From:
digerati@conwaycorp.net
Date: 2004-09-01 00:20:34 UTC
Subject: What to Choose for Lymphoma?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <7184055.1093998034492.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>
I need some onest answers as to whether treat Bartok with Chemo for his Lymphoma. He is a 6 y/o MF who has been in GREAT health before 1.5 weeks ago. Literally in 2 days, a mass a little bit bigger around then a quarter appeared almost attached to his left side of the anal area. I was hoping it was some kind of abysess but with a needle aspirate it was confirmed Lymphoma. As of right now there is no lumps in the abdominal area and he has always had fatty lymph nodes in the neck. He used to be a little roly poly boy! Once the aspirate was confirmed in the rear region, I didn't want to put him through another aspirate in the neck. He had one of the neck when he was 2 y/o and it was just fat deposits (not saying it's not lymphoma now)
Anyways... my trust my vet and he does of me with the info I bring him. We've been going to him for almost 9 years. My female MF was 6 y/o when he did adrenal on her and it was his first. My ferrets were also his first with ECE many years ago. I brought him all the info I could and he had phone consults with the vets I asked him too. I really trust the guy.
I can give the chemo and hope for the best or just give pallative treatment. I so desparately wanted chemo but I think at this stage just giving the Prednisone tablets is the best option. My hubby does not agree. Bartok will not eat his hard food but loves his chicken baby food, Nutrical, and Ferretone with no problems. He still runs around and plays. I know he's lonely. For the last year he has been alone when he's used to being surrounded. I had 7 ferrets who over the last 5 years have past away. She'ra was the adrenal girl who lived 3 yrs longer and was his companion, she died at the ripe ol' age of 12 last year. I had her the entire so I know her age for sure. She was too an MF girl!
Do any of you really think Chemo is worth it? Don't take that wrong, but I just don't want him to have to go through it fo 'no' reason. I'm heading to get Essiac this weekend for him...I just think that pallative is the best route. Another reason I think so is that our vet has never done chemo on a ferret (cats/dogs-yes he has) The risks he told me of the strong meds and infiltration...I ruled it out pretty quick, but hubby thinks it is the best route. I just want Bartok to be pain free and if the time comes, I will help him along.
What do you think may be the best route to take? Sorry this is so long, but thanks!
Danielle