08/14/18 Squallie AMPS 99, +3/103

Yesterday

I finally got a call from the vet re: biopsy. I can't say I know a whole lot more now than I did before. Still looking at weeks only, vet says.
Here is what I was told:

1. it's in his lg intestine
2. the aspirate did not definitively show cancer, but indications were of a carcinoma or adenoma
3. it is possibly severe inflammation (I would think this to be good, and treatable, but apparently not)
4. it is not mast cell or lymphoma, so no clorimbucil
5. have to get a full-thickness biopsy for definitive answer
6. definitive answer could lead to chemo, vet doesn't think it will really help, just make his last few weeks uncomfortable, and may possibly cost more than I can afford, anyway
7. I am starting him on peroxicam which inhibits the cox 1 enzyme that grows on the surface of these types of masses (think I got that right?), may slow down growth, and has pain-killing properties (it's related to ibuprofen, which I thought was toxic to cats?). Main side effect is nausea, if he has it I will need to stop the drug.

This is pretty much exactly what he told me, after he and the specialist discussed the biopsy again today. Not terribly different than what he told me before, just bigger words, and this time I wrote them down.

And he does do in-home euthanasia, but only if I lived a lot closer. So. That's my news.

 

Oh Lucy

 

Oh Lucy - I am so sorry but I have never heard of anything like this - such a non- answer
I hope people here have some ideas as to what this could be. If they don't know what it is, how do they know that the Cox 1 inhibitor would help "that type of mass"?
Again, so sorry - how is the boy doing today?

 

I'm so sorry to hear there isn't a definite answer. Just do a day at a time and evaluate how Squallie is doing.

 

Lucy, I'm so sorry. I was hoping you'd get a clearer answer. I was told CBD oil helps with cancer. Maybe try that just in case. Sending prayers.

 

I think they mean carcinomas and adenomas, as they think this is the most likely.
He is still the same, his sweet, loving self, just thinner and no longer eating wet food.

 

Quite odd that the ultrasonographer felt she got a good biopsy, but you are left with this. Would be good to get an actual copy of the biopsy report to post.
Lucy, I'm so sorry - this has to be very difficult. I'd definitely add CBD oil.

 

I would never want to see anyone else going through this. I'm sorry for the news. Please try to make every day special for both of you and don't spend much time thinking about eventualities. Today is what counts. Hugs!

 

Thanks Carol. Yes, it is unbelievably painful. My vet is sending me a copy of the US report, I will try to scan it into my computer and post it.

Obviously, I've always known he wouldn't live forever, but I never expected to hear "only weeks."

 

I am so sorry Lucy. I would take it day by day. CBD oil may help with the pain. Carla had someone that help her with her Simba...maybe you can contact the same person for information.

 

Hugs to you Lucy, I have been looking for an update and hoping for the best. Squallie is very precious.

 

That's exactly what I am trying to do. (((Hugs))) to you, too.

 

Oh Lucy, I’m so sorry. Hugs, hugs and more hugs

 

This is the very first place I have come to this morning before anything else, even tea or combing m'hair . It is the news I didn't want to hear for you both.

I dunno L. Tiz rotten.

Goes without saying so why am I saying it when I know you knows already but anyway - you both take each day and make the mostest with your Stripey Man. The today is what matters. Later is afterward and deal with that then.

Flamin' 2018. It can bog off.

Much love L .
x

 

Lucy, I'm so so sorry.

 

Lucy , we had a sweet bird dog was given 6 weeks and after consulting with a homeopathic vet by phone he lived 6 more healthy months . Just a thought to consider. Day by day, keep loving , keep caring for him and you . Prayers continue for you both ❤️❤️

 

Any chance to get a copy of the actual scan along with the report and try and get to an Inernal Medicine specialist? Doesn't sound like the actually know what they (you/Squallie) are dealing with.

I am so sorry.

 

I'm sure I can get a copy of the scan, if I ask. I don't know where the nearest IM to me is, but can probably find out.

 

The same loving Squallie is a good thing. Getting a copy of the US report is a good idea.

Early on Doodles had an intestinal biopsy. The IM vet had us thinking cancer or severe IBD. After getting the report it said food allergies or mild IBD.

I’m not sure a vet can predict “weeks” or any time frame so that makes me angry for you. You know Squallie the best. Hang in there and give him extra scritches for me.

 

There may be a other options like university/Vet school.

https://bluepearlvet.com/rockville-md/

 

I’m so sorry to hear this Lucy, make every minute count, make everyday special
To you both

 

I hope you can get more concrete information somehow. Until then, take your cues from your sweet Squallie-- he knows how he's feeling, better than the vet can predict the future.

 

Take it day by day.

 

There is a board certified radiologist who works with the internal medical specialists in Gaithersburg's Veterinary Referral Associates. He is so nice. He was willing to look at Grandpa's ultrasounds for a second opinion without me dragging Grandpa in for an appt. I think he was going to charge something like $125. We ended up getting a second US at the original vet instead since they lost the original file and couldn't email it.

 

Thank you! I am kind of far away from Gaithersburg, but maybe he would do a phone consult.

 

I am more than an hour from there. This guy travels between different vet offices. He gave my vet his own email address and was going to handle it that way.

 

Sorry to hear about this. Live each day to the fullest and enjoy the time together and make beautiful memories together.

 

Lucy, I agree with getting the US report and getting an IM consult. There seems to be some contrary things in what you were told. I like Karen and Doodles post..... food allergies......get another opinion.

It's not over until the Fat Lady Sings.


ETA : I am not suggesting it is food allergies, I am just pointing out the discrepancy that Karen and Doodles got with all the testing.

 

(((Lucy)))

I”m so sorry they were not more definitive. I understand your anguish. Squallie is in charge now and he will decide what he wants. I know you love him so tremendously and you will listen. He might decide to tell you that he plans on hanging around quite a bit longer.

 

I sent you a PM with the guy's email address in case you need it.

 

So sorry the vet didn’t have a more positive report. Prayers for you and Squallie.

 

(((Lucy))), As Marje says, Squallie is in charge. It really is amazing that the two vet specialists cannot come to any conclusion. I agree that a second interpretation of the ultrasound is desirable and I hope you'll be able to get one. In the meantime, please give your boy extra scritches from all of us and tell him that he is the very best.
s and all those extra scritches,

 

Lucy, I really like the suggestion to send the ultrasound to the radiologist in Gaithersburg. I know Medical scans etc can be sent electronically. Maybe ph. His office tomorrow and ask about having that office request them for another opinion then go from there. You know you little man better than anyone. Give Squallie man some lovin' from me too please.

 

So adenomas are rare in cats. Wonder if biopsy slides could be sent to another lab for a second opinion?

 

Vines and purrayers for many, many happy days together.

 

Lucy, I am sorry about the news you got, and that it's not clear one way or another. Love on him day to day, spoil him as long as you have.

If the peroxicam can produce nausea, did the vet send you home with any ondansetron? At this point, no harm giving him a good sized dose to help make him comfortable.

 

Omigosh. I'm so sorry. I don't have any suggestions, but maybe it'll be something else and there will be good news. If not, hopefully you'll have some more time with him to spoil him a bit more. {{{HUGS}}}

 

So sad, Lucy. I’m came here looking for you this morning to get an update. Heartbreaking for the two of you.... sending love.

 

❤️❤️❤️

 

So sorry to hear this frustrating news. Hugs to you. I cannot imagine.

 

Big hugs & head bumps to you & Squallie bear! Wishing, praying for you to have more time together!

 

You're both in our thoughts all the time

 

Sending healing vines +++.

 

How is he feeling today

 

He seems more relaxed today, more content. He purred a lot when we were doing meds and earpokes earlier!

 

Praying for you guys and u r in my thoughts