[willow wind]

Thanks for posting the update - been waiting to see how things were going.

One of the side effects of prednisone is increased appetite which in the case of sick animals , especially cats, is a good thing.

My dog, who also was treated for lymphoma, had absolutely no ill effects from the chemo. She was an a very old dog when she got the cancer, but the coat grew as long and thick as when she was a youngster. Never any problems with the chemo. Except that prednisone made her ravenously hungry and she had to pee a lot more.

We decided we not tell her how sick she really was and would just enjoy the time we had with her..

I hope Leo soon goes into remission and stays there for along time.

[qjbusmaster]

Originally Posted by jjinla

So sorry to hear about this. I know an awesome doctor in LA, which won't help you for visits but perhaps they would be willing to consult with a local doctor if you can't find one here.

My cat was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma when he was about 12 or so, and put up a good fight for about 2 years (but he also had weak kidneys and was much older, so your's could certainly do much better). Our doctor was not very supportive of the IV chemo, though, FWIW. She thought it was too much for the animal (but maybe just for mine at 12?) and instead we opted for a low-dose at home chemo (it was a pill). I seem to recall he also took some form of prednisone, cyproheptadine (appetite stimulant), reglan (for vomiting) and zantac (same).

Best of luck and PM me if you need anything else.

they may be willing to travel dont underestimate a true animal lover I know how extreme they can get if they have the money to travel they will do so

[46Barb]

Checked in and saw you updated. Still sending healing vibes for Leo.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by qjbusmaster

they may be willing to travel dont underestimate a true animal lover I know how extreme they can get if they have the money to travel they will do so

Yea, not for me in this case. This is about him having some quality of life. This property and house is all he's ever known. I have a feeling flying him to LA, being in a strang place etc would be worse for him for a possible 1% improvement. IMHO when people go to that extreme, it's not about the animal, it's about them and their insecurity of being without it. Again, just my opinion.

Originally Posted by 46Barb

Checked in and saw you updated. Still sending healing vibes for Leo.

Thanks. He's still kicking along. Outside chasing chipmunks right now.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by JViello

Thanks. He's still kicking along. Outside chasing chipmunks right now.

That is great. Does he chase moles (see https://www.city-data.com/forum/conne...g-holes.html)? Jay

[JViello]

Originally Posted by JayCT

That is great. Does he chase moles (see https://www.city-data.com/forum/conne...g-holes.html)? Jay

I wish! I tried to get him interested but....nope. Although sometimes I swear he can hear them as he sits there looking at the ground with his ears up and pointed inward.

One interesting side effect of the chemo is the ticks that latch on die right away. Haha! Suckers! (No pun intended.)

Which BTW, ticks seem to be really bad this year! I would have thought the hard cold Winter would have...oh well.

[siri]

Originally Posted by JViello

Which BTW, ticks seem to be really bad this year! I would have thought the hard cold Winter would have...oh well.

You said it, brother, about the TICKS! They're super-sizing their activity already. I can't keep up with pulling them off my (thank the lord) white doggie.

I'm so sorry I haven't been checking into the site for ages, so have missed your entire Leo challenge. His blessed little self and your whole family are now in my prayers.

-- siri

[46Barb]

How is Leo doing?

[JViello]

Leonardo was put to rest today in his favorite place on our property.

He was doing fine up until about two weeks ago when he started throwing up a bit, but he was eating everything but the bark on trees so I didn't give it too much thought.

His abdomen started to swell about a week ago, and the last couple days really pooched out. Took him to the vet this morning and it seems the tumor has grown back and wrapped itself around and in his intestines and fluid was building up. His spirits as always were good, and he was a lover till the end, but his breathing was somewhat labored. It was time to say goodbye.

We will miss you buddy...terribly. I can't believe he's gone, this cat has been literally at my side for 6 years. What an empty helpless feeling.

This was a pic from this past July when he was still in chemo. Look under his belly. He brought a friend home to play.

http://www.jviello.com/personal02/leo/6-27-8-27-11%20202%20(1280x960).jpg (broken link)

Rest in peace buddy, rest in peace.

[CourageMom]

Heavenly Father... We know that not even a sparrow falls without your knowledge, so we know that you are here with us today. Although this beloved companion animal will be missed very much, we give thanks to you for allowing us to have so many wonderful years with her. Thank you for this and for all thy blessing, Lord. Amen.