Please help save Sydney's life!

[kittykatharine]

OK, the vet called me this morning to go over the expected costs - for the chemo drugs, blood work, two ultrasounds, xrays, visit charges, and administration of drugs, and sadation if needed - the estimated cost was approximately $4100. This is only if there are no complications. My vet is still calling around to see if there are any raditation studies currently happening, but nothing yet. I have an appointment with her on Monday, so we can talk about the whole payment thing. Sydney is scheduled to start chemo on Wednesday, because it is going to take her that long to get the drug shipped to her. I just gave Sydney her prednisone and eye drops, and she seems to be feeling alright. She is so cute, she won't leave my side for a second. Anyways, hopefully, we are on our way towards remission. I will let everyone know how Monday goes and Sydney's first chemo treatment. Thanks everyone!

[Catty1]

HUGS and prayers!

I will have more money early in July...you have almost half (IF there are no complications, as you said) from your family, etc.

Your prom gowns should sell...it's that time of year, isn't it?

Bake sale?

HUGS! Glad Sydney is being sweet!

[kittykatharine]

Sydney has developed a new and very unfortunate problem. She is having difficulty eating. Apparently the tumor in her face is pushing down on the right side of her mouth and she is no longer able to eat dry food or some of the wet food. I have been having to sit with her while she eats and pick up wet food and mold it into a mountain so it is easier for her to grasp. I know that if she stops eating all together, it will only be downhill from here. The vet told me it would take at least 4 or 5 weeks of chemo before I would notice any of the swelling in her face to decrease - I just hope that she can hang in there that long. It just seems like every time I help fix a problem, another one arises - it is very frustrating. Anyways, I hope everyone has a wonderful fathers day and I will be posting Sydney's reaction to her first chemo administration on wednesday. Thanks!

[Catty1]

Is Sydney getting any prednisone? There is another kind too, forget the name...

It's supposed to help the swelling...don't know if tablets would work, if there is a patch for it...maybe an injection (not INTO the tumour, unless the tumour itself doesn't have any nerve endings).

Prayers and positive thoughts for you and Sydney!

[kittykatharine]

Sydney is on prednisone - we are currently crushing it and adding into some really soft food. This has been working really well so far, and the vet said that we could also add it to a little water and use a syringe to add into her mouth, if she has any further problems. I am trying to get her to eat as much as possible because I know once she starts the chemo, she may loose her appetite. I have her on this one wet food that says it is nutritionally balanced and I am giving her small helpings several times per day.

[jenluckenbach]

Is placing a feeding tube an option? that way you can always make sure she get the nutrition she needs until the swelling can go down. Also, ask about nutri-cal or other nutritional suppliment. Maybe it would help the food she DOES eat more "complete".

I am so sorry that every time there is progress, there is an equal set back. I know it is very hard to keep the faith. Prayers for Sydney.

[Emeraldgreen]

Wow, you guys have been through alot! I've just been catching up on all the latest posts in this thread and there have been so many developements since I last read!
I'm so sorry to hear that the cancer has been found in one of her kidneys but I was really relieved to hear that you have found a wonderful new vet. I think she will make this whole experience so much more managable for you, emotionally and financially. It sounds like Syndey will have a much better chance of success with a vet who has more experience and who is compassionate.

The prednisone usually increases a cat's appetite so hopefully that will help make her more hungry. Jen's suggestions of a feeding tube might be the way to go, especially when the chemo starts to ensure that she maintains her weight and health. But I guess you'll know soon if she continues to eat or not.
You might want to pick up all kinds of different cans of cat food to spark her interest. The stinkier the better. My cats LOVE the cat tuna and it is usually quite inexpensive as well.

If you find that it becomes difficult to give Sydney the prednsione mixed in her food, you can ask your vet about transdermal gel. The veterinary pharmacists can mix the prednisone into a cream and they load into a syringe and you simply squirt the dosage out (usually 1/10th of a ml which is a tiny amount) onto the back of a spoon and then you just smear it on the inside of her ear flap. Her body will absorb it and the prednisone will enter her system.
I used it for years for my cat Jimmy who has asthma and and IBD, both of which are helped with prednisone. If your vet thinks it's a good idea, she can order it from the pharmacy and have it delivered to the clinic, usually within the week.

I'm praying for both you and Sydney. Hang in there!
p.s. I will make a donation to the clinic tomorrow sometime. I wish I could give lots but right now I'm not able to. I will definitely donate something though!