From:
"Jeff"
Date: 2006-11-13 12:28:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Holistic approach to Insulinoma/Timmy's Tonic
To: <ferrethealth@yahoogroups.com>
Hi Jim:
Thanks for the info. From several different responses I have learned that Timmy's Tonic is not a good choice for Insulinoma. Between the honey ans licorice root, there is too much of a chance of adverse results. However, there is also a Red Clover tonic which I am still trying to find out more about. It is called a 'tumor shrinking' tonic.
Neo is on a regular schedule similar to what you mentioned, but he is fed and given meds 5 times a day, at regular intervals. I try to separate the meds for insulinoma from the meds for ulcers. He has never been a sugar or treat eater, so we did not even have to cut those out of his diet. His Azium and Proglycem are given 3 time daily at 8 hour intervals. His amoxicillin is given twice, at 12 hour intervals. Cafarate is given 30 minutes before most of the feedings.
His only food at this point is a mix of: Totally Ferret kibble, ground up, with Uncle Jim's Duk Soup Mix (almost totally meat based), some FerretVite paste, and slippery elm bark powder (for the ulcers and possible GI problems associated with it). We mix these things up, add water, and heat slightly in the micorwave, making a nice, warm 'gruel'. Neo loves it, and has been able to put back on some of the weight he lost 6 weeks ago when he went thru a terrible time, before we knew about the ulcers and insulinoma.
I have learned so much these past few weeks about insulinoma, and I only wish I knew about it earlier. We could have started Neo's treatments sooner, and perhaps his life would be longer than whatever it will be now. For now he is holding steady on his meds, but there's not a lot of room for upping the dosages before they max out in effectiveness. I am still looking for an experienced surgeon in the Connecticut area to perform the insulinoma surgery. Neo has an 8.7 mm tumor that an ultrasound found that appears to be on the pancreas. From what I understand, that's a pretty big tumor, which means he's had it for a while. He's only 4 years old, so if I can find a qualified surgeon, we'll do the surgery. Otherwise, we'll keep up with the meds and make him happy for as long as possible.
Thanks to all for your input. It is very helpful and appreciated. If anyone has any experience with this Red Clover tonic in treating tumors and insulinoma, please share it, whether good or bad.
Jeff and Neo