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Cat Forum / Cat Anecdotes / December 2005Evaluation of Betty
I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, everyone was so nice in sending purrs for the last treatment and certainly deserve to know what the result was! Betty's cancer was growing around the time of the treatment last month, but a couple of weeks afterwards, it stopped, then seemed to physically flatten a bit. Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He thinks that we're learning a lot about what works and doesn't work in Betty's case, and that we should see how she progresses with the experimental Gemzar treatment she's receiving. His hope (and this sounds like a wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to make surgical removal possible. Betty was at the oncology center all day getting her second dose, and a third dose is scheduled for next month. Right now, she's standing in her usual "I want attention" pose on her hind legs with one paw on my knee, and the other on my arm. So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did something! Renewed, INCREASED IN VOLUME purrs for Betty's continued improvement. I'm *SO* glad she's made some positive progress. And yes, Tak, I for one would like to keep updated on Betty's progress if you don't mind posting about it. Not only because you and Betty mean so much to me, but also for the information that I (heaven forbid) might need in the future. Tell me, does the treatment make her as ill as cancer treatments do human patients? How does she handling the treatment itself? Hugs, CatNipped > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! >Renewed, INCREASED IN VOLUME purrs for Betty's continued improvement. I'm >*SO* glad she's made some positive progress. [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] >Tell me, does the treatment make her as ill as cancer treatments do human >patients? How does she handling the treatment itself? Thank you for the purrs, Catnipped! None of the treatments have had a really adverse effect on her. For a couple of weeks after her other chemotherapy drug, Carboplatin, she threw up about once every day or so, but was otherwise fine. She played and cuddled and ate like she always did, except that I'd step in vomit more frequently than usual. :) She's lost about half a pound of weight, not very noticible, but she was slightly chubby before, and now looks a bit more sleek and athletic. The Gemzar doesn't seem to cause noticible side effects either. She threw up three times during the four weeks since that treatment, which is maybe just a slight increase. > >Renewed, INCREASED IN VOLUME purrs for Betty's continued improvement. I'm > >*SO* glad she's made some positive progress. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > she was slightly chubby before, and now looks a bit more sleek and > athletic. In general, cats take chemotherapy better than people. Carboplatin is less toxic in humans than cisplatin; I'd think long and hard before taking the latter. I've been assured by veterinary oncologists that platinum compounds just don't upset cats as much -- perhaps it's all the hairball experience. > The Gemzar doesn't seem to cause noticible side effects either. She > threw up three times during the four weeks since that treatment, which > is maybe just a slight increase. Gemzar is relatively nontoxic in people. I'm really encouraged, Tak, as the combination of platinum compounds and Gemzar in people is being tried in more and more situations, where previously NOTHING worked. >In general, cats take chemotherapy better than people. Carboplatin is >less toxic in humans than cisplatin; I'd think long and hard before [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >the combination of platinum compounds and Gemzar in people is being >tried in more and more situations, where previously NOTHING worked. Betty isn't currently on combination therapy, but just on Gemzar, plus her daily Piroxicam. It seems to me that so far the treatments and the cancer have battled to a standstill, so I'm curious to see what else Betty's oncologists have up their sleeve. I don't know much about cancer, but you wouldn't think that such a slow growth could be targeted well with chemo. Maybe we'll eventually need to bring in a veterinary orthopedic surgeon. > Tell me, does the treatment make her as ill as cancer treatments > do human patients? How does she handling the treatment itself? Back when Shadow was being treated for IBD, which can turn into lymphoma, I did a lot of reading about chemotherapy for cats and the literature all says that cats tolarate chemotherapy very well, with little side-effects.  SignatureCheryl >Back when Shadow was being treated for IBD, which can turn into >lymphoma, I did a lot of reading about chemotherapy for cats and the >literature all says that cats tolarate chemotherapy very well, with >little side-effects. When Betty started chemotherapy, I was asking a senior tech about Betty, and at one point she told me that when it comes to handling chemotherapy, cats are "from another planet". I then asked her which planet, so she probably thinks I'm a weirdo. ;) > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, > everyone was so nice in sending purrs for the last treatment and > certainly deserve to know what the result was! Please, please keep us posted on how Betty's doing! We're all very concerned about Betty and how she's getting along. Especially when the news sounds positive - there have been enough Rainbow Bridge announcements recently here and in RPCC that I NEED to hear positive news when it's available! > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the tumor > has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He thinks that we're [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to make > surgical removal possible. We're going to crank up the purr volume and frequency, and get even more serious on the human-side meditations as well. It would be SO WONDERFUL if they were able to shrink that bugger and remove it surgically. Dan > > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, > > everyone was so nice in sending purrs for the last treatment and > > certainly deserve to know what the result was! I like to know how Betty is doing and I will keep my four purring for her! I also like your stories like the one with "betty the rapper." It's nice to see her being /a cat/ as well as a patient. --Fil >I like to know how Betty is doing and I will keep my four purring for >her! > >I also like your stories like the one with "betty the rapper." It's >nice to see her being /a cat/ as well as a patient. "Keep it real" - LOL. I'm glad that she did turn out to be /a cat/, and not a rapper, or else I would have had to buy her a more elaborate collar tag for her Christmas present. >Please, please keep us posted on how Betty's doing! We're all >very concerned about Betty and how she's getting along. Especially when >the news sounds positive - there have been enough Rainbow Bridge >announcements recently here and in RPCC that I NEED to hear positive news >when it's available! It's like reading the newspaper - good news seems to be in short supply sometimes. But every day we can spend with little furries is actually good news. :) > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the > tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He thinks That sounds great! > Gemzar treatment she's receiving. His hope (and this sounds like a > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible. Well, then that's what we'll be purring for! > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! We'll keep at it!!! SignatureVictor M. Martinez Owned and operated by the Fantastic Seven (TM) Send your spam here: uce@ftc.gov Email me here: pistorLITTER@BOXaustin.rr.com > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that > the tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > able to shrink the tumor enough to make surgical removal > possible. Tak, this is most impressive! Kudos to you for aggressively treating her and hoping you're adding years to her life! More purrs forthcoming!! SignatureCheryl > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Wooo hooo! Go, Betty! She's a feisty one. Persia is sending renewed, extra strong holiday season purrs for Betty and for you. Jill >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Good news Tak. We would like to have had the vet tell you that the cancer was gone, just disappeared, but, in place of that we will be happy for Betty and you for this wonderful piece of information. May the visit next month bring even better news!!! Never underestimate the power of the purr and the power of the love that emanates from this group. Charleen Mr. Pumpkin Aggie Marble Victor Velcro > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! That's GREAT Tak!! At the very least it is extending her quality life time. GO BETTY!!!!! So happy to see that Betty's treatment is giving a visibly good result thus far! Thanks for the update! We'll keep the purrs coming too! Genne and Marietta > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I know > that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, everyone [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] > > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did something! We shall continue purring and pray that Betty makes history. MLB My god, Tak, that's a miracle! We are continuously purring and praying that Betty does have a miracle. Lily & her mama SignatureIrulan from the stars we come to the stars we return from now until the end of time >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I >know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did >something! Revving up and rumbling away. Thanks for keeping us posted. Theresa Stinky Pictures: http://community.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com Make Levees, Not War PPPPPPRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!! That's good news, Tak! I hope your vet is right about shrinking that tumor enough to remove it surgically. Give Betty scritches from me and tell her she's a fantastically brave kitty. =o) Melissa Wow, that is really great news!!! Maybe it's a wild hope, but so far, these results are better than anything else up to now. Nothing else has actually made the tumor shrink, has it? I'm so glad to hear it. Continued purrs for her recovery. Joyce > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, > everyone was so nice in sending purrs for the last treatment and > certainly deserve to know what the result was! > Betty's cancer was growing around the time of the treatment last > month, but a couple of weeks afterwards, it stopped, then seemed to > physically flatten a bit. > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the > tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He thinks [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible. > Betty was at the oncology center all day getting her second dose, and > a third dose is scheduled for next month. Right now, she's standing > in her usual "I want attention" pose on her hind legs with one paw on > my knee, and the other on my arm. > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! SignatureTo reply privately, take the X's out of my user ID. >...> So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Tak, What do you mean "minor" TED visits? This is major. Thanks for the update and sharing the hopeful news. We'll keep the purrs and prayers going for that special spunky little cat. Annie And the purrs will continue for Betty's continued improvement! Sam, closely supervised by Mistletoe > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible. Wonderful news, Tak! Of course you must keep us updated on Betty's progress. We'll be purring that the tumour does shrink enough for the surgery. SignatureMarina, Miranda and Caliban. In loving memory of Frank and Nikki. marina (dot) kurten (at) iki (dot) fi Stories and pics at http://koti.welho.com/mkurten/ Pics at http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/frankiennikki/ and http://community.webshots.com/user/frankiennikki Womderful news about Betty. Please keep us posted. More purrs on the way. Ann Signatureread Sam's blog at http://kittens-3.blogspot.com/ see pictures of Sam at http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ann791/my_photos >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Wow, that sounds like really good news! At least there's some hope. I will continue to send purrs and purrs and purrs. -- Britta "There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." -- Unknown Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the > tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. He thinks [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible. Thank you for the update Tak. It's good to hear about Betty's improvement and we'll keep purring for her tumour to continue to shrink. What a wonderful possibility that she may be able to have it surgically removed. It sounds like she's feeling okay today after her treatment too if she's standing on her hind legs and begging for attention! She's a real trooper and a very special cat. Susan M Otis and chester > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Something certainly worked, I know that things have looked very dark for Betty in the past, but this seems more hopeful. You are a wonderful slave to her. Jeanette > Betty's oncologist measured the growth today, and he says that the > tumor has retreated about a centimeter since last time. Megapurrs from us lot that the improvement continues. Please keep the bulletins & anecdotes coming. Gordon & the FF . His hope (and this sounds like a > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible. Purring extra hard for this to happen Lesley Slave of the Fabulous Furballs > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! Revving up the purr motors, hoping the treatment continues to be effective. SignatureAdrian (Owned by Snoopy and Bagheera) A House is not a home, without a cat. http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk He thinks > that we're learning a lot about what works and doesn't work in Betty's > case, and that we should see how she progresses with the experimental > Gemzar treatment she's receiving. His hope (and this sounds like a > wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the tumor enough to > make surgical removal possible.//// Oh my goodness - that would be so wonderful! Many purrs and prayers for continuing success with the treatment. Helen M Neighboring purrs that it does work. Suz&Spicey >So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did >something! I'm so glad!!! This is WONDERFUL news! Thanks for letting us know. Hugs, Jane - owned and operated by Princess Rita >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I >know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, >everyone was so nice in sending purrs for the last treatment and >certainly deserve to know what the result was! Well, I can't stand soap operas but sure can relate to news of our beloved Betty. Granted I can't open your posts without first taking a *deep* breath, crossing fingers, saying a little prayer. Whew!! With this one, a smiling sigh of relief. Can't say how wonderful it is to know Betty is making progress and am sending more purrs and good wishes for her eventual cure. She's a good little trouper. Jeanne > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but > I know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > sounds like a wild hope to me) is that they'll be able to shrink the > tumor enough to make surgical removal possible. Well, I don't think he would say anything like that if he didn't think it could happen. Maybe it will =) > Betty was at the oncology center all day getting her second dose, > and a third dose is scheduled for next month. Right now, she's [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! I'm glad Betty is doing better than expected, and that her treatments don't get her down too badly. Signaturemonique, who spoils Oscar unmercifully pictures: http://www.bounceswoosh.org/rpca >I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I >know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did >something! That is great news, Tak. I hope the experimental treatment works and the tumor can be removed. That would be wonderful! Purring for your both, Ginger-lyn Home Pages: http://www.spiritrealm.com/summer/ http://www.angelfire.com/folk/glsummer (homepage & cats) http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~summer/index.htm (genealogy) http://www.movieanimals.bravehost.com/ (The Violence Against Animals in Movies Website) I'm so very happy to hear the growth has shrunk so much, this is wonderful news! We continue to purr and send very best wishes for Betty's growth to shrink enough to be operated, Polonca and Soncek > I wouldn't normally bug everyone with news of minor TED visits, but I > know that some of you follow the group like a soap opera. ;) Also, [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > So thank you everyone for all your purrs! They definitely did > something! |
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