Lucas has cancer (5-22-06)

[kuhio98]

Prayers for you and Charlie and Lucas. I'm glad to hear that there may be some options.

[rosethecopycat]

No matter what happens, it's not the number of days he is with you, it's about how strongly you love with the days you have.

All the Best.

[Lizzie]

Dude, one of my FIV+ cats, gets monthly depo injections to keep his stomatitis under control. It's an intramuscular injection that you can do at home after they show you how. Of course, being a steroid, it also makes him feel good overall. Hopefully, the injections can shrink the tumors for some time or at the very least greatly slow their growth. It would be great if a side effect of the injections helps with his diarrhoea also.

I mentioned the possibility of following through on chemotherapy because I have seen cases where it has worked, and I've met a few cats on the therapy who didn't have any side effects apart from throwing up for a day after the therapy. I've also heard about many cases where it hasn't worked and both cat and guardian have gone through the trauma for nothing. I was told by one vet that the problem with giving cats chemotherapy is not that it's hell on them but that cats (and don't we know this to be true!) don't show symptoms until the cancer is far enough advanced that treatment is more last-minute than it should be. It works better on dogs only because they show symptoms much sooner. When I was offered chemotherapy for a few of my cats, I asked about the chances of it working and they were not good because the cancer was too far advanced, so I didn't take that route either. I think vets offer chemotherapy because they know the caregiver/guardian wants to hear there could be some form of treatment. I'm sure your vet will talk about the odds with you.

Are you spending the evening cuddling Lucas close?

[Catty1]

Just in case, Jen - I wonder if IMOM covers chemo treatments, or other ones?

You know your PT friends will help out, if you make that decision.

HUGS
Catty1

[Randy_K]

Having done chemo on a cat who had colon cancer, I learned all we did was prolong his life so long as he was receiving chemo. The moment that stopped the cancer took him from us in less than two weeks. His life wasn't good and he suffered while on chemo. Even in his last moments he showed that he loved us so. I would never do it again. I'd rather have made his last few weeks with us comfortable and painless.

[Laura's Babies]

Jen, whatever happens, you know we are with you and support you to the fullest!

[catmandu]

Jen We Are Praying That These Shots Will Help Lucas.
Y.lee Angel Has Returned To See Lucas With Angels Angel To See If They Cant Help.
The Pet Angels Will Bring Lucas Special Kitty Bags From The Hotels, And Kitty Angel Kisses.
We Are Praying For Lucas.

[smokey the elder]

I'm so sorry about Lucas. Five visible tumors is definitely not encouraging. At this stage the steroids probably won't do any harm and will probably make him feel better.

Not to hijack, but I have to put in two cents about chemo. I've had two cats go through it. The value of chemo very much depends on the kind of tumor. In both cases it had minimal quality of life effect on the cat. Pink Nose did not even lose a single whisker.

{{Hugs}} to you and Lucas.

[Vio&Juni]

Jen, I am sorry to hear this about dear Lucas - he's always been my favourite of your kitties.

I hope the shots help.

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Jen, I would trust you above anyone else to do what is right for MY cats, and I know you will do whatever is best for darling Lucas. I'm so glad to hear that the injection has improved his current symptoms - and given him back some QUALITY of life, as you said - that's so important.

You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

[jazzcat]

That is a great update Jen. You are right, it's all about quality and it sounds like his is improving greatly.

Please give Lucas a hug for me.