11/20 Gracie has lymphoma

Gracie’s 11/13 Condo

Friday greetings to all and sending many wishes for good health to all in need like Doodles, Snicker’s civie Milt, Chris Farley, Tricia’s gang, Max, Elise’s mom, Amy’s Dad, and anyone I accidentally omitted. We are thrilled that Neko’s SRT went well!!! Cheering on Genghis in her OTJ trial!!

We got the news yesterday that the biopsy samples sent to UC Davis showed small cell lymphoma DNA in some of the cells. The pathologist at UofA who diagnosed IBD and said there was no sign of neoplasia told Dr. B yesterday that the reason they highly recommend sending the biopsies to UC Davis is because they’ve had several lately where IBD was the dx but the cats were not improving with treatment. When they sent the samples to UC Davis, the higher tech abilities they have there (looking at DNA) indicated lymphoma. We elected to have UofA send the samples immediately so I guess we are a step ahead. This explains why none of the treatments we’ve done for IBD so far have stopped the weight loss and why her BG has been so crazy since the endoscopy. IMHO....with no way to verify this....I do think the procedure just weakened her. But we had to have it done and the great thing is we now truly know what we are dealing with.

We are super blessed to have an amazing oncologist in town. She did Gus’s I131 and took care of our sweet GA Teddi Bear when she had large cell lymphoma. She is a wonderful, compassionate, and very experienced oncologist and her staff has been the same since they pampered and spoiled Gus so very many years ago...I think he did not want to come home because they held him all the time even though they weren’t supposed to be exposed to him with the radiation treatment. That gives us great comfort that Gracie will be in the best of hands. We don’t see Dr. K until Nov 30 but she is going to start Gracie on a low dose of prednisilone today or tomorrow (she wants to talk to Dr. B first) so that will help her start to feel better, eat better, and hopefully stop the weight loss.

As far as LBG goes, we can tell she is not 100% but she tries. She’s a little fighter and she still has a lot of sass and spunk and still gives me tons of purry love every morning, headbutts us and Tobey, and tackles Tobey. She still had a very pointed remark for Lupita this morning as she passed her on the way in from the catio hisssssssssssss....Baby is sick, Pita, so yous better be extra sweet to me and not bodder me...NONE of your silly singing!!! Her eating has been off the last day or so and so I’m anxious to get the pred started.

It’s not what we expected to hear and it’s been a shock but, as with FD, one day at a time and focus on keeping her feeling good. We try to look at the positives and one of them is that at least we are well into this FD so that we can roll with the ugly numbers a bit more and know we just need to follow our gut on how to adjust the dose. I think how hard it must be for those whose baby has lymphoma, the treatment causes FD, and they are then dealing with two new issues...neither of which is an easy dx. We have much hope she will do well for a very long time.

We hope you are all well. Now back to our sweet Lil Stinka! Have a great day.

 

Oh Marje! I'm so sorry to hear about Gracie. ((((hugs))))

Glad to hear that she has a good team behind her care, and that she's still acting spunky and feisty. I'll be thinking of you both and sending lots of vines that the prednisilone gives good results.

 

aw..............................
I'm so sorry.
just not what any one wants to hear at all........

i'm just not liking this decade at all... for me or for all my friends.....

just hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers and hugs and prayers !

 

Marje,
We've never "spoken", but I also wanted to pipe in, send some hugz to you and Gracie. I sooooooooo believe in having as positive an outlook as you can, and you obviously feel the same way. You're obviously a loving, wonderful momma bean.
Good wishes to you and your Gracie
Darcy

 

I'm so sorry to read about the diagnosis (((Marje))). Gracie is a very lucky princess to have you (and Mike) and an excellent team of doctors to help her. Praying along with you that the pred helps with her appetite and that she gains her weight back soon.

 

I am sorry to hear about Gracie's diagnosis. What is it about cancer beating up on our sugar kitties around here lately
It is great that you have a good team working for her and I am happy to hear it is small cell, possibly a better prognosis there anyway.
Stay spunky for a good long time Gracie! Kick cancer's butt for all of us!!

 

So sorry (((hugs))) Gracie is lucky to have you! Sending vines your way!!

 

We are so sorry to hear this news, but we also know that Gracie has a strong team surrounding her, including all of her L&LL aunties and uncles!! Many hugs and endless prayers....

 

Sending additional get better/eat more vines to Gracie.

And hugs to you !

 

Oh no, not what we wanted to hear at all. Sending tons of vines. I'll bring them down myself, since I'm coming to my sister's for Thanksgiving, arriving Wed afternoon and leaving early Sat morning. I'd love to get together if that works for you.
Liz

 

((((Marje and Mike))))) so sorry to hear about Gracie's dx. She is a little trooper!
Sending vines & prayers for her to feel better, gain weight and kick cancer's butt!
Feel better LBG for you are in very caring and loving hands.

 

So sorry, Marje, on the news. We are adding more vines and prayers. I know Gracie already has the bestest care with you and Mike, and a great team of Specialty Vets. Vines for the Prednisolone to help Gracie's appy and weight.
Love the Pita update today. Hugs.

 

So sorry to hear of Gracie's diagnosis, hugs all round

 

(((Marje))) not good news, but Gracie has the best possible team at home in you and Mike, and a great oncologist, all giving her the very best chance of recovery. Prayers and vines to you all.

 

I tried to find a "bright side" here. It didn't take me long, dear friend.

There is no place better on earth for Gracie to be right now than in the loving arms and under the watchful eyes of you and Mike. Stay positive and stay strong!

 

Oh, Marje, I'm so sorry for this news. But I'm glad you now have some answers, and can go forward from here. I'll echo what Gracie's auntie- and uncle-beans have already said: she's in the best possible hands, yours and Mike's.
Sending vines and hugs and love love love.

 

I'm so sorry Marje but as you said at least you know what you are dealing with now so you can treat it appropriately. Sounds like you've got your lymphoma boxing gloves firmly in place, with you two, a great medical team in place and Gracie's own spunk you are well placed to deliver some crushing blows to this disease. I hope you have many more happy years together

 

dang, as someone said above, what is with the cancer and sugar combos lately?? So sorry Marje for this news, but echoing everyone who knows you better, it sounds like she is in great hands for as positive an outcome as possible. Many many vines to you and Gracie and her whole team!!

 

Sorry for the news. It sounds like you have a great team of doctors. Hope Gracie feels better soon.

 

Whatever you need, we're all here for Gracie, you and Mike.

 

Sending Vines and Prayers for you,Mike,and Gracie. Keeping positive thoughts.

 

So sorry to hear the diagnosis, but it's wonderful that you have such a great team of doctors that you obviously trust so much and know they'll do the best they can for LBG. Believing in the possibility of remission is the first step to getting there!

Adding more hugs and vines to the mix!!

 

What Sienne said - we've got your back. As I experienced this week, LL vines and prayers are a powerful medicine for our girls. Sending healing snowflakes from here.

 

Marje, I'm so sorry. Sending prayers.

 

Sending all the power of LLL to surround you, Mike, Gracie and Tobey with healing white light and prayers.

Hang in there little girl! That spitfire personality is just what's needed when you're in a tough spot - her spunk will serve her well through the treatment.

You know we're here for you.

 

Weeping with emotion at how amazingly great and supportive you all are. I wish I could give every single one of you a hug in person. Your prayers give us greet strength snd will keep us positive as we care for the LBG, Principessa, Missy G, Lil G Money, Lil Stinka...and all the other names she has been so affectionately called over the years here. Thank you for understanding that while I would love to be here more, again, helping out, all our energy is focused on our baby girl.

So far...no pred today but Gracie is great about letting me syringe feed her any calories she doesn't feel like eating. Hoping the pred will be ready tomorrow.

You and your kitties are always in our hearts.

 

Yo Gracie, You're so smart, and you're so fine. You'll lick this!
~ Your friend,
Rusty

(((Marje and Mike))),

We are all with you as you go forward with Gracie's treatment. Vines are on the way--special delivery. Please give the Princess and Tobey extra scritches from us tonight.



Ella & Rusty

 

Oh Marje, my thoughts are with you and your sweet, spunky Gracie. I know she is in the best possible hands. We certainly understand that you need to be there for your girl.

Thinking of you and sending the strongest and most positive vines.

((((((Hugs)))))))

 

(((Marje))), I'm so sorry to read this news. You know what you're dealing with, and you've got a plan. I have no doubt that Gracie's will be the best possible care to ensure the best possible outcome. Our strongest vines and prayers on their way for the Principessa and for her wonderful beans.

 

(((((Marje))))) I'm so sorry to read this. I bet you feel much better now that you at least know what you're fighting and you can make a plan to deal with it. Gracie is a lucky kitty to have you on her side.

 

Nope, not what any of us wanted to hear. But, onward. And you've got a Spitfire in that little girl and she's got the bestest team she could have. Lots of hugs all around. And healing light. And vines. And prayers.

You keep on fighting, Miss Gracie. We've got your back.





Marilyn and Polly

 

Sending so many vines and light to you all! I am so glad you have an oncologist you feels safe and connected too- and I trust that all will be well and you will find balance in the medications and that she will heal and do wonderfully!! She is in the best hands possible that is for sure!

 

{{{Marje}}} and {{{Mike}}},

Hearts are hurting all over L&L Land at this news, but the awesome power of our vines and prayers are laser focused on Miss Gracie, and you know what wonders we can perform!

I'll bet, despite the hisses, Lupita was very saddened by the news about her beloved nemesis. It warms the heart to see that Gracie still has her spunk and keeps Pita in her place!

We are all with you on this - you know you have my complete love and support. Anything I can do to help, I'm there. Hugs and scritches to you all (you figure out who gets which).

 

Oh Marje, I am so sorry to hear this.
I too have much hope Gracie will do well for a very long time because she has the best beans who know everything and can make the best treatment decisions!
Sending endless healing vines, positive thoughts and much love.
(((Marje))) (((Mike)))

 

Oh, yuk on the diagnosis. I'm so sorry. I do however know that Gracie is in the best of hands with you and Mike, and am very happy that you have a great vet to help you with all of this! I hope the pred is ready asap. I'm sending truckloads of hugs and vines, and prayers.

 

Marje, I'm so sorry to hear about the dx. Little Miss Gracie has the best Mom and Dad EVER! And she has the best fighting spirit. Keeping you guys in my thoughts and prayers.

Lots of love
Tena

 

Oh Marje, I'm so sorry to hear that news! But Gracie has you and Mike and will receive the best care a kitty could ask for! Sending lots of hugs your way.

 

Marje and Mike, I'm so sorry to hear this diagnosis and sending vines upon vines for Miss Gracie. You're a dream team of beans and she is in the best possible hands. Stay sassy, Gracie!! You will get through this.

 

Aaaaah...you all are the absolute best. I've been on the small cell lymphoma yahoo group trying to learn things. It's so different there and I much prefer our way of doing things here. But, there is a wealth of info and a very well known IM vet who posts there so it's extremely helpful.

Gracie starts her pred this morning. Her BG has been pretty ick and I'm trying not to rush the dose increases. I'm dreading seeing what the pred does but it is what it is. I'll use R until I can raise the lev dose and then just keep doing what we need to.

Many hugs and have a great day.

 

Marje, I've resisted responding to this thread, because I wanted to say something only positive, but it's hard, when I'm feeling so sad. I've loved Gracie for so long, and hate seeing her and you and Mike, having to fight this battle.
Gracie is a lucky little girl, that her mommy and daddy are the bestest caregivers, and will understand, and are willing, to do whatever is necessary to get our sweet LBG through this.

Eat, Baby Girl, get strong, and stay sassy!

 

Skooter and I are sending extra special "Minnesota Nice" vines your way....

You are truly an amazing bean.....Gracie couldn't be in better hands....I hope the pred helps with her appy....it was so long ago that Skooter started pred, so I can't remember how long it took for it to kick in, but I don't think it was long.....

Sending lots of love, hugs and prayers to you and Mike

 

So sorry to hear about Gracie, she is such a little trooper and has the best, loving parents to help her through this. Sending hugs your way.

 

Morning Marje

I am sorry to read about Gracie. I had hoped there would be better news. I know too that you will do all you can for her. I too hope for many more years. I hope the pred will help her. Paws crossed.

Hugs to all, and a thousands scritches for you Gracie.

 

A kitty can never have too many healing vines!

 

More hugs and prayers and vines... and hugs and prayers and vines.



Everyone put it so well but I sure agree that she couldn't be in better hands.

 

So sorry Marje to hear this news about Gracie. Thoughts and prayers for Gracie and for you. She is lucky to be in such good hands and she sounds like a little fighter!
Take care and to you and Gracie.

 

Healing prayers for Gracie and a big hug for you Marje. There is a great feline lymphoma group on yahoogroups and a feline intestinal lymphoma group on facebook. Small cell lymphoma can have an excellent prognosis and survival of many years so there is much hope. More hugs.

 

Well, this is certainly not what I wanted to see when I popped in this morning. But, if anyone can handle this, it's you, Mike and LBG. It sounds like you have a great team in place. LBG couldn't be in better hands. Healing vines and prayers for all of you!

 

Sorry for the dx, but glad you know "the monster you're fighting". ...and you know how to address the BGs if they are influenced by the Pred. Like all the other issues we have to juggle simultaneously, you know to address the most pressing matter first. Good luck. Lots of hugs for you both as you tackle this new monster.

 

Thank you all so very much....it means more than you know. Sorry it's taken me a little time to get back. Sunday was an awesome day for our LBG but yesterday not quite as good. Her little tummy was a little off kilter.

I had a long conversation with the AC yesterday. We were talking at the beginning and I had not told her anything about Gracie at all yet. Out of the blue, she said "has she been shaved? In several places". Yes...they shaved her two back feet and one front paw for the endoscopy for IVs and monitors. Then she said "did you have her scoped?" Yes.. And I explained it. She said thst Gracie was still very unhappy about that and she felt "violated". She said she felt it really set her back which we had already decided some time ago. Then the AC explained to Gracie that in order to help her feel better, we had to know what was wrong and the choice was open surgery or the endoscopy and we chose the latter as it was safer for her. She told the AC she understood and trusted us...but she still felt violated. Poor sweet one.

We started the pred and I know it needs time to kick in. She's been eating all her calories each day. She just looks so tiny to us now that she is not her chubby little self. But she is her lovey, purry sweet self.

@Barb & Checkers (GA) : I know how much you've loved her for so long......since we first came on here and I remember you sending me a PM that you loved her little striped paws. Believe me, we will spare no expense to give her all she needs as long as she has a good QOL. I know the road is a little bumpy right now but I am optimistic that she will do well once we get the full treatment started. She just has to......

Love to you all.

 

Gracie is a lucky little girl to have you and Mike! Somehow they know that we're doing what we have to do to keep them healthy and happy and maintain their quality of life. Hugs to all of you!

 

Here is the link for the yahoo lymphoma group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/feline_lymphoma/info. Great group of people there also.

Best of luck to you.

 

I am so very sorry for all of you. Please know we are thinking about you and sending lots of love your way.

 

Thanks for popping in to update. We've been wondering about you, and you and Gracie have been in our thoughts. So many vines flooding your way.

 

Gracie, all your pals are with you. Take it one step at a time and feel better and better. KTSS is always ready with delicious chicken soup and the best spa in the world!

Your friend,
Rusty

 

Very sorry to see this! But small-cell lymphoma is very treatable with pred and chemo. One of my civvies had it and had a symptom-free remission of almost two years on pred and chlorambusil. The treatment never made him feel badly like chemo can do with humans.

If your oncologist prescribes chlorambusil, consider getting the generic, which is less than half the cost and by all accounts works just as well. I got mine delivered from Stokes Pharmacy but I'm sure it's available elsewhere.

 

(((((Marje, Mike, and Gracie))))) Marje, I'm so sorry to hear this news. Like everyone else has said, Gracie couldn't be in better hands than with you and Mike. And her team of Drs. Sending many hugs and vines and will be keeping you all in my thoughts.

 

(((((Marje, Mike, and Gracie))))) Zeke and I are sending healing and feel better vines galore. Hope the pred kicks in soon and helps with the tummy and weight loss issues.