour drive! He's still doing great...eating on his own and acting like his old self! :) I'm just enjoying whatever time I've got left with him...I really love having him here with me...and, fortunately, he's an adventurous, social guy...so he's very curious about his new surroundings! Keep your fingers crossed that his remission lasts just a little bit longer! Michelle--thank you so much again for all of your advice! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:52 am Subject: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I have been thinking about him. Symptoms any better? Did the vet try the steroid shots? Any talk of using CCNU? Did the last chemo shot (the one that starts with E, can't remember the name) do anything? I am hoping for the best, but worried that things are bad since you have not written. Please let us know how he is when you get a chance. We are all pulling for him, and for you. Love, Michelle __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Thanks for the email! The last few days have been a whirlwind...I'm not sure when I updated last, but Ewok got a shot of Elspar last Friday and actually ate a few bites of food on his own later on that evening! The next day, I took him into our regular vet's with your email about the steriods in hand...she went ahead and gave him the shots in addition to more fluids...by the time we left about noon, she could tell he was already feeling a little better...and by that night he was eating a little on his own! The weekend went well, and by Sunday he was playing with the feather wand like his old self! So, Monday rolls around and we have a decision to make because we were supposed to leave a few days earlier to head home to Chicago for X- mas! I called the oncologist and updated him on Ewok's condition...he suggested we take him with us (we were driving) as he preferred that he be with us as opposed to our vet's office if he were to take a turn for the worse. I said, Great! and then called our regular vet to update her...we both agreed that taking another shot of dex with us wouldn't be a bad idea if something were to happen. Anyway, we made it to Chicago late last night with two dogs and Ewok in tow! He was such a good boy throughout the 24 hour drive! He's still doing great...eating on his own and acting like his old self! :) I'm just enjoying whatever time I've got left with him...I really love having him here with me...and, fortunately, he's an adventurous, social guy...so he's very curious about his new surroundings! Keep your fingers crossed that his remission lasts just a little bit longer! Michelle--thank you so much again for all of your advice! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:52 am Subject: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I have been thinking about him. Symptoms any better? Did the vet try the steroid shots? Any talk of using CCNU? Did the last chemo shot (the one that starts with E, can't remember the name) do anything? I am hoping for the best, but worried that things are bad since you have not written. Please let us know how he is when you get a chance. We are all pulling for him, and for you. Love, Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Oh, Jen, I am so overjoyed to hear he is feeling better and that you have him with you there and he is having such a good time!! I was really worried that your not having emailed meant he was doing worse. It is so, so great that you have a vet who was willing to give you a dex shot to take with you. Most vets will not do that. My own vets would not give them to me, and I only was able to get them from a vet who is a friend of a friend, and that is the only reason I was able to give Simon the extra dex shots that helped pull him through that time-- the oncologist wanted me to drive him 45 minutes each way while he was feeling completely terrible to get any additional shots, and to wait two days to do it because it was a weekend, which I thought was ludicrous since they were sub-q and I have given many shots.The oncologist ended up being glad Simon got the extra dex shots and was not at all annoyed that the other vet gave then to me. Anyway, I am so glad to hear you have such a great vet!! So how long are you in Chicago for? I agree that it is best to take things day by day while he is feeling good. I would recommend, though, when you get back, that you discuss with the oncologist whether he thinks the chemo drugs that he has been using are still working at all or not, and if not ask about using CCNU instead for a round or two or more. If you google CCNU you should be able to find studies and information showing that about 50% of cats who become resistant to the other chemo drugs can go back into remission for a while with CCNU, sometimes for months at a time. At least, that is what I remember-- it was almost a year ago that I did the research. Anyway, thank you so much for updating us! I feel a little holiday cheer now for the first time in days! I hope you and Ewok continue to have a good holiday! Love, Michelle In a message dated 12/21/2005 1:37:07 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle!Thanks for the email! The last few days have been a whirlwind...I'm not sure when I updated last, but Ewok got a shot of Elspar last Friday and actually ate a few bites of food on his own later on that evening! The next day, I took him into our regular vet's with your email about the steriods in hand...she went ahead and gave him the shots in addition to more fluids...by the time we left about noon, she could tell he was already feeling a little better...and by that night he was eating a little on his own! The weekend went well, and by Sunday he was playing with the feather wand like his old self! So, Monday rolls around and we have a decision to make because we were supposed to leave a few days earlier to head home to Chicago for X-mas! I called the oncologist and updated him on Ewok's condition...he suggested we take him with us (we were driving) as he preferred that he be with us as opposed to our vet's office if he were to take a turn for the worse. I said, "Great!" and then called our regular vet to update her...we both agreed that taking another shot of dex with us wouldn't be a bad idea if something were to happen.Anyway, we made it to Chicago late last night with two dogs and Ewok in tow! He was such a good boy throughout the 24 hour drive! He's still doing great...eating on his own and acting like his old self! :) I'm just enjoying whatever time I've got left with him...I really love having him here with me...and, fortunately, he's an adventurous, social guy...so he's very curious about his new surroundings!Keep your fingers crossed that his remission lasts just a little bit longer! Michelle--thank you so much again for all of your advice!Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Oh Jen, I'm so thrilled that Michelle and Simon were able to help you and Ewok! It's true that everything we do ripples out, we usually don't get to see it as clearly as you and Michelle have. Such a nice Christmas present, to be thinking of you and little Ewok enjoying your vacation together! Thanks for letting us know how you guys are doing. N [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: LOL! He does have the personality of an orange tabby, doesn't he! :) I've got two orange (girl!) cats who are just little firecrackers! Ewok is a black-and-white guy, very handsome, if I do say so myself... ;) I had a kind of epiphany the other day when I had taken your info to my regular vet...she thanked me for the info and told me that she's learned alot through me (I, of course, had to defer to this list and the wonderful, collective knowledge here!)...Anyhoo, it occurred to me later that perhaps future cats (and dogs) may be helped because of Ewok's situation and, in a way, he'll go on (even in memory) as a result much like Simon has very much lived on through his experience and the way it's helped others like Ewok! I don't know if that makes any sense...but I just sensed a real beauty in the way our cats' lives are interconnected even though they're miles apart! And I didn't realize how difficult dex can be to obtain on good faith! That info makes me all the more grateful for my vet! I'll have to be sure to thank her, again, for all she's done for me and my boy...speaking of the devil, :) Ewok just emerged from his jaunt around the house...he wants to know everything about everything and it kinda brings a tear to my eye that we've got this time together thanks to you and Simon! I will definitely bring up CCNU (sp?) the next time I talk to my oncologist...but, for now, I'm just taking it one day at a time! :)
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
One thing I always question myself about is whether it was worth letting Simon go through the very rough days he went through at times during those two months in order to have the good days he had during that period. While he was alive it definitely seemed worth it, but since then I have questioned it at times-- I was talking to my mom today about Simon and she asked me if it was worth putting him through the 5 day hospitalization and the transfusions and the chemo for the time he had, and I was not sure. But reading about Ewok, I have no doubt that even though he has felt sick and been at the vet recently, the fun he is having now is worth it, and Simon had similar fun in his last weeks. So reading about Ewok has helped me some in that way. Chemo, when it works, can help for longer than the steroid shots. But the steroid shots make them feel so good so quickly and do not make them feel bad at all, that they are a gentler way to fight the cancer and give them quality of life, in a way. When I wonder if I put Simon through too much, it is the hospitalization and transfusions and chemo I wonder about, never the steroids. But of course without the former he would not have survived long enough to get the steroids and have all that fun in his last weeks. So I don't know. It is all so painful after they are gone, whatever we do. Love Ewok as much as you possibly can now, while he is running around being silly. Michelle In a message dated 12/21/2005 4:01:37 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: And I didn't realize how difficult dex can be to obtain on good faith! That info makes me all the more grateful for my vet! I'll have to be sure to thank her, again, for all she's done for me and my boy...speaking of the devil, :) Ewok just emerged from his jaunt around the house...he wants to know everything about everything and it kinda brings a tear to my eye that we've got this time together thanks to you and Simon! I will definitely bring up CCNU (sp?) the next time I talk to my oncologist...but, for now, I'm just taking it one day at a time! :)
Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
I have been thinking about him. Symptoms any better?Did the vet try the steroid shots? Any talk of using CCNU? Did the last chemo shot (the one that starts with E, can't remember the name) do anything? I am hoping for the best, but worried that things are bad since you have not written. Please let us know how he is when you get a chance. We are all pulling for him, and for you. Love, Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Patti
Thanks, Patti! I hope so too! But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:23 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor Jen~ My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ewok. I was so saddened to hear the news regarding the tumor. I pray little Ewok will get some relief with new treatments pursued...Big hugs to both of you! Love, Patti
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Update
Hi Michelle (and All)! Well, Ewok is at the vet's right now...Michelle, our vet is going to try the steroid protocol that you suggested. There was a small glimmer of hope last night...Ewok at a couple of tablespoons of baby food on his own (and kept it down)! Unfortunately, he didn't want anything this morning...so it's hard, for me, to tell what's going on...but my vet seems to think the elspar helped. Fingers crossed that my boy will start feeling better soon... But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 5:26 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor You can do it either way. I would do it in one shot just to stick him less, but other than that i do not think it matters. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 6:25:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Are the two administered separately (separate injections)? Or are they combined and then injected in one shot?
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
I am glad you are holding off on the chemo for now, but so sorry he is having this reaction. Does the vet think it is from the Adriamycin? Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 5:33:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle!Yes, Ewok was supposed to get another round of chemo this weekend (Cytoxen), but when I asked my vet about it, her eyes got really big and she shook her head vigorously, "NO." :) And he still on the Reglan (it's part of his daily i.v. drip)...but as for keeping his food down, we took a step backwards tonight...I'm hoping it was just the result of another drug my vet prescribed (sucralfate?), so I'm up at this ungodly hour after the poor guy, again, with a syringe! So far, so good...about 10 ccs of watered down A/D (that seems to be the one I've had the most luck with) over the course of about a 1/2 hour and no vomit! Gosh, it amazes me sometimes the things I'm profoundly thankful for... ;)Anyhoo, we'll be back at the vet's again in about 4 hours...he's still in good spirits for the little nurishment he's gotten over the past week...At this point, I'm starting to hope for a miracle... :(Take care and positive vibes out to poor Lucy!!Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the nail-in-the-coffin, so-to- speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102! Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 8:46 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I am glad you are holding off on the chemo for now, but so sorry he is having this reaction. Does the vet think it is from the Adriamycin? Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 5:33:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Yes, Ewok was supposed to get another round of chemo this weekend (Cytoxen), but when I asked my vet about it, her eyes got really big and she shook her head vigorously, NO. :) And he still on the Reglan (it's part of his daily i.v. drip)...but as for keeping his food down, we took a step backwards tonight...I'm hoping it was just the result of another drug my vet prescribed (sucralfate?), so I'm up at this ungodly hour after the poor guy, again, with a syringe! So far, so good...about 10 ccs of watered down A/D (that seems to be the one I've had the most luck with) over the course of about a 1/2 hour and no vomit! Gosh, it amazes me sometimes the things I'm profoundly thankful for... ;) Anyhoo, we'll be back at the vet's again in about 4 hours...he's still in good spirits for the little nurishment he's gotten over the past week...At this point, I'm starting to hope for a miracle... :( Take care and positive vibes out to poor Lucy!! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Jen, I'm praying for him. I don't really understand about the white blood cell count-- if anything, chemo usually makes that go down. It seems like he has an infection now? I am really sorry if you did chemo partially because I recommended it and he is having this reaction. I was glad when you said you were doing it and he seemed to be responding so well, but now I feel terrible about recommending it. I never heard of a cat reacting this way to it. Please let us know what happens at the oncologist's. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle!Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the "nail-in-the-coffin," so-to-speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102!Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress!Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers!Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! I totally understand that. But the lymphoma is from his FeLV, so it actually has not been in check. When I am worried about triggering the FeLV virus in my cats, what I am most afraid of is triggering the formation of lymphoma. Maybe you should ask the vet about using Immuno-Regulin to try to control the fever and whatever is causing it? It helped with Ginger and Patches, though Ginger also had a reaction to it that cause her fever to spike to 106 for a half hour or so right after the shot, which was very scary. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Oh, Michelle, No! Please don't feel guilty, you have no reason to!! At the very least, the chemo has given me 3 more wonderful months with my boy! If I had it to do all over again, I would make the same decision! I just wish I could understand what's going on...you have echoed the sentiments of my vet who is just at a loss as to why he's having such a severe reaction...perhaps the oncologist will be able to figure it out! Could the high white cell count indicate that the cancer is spreading? I will let you know what happens when I get back! All the best, Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 9:14 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Jen, I'm praying for him. I don't really understand about the white blood cell count-- if anything, chemo usually makes that go down. It seems like he has an infection now? I am really sorry if you did chemo partially because I recommended it and he is having this reaction. I was glad when you said you were doing it and he seemed to be responding so well, but now I feel terrible about recommending it. I never heard of a cat reacting this way to it. Please let us know what happens at the oncologist's. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the nail-in-the-coffin, so- to- speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102! Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
You're right...I guess I think of non-regenetive anemia when I think about activating the virus! Anyhoo, Ewok is still at the oncologist's (I'm at home)...the oncologist thinks it could be one of two things: either a reaction to the chemo (in which case, we keep supporting him), or, at worst, a tumor has formed in his belly. Ewok is getting an ultra-sound right now, so we should know soon what we're dealing with. Personally, I'm fearing the latter...I guess it would make the most sense given what he's been going through this past week. I'm still hoping that there is, well, hope...but I'm trying to prepare myself at the same time. Please keep Ewok in your thoughts! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 9:16 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? In a message dated 12/16/2005 10:10:36 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress! I totally understand that. But the lymphoma is from his FeLV, so it actually has not been in check. When I am worried about triggering the FeLV virus in my cats, what I am most afraid of is triggering the formation of lymphoma. Maybe you should ask the vet about using Immuno-Regulin to try to control the fever and whatever is causing it? It helped with Ginger and Patches, though Ginger also had a reaction to it that cause her fever to spike to 106 for a half hour or so right after the shot, which was very scary. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hey Jen, I will keep Ewok in my prayers. I hope that he starts turning around soon. You are right. Michelle has no reason to feel badly for suggesting chemo for Ewok. She is a wonderful source of information, and a light to all of us and our kitties. Please keep us posted on Ewok. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Wendy
Thanks, Wendy...I appreciate that! I'm hoping, too, that he can make a turn-around...but I still have an awful feeling that it's a tumor that's causing the problems. I guess I'll have to wait and see what the oncologist suggests, but we didn't have much luck with Ewok's brother's (Pips') intestinal lymphoma, so it's hard to be optimistic... :( And you're absolutely right about Michelle...I don't know what I'd do without her and her little fur-angel Simon! I'll keep you updated! Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: wendy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 11:38 am Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Hey Jen, I will keep Ewok in my prayers. I hope that he starts turning around soon. You are right. Michelle has no reason to feel badly for suggesting chemo for Ewok. She is a wonderful source of information, and a light to all of us and our kitties. Please keep us posted on Ewok. :) Wendy __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Jen, If it is another tumor, ask for the combo dex/depo shot to see if it will help. Combined with chemo, it helped Simon for an extra month and made him feel really good. It also suppresses nausea and increases appetite, besides shrinking the tumor temporarily. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 12:39:21 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: You're right...I guess I think of non-regenetive anemia when I thinkabout activating the virus!Anyhoo, Ewok is still at the oncologist's (I'm at home)...the oncologistthinks it could be one of two things: either a reaction to the chemo(in which case, we keep supporting him), or, at worst, a tumor hasformed in his belly. Ewok is getting an ultra-sound right now, so weshould know soon what we're dealing with. Personally, I'm fearing thelatter...I guess it would make the most sense given what he's been goingthrough this past week. I'm still hoping that there is, well,hope...but I'm trying to prepare myself at the same time.Please keep Ewok in your thoughts!Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
I'm sorry, Jen! That's horrible. Josephine did get tumors in her intestines secondary to tumors on her kidneys, and she lived a couple months with them just getting those shots, without even any chemo. The dex would visibly shrink the tumor within just a few hours. The day that the shot did not do that or make her start eating, I knew it was the end, and she went into respiratory distress a few hours later. You can also ask the oncologist about CCNU. It is a chemo drug that they use when cats come out of remission from the other chemo agents. It is synthetic, so cats get resistant to it more slowly. When the dex/depo shot got Simon to the point he could get more chemo, he got CCNU. That and the shots are what made him feel so great for the month. A few weeks after getting the CCNU, when his blood work showed him near remission again, he got Adriamycin for the first time, and a week later had a sudden auto-immune reaction and killed all his red blood cells and died. I do not know if it was a reaction to the cancer or to the Adriamycin. But I do know that the dex/depo shots and the CCNU worked wonders on the cancer together, and I wished afterwards that the oncologist had given him CCNU again rather than Adriamycin (though he insisted the auto-immune response was to the cancer and would have happened anyway). I read that about 50% of cats who have come out of remission go back into remission from CCNU, I think. I also do not think it is as harsh on the system as Adriamycin. I think that Belinda's Buddie, who had intestinal lymphoma I think (not sure), did well on CCNU also. But I think she had the small cell slow-growing kind of lymphoma, which is different than what Ewok has. Jen, I think there is little hope that Ewok is going to be cured of this. But I do think there is hope that might be able to feel well for another few weeks or months, and that there is some chance that with stronger steroids and something like CCNU he could go into remission, and a smaller chance that the remission could last a year or more as has happened in some cases. I would not expect this to happen, because I do not think it is the norm with positive cats, but I do not think you are expecting it. But I would certainly hope and pray for it at this point (and I am hoping and praying for it), because it could and has happened. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 3:15:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that,Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got backfrom the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass inhis intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't thinkstraight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar tosee if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours.Please continue to send out those healing vibes!Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Hi Michelle! Thanks, again, for all of your sage advice and encouragment! My regular vet is going to call me back, I will ask her about the stronger steroids...what are their full names and how were they administered and how often? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 2:36 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor I'm sorry, Jen! That's horrible. Josephine did get tumors in her intestines secondary to tumors on her kidneys, and she lived a couple months with them just getting those shots, without even any chemo. The dex would visibly shrink the tumor within just a few hours. The day that the shot did not do that or make her start eating, I knew it was the end, and she went into respiratory distress a few hours later. You can also ask the oncologist about CCNU. It is a chemo drug that they use when cats come out of remission from the other chemo agents. It is synthetic, so cats get resistant to it more slowly. When the dex/depo shot got Simon to the point he could get more chemo, he got CCNU. That and the shots are what made him feel so great for the month. A few weeks after getting the CCNU, when his blood work showed him near remission again, he got Adriamycin for the first time, and a week later had a sudden auto-immune reaction and killed all his red blood cells and died. I do not know if it was a reaction to the cancer or to the Adriamycin. But I do know that the dex/depo shots and the CCNU worked wonders on the cancer together, and I wished afterwards that the oncologist had given him CCNU again rather than Adriamycin (though he insisted the auto-immune response was to the cancer and would have happened anyway). I read that about 50% of cats who have come out of remission go back into remission from CCNU, I think. I also do not think it is as harsh on the system as Adriamycin. I think that Belinda's Buddie, who had intestinal lymphoma I think (not sure), did well on CCNU also. But I think she had the small cell slow-growing kind of lymphoma, which is different than what Ewok has. Jen, I think there is little hope that Ewok is going to be cured of this. But I do think there is hope that might be able to feel well for another few weeks or months, and that there is some chance that with stronger steroids and something like CCNU he could go into remission, and a smaller chance that the remission could last a year or more as has happened in some cases. I would not expect this to happen, because I do not think it is the norm with positive cats, but I do not think you are expecting it. But I would certainly hope and pray for it at this point (and I am hoping and praying for it), because it could and has happened. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 3:15:53 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that,Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got back from the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass in his intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't thinkstraight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar to see if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours.Please continue to send out those healing vibes! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
1/2 cc Dexamethasone and 1/2 cc depomedrol. Though the norm, when giving Depomedrol, is to give a whole cc at one time, and I have done that as well because some vets insist that is the right amount if you give depo at all. But the vet who taught me about doing the combo shots uses 1/2 cc of each. If it works, you wait to give the next one until the symptoms come back. It can be anywhere from weeks to days to somewhere in between. If the shot does nothing for him, he probably is in bad shape. When Simon was really bad, the oncologist gave him a dex shot and a depo shot. I do not remember if he did 1/2 cc of each or 1 cc of each. Simon did not get better that day, and I had 2 dex shots at home (from the vet who had taught me about them with my other two), and with the oncologist's knowledge I gave him a dex shot (1 cc, think, but it might have been 1/2 cc) the following day and, I think, the day after. When he did not respond, I thought it was all over. But two days later he sat up and asked for food and water and by the next day was running around. What I think happened was that, for Simon, the cancer was in his liver and bone marrow and so he was sick due to very high liver bilirubin levels and very low hematocrit. What I think happened is that the dex and depo shots did work right away in terms of shrinking the lymphoma in the liver and bone marrow, but it took him a few days to process the high bilirubin levels out of his system and make enough red blood cells to bring his hematocrit back up. So I think he may have had less cancer right after the shots, but I did not know that because it took him a few days to actually feel better, if that makes sense. With Josephine and Buddy, who had cancer in different places, the dex and depo shots always worked within 3 or 4 hours until their last days when the shots did not work at all. So I guess I would ask for a combined dex/depo shot of either 1/2 cc of each or 1 cc of each. If it works, I would expect to see a difference within 24 hours for sure. Since he does not have high liver or kidney values or as far as we know lymphoma in his bone marrow, I would assume that if the steroids are going to work they would make him feel better pretty quickly-- that the shrinking of the tumors itself would make him feel better. The one possible side effect of strong steroids, short-term, is diabetes. But it is very rare for that to happen in the short-term and usually is a long-term effect. Given Ewok's situation, I do not think there is a down-side to trying the steroids. Or to trying CCNU. If your oncologist has reservations about using dex/depo combination shots on him, you can tell him to call the oncologist who treated Simon. I have not been in touch with him for months, but he is a really nice guy and I am sure he will remember what happened and be willing to talk about it. His name is Jeff Philibert and he is at NEVOG in MA (New England Veterinary Oncology Group). He did research on heavy steroid use in cats before agreeing to do the shots. The other thing is that your oncologist would probably agree there is not much of a down-side to trying at this point, if the Elspar does not help (which hopefully it will). Lots of hopeful wishes, Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 3:53:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle!Thanks, again, for all of your sage advice and encouragment! My regularvet is going to call me back, I will ask her about the strongersteroids...what are their full names and how were they administered andhow often?
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
oh, and they can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The oncologist gave them to Simon intramuscularly, and I gave the follow-up dex shots subcutaneously. IM is faster than sub-q in terms of absorbtion rate. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Aw Jen, I just caught up on the posts between you and Michelle about Ewok. I feel like there's a tumor in my belly :( . I'm so sorry. My thoughts, concerns and prayers are with you guys. I wish there were something else I could say or do. I hate this damn disease. I'm sending you all my love to comfort you. My arms are wrapped around you both, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that, Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got back from the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass in his intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't think straight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar to see if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours. Please continue to send out those healing vibes!
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Hi Michelle! Thanks so much...I'm going to be taking Ewok into his regular vet tomorrow morning for fluids and to pull the catheter that's been in his arm since Monday...I spoke with our vet just a few minutes ago and mentioned the combo shot...she hadn't heard of the two being used in combo, but she's willing to try anything for Ewok, so if the chemo doesn't do any good, we'll give the steroids a shot. Are the two administered separately (separate injections)? Or are they combined and then injected in one shot? But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 3:22 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor oh, and they can be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The oncologist gave them to Simon intramuscularly, and I gave the follow-up dex shots subcutaneously. IM is faster than sub-q in terms of absorbtion rate. Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
You can do it either way. I would do it in one shot just to stick him less, but other than that i do not think it matters. Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 6:25:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Are the twoadministered separately (separate injections)? Or are they combined andthen injected in one shot?
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Jen, I would ask the vet to teach you how to do subcutaneous fluids at home, if you don't already know how to do it, so you don't need to keep taking him in. If he is in really bad shape it is true that IV fluids get into his system faster, but longer-term it seems like sub-q fluids should be enough, to me (though I am no doctor)... Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 6:25:17 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: ...I'm going to be taking Ewok into his regular vettomorrow morning for fluids and to pull the catheter that's been in hisarm since Monday
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Nina
Hi Nina! Thanks so much for your email...it truly makes a huge difference knowing there are others out there who know exactly what you're going through! Right now, I have half a mind (which half? I don't know...it's hard to tell the sane half from the not-so-sane half right now... ;) ) to march right over to the mall, elbow my way through a line of 5 year olds, plop myself down on Santa's lap and tell him that all I want for Christmas is for my baby to get well...then, I'd tell the photographer to get several good shots of the crazy cat lady for my Christmas cards... :) Can you tell I need a little sleep and/or a stiff drink? LOL! Anyway, thanks for the hug...I needed that right about now! :) Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. --Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 4:41 pm Subject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor Aw Jen, I just caught up on the posts between you and Michelle about Ewok. I feel like there's a tumor in my belly :( . I'm so sorry. My thoughts, concerns and prayers are with you guys. I wish there were something else I could say or do. I hate this damn disease. I'm sending you all my love to comfort you. My arms are wrapped around you both, Nina [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Damn! I should have checked my email before I left...thanks for that,Michelle...I'm going to keep that one in mind! Ewok and I just got back from the oncologist's and it's as we all pretty much expected: a mass in his intestines (a lymph node I believe, but I'm so tired I can't thinkstraight right now...). So he was actually given a round of elspar to see if the tumor responds...I guess we'll know in the next 24-48 hours. Please continue to send out those healing vibes!
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hey Jen,Thoughts and prayers coming your way for Ewok. I hope he turns the corner.tonya[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi Michelle!Our vet is *fairly* confident it's a reaction to the chemo (I think it started with the adriamycin...then the "nail-in-the-coffin," so-to-speak, was the vincristine). Fortunately, Ewok's oncologist is in town today, so my vet will be getting ahold of him to get any suggestions. Ewok is still hanging in there, but we're a little concerned that his temp this morning was just over 102!Update: The vet just called...she's concerned that his white blood cell count is rising...I'm going to go ahead and take him to the oncologist's office at 10:30. I'm just sick to my stomach, right now...Ewok has been able to keep the FeLV in check through all this so far, I feel like I'm tempting fate with the additional stress!Please keep my boy in your thoughts and prayers!Jen"But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..." --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry"If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys." --Chief Dan George- Original Message -From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]Date: Friday, December 16, 2005 8:46 amSubject: Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? I am glad you are holding off on the chemo for now, but so sorry he is having this reaction. Does the vet think it is from the Adriamycin? Michelle In a message dated 12/16/2005 5:33:51 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle! Yes, Ewok was supposed to get another round of chemo this weekend (Cytoxen), but when I asked my vet about it, her eyes got really big and she shook her head vigorously, "NO." :) And he still on the Reglan (it's part of his daily i.v. drip)...but as for keeping his food down, we took a step backwards tonight...I'm hoping it was just the result of another drug my vet prescribed (sucralfate?), so I'm up at this ungodly hour after the poor guy, again, with a syringe! So far, so good...about 10 ccs of watered down A/D (that seems to be the one I've had the most luck with) over the course of about a 1/2 hour and no vomit! Gosh, it amazes me sometimes the things I'm profoundly thankful for... ;) Anyhoo, we'll be back at the vet's again in about 4 hours...he's still in good spirits for the little nurishment he's gotten over the past week...At this point, I'm starting to hope for a miracle... :( Take care and positive vibes out to poor Lucy!! Jen
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?--Another tumor
Jen~ My thoughts and prayers are with you and Ewok. I was so saddened to hear the news regarding the tumor. I pray little Ewok will get some relief with new treatments pursued... Big hugs to both of you! Love, Patti
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Hi Michelle! Unfortunately, not much improvement...he stays a the vet's office during the day for fluids and supportive therapy...his appetite is still close to nil and now he is combating severe diarrhea! The vet is trying everything she can think of and Ewok is being such a little sweet-heart about all of the poking, prodding and syringe feedings. I just made up a batch of pureed boiled chicken and brown rice...at least he's able to hold everything down...I'm going to give the slippery elm a shot, but I'm holding off on any beneficial bacteria as he is getting an antibiotic at the same time. I'm not sure what else to do but keep up the supportive therapy until his GI tract is in working order, again! I hope he bounces back soon, his blood-work is normal as of Monday, and the vet is going to check it again tomorrow...I miss my little fussy boy! :( Jen But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world; You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed... --Antoine de Saint-Exupéry If you talk to the animals they will talk with you and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them you will not know them, and what you do not know you will fear. What one fears one destroys. -- Chief Dan George - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Thursday, December 15, 2005 9:36 pm Subject: Jen-- how is Ewok doing? Any improvement in chemo side effect symptoms? Michelle
Re: Jen-- how is Ewok doing?
Jen, I am really sorry he is having so many symptoms. Is there any talk of giving the chemo a rest until he feels better? It is ok to give beneficial bateria while giving antibiotics, and it is in fact recommended. You just need to make sure you give it a few hours before or after the antibiotic doses so it does not get killed right away. I would definitely try the slippery elm. However, given how hard it as been to fix Lucy's diarrhea, I am not pretending to know how to fix this! It's very good he is holding down his food though. Is he still on Reglan? Michelle In a message dated 12/15/2005 11:09:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hi Michelle!Unfortunately, not much improvement...he stays a the vet's office during the day for fluids and supportive therapy...his appetite is still close to nil and now he is combating severe diarrhea! The vet is trying everything she can think of and Ewok is being such a little sweet-heart about all of the poking, prodding and syringe feedings. I just made up a batch of pureed boiled chicken and brown rice...at least he's able to hold everything down...I'm going to give the slippery elm a shot, but I'm holding off on any beneficial bacteria as he is getting an antibiotic at the same time. I'm not sure what else to do but keep up the supportive therapy until his GI tract is in working order, again! I hope he bounces back soon, his blood-work is normal as of Monday, and the vet is going to check it again tomorrow...I miss my little fussy boy! :(Jen
