Weasel

Weasel

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Improvement But With A Fight

So great news, Weasel is enjoying running in and out all day again, spying on his girlfriend through the fence two doors down, so it's business as usual for now.  He wasn't eating very much until this morning.  Yesterday was an improvement, but today he returned to eating the amount he use to eat in the mornings.  Unfortunately it requires me to be around constantly.  It takes hours for him to get through everything.  In a month, I won't be around in the day to cater to this.

You may be curious as to know 'why the sudden uplift?'...perhaps this is pure coincidence and unrelated; however, I don't particular believe that... On Monday afternoon there was a cancellation at the Newmarket Holistic Clinic and as such, I was thankfully able to drive Weasel to see Dr. Haghighat.  Although Dr. Haghighat had the best intentions in aiding Weasel's recent downturn, Weasel did not exactly see it that way.  In fact, this clever little kitty hasn't forgotten the previous visits.  The moment Dr. Haghighat started massaging Weasel's neck and trying to relax him, he began growling.  No matter how much attention either one of us gave him, he was annoyed and distrusting of what was to come.

The next step was to draw blood, as the vet wanted to inject Weasel with remedies mixed with his  blood into acupuncture points.  He received an anti-inflammatory remedy (liquid form of Traumeel) as well as an appetite enhancing remedy.  The issue however was obtaining the blood.  At the point when the vet was delicately parting the fur on this paw, he was growling.  The second the needle touched him, he transformed into the Tasmanian Devil and thankfully, no one was harmed.  The vet had a plan of action though.  All was not lost.  Two blocks away there was a large vet clinic that had many members on staff.  It took 3 of them to obtain the blood but it was done.  I was able to drive it back quite quickly and Dr. Haghighat was able to resume his treatment plan.  By the time the injections were complete, Weasel had worked his way into many corners of the room but thankfully the vet was accommodating.  Unbelievably, he was able to administer the vitamin B injection at the end, even though seconds before, we were both being swatted at by Weasel who was dripping foam from his mouth in anger.  With his ruffle all fluffed up and his body coiled up on his hind legs, he had morphed into a cobra snake before our very eyes.

It's quite amazing to witness an animal's reaction to being helped in dire times, in contrast to humans who are so appreciative.  Can you imagine one's loved one, standing on a hospital bed and punching and spitting at a surgeon who just saved his or her life? The idea is ludicrous.

So although Weasel feels as though he was punished, I did see a radical turnaround since our visit.  His tail is twitching a lot though, so we're not completely out of the woods when it comes to eliminating his discomfort, but we've certainly made some strides.

On another note, I have the opportunity to get another ultrasound for a reduced price - which the animal hospital is categorizing as a 're-examination' so the fee is reduced which is wonderful.  However, although I'm dying to know where we stand on matters and if any of this treatment has really proven to be effective, it's literally throwing money away.  Our treatment plan won't differ.  If I was wealthy, I wouldn't hesitate but times are tough and I need to pay for daily treatment regimes.  For an animal to live 7 months with a terminal illness, it would be fantastic to see if we've stumbled across a treatment that helps.  This would provide that proof.

29 comments:

  1. Thanks for this blog. We just lost our cat Duncan to this disease, and we were able to give him some very good quality of life for a few months after the diagnosis.

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  2. I'm very sorry for your loss. Going through that is devastating..however, I'm very pleased to hear that you were able to provide Duncan with quality of life in his final months. That's truly wonderful :). Thank you for following the blog as well.

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  3. Hi. How's Weasel doing? I came across your site and my cat Snowball is going through cancer as well. She was having chemo treatments. Went into remission and then the cancer came back. My vet tried a different chemo but that didn't work and he wanted to put her down. I said no and I'm trying alternative therapies. Half a teaspoon of Carrot juice to shrink the tumour, a teaspoon of Flaxseed oil with cottage cheese and half a teaspoon of Essiac. So far, she's doing extremely well. She began eating again which is a relief. However, the distress of the Essiac was too much for her so I replaced it with LifeGold yesterday. Just wondering why you're using both when it has the same ingredients in it?

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  4. Hi Phoebe666, thanks for visiting the blog! What a shame that poor Snowball didn't take to the chemo treatments. I hope your new regime helps her to improve. To answer your question, I provide both in order to cover all 'ground'. When I make the Essiac Tea, I know that it has been made from high grade herbal ingredients - provided from Essiac West, that follow Rene Caisse's strict instructions - using Burdock root (cut), Sheep Sorrel (whole herb, powdered, including root), Slippery Elm inner bark (powdered), and Turkey Rhubarb root (powdered). I prepare it ensuring that the utensils used comply with Rene's standards as well. Although Life Gold has the exact same ingredients as Essiac Tea, I'm a bit nervous trusting that it was made according to Rene's requirements - ie. including the root for instance, or if they avoided using non-stick surfaces, etc. So to be extra certain, I provide Weasel with both and so far, it works out well. It's possible I could remove the one and simply provide the other but since he's doing so well, I don't want to rock the boat. Good question though!

    Please keep us (all the readers as well) updated on your progress with Snowball. If you can get her immune system strengthened, perhaps investigate into low dose naltrexone if you can, as that has been the main reason why Weasel has done so astonishingly well.

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  5. Thanks for replying. The Lifegold did nothing for her. It made her worse! Back on the Essiac and thank God, she's doing much better. But I understand now why you're using both and I do the same thing - follow the routine. I don't know if I should add the Lifegold as well. Maybe just five drops once a day. It's so confusing and I'm so glad that I found someone else who is willing to go all out for their animal. I did find something else on the net and ordered that. http://www.naturalcatcareblog.com/2013/06/from-incurable-to-cancer-free-in-one-year-how-nate-the-cat-survived-high-grade-lymphoma/

    So hopefully, the Advanced Immune Restoration - Cat Cancer Support - 3 Part program will help too. And I'll definitely look into the low dose naltrexone. It's just now trying to find something else to put the Essiac in. I read somewhere Cod Liver Oil. Maybe I'll try that.

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    1. Hi Phoebe666, I'm so happy to hear that you're continually seeing signs of improvement. It's also great to see another blog with someone documenting their progress in treating their kitty. Thank you for providing that link. I've also recently purchased the Pet Wellbeing Nu-Pet Feline Granular with Antioxidants that they mention on that blog but interestingly it is for my other cat as I suspect he may have developed Hyperthyroidism. I may also start giving it to Weasel as well.

      What I do with the Essiac is mix it into Weasel's wet food, which he loves as the wetter the better it seems. Perhaps that will work for Snowball as well? Cod Liver Oil as well as Omega 3 is great for cats. I'm a bit worried about the origin of fish oil these days though with the radiation from Japan contaminating the Pacific Ocean. I wish manufacturers of these oils would state what ocean they obtained the fish oil from on the label.

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  6. Thanks so much for this blog. My cat Clyde was diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor about 10 days ago. They also said his liver looked a little off but they did not think the cancer had spread. I found this blog and it is one of the only things that has given me any hope. We went to the holistic vet immediately and was started on a number of supplements including something that was supposed to stimulate his appetite, mushrooms, pancreatrophin, Feline Whole Body Support, and one other thing that I can't remember the name of. They also gave him a shot of Vitamin B in appetite stimulating point. I have been giving subcutaneous fluids and some anti-nausea pills as well. Clyde seemed to be improving a bit. He was eating a bit more and a bit more active and less clingy. A few days later I added LifeGold. At first I thought it might be making him feel worse but then he seemed to feel really good. Now though, he is back to hardly eating. I am going to try to get back into see the holistic vet today if possible but I am so worried. I hate to watch him feeling so bad but if there is any hope I don't want to give up on him either. I was wondering why you think the naltrexone has had the biggest effect of anything you have done. I wanted to ask the vet about it. I am so glad Weasel is doing so well and thanks so much for giving me hope!

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    1. Hi Ashley43! Awww, those first days/weeks when the news is new is so awful...the pain is very raw. Hang in there :). I'm so so happy to hear that you've found a holistic vet already. That's wonderful!! Also, I'm happy to hear that you're finding this blog to be helpful. You will see when reading this blog that I've had many 'bad' weeks, followed by good ones. It may be that you're in one of many to come, bad phases. I believe that it will pass, as long as you continue to treat your kitty with many, if not all of the remedies that are listed on this blog, as well as any your vet may recommend as well.

      You asked why I'm an advocate for LDN (low dose naltrexone). Prior to Weasel being on this, he seemed to be fading..albeit I had some good days with him, his appetite was fading and his energy levels as well, even if he wasn't vomiting. About a week after starting LDN, he completely changed. Fast forward 8 months now and you can't tell he's ill. He's back to bossing me around and eats enough for two haha. He's a completely healthy kitty by the look of it. I would be shocked at this point if I lost him, but I have to remind myself that those bad weeks can come back sometimes too. It's a rocky road :).

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    2. Did you end up getting that ultrasound for him? And where did you get LDN? I wish I could find an holistic vet. I hate doing this on my own :(

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  7. Hi phoebe666! No I haven't done the ultrasound yet due to financial constraints while I'm out of work. I will as soon as I land a full time position again.

    As for LDN. I would suggest contacting Dr. Sasan Hagighat (http://www.holistic-vet.ca/) and have him connect with your local vet. Through this process, he may be able to get a prescription your way. Alternatively, simply speaking to your traditional vet may suffice as LDN is a human prescription which we had converted into a derma application. My cat who is 10 lbs, has 0.1 ml put on an ear each night - alternating each evening.

    Don't despair :). A solution is just a phone call away. This will be a team work effort.

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    1. Hi. Could you tell me how you compounded the LDN to work transdermally. I would love to know the steps. I am glad I found your blog, I have been feverishly researching alternative cancer remedies for years and google only sends me where it wants to. My cat doesn't seem to tolerate the LDN but I am afraid if she doesn't get it in her, she may not last another 2 weeks. I just started giving her buprenex today since I gave up on LDN being used orally. Skip at Skip's pharmacy has completely ignored my emails asking for instructions on what my vet needs to write in the scrip. People say he is so nice, but he seems like a heartless jerk to me. Anyway, my baby needs help fast. I do not have a stove so if there is a pre-made essiac extract or capsule you recommend please let me know. I will continue to look around on your blog but I am very strapped for time. I have not slept thorugh the night in weeks. She is being tube fed and hyperthyroid with small stomach capacity so it is round the clock feeding and hydrating. I have her on many remedies, most I am finding to seem useless. I think the best results were when I used Amazon salve orally. Please advise. Angel and I very much appreciate it. Thank you!

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  8. Thanks for your reply. I was going to do an ultrasound on Snow next week to see how things were progressing but I'm a bit hesitant. One day at a time is my motto.

    Unfortunately, I live in Melbourne but I think I might have found one about twenty minutes away. She mainly focuses on Vitamin C and Chinese herbs. I finally received my order of the Advanced Immune Restoration today so I'll be starting that soon. Hopefully that helps.

    I tried the fish oil with the Essiac. That didn't go as well as I hoped. But I ordered those Greenies pill pockets treats. Hopefully, that's the answer to my prayers lol or else I'll try something else.

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    1. Hi Phoebe666, you sound like you're going through the similar trial phase I went through months ago with pockets, cheese spread, etc. It ended up that I couldn't give Omega 3 to Weasel no matter what amazing treat surrounded it. What cat doesn't like fish oil?!! Crazy! But he was ok with Essiac tea mixed into yummy wet food, and topped with a few pieces of a healthy dry cat food (which isn't good for them but it's the incentive to get him to start the eating process).

      The vitamin C unfortunately failed miserably for me. I had to smear it on his paw every day, as he wouldn't touch his food that contained it, and he looked so unhappy. Part of this process is to keep them upbeat, so I had to stop this treatment.

      I hope that your new regime works out well :). You're doing a great job trying all of these different methods out! Eventually one works perfectly for the both of you and then life resumes a somewhat normal 'routine' again. :)

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    2. Thanks for your words of encouragement. I'm trying not to feel like some evil monster. I'm doing this because I love her, not because I want her to suffer. As long as she continues to eat, I'm taking that as a positive sign and I'm trying to avoid all eye contact with Snow. She's so aggressive, I'm afraid she might go for my eyes while I sleep ;)

      I just have to keep the faith that I had when she was first diagnosed a year ago. The vet had said that even with chemo, she would only have 3-6 months and she has already defied the odds. She's a fighter, my little one :)

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    3. HI Phoebe666,

      How is the Advanced Immune Restoration working so far?
      Would you recommend it?

      Thanks in advance for your response.

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    4. Hi there,

      Unfortunately phoebe666 lost her sweet little kitty. She may not be reading this blog any longer. She will however, have to answer to if it improved her kitty's overall quality of life though, as I don't use that particular product. I believe that all of it can be beneficial as we ultimately want to provide comfort to our pets when they're suffering. Anything that improves the immune system and its ability to fight is a good thing.

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  9. Hi Melissa,can you please tell me what kind of treatment your cat get?I am from country that we dont have hollistic vets so im trying to help my kitty on my own..so far i red about Kinoko Mushrooms for people,but didnt find any info about cats.Do you know anything about it?
    Thanks!

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  10. Hi Elena!

    It's wonderful that you're taking matters into your own hands and not sitting idly by. I'm not entirely certain I understand your question though. Are you asking if I know whether Kinoko Mushrooms are safe for a cat to take? My cat is on quite a few 'mushroom' based supplements so there are mushrooms that are safe for cats to consume; however I don't know about the Kinoko one. I would recommend you reach out to the holistic vet I go to here in Canada as he is a very kind and helpful person and may be able to direct you to purchase the correct supplements or answer your question about Kinoko Mushrooms. Please email his clinic at: petsbewell@holistic-vet.ca

    As for other supplements and treatments, please read my blog entries to see what I buy for Weasel as you may find it benefits you as well.

    Good luck!

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  11. Hi Melissa,
    My cat had a small cancerous tumor removed 2 weeks ago from his right shoulder, the vet was able to obtain clean surgical margins thankfully. But, due to the high rate of recurrence with this aggressive cancer, I have ordered the life gold and Nu-Pet granules to help his immune system. I am interested in the essiac tea for him also, but is this okay to give with the lifegold and granules as a preventative? I know that you give both for active cancer, but I just want to try to keep it in remission at this point for as long as I can. Not trying to be a pessimist, but this cancer normally comes back even with clean margins, so rather than fooling myself and having regrets later I would rather be proactive. Also do you know if any of these supplements react badly to any other medications? He is currently on doxycycline and prednisolone for an URI. He will be off of pred in 4 days, however.
    Thank you for this site!
    -Michele

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    1. Hi Michele!

      I'm happy to hear that you were able to have the tumor removed. That's a great start! You're very smart to be proactive on this, ensuring that your kitty's system is alkaline. It's completely safe to use both Essaic tea and the Life Gold as both consist of light herbal remedies. If your cat behaves strangely after you provide both, then eliminate one; however, I highly doubt that would happen. Only use one tablespoon per day of the Essaic tea, plus a drop per every 2 lbs of your kitty's weight of the Life Gold - once again, only once per day.

      I've also found great success using the Hyland's Cell Salts as it maintains a balance in the system. For the most part, none of the items I've listed on my blog (which Weasel is taking) react poorly with medications as they're simply focusing on strengthening the immune system; whereas the meds are targeting the illness. However, that being stated, if your kitty is on a blood thinner, don't provide the Essaic or Life Gold until they're done on the blood thinners. Of course, always pay careful attention to your pet. If you see a negative change in behaviour, immediately stop administering the extra supplements until the meds are complete.

      If the cancer reoccurs, I highly recommend applying the dermal (easier than having a cat take a pill haha) of the Low Dose Naltrexone. It's phenomenal at preventing cancer growth.

      Please keep us posted on your progress! Success stories are wonderful to hear about :). Alternatively, knowing that something doesn't work, is also beneficial to others.

      Thanks so much for your comments!
      Melissa

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    2. Thank you so much for your reply. Your Weasel's story is such an inspiration and gives me a lot of hope. I will definitely give updates as we go. Hopefully ours will be a success story.
      I know your diligent research to save Weasel will help so many others fight this horrible cancer!
      I am going to order the essiac tea and look into the cell salts now!

      Thank you again!
      Michele

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    3. I'm so happy to hear that my blog has been of assistance and an inspiration :). One can only hope good can come of such an awful predicament, so it's always great to hear evidence to support that.

      I wish you all the best in treating your kitty :).

      Thanks again!
      Melissa

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    4. Hey Melissa,
      I just received the life gold in the mail today (and nu-pet granules), Essiac tea herbs have shipped but not here yet. Had a question for you, I was reading the bottle of life gold and it reads to give twice per day, your advice noted above was to give once per day and Essiac once per day. So, if using both simultaneously your opinion is to use lifegold once per day? If so, I will maybe do twice per day until the herbs get here and I make the tea. What are you thoughts on the once a day versus twice per day as stated on the bottle?

      Thank you!
      Michele

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  12. Hi Michele,

    Following the instructions on the label is the best idea. I only used it once a day, as I was also providing the Essaic tea, so as you point out, that was the 'twice a day' treatment. If you are only administering the Life Gold, then yes, twice a day would work out effectively.

    Thanks!
    Melissa

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  13. Hey Melissa
    Just checking in....so sorry to see Weasel is not feeling well these days. :( I hope he is having a better day today. I know there are good days and bad days.

    We remain cancer free nearly six months post op. Turns out he also has asthma that gets complicated by a wicked mycoplasma infection. He takes antibiotic long term for the mycoplasma but nothing can actually kill it (except your own immune system which is in short supply for my kitty!) so for now we do antibiotic to keep it at bay but I am not sure how long that can go on. We are trying to wean him off the prednisolone as well.
    His most recent issue is pancreatitis. This is terrible! If this is even a small taste of what you go through with weasel's cancer then your kitty is a serious fighter! This one has brought my poor boy to his knees. He was hospitalized for dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea they sent him home with us last night. Not sure that was the best option, he is happier at home but there is nothing I can do here if he dehydrates again and he still has diarrhea. We are giving him flagyll for that. We are syringe feeding him as well since he will not eat. His poor little bum is raw from the diarrhea.
    I have thought about making a batch of essiac tea to remove the toxins from his body but I am nervous of exacerbating the diarrhea situation so I am hesitant to do anything on my own other than what the doc prescribed.

    Just as an aside, I think my vet inadvertently caused this by prescribing Omega 3 at his checkup last week (where he was healthy). After 3 doses of fish oil the vomiting and lethargy began. Could be coincidence but I just don't think so....there is a warning from the manufacturer that if any gastritis or pancreatitis occurs to stop and contact your vet immediately. That was enough convincing for me - she didn't totally agree (or disagree) but that would mean taking responsibility for something bad that happened as a result and she didn't want to accept that I suppose. I still love her anyway - she was just trying to help some of his other ailments by adding omega 3. I gave it back to her - not trying it again! :-\

    Here's hoping BOTH of our kitties find relief very soon!

    Michele

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    1. Hi Michele,

      I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty's struggle with pancreatitis. How awful!! My heart breaks for the both of you :(. Hopefully the treatment regimes you read on this blog - not only mine, but in recent posts I shared the regime of another person dealing with pancreatic cancer and managing it with success, can be of assistance to you.

      The Omega may have exasperated what had already been progressing but unlikely is the culprit for the sudden change. Weasel very quickly was vomiting and continued to do so until I got him onto the low dose naltrexone. Keep in mind that pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer go completely undetected until they're well advanced and the change is quick. The Essaic and other remedies helped a little but didn't keep it under control like the LDN did.

      Weasel has once again climbed to the top of his illness and appears to be in tip top shape thanks to the recent addition of Nature Care Paw Paw, which is only available in the US (which really ticks me off as I had to find a seller willing to ship to Canada. Not an easy feat since its banned here).

      The important thing is to address your kitty's immune system - build up its strength so that he can tackle this horrible disease. A traditional vet unfortunately won't be of much assistance to you. I hope you're able to find a holistic one in your area or if not, perhaps contact Dr. Haghighat at the North East Newmarket Vet Clinic for a phone consultation and guidance.

      I'm truly hoping that things turn around for your fur baby..I hate hearing about animals in distress and their loving 'parents' feeling so helpless in the process.

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    2. I know this is an old post, but...plain old borax (20 Mule Team brand) saved my life when I had mycoplasm infection, and your cat can use it too. Disregard the box which says not to ingest it. People require an eighth to a quarter teaspoon in a liter of purified water, and cats will do fine on a few grains in their purified water. I've been fighting my cat's cancer for over three years, successfully. I can't cover it all here, but PolyMVA and DMSO are the mainstays of my cat's treatment.

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    3. Thanks for your post! My kitty has long since passed away but perhaps this feedback will be of use to someone else. Thanks again!

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