Lucas has cancer (5-22-06)

**prechrswife** · 05-22-2006, 06:27 PM

((((Hugs)))) I am so sorry to hear this.

Give Lucas lots of cuddles...

**G535** · 05-22-2006, 06:35 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this too, I'm sure you'll make the time left as comfortable as possible for him.

**Craftlady** · 05-22-2006, 07:40 PM

So sorry to read the news from the ultrasound wasnt good.

**jenluckenbach** · 05-22-2006, 08:03 PM

My own vet finally called and suggested "depo injections". I am unsure exactly what this is (I think it is a steroid) but the point is that she believes that is can help.

It would only be one injection every 3 to 4 weeks. She has seen a patient with similar tumors thrive for a year now after the parents were concidering euthanasia.

Since Lucas is not really acting sick in any way OTHER than the diarrhea, it is certainly worth a try for a few months.

I'll call in the morning for my first appointment.

Wish us luck.

**Catty1** · 05-22-2006, 08:04 PM

Prayers that this helps Lucas!

I wonder if that would get the tumours down to treatable size?

hugs! This is hopeful news at least!

Catty1

**AbbyMom** · 05-22-2006, 08:13 PM

Jen
I'm so sorry to hear about Lucas' tumors. But since I am just now reading this, I see there's also a little ray of hope.

We all know that you'll do the right thing for him.

Prayers & Hugs.

**jenluckenbach** · 05-22-2006, 08:16 PM

I should take a minute to answer a few questions.

but I must ask why you have decided not to use chemotherapy since cats do well on it, usually, and don't have as many side issues as humans

Well, I don't really know a whole lot about CATS and chemo........but I know it makes humans feel badly but we can understand that we must feel bad in order to get better. to me an animal only knows he now hurts WORSE. Besides all the people who HAVE done this with their pets only to lose their pets (AND all the money too). And many say they will never repeat the insident for another pet.

, I wonder WHY the specialist thought that chemo would be the option????

Because it is multi systemic it is most likely mast cell cancer. I was told that this doctor is VERY blunt, so if he did not give other options he probably felt confident that this is the only way.

______________________________________

I won't make the promise to do "everything possible" for Lucas, because I do not believe in those types of heroic measures, but my vet sounded confident and hopeful that this can keep him comfortable for more time than if we did nothing, which makes it worth a try.

**rg_girlca** · 05-23-2006, 06:01 PM

[QUOTE=jenluckenbach]My own vet finally called and suggested "depo injections". It would only be one injection every 3 to 4 weeks. She has seen a patient with similar tumors thrive for a year now after the parents were concidering euthanasia.

I pray that this treatment helps Lucas just as much as the patient that your vet described.

Prayer, positive thoughts and wishing you all the best of luck with this Jen.

((((((HUGS))))))

**jenluckenbach** · 05-23-2006, 06:07 PM

Well, Lucas went for his first shot tonight. A quick procedure. I am to report in a week with any updates (hoping that less diarrhea is one of the effects).

Since his pills (pancrenzyme) and his special food (Eukanuba Low Residue) are no longer preventing the diarrhea, we can stop giving the twice daily pills (I am sure Lucas won't mind

) and he can go back to the regular food that he enjoys so much more (c/d).

Poor Lucas is probably soaking wet from all the smooches I have given him from all of you.

But he never complains. Such a good boy, he is.

**rg_girlca** · 05-23-2006, 06:12 PM

Keeping finger, toes and paws crossed that you will see an improvement in Lucas by the end of the week.

You will all be in my prayers.

((((((HUGS))))))