Cole's diabetes returns

[Catty1]

On Wednesday Cole went for his 2 month recheck with the oncologist.

She phoned me yesterday to report back. All was good except his blood glucose was really high - 21.

Although it's normal for a stressed cat to have higher glucose levels (taking blood sample from back leg this time) she said it was the highest she had seen it.

I stopped into my regular vet. They are closed today but I am doing a curve and can get a prescription tomorrow morning.

I just may try the Transfer Factor again. A good several weeks before surgery and chemo I started Cole on it. His BC numbers started to come down and continued to do so even though I didn't buy any more TF after the surgery and the start of chemo.

I did save about 30 syringes when he went into remission as well as the testing materials.

I am also taking out advertising in a local coffee shop publication (ie, a newsletter that goes to many coffee shops and small businesses) to get more work.

[phesina]

We are sending along loads of love and prayers and healing energies for Cole and you, Candace.

[cats4ever]

I hope that it really was the stress, and if not, that the Transfer Factor will do its thing again.
Headbumpies and purrs from all my kitties to Cole.

[Catty1]

What the oncologist meant is that the stress is caused at the time of the examination and the blood sample being taken - it should have been very normal at home as Cole had been back for a few hours.

I am doing a curve today.... 21.6, food, 21.3, 20.9, 17.3, 19.5, food...next test in a few minutes.

Yeah, we'll be doing the insulin for a while. The insulin (Lantus) works out to about $20 per month. It's the insulin needles that cost a lot - just over $40 per month. I tried an insulin pen...but it needs to held for a good 10 seconds and that's forever for a kitty cat!

[cats4ever]

Have you tried to get insulin syringes from an online pharmacy? Foster and Smith sells U100 syringes for $0.25 (US) a piece, and U40 syringes 10 for $2.70. They ship some items to Canada, not sure about syringes.

[Catty1]

Have you tried to get insulin syringes from an online pharmacy? Foster and Smith sells U100 syringes for $0.25 (US) a piece, and U40 syringes 10 for $2.70. They ship some items to Canada, not sure about syringes.

I just looked - they do now ship to Canada. The syringes I use are U-100 and 31 gauge, 6 mm. The closest on this page is 30 gauge and 8 mm (I converted).

Does the gauge size make a difference? I'm not sure what it means.

Ummm...the information says that if the item has a maple leaf on it then it ships to Canada. This item doesn't. WAAAH!

[Catty1]

Heidi, I found a brand online that has all the specs of my current brand. Does it matter if it's a different brand? It's a veterinary syringe.

[cats4ever]

It's the concentration of the insulin that determines what syringe to use. If you use U-100, it means that Lantus has 100 Units/ml, and you can not use U-40s.
The brand of the syringe shouldn't matter, as long it is a U-100.

[Catty1]

I've found two Canadian sites that have U-100s and where the other syringe specs match what I have now.

I have sent the links to my vet to get her ok on them.

Also, I emailed the oncologist's assistant two links for Palladia. It runs about $8 - $10 per tablet and is much less expensive online. They need a prescription, of course. Crossing my fingers on that one.

Thanks!

[Catty1]

Yay! My vet approved the one site's online syringes, free delivery in Canada. $19.99 vs $36.96 at my pharmacy.

[cats4ever]

That's fabulous! I'm glad you found that site.
I get most of my cats' meds online and I save a lot of money. Even though I get a discount at the vet since I work there, the meds are still cheaper online.
As long as the kitties are up-to-date on their exams and bloodwork, all their meds get approved.

[Catty1]

I hope Cole's oncologist approves the online meds. Fingers crossed for that also.