Tuesday 29 April 2008

My Next Milestone...

Luckily, it isn't so far away...May 4th is mine and Castle's Gotcha Day. Almost twelve years ago we were Gotcha'd by Meowmie L and Meowmie J. I'll tell you more about our gotcha day on May 4th...

I didn't fancy going to the Vet Place at all today, and it took Meowmie a while to find me this morning, but she got me in the end...I wonder where she found me?



My scan results are not good at all. Not only do I have a bald tummy again but my lymphoma has come back...and not just in one place either. It is on an intestinal loop, one of my lymph nodes and there is some just behind and outside my stomach. Each mass is about 1-2cms big, they are not pushing on anything though, they are just there, unwanted. Ben Vet said he was very upset and holding back the tears when he saw the scan images. He also told Meowmie that he was thinking about us all last night and hoping so much that it was just poo. I am so lucky to have Ben as my vet...

I have four options open to me:

1) One theory suggests that you should treat the lymphoma with the drugs that worked first time round. My protocol was the heavy-going Madison Wisconsin protocol, which included Doxyrubicin (hard-hitting), Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine on rotation (with Prednisolone steroid every other day). It means weekly visits to the Vet Place, day-stays every other week and can be quite intense. Even though I sailed through it first time around, Ben Vet thinks it may not be appropriate so has suggested the COP protocol which is similar to the Mad Wis, but does not include the heavy-hitting Doxyrubicin drug and does not involve day-stays cos the Cyclophosphamide will be in tablet form and not administered intravenously as on the Mad Wis...I would still need to visit Ben Vet weekly though.

2) Leukeran and Prednisolone steroid combination. I was meant to take leukeran as a maintenance drug after my Mad Wis protocol but it made me ill so we had to stop it. It may have made me ill because it was so soon after the Mad Wis protocol, it could possibly not make me ill this time round. Not sure it is worth the risk though.

3) Combination of Vincristine and L-asparaginase drugs. Can cause kidney failure. Ben Vet has had one patient, similar to me who had come out of remission, they treated the cat with this and he did indeed end up getting kidney failure and passed away. This protocol could be amended though to minimise the risk of kidney failure. Also, this protocol is more appropriate as a last effort rescue remedy and should be saved for when all other options run out.

4) Do nothing - manage any nausea and pain with the relevant drugs until the time is right for me to go to the Bridge.

Meowmie asked Ben Vet what sort of time we had left as a family. Ben Vet didn't want to put numbers on it cos, as we know, numbers are just numbers and I have already exceeded expectations once before. However, with pushing, Ben Vet said that with treatment "maybe a few months, could be more, could be less". Bugger :(

Whilst my Meowmies spent a few hours absorbing the info Ben Vet did some further research and called up some of the country's leading oncologists (Susan North who runs this VRCC and Jane Dobson who is a Head of Service and lecturer in Veterinary Oncology at the University of Cambridge) to seek their opinions. He explained the situation (without putting any words into their mouths) and it was suggested that Option Number One - the COP protocol as Ben Vet originally advised us - is the way forward for now.

So, tomorrow morning we all climb aboard the Chemo Rollercoaster once again as I head back to see Ben Vet for the first step of the COP protocol (Vincristine). Hopefully the ride will last for a while...without too many ups and downs and without making me feel ill...

As an aside, we are also trying to determine whether it is nausea or pain that is making me off colour, so yesterday Ben Vet gave me an anti-nausea drug to see how it helped me (slightly sleepy last night, not a great appetite, but ate, bright this morning) and today I have had an opiate to control any pain I might be feeling. I must say, I have been brighter on the opiate drug and ate as soon as I got home today, but I am bit zonked now as should be expected. Meowmie will monitor me more this evening and let Ben know how I get along so we can at least try to get the right drugs into me so I can get back to my old self. This is me right now, on opiates chilling with Buddha maaaan!



THANK YOU ALL for coming by, my Meowmies have been very upset today, making all my furs wet with their tears!!! Your well wishes really do strengthen us and make us feel strong and hopeful. It is wonderful to know that so many of you care...it is quite humbling..what a great bunch of people you are xxx

71 comments:

The Furry Kids said...

Oh, Storm! This sucks. Momma's eyes are leaking lots. She found out today that her best friend has cancer, too. :( Cancer sucks.

We are purring and purraying for you lots, Storm and Castle and your mom. We are glad that Ben Vet is such an awesome V-E-T. He will take the best care of you and we are thankful for that. Lots of hugs to you.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

Oh Stormie--I am so sorry to learn that your lymphoma is back! We will purr for you. I am so glad you have a vet like Ben Vet who is willing to look up everything for you to make sure you get the best care. We will be thinking of you lots-

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are so sorry the lymphoma came back. We are purring our hardest that the new treatment works and does not make you too sick. We know Ben Vet will do his best.
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Anonymous said...

ah, dear storm, sweetness, we will purr an' purrray ever-so-hard for you, the meowmies, an' ben vet.

bugger lymphoma!!

muffinmidi said...

We are so so sorry. We are purraying for you.

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh Stormie. our eyes is leaking so much. we is so sorry that the ugly lymphoma has come back. we will purrray wif all our might that the COP treatment will be successful and not make you miserable.

Anonymous said...

We're so, so sorry to hear you have to wage this battle again, Storm. We are purring and praying for you and your Mom. We hope you feel better very soon.

Rosemary B❤️ said...

I am very sad to hear this news. Oh Stormie I hope you are feeling happy and not having any pain. I hope that the COP treatment is going to get rid of this terrible lymphoma!
I am very shocked : : : still absorbing here too : : :
I am going to link paws with you.
always know that. YOur all white curlie chum is here and you are in my heart.

I am sad.
I love you sweet friend.
purrrs forever

Sunny's Mommy said...

I'm so sorry the lymphoma has come back. All of you are in my thoughts.

Parker said...

We are so sorry the lymphoma came back. So very sorry.
Storm, please accept our love and prayers and if I could send you a big package full of strength and hugs and tissues for your Meowmies, I would do that too.
Know that you are in our thoughts.
Smooches...(gentle ones)

Daisy said...

Oh Storm, I am so sorry the very bad lymphoma came back. My eyes are leaking now, too. But you are a strong fighter, and it sounds like you have a very wonderful and caring vet. I am sending you my "stay strong" special purrs.

Lisa said...

I've shed so many tears over a happy, healthy cat I was selfishly missing and here is your poor meowmie worrying about you and your bad stuff. I am sending all my good thoughts your way.

Beau said...

Storm, you ARE a figher. You've beaten this before and you can do it again! I KNOW you can!! I'm very sorry you have to go through chemo again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, and we will be with you every step of the way. Be strong, Storm, and FIGHT FIGHT FIIIIGHT!!

Mr. Hendrix said...

this stinks Storm. we hoped for poo all and day. we are now purring and praying that you have lots of time left with this new treatment. your VET sounds wonderful.

puuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrs and prayers to you dear.

you look so lovely in that photo.

Mickey's Musings said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear this news :(
We must get the Blogosphere to get into action and PURRAY for you!
I hope you are comfortable and this next round of treatment will not be too hard. You are the Furry Fighter and I will fight along with you with my purrs!!!!
Purrs Mickey

jenianddean said...

Oh Storm! We are so sorry to hear the news. We will be sending you healing purrs and prayers. My mom's eyes are all leaky now. Please stay strong and fight the good fight. We are all behind you!

-Jasper McKitten-Cat

Anonymous said...

Storm,
I'll keep you and your meowmies in my prayers. May God bless your family.

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We really didn't want this to be the news we would hear. Leaky eyes are happening here.

Stay strong and keep fighting! We will all be purraying and purring for you get kick this in the butt again!

Junior, Orion and Meowm

Anonymous said...

We're so sorry to hear about this. We're sending lotsa love and purrs to you and your mom.

The Lee County Clowder said...

Storm, we are so sorry. Sending you some of our best healing purrrsss.

Hang in there, you beat this crud once.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We are so sorry to read your latest post.
What a nice V-E-T you have. He is doing so much to help you get well.
Our purrrs and prayers are with you.

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Oh Storm, we's sorry the lymphoma is actin up again. Yoo gota a grate vet, tho, it sounds like. We will purr hard for yoo to feel better and for yore Mommy to know zactly the best choices to help yoo wif.
PURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRS
Sanjee and the resta the Hotties

Rosemary B❤️ said...

I am sending some more purrrs this evening as we are ending our day here soon, and you are just going to be getting up and starting your tough battle today. I am right beside you all day today. (((hugs))) to you, to your mommies and to Castlepuffpants (and I mean that about Castle! lay off the snacks okay?)

purrrs and lots of love
Princess and Rosemary

Mom just returned from the vet with Pierro. He has a multifaceted... ear infection and yeast. Mom found him scratching his ears terribly and they got a bit bloody, so she did not know what was going on with him. We saw one of the new vets today and she was wonnnnderful.

gentle however very strong purrrs to you my lovely friend.

Skeezix the Cat said...

Owr faces are leeking over this news. We are purraying and purraying that yoo'll be okay!

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Dis just suks...we'z gonna purray and purray dat yoor nice Ben vet can fix dis again and give yoo lots more time wif yoor mommies and us too.

MaoMao said...

Oh, Stormie -- my eyes are leakin and leakin to hear that the lymphoma camed back. I am so so so sorry, and alla us Ballicai are leakin and so is Momma. We love you so much. Please know how hard we're purrin and purrin and purrin that the treetment will do the trick and that you will be okeydokeys again! You are such a speshul kitty, so courageous and beeyootiful. My Momma's sendin love and strength to yur Momma. We are so glad you have such a wunnerful fambly and such a great vet in Ben.

Hope and love and purrs from MaoMao and the Ballicai and the Ballicus Mom.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Storm -- I'm so sorry, my lovely friend, and please know I am purring as hard as I can that you will be okay again. Ben sounds like such a wonderful vet, and your Mommy loves you so much. I'm sending love and strength to you both.

Much love and purrs and snuggles from Marilyn.

michico*Adan*Lego-小芥*阿丹*樂高 said...

Dear Storm,

No matter what condition, I am standing here for you~!!!!
I am sure you will be ok!!!!!
I am purring and praying very very hard for you everyday from now at this moment~!!!
I love you!!!! My great lovely friend!!

Purr,
Adan

Mr. Echo said...

We all jes wish we kood scoop you up and hug that cancer rite outta you. I will purr purr purr as hard as I can for you and your Mommies and Ben Vet.

Lovey Headbutts,
Echo and Tenny

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

I am so sorry to hear that your lymphoma has come back. I am purring and purring for you and hope that the treatment works better this time.

LZ said...

Storm you are SO brave. You are my hero cat. We know you'll fight and your mom will help you how you want her to. We love you VERY VERY much.

Kaze

Tiger Lily said...

Oh my dear friend! Mom's eyes are leaking as she helps me type this. We will all purray and prrrrrrrrrrr and my woofies will wag their tails very hard for you.

Please remember that you are The Furry Fighter and that we are now sending you and your Meowmie and Castle all the emotional support we can!!

Love from your friends,
Jemima, Zeke, Sushi, Tiger Lily and Ruckus

meemsnyc said...

Oh Storm, I am sorry to hear about the news. We are thinking about you, and purring for you to get better!

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

crapity crap crap crap for the lymphoma coming back :(
we were so much hoping for better mews :(
we'll keep you in our purrayers! and we are sending lotsa purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs purrrrrrs

Kashim & Othello

Anonymous said...

Storm,

We're sorry to hear that the cancer is back. Our mommy's eyes leaked when she read the news. We're sending lots of purrs and head butts for you to feel better.

Charlemagne and Tamar
2 non-blogging kitties

and Mommy Colleen

Spike William and Angels China Cat and Willow said...

Storm, Willow and I were so sorry when we just heard that the bad lymphoma came back. We will just keep purring very strongly for you. We hope that this will help you.

Purrrrrrrrs, China Cat

Lux said...

Storm, I just want to give you the biggest hug - you & your meowmies both! We are sending all our love and my paws are all pressed together that the medicines work.

Love,
Luxie & family

Magoo, Smudge, Bella & Dolce said...

We are so sorry that the bad stuff came back. Having dealt with a beloved furriend who is still dealing with CRF, we understand what you are going through.

We offer a cyber-shoulder to cry on, a cyber-hug for hope, and real-time purrayer that you find the strength you need.

All of us (plus the beans too).

momsbusy said...

we is gonna keep purraying fur yu ans yur meowmies. we is gonna purray for strength ans healing.

y2k
momsbusy

Mo and The Purries said...

Storm, we are sending purrs and prayers to you & your family.
♥ ♥ ♥
the purries from Purrchance To Dream
& Not The Mama

Motor Home Cats said...

Stormie - our eyes are leaking for you, your brother and your meowmies today, but tomorrow, we are going to put that aside, and focus all our thoughts on helping you fight this again. You have done this once and you CAN do this again. We are purring for you.

Tiki, Tavi, Cody and Camie

Smeagol and Strider, Mystery (Sunnin' at the Bridge) and Gizmo too! said...

Sweet Storm, we're so sorry to hear the news, we're purrin' and purrayin' so hard for you all, and for the treatment to work.

Team Tabby said...

We are so sorry to hear your sad news. You have options tho, and we's all here to help you beat this lymphoma again. You are in our purrayers.

Mindy & Moe

Alexi said...

Oh, Storm, our eyes haf ben leakin' ever since we read that the lymphoma has come back. We is all purrin' and purrayin' for you, your meowmie, and the rest of your fambly.

Love, hugs, purrs, and prayers from Alexi, the crew, and the staff at Krasota Castle.

PB 'n J said...

Oh Storm, our Mommy's eyes are leaking so bad for you and your family. We hope that you fight hard and win again We'll be purring and purring for you all.

Pearl, Bert and Jake

The Cat Realm said...

Storm, dearest friend, I am getting my fur all wet too now from the maid's leaking eyes.... We will purr for you and purr for you and purr and purr! You are the furry fighter and we will ALL help you fight!!!!!
Karl, Emil and Mrs. OZ, the maid and the butler

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

Oh no, Storm! We are so sorry to hear that the cancer is back. :( Our eyes are leaking.

You are such a brave and beautiful cat. We will purr and pray hard for you to beat the cancer again.

Many hugs and purrs for your mom as well.

Purrs and prayers for you, dear Storm.

Your non-furry friends,

Dragonheart & Merlin

Tara said...

Oh Stormie, we are so sad...we are sending you all of our love and purrs for the fight ahead.

Tara and Kavan

Felix, Garfield & Jawsy said...

We are sending you our love purrs and kitty power *raise paws and unite*, Storm.
You can beat the bad cancer!
Headnudgies and Scritches
3 Stooges & Mach

Kaz's Cats said...

Storm, We're so sorry that the lymphoma has come back. You, Castle and your Meowmie are especially in our thoughts now. Sending your lots of purrs, purrayers and pawsitive thawts,

Gentle headbutts

Gypsy & Tasha

Poppy Q said...

Awww stormie we was praying so hard for it to be poop. Me and my mum are so sad that the lymphoma is back.

I has to go away to the kitty spa, but I'm gonna check on you when I get back. Now you know I'll be purring for you the whole time my little London Meezer friend.

Sending you warm thoughts from across the ocean, and hugs to you and your mum.

Poppy and mum Q
xxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

To darling Stormie and her Mum,

I'm so sorry to read of the scan result. I am glad that Ben is going to help you feel more comfortable and you can chill out a bit on the opiate. You, your Mum and Castle all take it easy now and know that you are all loved very much xx

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Storm
We are all furry sorry about the scan results. We will continue to keep you in our purrayers as you being your journey. We will call on angels to surround you and protect you and your Mom while you seek treatment and place our faith in the hands of the divine.

Believe.

Purr purr purr
Abby
Boo
Ping
Jinx
and Gracie

Parker said...

Just stopping back to send more love and good thoughts.
Purrs...

Moki The Wobbly Cat said...

Storm, hang in there and fight it. We know that if anyone can you can! We will be purring very hard for you and keeping you in our thoughts!

Alexi said...

Storm, we are still purring and purraying for you, your meowmies, and Orange Boy.

We're here for you.

Alexi and the gang at the Castle

Goldie, Shade and Banshee said...

We are so sorry Storm that you will have to take up this battle again! We are purring for you and send you healing thoughts.

Shade and Goldie

Anonymous said...

"Oh" Storm I'm so sad and mommy's crying.We hate that your sick and in pain.We love you dear friend and we will continue to pray...Hugs and Purrs Ariel & Her Mommmy

Sabrina, Sam and Simon said...

Storm, we are so, so sorry that the nasty cancer is back, and we will continue to purr and pray for you. We hope that your treatment will go well, and that you won't feel too much discomfort and pain. Our momma is having a hard time typing this for us because her eyes are leaking really, really bad ... it is too bad that all of the tears your meowmies and all of the other kitties and mommies are shedding can't wash this nasty disease away. So sweet Storm, many purrs, prayers and headbutts are being sent to you and your meowmies from us.
Love,
Sabrina, Sam, Simon and momma Jan

Isis said...

Oh Storm I'm so very, very sorry to hear that your Lymphoma is back... At least you have a good and loving Mummy and vet Ben to care for you as well as Castle to apply feline love too and receive it from. We really are thinking of you all and have fingers and paws crossed that you respond well to what ever treatment the use on you!

Purring for you and your loving family,

Isis, Ramses, Tigmut'hep, the kittens and all at Lovelynx Abyssinians

The Cat Realm said...

Hi Storm - our thoughts and purrs are with you!!! We hope the treatment won't be too uncomfortable and will be a success!!!!

Forty Paws said...

Oh Storm! We are so very sorry to hear that the nasty lymphoma is back. We are so glad that Ben Vet loves you so much and is willing to work with your Meowmie to do the best things for you. Our hearts and purrayers are truly with all of you.

Luf, Us

Pee Ess. You look like you're enjoying your opiates...

Jimmy Joe said...

You are so brave, Storm. And you look very beautiful meditating next to your Buddha. I am sending you lots of purrs and furs to get you through all of these scary medicines you have to take.
Your buddy, Jimmy Joe

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oh, Storm, we are all crying that you will have to go through this again.

We're glad you have humans who love you, including your vet. They will be there for you, and we will be joining with the other cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters and other species in purring and praying for you.

Tybalt said...

Oh Storm! I just found out the sad news. Hang in there! You truly are the Furry Fighter, and I know if anykitty can fight a returned case of lymphoma, then it is you! I am purring very hard for you. Stay strong!

Artsy Catsy said...

Stormie, we're all purring & purraying for you and your Meowmies today that your first chemo will be easy for you and will put you on the road to recovery!

Rocky
& everybody at Artsy Catsy

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

Purrrrrrrrrs
PUrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs
purrrrrrrrrrrs
Purrrrrrrrrrs
Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs

Beethoven said...

Dear Storm! I is purring and purring together with the Giant Kitty for you! Fight on! You'll win the fight!

Boy said...

I'm puwwing and puwwing for you Storm! Get well soon! You can do it!

HRH Yao-Lin said...

Storm, I came by as soon as I read your comment. This is so sad. So dreadfully, unbearably sad. Following your blog, I feel like I really KNOW you, you know? You are a much loved siamese - loved by me, the human, baby mao, and anyone else who listens to my human's crazy cat ramblings about 'the cat on the internet who is yao-lin's face-twin'. I am so sad to hear this news. Rest assured, I am purring and purring and purraying for you and your family. please please pass on all my love for your human - she needs it as much as you do. Storm - my human says she may have to make a mercy dash to London to ply you with gifts. This could well be the worst of your troubles, trust me.

Yours, sobbing!!

Yao-Lin, Baby Mao and the distraught human slave xxx

Victor Tabbycat said...

Storm, I luv yur Habitat bag. Dat's my kinda hidey spot. As fur the rest, crapity crap crap crap! An who named a treatment after our home town? I so hope efurryfing improves again! You're furry brave.