Help/advice on possible lymphoma

[DJC]

Update - This morning we went to the vet for his 'big' day of testing. We picked him up this evening, and he was remarkably spunky when we got home. Full of beans I say! The vet said she was able to get a 'punch' biopsy, which from my understanding is a much bigger sample then the core biopsy. We should get results on Friday, or Monday at the latest. Oz is doing well this evening. It's been a long one for both of us, but I think he did better than me in terms of getting through it. I'm wiped out....he's still running around, eating, and acting like it was a day of adventure. Crazy dude! The vet gave me some codeine to put on his ear for the next few days, and she gave me a 7 day package of clavamox (I think that's how it's spelled-another antibiotic) to try, in case this isn't lymphoma. Of course we are hoping for the best right now. Fingers crossed.

[Traci]

I'm hoping too, good thoughts are coming his way!

Please let him rest tonite and tomorrow, he's had a pretty big day, so try to limit activity for at least a day so he isn't over-exhausted. I know he's happy to be home (as are you), just let him take it easy.

Keep us updated, ok?

[DJC]

Oh yes, rest for Oz. Tried to get his to settle down last night on his comfy blanket, but he wouldn't have it in terms staying. He wanted to roam the house, but he eventually found a spot and relaxed. This morning I saw him sprint down the hallway when I went downstairs. Now he's lying on the day bed. I think he just wants his freedom to do as he pleases right now. When I hear some news I'll post. Thanks.

[DJC]

My vet called late this afternoon and said the test results came in for the
punch biopsy. From what I understand it is lymphoma however the results don't
come right out and say it 100%. This is because there seems to be some unusual
cell activity that could be some other underlying thing going on. However with
that said, she is certain lymphoma is present. At this point, it presents
itself like as peripheral like hodgekins (or is that non...i'm not sure...just
in the lymphnodes in any case). However, that is very rare to see in cats, so
it most likely is systemic. The vet is calling the oncologist on my behalf to
go over the report and is certain it is enough evidence for him to consult with
us. So now we wait for our apt.

As for me, I'm sad. I came home and saw the Oz man sitting on the sofa. I gave
him a big hug, and cried.

[Traci]

I'm so sorry to hear this, but please don't give up, perhaps chemo can address it and extend quality of life - only the oncologist can determine what treatment approach might be beneficial.

Hang in there....when is the appointment?

Oz remains in my thoughts and prayers...(((HUGS)))

[DJC]

The vet should be calling me tomorrow. She is calling the oncologist today to talk to him about Oz and to prepare the necessary paperwork/findings. I can only hope they can see us next week to consult. Really would like some answers to the extent of the disease and best treatment options. Of course, I know this will be an expense that I probably can't really afford, but I have to do whatever I can to help him.

[DJC]

A brief update....My vet called today. She spoke with the oncologist, and he would like another test done on Oz to decipher the type of lymphoma it may be. Apparently, there is emerging cases of Hodgekins lymphoma in cats. This is strictly in one area of the lymphnodes. Not like the more normal lymphoma seen in cats which is systemic. When the punch biopsy was done on the one large lympnode, it was felt it would be enough to get a diagnosis. Therefore, a biopsy was not performed on the very small lymphnode behind his leg. Now they want to do an incisional biopsy on this leg node and send it in for testing. If it's positive for Lymphoma, then Oz has the regular kind that most cats get....if it isn't, then he probably has the rare type of Hodgekin's lymphoma.
If it is the rare kind, apparently it is curable....but really expensive! Ah...*sigh*

So, we are back on Monday to do the final test. From there I'll be seeing the oncologist for treatment. My vet is giving me a bit of a break on costs for this biopsy so I prefer to do it with her than the oncologist. What sucks about that, is that we will have the results on Wednesday or Thursday of next week, but the soonest the oncologist can see us is Feb 9th. (following Wed). That'll be almost a month since we've started this whole ordeal, and still no treatment for Oz yet. Of course I will call as soon as the results are in, to see if any cancellations have come in....but really-this is just so frustrating.

[Traci]

I understand the frustration but Feb 9th is fast approaching, just make sure you have the appointment for the 9th already set.

Hang in there, there is hope...

[DJC]

It seems like forever since we started the diagnosis for Oz. We are almost there. His second biopsy came back and it was determined there is no cancer in his leg lymphnode. So, the lymphoma (from what we know) seems to be localized to his neck. There is a large ball like mass where he had his first biopsy on his neck (just under the underside of his chin) and from what the doctor told me from the first biopsy visit, the biopsied mass sits atop another larger mass that seems to be pretty deep. I did not officially feel it back two weeks ago, but I believe it has started to grow. (both of them in the last week). It's a little too aggressive for my liking.

I called the oncologist and they have a cancellation for tomorrow afternoon. I took it of course (originally apt was next Wed). We had to wait for his second biopsy results before attempting at cancellations.

Obviously, we are curious to see what the oncologist's recomendations will be. It is suspected to now be hodgkins-like lymphoma (if it has not spread). Treatment would consist of surgery and chemo. Due to the proximity of the two masses, I am obviously concerned. We will just have to wait to hear the doc's advisement. I've desperately been trying to research this on the net, but of course this seems to be a fairly rare case. This happens to be my vet's first and did not even know about it until she spoke with the oncologist.

In the meantime...in regards to neck surgery on a cat....how evasive can an oncologist go? I understand they are trained, but I'm sure this would be a great risk. Are cat's necks more complicated than humans in terms of nerves, tendons, etc that surround the neck?

Oz has slowed down a bit since his last biopsy Monday but I think he's just recooperating from two biopsys a week apart. He is still eating, and alert....however, I can tell he's not his playful self. He sometimes has a subtle moan when I pet him. I don't like this. It's not all the time. Just periodic and only when I pet him.

[Traci]

Was an xray done? An xray would determine the location of the mass and how deep it extends for surgical consideration.

There's a possibility the oncologist might suggest another more minimal surgery and follow it with radiation or chemotherapy to address any remaining diseased tissue (that which isn't accessible with surgery).