Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy
Gloria my vet used the vincristine on Maizee.She never got sick at all using it for six months.If I had not done it she would have had to be let go that day when they found the lymphoma.They were amazed that I would do this for a felv+ cat.But my heart told me to.I dont regret it one bit,cause it gave me six more months to love that beautiful baby girl.I dont think I could go through that again emotionally or financially. Sherry --- On Fri, 8/22/08, Gloria Lane [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Gloria Lane [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Friday, August 22, 2008, 10:41 AM I'm so sorry - I agree, I have little faith in chemo for cats. And this is such a personal decision to make. There is some chemo that has helped in situations I've had with lymphoma cats, but it seems to be in shrinking lymph nodes temporarily. I've had fluid drawn out of chest areas also, and that's also helped extend their life and comfort. I think it was vincristine that we used for these kitties, and it seemed to help hold things at bay for a while, with mediastinal lymphoma. IT didnt seem very harsh, and the vet confirmed that. Also had 1 blood transfusion per cat and that helped. There is a Wisconsin protocol, where the chemo is alternated, and I've never used it, but it sounded effective in some situations, possibly. Best of luck to you. Gloria On Aug 22, 2008, at 9:07 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Caroline, Belinda, Diane, and Michele, Thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness. It's very helpful and comforting to hear from people what have been through something similar and/or who truly care. I know there are no easy answers as to the best thing to do or not to do. My Emma tested positive on both multiple snap tests and on laboratory ELISA tests, so as much as I was hoping it was some kind of mistake, she is indeed FeLV+. Over this past weekend, she suddenly stopped eating and drinking, her coat went from shiny black (she's a tuxedo) to dull and covered with dandruff, her purr was gone, and she was lethargic. The ultrasound revealed enormous lymph nodes, and the blood test revealed a RBC count of 10 (dangerously low) and a WBC count twice what it should be. Analysis of the bone marrow points to lymphoma. The Vet is encouraging chemotherapy, but because of past experiences with two of my dogs, I don't have a lot of faith in Veterinary oncologists. I don't want a Veterinarian giving me false help and encouraging me to pursue chemotherapy if, in fact, there's little chance it will help, and a better chance that it won't help, or worse, that it will cause suffering. Caroline, I can relate to your situation with the tumor on Monkee's leg. My dog Rebel had a mast cell tumor on his leg, which the surgeon was able to debulk, but he was unable to get clean margins. He offered amputation as an option, but Rebel was 12 years old and a big dog, and I didn't think he would manage well (though I've seen many younger dogs and even cats do perfectly well with three legs). It turns out it was really good that I didn't pursue amputation of the leg, because a week later, Rebel had a tumor on his back. The tumor on his leg grew back and continued to grow despite chemotherapy. It was the size of a large honeydew. But I continued to give him chemotherapy, hoping for a miracle. There ended up being no miracle and I lost my Rebel. Several years earlier, I'd put my dog, Daisy, through chemotherapy and radiation when she was diagnosed with oral melanoma. My Veterinarian told me I'd lose her in six months, with or without treatment. I went to an oncologist anyway and was told there was a 20% chance the treatment would help. So Daisy went throught the treatment, and a week before she died, another oncologist put her on an experimental drug (Thalidomide) despite the fact that her lungs were full of tumors. I know that everyone's experiences are different and that we all want to do what's best for our furry family members. It's just so hard to know what is best. But your support and advice have been my saving grace this week. I no longer feel quite so alone. Thank you. -- Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Wow...I am so touched by everyone's sensitivity and directness and willingness to share their personal experiences with heartbreak from cancer in their furbabies. You guys are amazing, really... Adrienne, I hope you are able to come to a decision you feel is right for Emma. That seems to be the hardest part sometimes, like you said, knowing the best thing to do. I did want to say that I keep hearing here and there over the past few years about treating cancer holistically with intraveneous Vitamin C in humans, and I know that a lot of people give Vitamin C to their FeLV+ cats for mainenance. I don't know if you would even consider this as an option, but I do think it might be a good thing to check in to, if it's even offered for cats. Does anyone know anything about this? I don't have anything to offer regarding the chemo, having no experience. What I know of is only what I've read here. Please keep us posted on little Emma, and I'm sorry you guys are having to go through this. Wendy Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world - indeed it is the only thing that ever has! ~~~ Margaret Meade ~~~ - Original Message From: Adrienne Statfeld [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 10:39:44 AM Subject: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy? Hello. My beloved Emma is 5 ½ years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed as being FeLV+. I don’t know how this happened. I raised Emma and her sisters from the time they were about two days old. Her sisters are negative, as are my other cats, despite the fact that they have all lived together as indoor only cats, and have groomed each other, and shared bowls, litter boxes, and dishes. Emma tested negative for FeLV as a kitten. She has never been outside except in a carrier. Yesterday, I got the news that Emma has Lymphoma. I’ve started her on Prednisone, and the doctor is recommending chemotherapy. The doctor estimated an 8 to 10 month survival rate for cats with Lymphoma who go through chemotherapy, but couldn’t give me any idea of the prognosis for a cat who has FeLV. Any opinion about chemotherapy for an FeLV+ cat with Lymphoma? I’m heartbroken and I don’t want to do anything to prolong my beautiful girl’s suffering. Thank you. Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] chemotherapy
Dear Caroline, Belinda, Diane, and Michele, Thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness. It's very helpful and comforting to hear from people what have been through something similar and/or who truly care. I know there are no easy answers as to the best thing to do or not to do. My Emma tested positive on both multiple snap tests and on laboratory ELISA tests, so as much as I was hoping it was some kind of mistake, she is indeed FeLV+. Over this past weekend, she suddenly stopped eating and drinking, her coat went from shiny black (she's a tuxedo) to dull and covered with dandruff, her purr was gone, and she was lethargic. The ultrasound revealed enormous lymph nodes, and the blood test revealed a RBC count of 10 (dangerously low) and a WBC count twice what it should be. Analysis of the bone marrow points to lymphoma. The Vet is encouraging chemotherapy, but because of past experiences with two of my dogs, I don't have a lot of faith in Veterinary oncologists. I don't want a Veterinarian giving me false help and encouraging me to pursue chemotherapy if, in fact, there's little chance it will help, and a better chance that it won't help, or worse, that it will cause suffering. Caroline, I can relate to your situation with the tumor on Monkee's leg. My dog Rebel had a mast cell tumor on his leg, which the surgeon was able to debulk, but he was unable to get clean margins. He offered amputation as an option, but Rebel was 12 years old and a big dog, and I didn't think he would manage well (though I've seen many younger dogs and even cats do perfectly well with three legs). It turns out it was really good that I didn't pursue amputation of the leg, because a week later, Rebel had a tumor on his back. The tumor on his leg grew back and continued to grow despite chemotherapy. It was the size of a large honeydew. But I continued to give him chemotherapy, hoping for a miracle. There ended up being no miracle and I lost my Rebel. Several years earlier, I'd put my dog, Daisy, through chemotherapy and radiation when she was diagnosed with oral melanoma. My Veterinarian told me I'd lose her in six months, with or without treatment. I went to an oncologist anyway and was told there was a 20% chance the treatment would help. So Daisy went throught the treatment, and a week before she died, another oncologist put her on an experimental drug (Thalidomide) despite the fact that her lungs were full of tumors. I know that everyone's experiences are different and that we all want to do what's best for our furry family members. It's just so hard to know what is best. But your support and advice have been my saving grace this week. I no longer feel quite so alone. Thank you. -- Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy
I'm so sorry - I agree, I have little faith in chemo for cats. And this is such a personal decision to make. There is some chemo that has helped in situations I've had with lymphoma cats, but it seems to be in shrinking lymph nodes temporarily. I've had fluid drawn out of chest areas also, and that's also helped extend their life and comfort. I think it was vincristine that we used for these kitties, and it seemed to help hold things at bay for a while, with mediastinal lymphoma. IT didnt seem very harsh, and the vet confirmed that. Also had 1 blood transfusion per cat and that helped. There is a Wisconsin protocol, where the chemo is alternated, and I've never used it, but it sounded effective in some situations, possibly. Best of luck to you. Gloria On Aug 22, 2008, at 9:07 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Caroline, Belinda, Diane, and Michele, Thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness. It's very helpful and comforting to hear from people what have been through something similar and/or who truly care. I know there are no easy answers as to the best thing to do or not to do. My Emma tested positive on both multiple snap tests and on laboratory ELISA tests, so as much as I was hoping it was some kind of mistake, she is indeed FeLV+. Over this past weekend, she suddenly stopped eating and drinking, her coat went from shiny black (she's a tuxedo) to dull and covered with dandruff, her purr was gone, and she was lethargic. The ultrasound revealed enormous lymph nodes, and the blood test revealed a RBC count of 10 (dangerously low) and a WBC count twice what it should be. Analysis of the bone marrow points to lymphoma. The Vet is encouraging chemotherapy, but because of past experiences with two of my dogs, I don't have a lot of faith in Veterinary oncologists. I don't want a Veterinarian giving me false help and encouraging me to pursue chemotherapy if, in fact, there's little chance it will help, and a better chance that it won't help, or worse, that it will cause suffering. Caroline, I can relate to your situation with the tumor on Monkee's leg. My dog Rebel had a mast cell tumor on his leg, which the surgeon was able to debulk, but he was unable to get clean margins. He offered amputation as an option, but Rebel was 12 years old and a big dog, and I didn't think he would manage well (though I've seen many younger dogs and even cats do perfectly well with three legs). It turns out it was really good that I didn't pursue amputation of the leg, because a week later, Rebel had a tumor on his back. The tumor on his leg grew back and continued to grow despite chemotherapy. It was the size of a large honeydew. But I continued to give him chemotherapy, hoping for a miracle. There ended up being no miracle and I lost my Rebel. Several years earlier, I'd put my dog, Daisy, through chemotherapy and radiation when she was diagnosed with oral melanoma. My Veterinarian told me I'd lose her in six months, with or without treatment. I went to an oncologist anyway and was told there was a 20% chance the treatment would help. So Daisy went throught the treatment, and a week before she died, another oncologist put her on an experimental drug (Thalidomide) despite the fact that her lungs were full of tumors. I know that everyone's experiences are different and that we all want to do what's best for our furry family members. It's just so hard to know what is best. But your support and advice have been my saving grace this week. I no longer feel quite so alone. Thank you. -- Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] chemotherapy
Thank you, Gloria.I think what's adding to the fact that I have little faith in the Veterinary community is the fact that it seems as though many veterinarians don't know a whole lot about FeLV. It's difficult because I expect to be able to turn to the Veterinarians so I can get accurate information and make an informed decision. But the ones I've spoken to don't seem to have much info at all. In fact, my regular Veterinarian thought my Emma had a large tumor. It turns out that what she was feeling was a very full bladder. ArghFor now, I'm going ahead with the Prednisone. Since starting her on it, her appetite is back, so maybe she'll regain some strength. I hope everyone and their kitties has a relaxing, comfortable weekend. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy
Yup, I remember using Prednisone too - and it did help. I'm not sure, but I think it not only suppresses symptoms, but suppresses the inflammation, so guess less fluid collecting in the chest area (or whereever). Gloria On Aug 22, 2008, at 10:04 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thank you, Gloria.I think what's adding to the fact that I have little faith in the Veterinary community is the fact that it seems as though many veterinarians don't know a whole lot about FeLV. It's difficult because I expect to be able to turn to the Veterinarians so I can get accurate information and make an informed decision. But the ones I've spoken to don't seem to have much info at all. In fact, my regular Veterinarian thought my Emma had a large tumor. It turns out that what she was feeling was a very full bladder. Argh For now, I'm going ahead with the Prednisone. Since starting her on it, her appetite is back, so maybe she'll regain some strength. I hope everyone and their kitties has a relaxing, comfortable weekend. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy
Dear Adrienne I really understand what you are going through and how difficult it is to make decisions with your head while your heart is punctured. I think of the line in the poem by I Townsend that reads We who choose to surround ourselves with lives more temporary than our own Live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached, Unable to accepts it's awful gaps We still would have it no other way These are the most difficult times and it seems that at some point you have to know that Emma is on her own path and that all you can do is to help her fight and also love her enough to let her go. It is the best and the worst of times. She has the understanding that she is loved and cared for, which is a gift. Thinking of the both of you. Jane On Aug 22, 2008, at 10:07 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Dear Caroline, Belinda, Diane, and Michele, Thanks so much for sharing and for your kindness. It's very helpful and comforting to hear from people what have been through something similar and/or who truly care. I know there are no easy answers as to the best thing to do or not to do. My Emma tested positive on both multiple snap tests and on laboratory ELISA tests, so as much as I was hoping it was some kind of mistake, she is indeed FeLV+. Over this past weekend, she suddenly stopped eating and drinking, her coat went from shiny black (she's a tuxedo) to dull and covered with dandruff, her purr was gone, and she was lethargic. The ultrasound revealed enormous lymph nodes, and the blood test revealed a RBC count of 10 (dangerously low) and a WBC count twice what it should be. Analysis of the bone marrow points to lymphoma. The Vet is encouraging chemotherapy, but because of past experiences with two of my dogs, I don't have a lot of faith in Veterinary oncologists. I don't want a Veterinarian giving me false help and encouraging me to pursue chemotherapy if, in fact, there's little chance it will help, and a better chance that it won't help, or worse, that it will cause suffering. Caroline, I can relate to your situation with the tumor on Monkee's leg. My dog Rebel had a mast cell tumor on his leg, which the surgeon was able to debulk, but he was unable to get clean margins. He offered amputation as an option, but Rebel was 12 years old and a big dog, and I didn't think he would manage well (though I've seen many younger dogs and even cats do perfectly well with three legs). It turns out it was really good that I didn't pursue amputation of the leg, because a week later, Rebel had a tumor on his back. The tumor on his leg grew back and continued to grow despite chemotherapy. It was the size of a large honeydew. But I continued to give him chemotherapy, hoping for a miracle. There ended up being no miracle and I lost my Rebel. Several years earlier, I'd put my dog, Daisy, through chemotherapy and radiation when she was diagnosed with oral melanoma. My Veterinarian told me I'd lose her in six months, with or without treatment. I went to an oncologist anyway and was told there was a 20% chance the treatment would help. So Daisy went throught the treatment, and a week before she died, another oncologist put her on an experimental drug (Thalidomide) despite the fact that her lungs were full of tumors. I know that everyone's experiences are different and that we all want to do what's best for our furry family members. It's just so hard to know what is best. But your support and advice have been my saving grace this week. I no longer feel quite so alone. Thank you. -- Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
[Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Hello. My beloved Emma is 5 ½ years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed as being FeLV+. I dont know how this happened. I raised Emma and her sisters from the time they were about two days old. Her sisters are negative, as are my other cats, despite the fact that they have all lived together as indoor only cats, and have groomed each other, and shared bowls, litter boxes, and dishes. Emma tested negative for FeLV as a kitten. She has never been outside except in a carrier. Yesterday, I got the news that Emma has Lymphoma. Ive started her on Prednisone, and the doctor is recommending chemotherapy. The doctor estimated an 8 to 10 month survival rate for cats with Lymphoma who go through chemotherapy, but couldnt give me any idea of the prognosis for a cat who has FeLV. Any opinion about chemotherapy for an FeLV+ cat with Lymphoma? Im heartbroken and I dont want to do anything to prolong my beautiful girls suffering. Thank you. Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Hi, Adrienne. I'm sorry Emma is ill. There are lots of people on this list who will give you some really good pointers. I don't have any personal experience with chemo for FeLV+ cats; by the time my Patches turned up on my doorstep and was diagnosed, it was really too late to consider chemo. I do know that cats tolerate it much better than humans do. I think one of the questions the others here will ask is, what symptoms was Emma displaying that resulted in the vet visit where the lymphoma was diagnosed -- in other words, was she acting sick, and how has her health been generally since the FeLV diagnosis? And about that -- although the presence of the lymphoma points toward the FeLV diagnosis being accurate, is it 100% certain that she really does have FeLV? False negatives and false positives aren't uncommon with these tests, especially if only the in-office test was given. This doesn't, of course, affect the lymphoma itself, just Emma's general hardiness. Do you feel that she is suffering now? Also, how have you been treating the FeLV? Supplements, diet, etc.? I hope you and Emma still have some good time left together. Hugs. Diane R. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Adrienne Statfeld Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 10:40 AM To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy? Hello. My beloved Emma is 5 ½ years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed as being FeLV+. I don't know how this happened. I raised Emma and her sisters from the time they were about two days old. Her sisters are negative, as are my other cats, despite the fact that they have all lived together as indoor only cats, and have groomed each other, and shared bowls, litter boxes, and dishes. Emma tested negative for FeLV as a kitten. She has never been outside except in a carrier. Yesterday, I got the news that Emma has Lymphoma. I've started her on Prednisone, and the doctor is recommending chemotherapy. The doctor estimated an 8 to 10 month survival rate for cats with Lymphoma who go through chemotherapy, but couldn't give me any idea of the prognosis for a cat who has FeLV. Any opinion about chemotherapy for an FeLV+ cat with Lymphoma? I'm heartbroken and I don't want to do anything to prolong my beautiful girl's suffering. Thank you. Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org This electronic mail transmission and any attachments are confidential and may be privileged. They should be read or retained only by the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete the transmission from your system. In addition, in order to comply with Treasury Circular 230, we are required to inform you that unless we have specifically stated to the contrary in writing, any advice we provide in this email or any attachment concerning federal tax issues or submissions is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, to avoid federal tax penalties. ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
opinion, the chemo and surgery definitely did not prolong his life. When the vet suggests chemo for this cancer, you have to know that they are reccommending this as a life-prolonging treatment that will at best, prolong the cat's life by only a few months. And you may say what I said-- that I have to give him those few months- I owe that to him! But what did I really do for him? Rush him off to multi vets- 2 vet specialists, borrowed money from my mom to pay for his extremely expensive treatment, stressed him out with blood taking, a blood transfusion, chemo and surgery...and stressed him out with my crying and crying and crying? I really suspect that the chemo/transfusions/surgery DID NOT prolong Monkee's life and wonder now how long we could have sailed along with him having his tumor on his leg (that didn't bother him at all!), taking prednisone (and feeling like super-Monkee!), and chilling in our little house-- happily eating raw chicken livers and raw lean buffalo (for his anemia), playing, napping and loving a non-stressfull life The gamble on the other side is, can you live with yourself and the questioning of yourself for not doing the chemo? You have to weigh both sides and what is best for your cat. Not what is best for you. Caroline (and Monkee in spirit)From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:39:44 -0400 Subject: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy? Hello. My beloved Emma is 5 ½ years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed as being FeLV+. I don’t know how this happened. I raised Emma and her sisters from the time they were about two days old. Her sisters are negative, as are my other cats, despite the fact that they have all lived together as indoor only cats, and have groomed each other, and shared bowls, litter boxes, and dishes. Emma tested negative for FeLV as a kitten. She has never been outside except in a carrier. Yesterday, I got the news that Emma has Lymphoma. I’ve started her on Prednisone, and the doctor is recommending chemotherapy. The doctor estimated an 8 to 10 month survival rate for cats with Lymphoma who go through chemotherapy, but couldn’t give me any idea of the prognosis for a cat who has FeLV.Any opinion about chemotherapy for an FeLV+ cat with Lymphoma? I’m heartbroken and I don’t want to do anything to prolong my beautiful girl’s suffering.Thank you. Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Be the filmmaker you always wanted to be—learn how to burn a DVD with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588797/direct/01/ ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Caroline, I'm really sorry that Monkee had such a difficult time, I also believe we are all here for a given time and once it is our time to go, we go. It is my understanding anytime there is a tumor on a limb, the limb should be amputated, this in almost all cases along with chemo and sometimes even without chemo will get completely rid of the cancer if it hasn't already spread. Some people feel a cat will not do well with a limb gone but all the people I have talked to that have had this experience say their cats adjusted very well and very quickly. Me personally if it means any of my furkids having three legs or being dead, they will be tree-legged, as I would be given the same choice. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Right and that wasn't an issue with me really. I had told my mom that I would practically do anything to have a machine that kept Monkee alive- a Monkee head on top of a machine! That is what I said-- I know, morbid, but we always joke in bad times. So, a 3 legged Monkee- well, both he and I would have been fine with that! The doc was worried that she would eventually have to take the leg if they didn't remove the tumor, but I don't think it would have ever come to that. He never would have made it that long for the tumor to compromise the leg. He was already so systemically compromised. We found what appeared to be lymph tumors in his belly shortly after the surgery. We did the blood transfusion, but doc said she wouldn't reccommend doing a 2nd in him b/c of the tumors developing in the belly/groin (and I couldn't bare another transfusion at that point- the psychological effect of the transfusion on both of us was too much). ck Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:39:01 -0700 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org Subject: Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy? Caroline, I'm really sorry that Monkee had such a difficult time, I also believe we are all here for a given time and once it is our time to go, we go. It is my understanding anytime there is a tumor on a limb, the limb should be amputated, this in almost all cases along with chemo and sometimes even without chemo will get completely rid of the cancer if it hasn't already spread. Some people feel a cat will not do well with a limb gone but all the people I have talked to that have had this experience say their cats adjusted very well and very quickly. Me personally if it means any of my furkids having three legs or being dead, they will be tree-legged, as I would be given the same choice. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org _ Get thousands of games on your PC, your mobile phone, and the web with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588800/direct/01/ ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
If the cancer had already spread and the leg had been removed, the outcome may very well have been the same, there are just some kitties that chemo just doesn't seem to work for. My Mikie (FeLV+) way back in 1994 had kidney cancer, we did chemo and he responded instantly, I kid you not, he got elspar which is known as a rescue chemo and is one that doesn't destroy the white count. His tumor was pretty much gone in a day, my vet was shocked to say the least. He did well for 2 months and then the cancer came back, he didn't respond to the second round of chemo and in all honesty way back then I don't remember what protocol we were on. I know a lot more about cancer now then I wish I needed to know. -- Belinda happiness is being owned by cats ... http://bemikitties.com http://BelindaSauro.com ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
Re: [Felvtalk] chemotherapy?
Hi, I am sorry about Emma. As someone else mentioned the important thing is to find a good oncologist. It is possible that Emma does not have FeLV and that the test was a false positive. Does she have any symptoms of FeLV? My cat (FeLV negative) was diagnosed with Lymphoma about 5 years ago. She has had two round of chemo so far. The problem with the chemo is that causes diarrhea, vomiting and loss of appetite. I literally tried about 25 different brands of food to find something she'd eat, and many times I had to force feed her. Once we got through the chemo side-effects she is back to her old self and has gained weight. If you go through with the chemo and you find that the side-effects are too much, don't be afraid to ask the doctor to lessen the dosage. I did, and it made all the difference. There are some chemo drugs that are pills and can be administered at home. We used those as much as possible and my cat was able to avoid many vet visits. My cat takes prednisone and clavamox d aily and I imagine she always will. The clavamox is for the diarrhea. Good luck with Emma! Michele -- Original message -- From: Adrienne Statfeld [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello. My beloved Emma is 5 ½ years old. Two years ago she was diagnosed as being FeLV+. I dont know how this happened. I raised Emma and her sisters from the time they were about two days old. Her sisters are negative, as are my other cats, despite the fact that they have all lived together as indoor only cats, and have groomed each other, and shared bowls, litter boxes, and dishes. Emma tested negative for FeLV as a kitten. She has never been outside except in a carrier. Yesterday, I got the news that Emma has Lymphoma. Ive started her on Prednisone, and the doctor is recommending chemotherapy. The doctor estimated an 8 to 10 month survival rate for cats with Lymphoma who go through chemotherapy, but couldnt give me any idea of the prognosis for a cat who has FeLV. Any opinion about chemotherapy for an FeLV+ cat with Lymphoma? Im heartbroken and I dont want to do anything to prolong my beautiful girls suffering. Thank you. Adrienne ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org ___ Felvtalk mailing list Felvtalk@felineleukemia.org http://felineleukemia.org/mailman/listinfo/felvtalk_felineleukemia.org
