6/27 Lucy PMPS=207;+2=182;+4=171;+6=139

Good morning,

Yesterday's condo

Yesterday
AMPS=97 (0.5u); +1=167; +2.5=169; +9.5=218
PMPS=194 (0.5u); +2=164; +4=185; +6.75=189; +9.5=184

Today
AMPS=180 (0.5u); +2=175; +8=185
PMPS=207 (0.5u); +2=182; +4=171; +6=139

Lucy is doing OK.
She's been mostly lazy, sleeping a lot, but she purrs when I brush her with her favorite ZoomGroom.
Her appetite this morning is so-so.
She started eating the 1st breakfast well, but lost interest half way through, which is not unusual for her.
I think I'll offer her Turkey&Salmon for the next serving.
She likes Turkey&Salmon better.

The more I read about chlorumbucil,the more freaked out I get. :-|
When I first spoke with the vet about it, I didn't realize that it was a chemo drug.
I read that I need to wear gloves when handling the drug and when cleaning the LB, and Elise said the same thing.
That's fine, but what about Ginger?
They share water bowls and LB.
I read the pill should not be cut because cutting it exposes the active ingredient, and it is a cancer causing agent.
But what if Lucy bites into it and crushes the pill in her mouth?
Will it cause cancer in her mouth?
I have read that once it goes through the system, what comes out in pee/poo is less of a concern......
I didn't fully understand it but something about waste not being active any more, but it didn't say it's safe.
Ginger could step on Lucy's pee, and then lick her paws.
The vet didn't mention any of these, so I will have to call her on Sunday for her opinion.
My plan is to start this drug tomorrow night, so I don't know what to do between tomorrow night and Sunday morning.
I don't want to confine either of them... it will be a serious letdown for their QOL, so sort of defeats the purpose of giving this drug.
For the first time ever, I am really glad Lucy and Ginger aren't friends. :lol:
At least, they don't groom each other.

Sorry, I am just thinking out loud.

Sending vines to all in need.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175

Lucy ate the Turkey&Salmon fine.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180

Yes, you should wear gloves as a precaution when handling the pill. You should not cut the pill. When I used it, it was a small pill, covered with a glossy coat that made it easier to go down. I did not take any precautions with respect to the other cats sharing a litter box and food/water dishes. I was advised to do so when Teddy was first on IV chemo treatments, but not when he was taking Chlorambucil.

Do you plan to pill Lucy with it? Place it far back in her throat and chase with a syringe of water if she allows that. If she bites it, I expect she will spit it out, but I would not be concerned that she will get cancer in her mouth as a result.

This is what I did with Teddy. You are correct that you should ask the vet for her instructions, and you should take precautions which are reasonable to the amount of risk involved. That really depends on your vet's advice and your own comfort level.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175

Thank you very much, Linda.

I really can't pill Lucy unless I hide it in her favorite food, so she'll eat it willingly, but this method increases the chance of her biting into it. :-x
I was going to cut it in half and put the halves in a small gelcaps, but I guess I can't.....
I don't expect the whole pill to fit in a small gelcap.... I'll have to figure out a new pilling method for this.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175

Hi Mariko,

I hope when you talk to your vet you can get some answers. The more we know the more we worry. Sending prayers for Lucy that the pill will help.

That's good that Lucy ate the Turkey and Salmon.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175

Hi Mariko:

No advice to offer, but I understand your concern with all the caveats for this particular treatment. I hope you get satisfactory answers to your questions, and most of all I hope that it helps Lucy.

Sending appy vines to keep her eating well today.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175;+3=185

Mariko

I'm so glad Linda stopped by to help ease your mind about this drug. She's pretty smart and I would trust her advice. I hope you find a way to give it to her that works for you both.

I looked at her labs and they really look stable. I noticed her HCT is up Her liver enzymes still look perfect. Her BUN and Creatinine are nice and stable. Great job, Mariko!!!

I will keep you both in my thoughts that this works for her.

Keep eating, Lucy.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175;+3=185

I'm glad Lucy ate for you. I hope you find a good way to give her the pill without having to worry about her biting into it.

Re: 6/27 Lucy AMPS=180;+2=175;+3=185

Mariko, Max used the same litter boxes that Tiffany used and never had a problem. Most of the people that I know using the drug have multiple cats and don't worry about it either. You just don't want the drug to seep into you through your skin. That's why the need for gloves.

Re: 6/27 Lucy PMPS=207

She ate the 1st dinner good, and 2nd dinner OK too.

Marje - Thank you for looking at her lab.
Elise - Thank you for sharing your experience. And thank you so much for the e-mail.
Catherine, Tricia, Carla - Thank you very much for checking in on Lucy. I really appreciate your encouragement.

I am going to have to work late tonight. :-x
I hope everyone's having a nice evening.