Cat Lymphoma Chemotherapy Treatment Options: Vlog 100

[@jasemiller2135]

Hi Dr Sue. Jason here from Australia. Thank you for your great videos. My 18 year old burmese went through the chop protocol for high grade gastric lymphoma. She finished her treatment in March. She didn't go into complete remission but I am excited to say she is still here! The vets cant believe she is still here! It just shows that your cat is not a statistic! Miracles can happen! xxx

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Thanks for watching! And yes, I always say you pet is an individual and statistics do not predict the individual. SO happy your kitty is kicking cancers butt! 😻💜

[@jasemiller2135]

@@DrSueCancerVet Thank you soo much! xxx

[@universem2978]

@@jasemiller2135 that is awesome how long has she been since diagnosis? I am in same boat.

[@SarahButlerTravelNurse]

My cat was diagnosed with spinal lymphoma today. They found a tumor near her cervical spine and said that it was eating away at nearby bones and pressing on her spinal cord pretty bad. She started limping with her back legs 3 months ago which has slowly gotten worse over time. The vets kept saying her tummy was tense, and she would scream when I touched her but was purring and okay when she wasn't moving. Got to the point where she didn't want to walk at all so I had to put her in the litter box and hold her back end up. All labs were normal. Xray was normal. In the beginning we tried a week of NSAIDS with little improvement, and pain meds. Then they gave her Prednisolone. And wow! She perked up and almost became normal again. She could jump and was playful again. They couldn't understand why she responded so well to it. When I ran out she got bad again quickly. So I begged for more and they finally gave me some so I started her back on it last week. Then went for MRI today for diagnosis because they kept saying she can't stay on the steroid forever. And now it all makes sense. They gave me more today and Gabapentin for pain. They said I can give the steroid indefinitely and I'm happy about that as it helps so much. Going to enjoy the time I have left with her. Thank you for the info!

[@travelwithsunn]

Hi there, my cat is going through the exact same scenario you are describing. If may ask, what was the outcome?

[@SarahButlerTravelNurse]

@@travelwithsunn The cancer was so bad and had spread from her spine into her shoulders and was slowly destroying the bones. She lost the ability to go to the bathroom and eventually walk with the back legs. So I did comfort care with the medication and I helped her full time and then when it was time I had her put to sleep because it reached a point where the medication wasn't enough anymore and I did not want her suffering. From the day she started limping to the end was 6 months. She made it maybe 3 months after diagnosis. But cats are well at hiding pain. Assuming it was there awhile before. I am so sorry to hear someone else is going through this because it was honestly one of the hardest things I've ever had to deal with. There are other things that mimic this, so getting proper blood work and body scans is important. I truly hope it isn't this cancer, but if it is, I sure will be thinking about you and your fur baby. Much love.

[@noelleviolin]

Thank you so much for this series and for the overview. My cat was just diagnosed with gi lymphoma; he is currently on prednisolone, and I will be talking to an oncologist this week. Now I can be much more informed. Thanks so much!

[@zsuzsuspetals]

To me words like "complete remission" makes me think the cat would go on to live a normal lifespan. But they only live 1-1.5 years. That's devastating! There is nothing positive about that. When my vet told me my cat would likely die in a couple of years right after just telling me about complete remission, I felt sick. I've read a dozen sites about lymphoma and the verbage is misleading when they describe some cats responding well and going into remission. You can spend thousands of dollars to buy mere months with your pet.

[@starbiee]

Very informative! Thank you. Would you be able to go over average prices for treatments in future videos?

[@sbkmarkel]

This video was done 3 years ago... What are the statistics today on small cell lymphoma survival? My vet oncologist said perhaps 2-2.5 years, do you agree?

[@joanna95able]

Thank you Dr. Sue for all. My 10yrs old cat was diagnose with Lymphoma back in May 2023, after 4 months of loosing weight and taking him to several visits to the drs. Finally we got to his desease; sadly Lymphoma. The Vet prescribe him Prednisola 5mg one tab every 3 weeks for 9 weeks (3 times) plus 1/4 of prednisone tab daily. My cat is not getting any better and he stop this medicine two months ago and he's not looking too good. He's back to not eating, Im afraid to put him on a CHOP treatment, what do you suggest??? please please Ill remain attentive to your thoughts. Pedro is my Feline Son that I wish I can help and would want him to live longer. Please help!

[@ElegantlyWasted04]

Dear Sue, Thanks so much for your videos they're very informative & so professional. Massively helped understand this better & the statistics gives me hope that it's worth trying the CHOP treatment despite hard being so aggressive. Bless you lovely lady Superwoman! Sorry ppl leave nasty comments don't let that stop your amazing work or bring your gentle heart down ❤️ Warmest wishes & thanks from the Uk

[@goldenboy912]

Hi Dr. Sue, my 17 year old cat was diagnosed with small to intermediate-cell lymphoma. She was initially given Cytarabine over the course of a day and then and was given a dose of vincristine the next day. Her clinical signs improved drastically, which actually caused a different set of issues. Because she went from long-term diarrhea to hard stools overnight her anus became terribly inflamed and has stayed that way since. In spite of her improvement clinically, her WBC had almost doubled at her next weekly visit. She had been struggling with anemia so she needed a blood transfusion and was then given dexamethasone and a dose of doxorubicin. On her next visit her WBC was slightly higher again, but our oncologist did perform an ultrasound and noted a decrease in the size of a pancreatic nodule and a decrease in size of her lymphnodes. Overall, our oncologist felt like her response wasn't good so she decided to go with Dexamethasone, Elspar, and Lomustine. She's now told me that the previous course was essentially our last chance at a treatment that could work and we would need to discuss palliative care if we don't see a positive reaction at her next visit. This seems a bit quick to give up for me. Is there a downside to trying another round of the same treatments if our cat is still relatively healthy? I also asked about drugs like Chlorambucil but she said that wasn't a good choice for her because of her type of cancer, which has been somewhat confusing to me. Any thoughts you might have would be greatly appreciated.

[@donaldlee6760]

I'm really glad you did a series on feline cancer and even more so that you went deep into this subject. I notice there are many great books on dog cancer (one co-authored by Dr. Sue) but zero books discussing only cat cancer, so it seems clear there's not much interest in this subject and I suspect it's drastically less common for cat parents to treat for cancer as compared to dog parents. My 19 y/o cat is still quite healthy, with only a mild case of CKD but if he later gets lymphoma then I'll ask my vet about prednisolone treatment.

[@suestowell]

Thank you for these very informative & educational videos. Knowledge is good. Cats and dogs deserve a chance and good care.

[@sandrapassetto3096]

Thank you for providing all of this info. I am now much more prepared for meeting with the oncologist to discuss my cat’s LCL.

[@AniMerci]

My 13.5 year old cat Preston has small cell lymphoma. Currently doing the Chlorambucil protocol. He was diagnosed as in May 2019 and seems to be doing well. He’s lost a bit of weight. However, his appetite remains good and he’s very active and playful. I sometimes give him a half tab of Imodium AD to control vomiting and ability to keep food down, usually if we’re overdue for the steroid injection. I’m trying to keep costs down. I’m charged double when I see the oncologist, so I try to take him in monthly for just his blood work and steroids. This protocol does seem to be working for him. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So glad they are helpful (please subscribe) and sending you and Preston #kickcancerbutt energy

[@Michelle-tp1wu]

Ask for cerenia from your vet to control the vomiting. Chlorambucil can cause nausea, but it's easy to control with cerenia and/or ondansetron.

[@sbkmarkel]

When do you give the cerenia?@@Michelle-tp1wu

[@sbkmarkel]

How is your kitty doing?

[@aliensporebomb]

@@sbkmarkel @AniMerci I was going to ask for an update myself as our cat was diagnosed with lymphoma (large cell type unfortunately) and our vet wants to start him on Chlorambucil. He's so far just on steroids and Cerenia and a couple of appetite stimulants. He's a lot like his old self but I know he won't last forever, we just want the remainder of his life to be as comfortably as pain free as possible.

[@shoogiegirlm3031]

Hello Dr. Sue, Thank you for these informative videos. How often do you see small cell gi lymphoma turn to large cell? Or can they both be present at the same time as intermediate?

[@raiderfankeef]

Great videos! I just recently was told my cat has lymphoma (intestinal), based on the early treatment plan from my vet it sounds like the small cell or low grade. What are your thoughts on CBD etc? I have a few friends who beat stage 4 (1 had colon and 1 had rectal cancer) with cannabis oil in their treatment plan. What are your thoughts on cats with including this in their plan? Vet recommended prednisolone and oral chemo pill

[@BlueFaceCow]

Hey Dr Jones. My cat who is 15 and has been diagnosed with lymphoma intestine cancer. I know there is no cure. But wanted to give Alfie a chance of CBD oil. Can you recommend any particular make. Cbd oil with THC or not? He is just in the process of starting chemo but is on prednisolone for the last two weeks whilst waiting for a referral to oncology. First appointment was yesterday. Thanks 😊

[@BlueFaceCow]

He has round cell lymphoma 🙃

[@Rose-lr7be]

My cat was diagnosed with high grade lymphoma. We decided to try chemotherapy, it seemed to helped briefly then back to not eating, even on an appetite stimulant. It seems that this is not going to get better unfortunately, just a band aid and she’s suffering. She’s so skinny😢Not sure if it’s in her best interest to continue chemo Just heart breaking

[@TASIAawful1]

How is she? I’m going through similar 😢

[@niewiemkurde900]

​@@TASIAawful1i had similar case. She stopped eating completly . To ghe point we had to put her to sleep because she was barely standing. It sucks fucking sucks

[@TASIAawful1]

@@niewiemkurde900 my deepest sympathies on your devastating loss it’s just heartbreaking seeing our innocent pets go through this wishing you peace

[@niewiemkurde900]

@TASIAawful1 I really appreciate that. She was very special cat. Smartest cat I ever knew. She went prematurely at 8 years of age. I wish she was alive

[@TASIAawful1]

@@niewiemkurde900 bless you you’ll meet her again spirit lives on 🌈🌹

[@dohringer]

my beloved cat logan was diagnosed with small cell GI lymphoma less than 2 months ago. We started oral chemotherapy (Chlorambucil) and a steriod shortly after diagnosis. He has ongoing feline herpes as well and immediately had a flare up URI due to the stress. His eating is poor. We temporarily stopped chemo as he is lethargic and hardly eating. His first month of chemo wasn't sitting well with him. It seems like he is falling into the subset of kitties with a not so great reaction. We are working closely with our oncologist to find the best combination or treatment for him. This series has made me feel better and made me feel like I am not alone in our cancer treatment journey.

[@universem2978]

How did you boy do?

[@sbkmarkel]

How did your kitty do?

[@nicolehickman2932]

Thank you for these videos. I just found our my sick kitty has lymphoma but no one told me about these options. I'm reaching out to the vet in the morning fir steroids.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I’m so happy I could help! 🤍🤍

[@andresgomez1879]

Dr. Sue I have a question, if the CHOP protocol last 6 months approximately, does those 6 months count for the 5-9 moths of remission? Or it's the 6 moths of treatment plus this 5-9 months of free cancer?

[@DrSueCancerVet]

It includes the time on chemo that is why the fact that chemo is so well tolerated is so important

[@andresgomez1879]

@@DrSueCancerVet so it's common that you have a patient with remission and doing the last part of CHOP and then cancer again? And, the MST post CHOP then it would be on average 3 months top (6 moths of CHOP + 3 months free)? Thanks for all your videos ! They help vet students as well!! 🙏😃😃

[@DrSueCancerVet]

@@andresgomez1879 The cats that achieve complete remission are typically the once that have the MST of 1 year so yes on your above approximate times. Cats are definitely less predictable that dogs as I emphasize in the cat series and the dog lymphoma videos. Thanks for watching. Pleas subscribe and share with your classmates :)

[@venreaver]

Thank you a lot for your great videos. I feel much better after I found your channel. My beloved cat Emil (10.5 years old) has a mediastinal large cell lymphoma (Thanks God without FelV). Tomorrow we're going to our first chemo appointment with my lovely cat. I would be grateful if you could give me some advice on whether I should separate my cat from the other cat in the house. I know it's important for him to be with family members, but I don't know what to do with my other cat. Should they use the same litter box? Is it safe for my second cat? They're used to drink from the same bowls and eat dry food from the same bowls. Should I manage feeding/drinking differently?

[@venreaver]

Found the answer in one of your great videos.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So glad you are finding the info you need. I hope Emil will #kickcancersbutt

[@universem2978]

@@venreaver how did she do?

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

My cat couldn’t tolerate the chop she almost died she needed a blood transfusion and was making bloody diarrhea. She now gets a shot and the pill. But now she sometimes get diarrhea. It comes and goes. The oncologist thinks it progressing I don’t know she still has good appetite and she starting to jump again and she starting to gain weight. The diarrhea was worst last Saturday I was giving her that supplement from vitality science she seemed to tolerate it. Then she had the diarrhea that was like almost a lake. She started making normal then it came back. I give her rice and a anti diarrhea and probiotic. The rice with her cat food. I started to put her in the cat bag so she would take the chewable steroids.

[@peaceriveraquatics4308]

Waiting to start chemo as took forever to arrange biopsy, then 2 weeks on lab results and waiting for appointment with oncologist who understandably is overwhelmed as she is only specialist within 100 miles. My cats lymphoma is not typical and not in her gut. Chest x-rays clean. Thank you for this video. I'm calling my vet on Monday to start my cat on steroids while waiting to see oncologist. Her cancer is strictly in lymph nodes around her throat. The nodes are so massive its affecting her ability to swallow. The steroids should help keep her comfortable until we can start chemo. I wish my vet had suggested this weeks ago.

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

I forgot I’m taking her to a oncologist this Monday the cat hospital are sending her records. I have Figo Pet Insurance. You said cats don’t suffer from chemo then people do. This is my second cat who has cancer I didn’t have insurance then this time I do. My family just want me to make her comfortable I sent what you said about chemo.

[@ashwinamit1823]

Thanks for posting this series

[@DrSueCancerVet]

You are so welcome. Glad it is helpful 😻

[@itqaanalyst]

Hello! Our 13 y.o. cat just got a 7.7 VDI Neoplasia Index score consistent with small cell lymphoma. Ultrasound already done and looked good overall. Our vet is discussing biopsy to confirm. She is a feline only practitioner. She is talking about combo prednisolone and chlorambucil. Any thoughts?

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

Hi my cat Claudia is on the chop chemo treatment I found out this afternoon that her white count is low she had diarrhea and stop eating. She’s better today. What do you do with your cat patients when that happen to them. Can you please answer.

[@DrSueCancerVet]

I talk all about chemo side effects here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJjSoJKidsuoebs And of course, talk to your oncologist/veterinarian. #KickCancersButt

[@lukef1586]

My Gizmo is 13 1/2 years old. He has had instestinal lymphoma for almost 3 years now, all fine, we just gave him a pill every 72hrs. The lymphoma spread to his kidneys and so we had our first chemo session today. First fluids then "cop" treatment with two agents. Since we came home he has just been eating like crazy. First dry food, which he has now let be, but he is going nuts for wet food and slinging it down like there's no tomorrow... Is that normal?

[@7sunsetmaro7]

My cat was just diagnosed today. My cat's named Orion and he has swelling around his abdomen like a cow if you look down and today I took him to the vet and he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. X-rays showed a lot of fluid in the abdomen. He is also 14 years old and I am on fence as it can cost thousand and he is older. I'm leaning towards doing the chemotherapy.

[@MichelleDespres]

Been wondering the same about quality vs quantity of life for my 17yo black DSH who has also been holding steady with stage 2b CKD and rampant arthritis for about 3 years. I’m so stressed about what to do.

[@7sunsetmaro7]

@@MichelleDespres Sorry to hear that. I had to put Orion down. The cancer was to large and fast to treat. Saddest day of my life.

[@MichelleDespres]

@@7sunsetmaro7 I'm so very sorry about your furbaby. Hugs.

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

I just found out my cat has big cell Lymphoma last Friday she was pretty sick she almost died she was having the runs and was hiding and sneezing a lot and watery eyes. He said the cold is from the lymphoma. He doesn’t think it’s treatable. I found a deferent vet from a cat Hosipital she had a better bedside manner he upset me. He said she would die at home which it didn’t happen she jump on top of my garbage to look for food.

[@Universem2]

What options are available when CHOPS is not working?

[@fluffy101]

Hello I really need help. I took my 7 year old cat to the vet last week because she had been throwing up her food for about 2 weeks. We took her to her usual vet and had blood tests, urine tests and x-rays done. He recommend surgery because thats the only way they would find out whats wrong. He said that her RBC and WBC counts were low but everything looked fine. We decided to go on with the surgery and the vet found tumors in my cats intestines. We were charged 3300 for all of the tests, the surgery, and about 3 days of staying at the vet. We last went to see my cat on Saturday 4/11 and we might be picking her up tomorrow 4/14 so we'll have to pay for the additional 3 days. The vet originally said we would be able to pick up my cat today 4/13 but he wants to keep her an extra day because he's worried since she has yet to poop during her whole visit. The vet doesn't really communicate or explain himself a lot so I started reading reviews about his practice. He has been sued by numerous people for overcharging, changing pet records, selling medications illegally, and holding pets hostage until you pay for the services (they threaten to keep and kill your pet). He was on probation to lose his vet license. If I had known any of this I would have never taken her there. I also read reviews that he misdiagnoses pets so you keep spending more money on stuff that wouldn't help or your pet doesn't need. After I pick her up, I want to ask for my cats records so I can take her elsewhere from here on out. There are many reviews saying that the vet misdiagnoses pets so if they had gone to another vet instead, their pets would probably still be alive. Do you have any recommendations on good vets in the Bay Area? Also am I being overcharged for everything my cat has gotten?

[@fluffy101]

Please help, my cat is still pretty young I don't want her to die. I have paid so much for her and Im a college student paying for everything myself. My mom cleans houses and lives paycheck to paycheck so she cannot help at all.

[@mariaariaspoweredbyartwork688]

Thank you for those videos! I hear remission and removing cancer but when i read about it is only for some months. I was told my cat can live 1 to 3 years...because i am a dreamer i would lie to know...if we are very lucky, how much can my prince Toby live? How much can a cat with lymphoma live...not the average but the best case 🥰

[@christinamarcet1780]

She has a separate video that answers that question, as it can depend on a lot of factors. This video will help you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIPdeJ9_adR2fsk

[@sbkmarkel]

How is your cat doing now?

[@jonfreeman5494]

Thank you so much! My wife and I are torn between 2 oncologists? The one closest to us is cheaper and closer but not as big as the other one that's further away that has better facilities. I'm assuming both oncologists would recommend CHOP. Would the treatment be different between different facilities? Or is it all the same? We are afraid the closer oncologist "won't be as good" as the other. Is that silly? What are your thoughts on that? Also why would chop be cheaper at one facility than the other? Thank you so much

[@toshanramlochun9287]

CHOP is a standard protocol. its same everywhere. maybe when ure more well-known u can charge higher price

[@drummahaerogirl]

My cat has high grade lymphoma and we did one dose of vincristine, one dose of cyclophosphamide and today he was going to get his doxorubicin but my oncologist suggested we could try lomustine instead and do a CHOP hybrid, so we could be gentler on my cat’s kidneys. His kidney values have gone back down from being really high when we started the protocol 3 weeks ago and have dropped in the normal leaning towards high range today but still within the “normal” limits. My cat has responded SUPER well to the first two drugs and i want to have the best chances of beating the cancer but I am not sure if i made the right decision. Is this hybrid treatment going to he as effective as CHOP? I want to make the best choice for him, please help! Thank you!

[@DonyaLane]

Aerogirl, I realize it is 2 years since your cat received the chemo treatments, but I was wondering (and hoping) how your kitty did. Is he still with you? Also, can you share the cost and expense information with me? My cat was just diagnosed yesterday, and the vet was barely willing to discuss treatment protocols, because she said we would never get out in front of it. But she's not an oncologist.... I didn't even KNOW there was such a thing as veterinary oncology! She made an appointment for me to put down my boy today, and I'm desperately trying to determine whether or not that is the thing to do. I hope you can reply! Thank you.

[@drummahaerogirl]

@@DonyaLane Hello, unfortunately my boy passed away July 29 2020…. The cancer was too advanced unfortunately by the time we started treatment (and we started late because I wasn’t getting a proper diagnosis despite the endless vet visits). I don’t recall the costs, it’s all a big blur, but I definitely don’t regret trying and spending the money, as he got a boost of energy and well-being for about 3 weeks right before passing away. I wish we would’ve started chemo earlier. In my opinion, any vet who insists and pushes for euthanasia when options are still available is a sign to change vets asap. You should definitely go see an oncologist and see your options, even if it’s palliative treatments. Good luck and I hope your baby feels better

[@DonyaLane]

@@drummahaerogirl , oh I'm so sorry... I'm so sad to hear that you had to lose him. Thank you for taking the time to respond immediately to me. After a night of research, and observing my boy's general mood and disposition (he's not in any pain), I decided to cancel the appointment today. He's just NOT ready to leave his body, and I knew in my gut that it would be too hasty and that I'd never forgive myself. I feel that he deserves a little more effort on my part... even if it's just palliative care for a few more weeks. At the very least, I want his fluids to be drained, and I'm surprised that wasn't immediately suggested. Whatever the chemo cost would be (low end to high end), I doubt I can afford any of it, sadly. Thank you, again. I hope that you have been able to honor your sweet kitty by adopting another cat. I do believe they want us to do that! Peace and blessings to you...

[@ningningprecious943]

Besides chemo is there another way to treat lymphoma?

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Please watch the video as I break it all down here, buy if you opt against chemo, you can consider steroids and I discuss that too.

[@ningningprecious943]

@@DrSueCancerVet Sorry I was having a hard time to understand you All I hear is chemo and that is very expensive for me for sure It is hard to be a Social Receipient to have a pet My Jasmine just died last December 22 My other cat was very depressed losing her partner He stop eating lost weight and lost muscles She started looking initiated I end up force feeding her with poach egg with chicken broth with cabbage and rice porridge twice a day to help her once in a while eating her dry food She was vomits then so I gave her Aloe Vera Juice with water to calm her stomach and now she stopped vomiting so far I thanked God She is starting to eat again I was so relieved

[@plinko5737]

Really helpful. Thank you!

[@DrSueCancerVet]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@sc00b3rt]

How much does this all cost?

[@christinamarcet1780]

It depends on the vet and probably depends on where you live (cost of living). It also depends on the aggressiveness of treatment that you pursue and the type of lyphoma your pet has (small-cell vs. large cell). Steroids-only costs less than going with full chemo and the endoscopy that would be a prerequisite for it -- which is thousands of dollars, and many people can't afford it. Steroids-only is probably under $1000 -- not sure. But the kitty won't live that long, compared with chemo.

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

My cat has high Grade Lymphoma

[@DrSueCancerVet]

So sorry, but hope you are finding the cat lymphoma series helpful plus check out video #93 on chemo side effects kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJjSoJKidsuoebs

[@arlenegreenbaum2110]

Dr Sue Cancer Vet she died yesterday she had a stroke I was giving her supplement from vitality science the oncologist stopped the chemo her tumor was growing back. It was a chop first then she had a rescue Elspar/CCNU because the tumor started growing after awhile with the chop then this week the Elspar/CCNU didn’t work anymore. So she wind up on palliative care then she had a stroke I can’t think it was the supplement I gave her very little she drank the sardines since she won’t eat solid food.

[@FinnOllie]

Thank you 🙏🏼♥️

[@DrSueCancerVet]

:)

[@travelnow8232]

My cat died on his second chemotherapy. He had lymphoma. .

[@sbkmarkel]

I'm so sorry

[@t2m_midnight_yt440]

I took my cat to the vet and I had to pay $450 and they still don’t even know what is wrong with her she is acting exactly like how the cat in the video was and won’t eat

[@dmitry7908]

Remission of under a year…expose the cat to horrible suffering for the gratification of the owner, only to put the animal down in a year.

[@DimitriZen]

to be clear, if a cat has lymphoma and has 100% remission, this increases survival 1 year?

[@niewiemkurde900]

Ive been told up to 2 years. Although my cat felt better in the beggining she eventually passed away after 2 months

[@Loviekinz]

My cat hasn't been confirmed to have Lymphoma, it's between that or IBS I didn't biopsy due to age. She's been on steroids and B12 for close to 2 years, but now nothing is helping her.