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She must be thriving being off chemo! (She IS done for now, right?)
Did you ever get the Transfer Factor from Lara?
Please give that sweet face a kiss on the forehead for me. :love: I know how horribly tragic it was to lose Herc...and yet, your baby Sydney is thriving. What a mixed message for your heart.
{{{{hugs}}}}
You must have been picking up on my vibe, Katherine, because I was just about to ask how she's doing. You've had a rough go of it, first w/her, then w/Hercules dying. Please know that we haven't forgotten about you and you're in our prayers every day. :love:
I just went through your thread to see what you had decided about the Transfer Factor a few months ago and found a post where you said you had purchased some. How did that go? I do have half a bottle here if you would like it. I also have a whole bottle that was compounded into a thick chicken flavoured suspension and it is in this GIANT syringe. I was supposed to squeeze out Tiger's daily dose and give it to him orally but he absolutely would not let me and I didn't want to stress him. I would want to check with the pharmacisit who compounded it to see if it is still good to use though. It has been sitting in a drawer since Tiger passed. If you are interested, please let me know and I'd be happy to mail it to you. I was also thinking that the other kitty in the cat health section who has squamous cell carcinoma might be able to use it. Maybe I could send one to you and the other to Haggis.
Hope beautiful Sydney is doing well. Please post when you can. I saw all these pictures of her just now when I went through the thread and the one with her with the stitches in her head are so heart wrenching. She is such a fighter. :love:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emeraldgreen
I had bought a bottle and was giving it to Sydney in the beginning of her treatment. As she became more savvy, she wouldn't eat the food if it had the transfactor in it. After a while I was trying to give it to her in a capsule, but between the prednisone, fomatadine, antinausea medication, and iron supplements, it has become too stressful to give it to her. I have managed to fit all the above medications in one little capsule (which I give her every other day), and she gets a daily 1 cc of iron supplement daily. She really fights if I force her to do anything more than I am already doing. I can't seem to make her take anything more. So for now, I am waiting on the transfactor. My plan is when she finishes the chemo, etc. - I will start her back on the the transfactor, since she is already in habit of getting medicine everyday. I really appreciate you offering me your transfactor, I currently have about 3/4 of my bottle left for now. I am always a little worried about giving Sydney extra medicine, because I worry about taxing her liver. She already has SO much medicine in her body, which her body is constantly having to break down. My vet doesn't seem to know anything about transfactor - which doesn't help me either. Do you by any chance know of any clinical trials or clinical studies I could read about? I am pretty savvy and knowledgeable about medicine, so even complicated veterinarian or medical journal articles would help. Thank you!
I had a very similar problem with Tiger and I understand.
I found a few sites that might be of interest and they are below. They are not case studies but have quite a bit of info.
Transfer Factor in Veterinary Medicine
Cancer Testimonials
Independent Study
:)
How is Ms Sydney doing?
:love:HUGS:love: Sydney!!
Sydney has been doing just fine. In fact she has been quite the little sneaker. The other day I couldnt find her and it turned out that she had snuck outside when my parents were bringing in groceries. It was quite the scare. I ended up picking up a bell at the pet store and put on her collar, so I can hear her at all times. She is eating normal, running around playing with her ball, and being sweet as ever. She has chemotherapy on Friday (and then only one more! woohoo) and I am going to try to talk to the vet about aftercare. I have no idea what is supposed to happen after chemo is done. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that her cancer is in remission for good. Well, I will post you all about our meeting this Friday. I hope everyone is well (including all your babies)!!!!!:love::love::love:
Now that's the kind of update that I like to read! So the little stinker is adventurous now, eh? That must have done your heart good except that it also scared the pants off ya. PT prayers are wonder working and we'll all keep them going for as long as necessary. You go, Sydney! :love:
I'm so glad to hear about Sydney's progress. She's a very special girl here at PT that's for sure! Keep up the good work.
Sydney's blood work was good yet again. I was very pleased to see that all was well. My vet basically said that after this Friday (Sydney's last chemo), she is going to have to have monthly blood tests, quarterly xrays, and annual ultrasounds. She also indicated she was going to talk with the vet oncologist on the possibility of keeping Sydney on low dose prednisone. She also indicated that in the next few months (no earlier than three), Sydney is going to have to get her teeth cleaned, because she has some painful ulceration's on her gums. We cant get that done now, because it could put her heart at risk. Of course all this fun aftercare wasn't included in my treatment estimate, but these are much more spread out, giving me time to work. The vet also said once the chemo is done (which the last one is the harshest one-Doxorubicin), there is a chance the doxo will have some bad effects after the chemo is completed and we will not know this till we finish. I am going to have to watch Sydney like a hawk to ensure nothing is changing. I mean, if the cancer comes out of remission, then I will have done everything I can do. The doctor said we do chemo all of again (with different drugs), which I can't afford. So everyone please pray that the cancer is permanently gone from her system and she can live a happy and healthy life from here on out. I will continue to update everyone.
P.S. - I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!! :love::love::love::love:
Of course, we'll keep the prayers going for Sydney! She's always in our prayers. It's good to hear that she has only one treatment left to go and I sure do hope that it isn't too hard on her and that she stays in remission. She's been through so much and so have you and you sure don't need the big expense coming up, even if it is spread out. All in all, I'm looking at this as a good report. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving, too. :)
I'm so glad to hear that Sydney is doing so well these days! What kind of effects could there be from the Doxo chemo? I wonder what your vet's thoughts are on how she might do without this last treatment? Since she is doing so well and her bloodwork is great. But maybe this last session is an important step in the whole process. I don't know much about chemotherapy.
Prayers that she continues to feel wonderful! Please post updates when you have time. :)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Emeraldgreen
I asked that same question, and the vet said that it is important she receive this last treatment, because it is the last harsh attempt at getting all the bad overproducing cells. The effects may be heart or kidney failure - because she has had so many of these Doxorubicin treatments, and they are very toxic. The vet told me though, that typically the cats that do well during treatment do well after treatment. She is quite the fighter, so I am hoping she will do well. I am worried, but I have lots of hope :D. my vet told me to pay attention to her eating habits, whether or not she is fatigued, and panting, coughing, etc. I will of course watch her like a hawk :-). I will be home for christmas break, so i will have more time to watch her:love::love::love:
I wanted everyone to know that Sydney has finished the last of her chemotherapy protocol. She finished the last chemo administration this past Friday, and I had them conduct the restaging. The restating came back clean -no cancerous masses anywhere, the kidney and liver were clean, and the blood work came back within normal limits. This success story could not have occured if it hadn't been for all the wonderful people hear on PetTalk. The donations so many of you provided gave me and my family enough time to come up with the needed money to continue her treatment. She was on the verge of death six months ago, and because of all of you, she is happy and healthy. Her face has resumed back to normal and she no longer has any breathing problems. She means so much to me and my family and you have been so wonderful. All the support and information gave me what I needed to stay proactive and on top of her care. I want you all to know that what you do here changes peoples lives for the better. You are all angels in our household and will never be forgotten!!!! :love::love::love::love::love:
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Awwww!! That brought tears to my eyes! I am so happy to hear of Sydney's excellent report! You know last week I was going through a pile of mail that I kept throwing on my table and found the receipt that the vet's office sent me from my credit card. I hadn't noticed before but the receptionist had hand written a message on it saying, "Thank you for the donation for your friend." While we've never met, and probably never will, it is so nice to think of so many wonderful people here as friends. I am so happy I could have a small part in making Sydney's recovery successful. But you really deserve the credit. You went above and beyond for your dear Sydney and sacrificed so much for her health. I'm glad to read about her test results, happy for Sydney and for you. That picture you posted of her and her lump on her face is one that touched my heart. Please don't be a stranger around here just because Sydney isn't going through treatments now. *hugs* to you and sweet Sydney!!
I'm sorry that I haven't posted before, but I have been following your precious Sydney's story and kept her in my prayers. I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face just from seeing that wonderful picture of you with Sydney on your shoulders. If ever there was a heartwarming story, this is the one. I am so very happy to hear how well Sydney is doing and pray that she continues to live a long and healthy life. She is such a beautiful girl, in fact, you both are. :)
YAY!!! So good to hear of the great report from the vet!!
Whoo!! Go Sydney!!
OMG! A miracle just in time for Christmas. I could not be happier for you! :D
It also taught me a lesson in chemo therapy for cats, something I really don't (or didn't) believe in before this.
Sydney, live long and prosper for many many more years. :love:
How heartwarming! So glad to see your baby is healthy. What a wonderful holiday for you!
We needed a Christmas miracle and Sydney is it! What a wonderful report! The pic of you w/Sydney on your shoulder is just precious. Prayers will continue for her good health and for you, too, Katherine. Now exhale. :) Gentle pets to Sydney and (((HUGS))) to you. :love:
WOOHOO!!!! She looks just darling sitting there on your shoulders - and it's nice to see YOU in the picture also!
Did Sydney make that thank you sign all by herself? What a talented and beautiful girl! :D
HUGS!!!! I bet your mom and BF are almost as happy as you are!
Sydney is still doing ok, although the last Doxo has definitley affected her. She has been laying around more than usual. I have been still been able to her to purr, so I havent been worried yet. Her eating has subsided again, so I am going to try baby food again. The saga continues ;). Merry Christmas to you all!!!!!
Sydney had to go in for her blood test and the results were disheartening. Her ALT levels were elevated, and the vet seems to think it is one of three things:
1. the cancer has returned
2. she is in the beginning stages of liver failure
3. the liver is excreting high levels of ALT from all of the medications
I am so very worried, because I have spent so much time trying to help her. She has been pretty lethargic lately, and I could tell she wasn't feeling her best. She has also lost some weight, which makes me worry as well - she is 8.5 lbs now, when she started the chemo 6 months ago she was almost 14 lbs. It is so very stessful. The vet gave me a medication, which is supposed to help liver cells from dying and protect healthy tissue. Please pray that this will get her ALT levels down. She will be going back to the vet in two weeks to have her levels checked again...:(
Goodness, how worried you must be, Katharine. Well, we'll get those prayers going right now that all will be well w/Sydney and that this is yet another bump in the road. Keep the faythe. :love:
I am so sorry to hear this. :( Prayers on the way.
Major prayers for Sydney and you. After all the meds and chemo, I hope it is her liver getting rid of the stuff.
Is there anything that can help the liver detox more? More water? Milk thistle?
Looking forward to the medication making Sydney her old self again.:love:
Prayers on the way for Sydney to start feeling better again! I hope it's not the cancer returning!! Like Candace said, maybe her liver needs to detox. Hopefully that's all it is.
Hugs to you!!
sorry to hear about Sydney!!! I will say some prayers for her and lit a candle for her, too!!
I am hoping for the best for Sydney and you. Please keep us update about her health. You'll both be in my thoughts.
Prayers for Sydney and you both, that the medication will help her liver and that it isn't cancer or liver failure, and that Sydney will feel better and be stronger soon.
Love,
Pat and my Sydney (and my other cats too)
Prayers for you and Sydney that this just from her treatment and nothing else.
I'm so sorry that Sydney isn't as well as she was in the last few months. I hope this is just a temporary hiccup in her recovery. Prayers that her liver can be helped with some meds so she is feeling better again. Please update when you can. Hugs to you and Sydney. :love:
I'm so sorry to hear this.:( I hope that she'll be able to recover and feel better soon. I'll keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
I just wanted to check in on you, Miss Sydney and the rest of the gang at your place.
I just read your last post about Sydney...Bless her heart:love: You have really been through a rough time with her...You said that she would be having more labs in 2 weeks...I hope that she is doing better. It is so hard to have a pet who is so sick:(...I'll light a candle for her...Hang in there...
Hugs and prayers!
Judy:)
please post an update after you bring her back to the vet. how is she doing? I hope things improve. how old is your cat? prayers for your cat to get better.
I have Sydney's latest results and they are good! Her liver enzymes (which had worried the vet so much) have gone from 149 to 79 (100 is normal). The only high value was her kidney values, which were only one to two points higher than the norm and the vet said she wasn't concerned about that. She also has gained a little weight, which is great, although we have about 2 more pounds for her to gain to get her back to a healthy level. She seems to have significantly perked up since being on this liver medicine. It has been really wonderful.
Quote from funny felines, "please post an update after you bring her back to the vet. how is she doing? I hope things improve. how old is your cat? prayers for your cat to get better."
Sydney is doing much better. She is eating and playing like normal. She has definitley improved. She also just celebrated her 13th birthday. We threw her a little birthday party - with her favorite Nutro wet food :D It was really cute.
Thank you so much everyone for caring and praying for her. Medusa, jenluckenbach, Catty1, jenn_librarian, kb2yjx, phesina, momtomany,Emeraldgreen, krazyaboutkatz, weluvcats, funny felines thank you so much! :love::love::love: Sydney appreciates all the support!
What great news!!! Bless her sweet heart!:love: I am so glad to hear that she is doing so much better!:D:D:D I know you must be relieved as well.:)
I love the b-day party for her!!! That is so cute!:D
Hopefully the meds you've given her for her liver have done the trick, and she'll remain happy and healthy.:) (just watch those kidney levels...)
Hugs and kisses to Sydney!!:love:
Judy:)
P.S. We also have a kitty named Baby!:)
THANK YOU GOD!!!:love::love::love:
Please deliver hugs and kisses to sweet Sydney for me!:D
More good news! Yay! That's what I like to hear! You go, Sydney! :love: