Thought it was about time I gave an update on Mr George Bengal!

Most will know that George was diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma and Felv just under 16 weeks ago. He had been suffering from ongoing intestinal problems for a long time and I was told that it was probably IBD. I asked to be referred to a specialist and after biopsies the lymphoma was diagnosed. George's lymphoma does not fall into the 'typical' types, either small cell or large cell, but his appears to be medium cell. We are using a chemotherapy protocol for small cell so as not to overload his system if he does not need it.

So, he started on his chemo 14 weeks ago, and all is going well. He has had no side effects from the treatment and his symptoms have virtually disappeared. At his last check up 6 weeks ago the ultrasound showed that although the lymphoma has not got any better it seems to have halted and has not got any worse. His clinical signs are very good, he has gained and is maintaining weight, has a good appetite, he is happy and playful and singing for England!

I am still on edge all the time because we have not started reducing the lymphoma, but I am so thankful that we are able to have this extra time that we would otherwise not have had. The prognosis without treatment was 6 weeks or less. The specialist is very happy with George's progress thus far though and said at the last appointment that while the ultrasound is showing no real improvement George is, so we need to treat the cat and not the ultrasound picture!

So that is our latest report! I am sorry that I have not updated sooner, but I didn't want to bombard everyone with too much.

Hugs,

I wish the chemo had shrunk the lymphoma, but if he is feeling better and gained some weight, to me, that is almost more important. I would always trade quality of life for quantity, although at the time is is hard to see.

And it's wonderful that the specialist seems to understand this too!

Please do keep us updated!

I am sad it has not shrunk it, but so happy it has not grown any bigger and he is having this time with his family. He is happy and not suffering , this is good. I remember the day you decided to keep him and then his operation to the blockage of the stone, and he was converter to well sort of a girlie boy. lol. he is a gorgeous boy and so so loved.. prayers and hugs

Thanks Linda....it frustrates me, and upsets me that it has not shrunk, because like I said, it keeps me on edge all the time that it could tip back over into bad at any time. But I have to stay on the positive side!!! Having this extra time means the world to me, we have spent every minute enjoying him, and having him back to relative normal. He has no pain and his quality of life is better than it has been in years!

My first persian Bundles died from lymphoma when he was just over 5 years old. I didn't have the luxury of extra time then, he died suddenly after having a biopsy and a week later we got the result that it was lymphoma. His death hit me the hardest of any of the kitties I have ever had, and I have had A LOT. I had no chance to have those final days with him, to really enjoy him like we are enjoying Mr George Bengal now.

Hugs,
Dawn.

Thanks Pat. His 'conversion' to LadyBoy was nearly 8 years ago now! Ivan says he now has a 'man-gina'!!!

I am going to discuss with the specialist the possibility of increasing his doses, or maybe giving the treatment every 10 days instead of 14. I don't know if it would be possible, maybe it would be too much for him, in which case I wouldn't do it, but my thinking behind it is if we are controlling it at this dose maybe if the dose was higher or more frequent then it might start to reduce it. Of course I am not an oncologist, but it won't hurt to ask the question and who knows, it just might work......

Hugs,

Dawn.

Oh Dawn I am so glad he is doing well and enjoying life. I hope they can get it shrunk still, please let us know how he is doing.

glad to hear he is feeling a little better.

Thanks for the update, Dawn. I've always thought Mr George Bengal is such a cool cat. I'm sorry to hear the tumor hasn't shrunk but it's good that he seems to be feeling better and enjoying an improved quality of life.

That's super news Dawn !
Give George extra Belgian kissies
um and..... Nelson asks if you would puhleeeese give lovely Miss Molly a headbonky and a nose kiss

I, too, am sorry the tumor has not shrunk...but..
it is so good to hear that Mr. George is doing well, that he
is eating well, playing and just being a happy cat!!
Thanks for the update, Dawn...give that handsome fella
some snugs from me!!

Purrs,
Joan