Message Number: SG11450 | New FHL Archives Search
From: mysticswords@yahoo.com
Date: 2004-11-17 00:55:13 UTC
Subject: Update on lymphoma (Twizzler)
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-ID: <926675.1100652913481.JavaMail.root@thallium.smartgroups.com>

I just wanted to thank everyone who has responded so far to my questions about lymphoma. This is my first ferret to be diagnosed with it (though I think it may be what finally claimed Yozum), so I'm really in new territory here.

Next, an update. Twizzler is doing very well. Her x-rays yesterday came back clean, so it doesn't look like the cancer has spread. It seems to be isolated in the lymph nodes in her back legs. Her bloodwork also came back fairly normal, though her PCV was a little low (40%), as well as her WBC count (3400). We are still waiting on her biopsy report, but even if it comes back inconclusive, or even just fatty tissue (the vet isn't completely sure she got lymph node tissue--like I said, we're in new territory with the ferrets), the Dr. is sure it has to be lymphoma.

For right now, we have Twizzler on Pred. 3mg/mL, 0.5mL BID (she weighs just under 2 pounds, so that's about 1mg/lb), and I will probably be starting her on essiac this week. The Dr. said since the cancer is isolated, she would like to be as conservative as possible with the meds, so in a week we will probably try to lower her pred dose. The Dr. also feels that she is probably not a good chemo candidate because of her low PCV and WBC. (I wasn't planning on doing IV chemo, but I was hoping the oral chemo might be an option.) Again, she doesn't want to be too aggressive with treatment.

For right now, Twizzler is being her normal self, beating up on her baby brother, and cuddling with her big brother. She's also milking the leg thing (the lymph node biopsy) for all it's worth. She gets around just fine unless she notices me watching, then she sits down and holds out her leg like it hurts. She had my sympathy until she climbed the bed to get my attention first :)

Thank you again for all of the responses, it is very appreciated.

Bright Blessings,
Becky and Twizzler (Mommy, my leg is sore, I need raisins!!)
with Kodi-Bear and Tanner, missing Cinnamon, Coke, Pixie, Chitterbox, and Yozum