Home
< Case Studies Home >
go back || next >>
Notes
Cat: Darcy (Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy)
male, Domestic Shorthair Tuxedo
Type of Lymphoma:
GI - Small Cell (diffuse) Lymphocytic
FeLV Status:
negative
|
|
|
|
Darcy's Case Study
|
next story >> |
Other Diseases/Conditions:
Feline Herpes Virus
Story: Darcy was diagnosed at age 8 in September 2005 via exploratory surgery. His only symptom had been occasional projectile vomiting: copious and quite malodorous. This had been going on for months. At first it was every several weeks, then every month, then every couple of weeks, which is when I sought help. Knowing what I know now, I would have run to the vet's after the first episode: malodorous projectile vomiting is not normal; it is not a hairball even if it contains some fur.
IBD was suspected; so was chronic constipation. Dietary changes and laxatives were tried: the vomiting continued. After a particularly bad episode that left Darcy lethargic and nauseous, our vet suspected an obstruction and suggested exploratory surgery. We proceeded immediately. During surgery she found a small membrane attaching two loops of intestines. She removed it. Since intestines move, it made sense that the membrane would sometimes cause an obstruction. I was elated. The next day I brought my sore, stapled but purring Darcy home to recover.
Two days later, on my birthday, our vet called with the pathology results and spoke the words we all so dread: lymphoma. We consulted with an oncologist a few days later. We settled on the Leukeran/Prednisone protocol for several reasons, including my very limited financial situation and my desire for the least invasive treatment. I was warned that Darcy's Herpes would most likely flare up and sent home with a prescription and a six-month prognosis.
That was 17 months ago. Darcy is well. He's had issues with food - he hated his prescribed Hill's i/D canned - but I insisted until recently. Since he's not having any digestive problems he's now allowed to eat what he wants. But the Leukeran and Prednisone have taken their toll. His latest blood tests show values that are just on the lower end of the normal ranges. His Herpes, perfectly controlled with l-lysine, has come back, bringing the occasional secondary infections. But he's not lost any weight. His fur is shiny, his gums pink. He's a happy boy who still plays with his friends, cuddles with me at night and never fails to greet me at the door.
Outcome: March 2/07: still in remission. Glued to the window trying to catch the big fat snowflakes falling on the other side...
- By Marie Darcy's Companion - |
|
next story >> |
|
|
Photos
Chemo Protocol Used Leukeran (chlorambucil) 2mg twice a week; Prednisone 5mg every other day; l-lysine 500mg daily for FHV.
Holistic Remedies Used | |
