Liver Tumor Enlarged

Weasel and I visited the vet yesterday. The news was sad as during an examination, Dr. Haghighat discovered that Weasel's liver tumor has grown. It's very frustrating to learn this as he's on so many supplements already and there's a limit to what I can get a cat to eat or tolerate. Dogs are much easier in this circumstance.

Weasel's treatment at the vet consisted of blood therapy, acupuncture, Vitamin B injection, Traumeel injection, Biopuncture, etc. Essentially, Weasel was a pin cushion.  I recognize the need to take action of this nature but financially it's a strain. I have tough decisions to make moving forward as I'm presently in a career transition and have been at school for the past year.

The challenge, as I'm sure many of you have faced, is the guilt in walking away from treatments that may help a loved one. I love Weasel more than words can describe and I would never hesitate to spend more on him if it meant that he would be cured but if the tumor insists on spreading even after spending $1000+, at some point I have to be realistic...it's times like this that a looking glass into the future would be quite handy.

I am aware that we need to still aggressively target the liver holistically. I've added a new product called Si Miao San based off of Dr. Haghighat's recommendation. I looked up this product online and voila, it turns out to be extremely effective in slowing down inflammation and cancer (music to my ears). You can read more about it here: https://pathwithpaws.com/blog/2011/06/17/si-miao-san-slowing-down-cancer-and-inflammation/.  In addition, I came across a product called Denamarin that someone on a forum raved about.  The company has made capsules for cats and dogs as well as chewable tablets for dogs. I emailed the company hoping that they can confirm the safety of providing a chewable tablet to a cat, as I cannot under any circumstance provide Weasel with pills.  You can read more on this product at: http://www.nutramaxlabs.com/cat/cat-liver-health/denamarin-for-cats. A word of warning on this product. It's insanely expensive (Available on Amazon). By far the most costly product of any of the holistic supplements I've purchased to date, which is why I must be careful in the decision I make to move forward on this. If I have a $100 box of pills lying around because the cat refuses them, that would be ludicrous.

I will keep you posted on what the company states regarding the chewable tablets. I would be shocked to hear that there is an issue with it as I currently give Weasel the CAS Options chewable tablets for dogs without any concerns. In fact, I now have to increase his intake to a tablet per day which is what one provides a dog.

First Decline Since Last Christmas

It's been a year since we saw any concerning signs of the cancer, and I honestly believed that the worst was left behind us now; however, two days ago, Weasel fell ill - vomiting up white foam all over the house. Since one pile consisted of hair, we assumed it was aggravated by a complicated hair ball...a day later he was his usual self and then last evening while we slept, he fell quite ill again, bringing up his dinner and yellow bile.

This morning my heart broke when I saw Weasel. His eyes indicated that he was in severe pain, he couldn't get comfortable in any one spot and moved constantly. He would look up at me and meow in a manner that indicated he was pleading for me to help..I've never felt so helpless..well since this happened last time at least.

I unfortunately had to leave for work today, with him in this state and me anxious beyond belief. Before I left the house I rubbed Traumeel on his stomach, hoping that it would alleviate any possible swelling but after returning home from work, I can see that it didn't do a thing. He's still sitting in a ball, suffering and in extreme discomfort.

Tomorrow I'm going to see Dr. Haghighat who hopefully can alleviate Weasel's symptoms. I wish I could afford an ultrasound so see what's taking place in Weasel..does he have more tumours? Did the existing ones expand? I truly hate not knowing. Unfortunately in Toronto (and likely elsewhere), ultrasounds for pets essentially rob you blind so it's just not an option at this stage.

I have to remind myself that these 'phases' have happened in the past and they left eventually...ironically the last time this occurred was 2 days before Christmas.

Still Doing Extremely Well!

Hello everyone,

I haven't been posting on this blog for the mere fact that Weasel is doing very well and there's very little to report on (thankfully). I haven't changed his treatment regime as it works beautifully. Not only does Weasel behave as though he's in perfect form (not even vomiting) but he's also put on quite a bit of extra weight and his fur is thick and healthy - ready for the cold winter season. I'm very tempted to send the vet who claimed that he wouldn't make it to Feb. of 2015 some sort of sarcastic Christmas greeting card but I can't think of anything subtle and witty enough. Upon reflection, I'm still blown away by how adamant he has been this entire time on the accuracy of his assessments regarding longevity of life. Every day we see people and animals proving that these are simple estimates based on a general group, but that those odds can certainly be defied.

I've created a funny little 'Christmas' themed video to show you. It depicts Weasel in all of his playful glory - furry, fat, funny and fantastic :). Couldn't ask for more.

I hope all of you have had a similar positive outcome in your efforts to save your fur-babies. 

1 year, 4 months - A Pancreatic Tumour and a Liver Tumour

It's been over a year since Weasel was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  On our last visit to the emergency clinic in April, we discovered he now has a liver tumour to battle as well.

Let me tell you, you wouldn't know this cat was ill.  Yes, I should be very nervous about his prospects but at the moment, I'm not.  He hasn't been ill since I can remember, his weight is great and he looks great.  In fact, he's too lively at times and can drive me bonkers, opening and closing the door for him incessantly to go outside - I can't even write this posting uninterrupted haha.

This post is intended to provide you with information on treating both types of tumours, since I don't have anything to report in terms of Weasel falling ill.  I'm going to list what we currently have him on.

Any type of cancer:
- 1 tbsp of Essiac tea
- drops of Life Gold (the number depends on your pet's weight)

Pancreatic Cancer and Liver Cancer (I can't recall at this point what targeted what one as he's been taking them for the past year with new additions added in April):
- Hyland's Cell Salts: #1 (Calc Fluor), #2 (Calc Phos), #3 (Calc Sulph), #4 (Ferrum Phos), #6 (Kali Phos), #7 (Kali Sulph), #9 (Natrum Mur), #10 (Natrum Phos), #11 (Natrum sulph), #12 (Silicea)

Although it's a bit of a blur as to what addresses what type of ailment - pancreatic or liver; with cell salts, you can't cause wrongdoing by taking them, as it simply restores a system imbalance.  You can read more on each one at: http://schuessler-cell-salts.com/

- CAS Options cut into quarter size pieces.  This will help all forms of cancer and can be ground up into the food.  It has an appealing flavour.

- Only available from the vet: Heel Mix 3 and Guna Mix 2

- Digestion support - HMF powder (good bacteria) - 1 scoop per meal


For Liver tumour:
- 1/2 capsule once a day of Livaplex
- Cytozyme-LV - 1 tablet a day
- Liquid Hepato (mine is chicken flavour but you can get bacon too)

The above items are tasty and easy to grind or mix up into the food.  They strengthen liver functionality and resistance.

If you can manage it (I can't get him to take this), provide your kitty (or pooch), Milk Thistle. It's quite effective for treating liver tumours.

It may seem like a lot to do, but it's well worth it.  We've been successful in shrinking the pancreatic tumour, and hope that we have the same success with the liver tumour, now that we've started treating it as well.  It's inevitable that Weasel won't live forever, and I'm aware of that; however, through these treatment regimes, I may be able to prevent a terrible and painful death from occurring. I highly recommend taking a similar course of action for your pet in need if you can financially afford to.  It is a cost; however, the cost is considerably less than surgery and is spread out throughout the year(s) as opposed to one large sum to pay.

Angry at Traditional Vet

A day has passed since I took Weasel for his ultrasound and x-ray and now that the news and the events that unfolded have settled into my psyche, I'm angry.

The vet that I saw, was the same one that told me that Weasel had 3 months to live over a year ago.  He pressured me into a $5000 surgery and lay quite a bit of guilt on me for not taking that course of action.  Yesterday, he back peddled, stating that it wasn't necessarily pancreatic cancer and could be another malignant form of cancer that 'behaves' differently, which explains why we had another year with Weasel..ummmm no.  It is behaving identically to pancreatic cancer which is why the liver was impacted.  The other traditional vet I saw and Dr. Haghighat confirmed that it's pancreatic cancer without a doubt.

On top of that, he had the audacity to mention that due to the fact that I didn't have the surgery previously, it has spread which will cost more, as they have to remove both tumours.  I didn't go there to pursue surgery and he knew that so mentioning it was pretty sad on his behalf.

What I saw, was a man with a god complex - pure and simple.  He couldn't admit that we succeeded in achieving longevity of life through alternative methods, and in fact, it's highly likely, we would have lost Weasel had we done the surgery due to the stress it places on the body.  The other traditional vet I saw a year ago stated that almost 100% of cats that undergo that surgery die 3 months later due to the severity of it.

This same vet told me at best I only have 1 year left with Weasel.  Why on earth would I believe someone who completely screwed up in his last prognosis and why would he have the confidence to state that after seeing his previous error?  Why can't these vets stop focusing on such negative outcomes that cannot be proven and instead support their customers, tell them, "you're doing a great job! Keep it up!" or simply remind them that yes, it's a terminal illness but there are cases out there that prove that quality of life is still achievable and even longevity.  Positive thinking is our greatest ally when facing these situations.  Bringing stress home is not only hard on the owner, but the pet senses it as well.  What I witnessed was a process that drives revenue through scare tactics.

Yes, Weasel has another tumour; however, there's the fantastic fact that we shrunk a pancreatic tumour by 1 cm.  That is amazing and it's those small victories that mean the world to me and perhaps to others as well.

I will continue to treat Weasel as best I can to address the new tumour and even if I only have one more year with him, that's a heck of a lot longer than what the traditional vets informed me.

By no means am I against traditional vets.  I know that they believe in what they do and want the best for animals; however, they really need to educate themselves on alternative treatments to compliment what they practice, offering their clients the best outcomes possible.

Ultrasound and X-Ray Day

Today was the day that I took Weasel to the Emergency Vet Clinic to have an ultrasound as well as X-Ray done.  His demeanour and health this past year (although there have been many 'down spells'), has more or less been great.  After being informed that Weasel had only 3 months to live, and defying those odds, I really thought that I would have a glory moment today - showing the vets that miracles can happen.

Well, I have to say that my emotions have been thrown back to how I felt a year ago - again.  Dr. Haghighat was very kind and warned me that what I will hear will scare me, as vets can make news seem terrifying.  He told me to focus on the positive progress we've made and not to let today consume me.  It's hard not to though.

The good news is that the pancreatic tumour has shrunk by 1 cm.  The bad news is that a tumour has formed on his liver that is 6 cm.  Based on the growth of this tumour, the vet predicted that Weasel has a year at best.  The two tumours are not even connected.  They float over each other as separate entities so it's not an extension of the original one.  Once again, surgery would be far too hard on the cat and would require a gruelling and long recovery time with drugs for the rest of his life.  I personally think that inflicting that kind of torment on an animal will kill them faster.  My goal is to give him as much quality of life as I possibly can and lots of love.

I thought I had mentally prepared myself for whatever comes next..thankful for the year I had but I can see that when the day comes, it could be a horrific ordeal as the vet warned me that the tumour can burst, causing internal bleeding, so Weasel would go down quickly and painfully as well.  Seeing someone you love die in such a horrible manner is more than I can comprehend.

On a plus note, the regimes I have been following - which have been focused on the pancreas, seem to be effective; however, we haven't isolated the cancer growth so inevitably, more tumours will emerge.  The challenge is administering more and more stuff that targets each area.  Milk Thistle for instance is great for liver cancer but Weasel refuses to touch it, and disguising pills in a pill pocket is a dead end street.  So even though there are protocols out there that would help, I'm doubtful I can give it to my kitty who is so difficult.

One Year Today

It's rather remarkable.  If someone told me on Feb. 22, 2013 that Weasel would be alive 1 year later, I would have thought they were hallucinating.  Not only is he alive, but he's doing extremely well.  In fact, he really isn't showing any signs of wear and tear whatsoever.  I knock on wood as I write this though.  He has had many down spells over the course of a year but has successfully come through each time.  It's been a while since we had the last one and hopefully it stays that way.

Dr. Haghighat and I had originally planned on having his ultrasound done around this time, on the anniversary of the first diagnosis; however due to time conflicts and an upcoming month of work I have to attend to - unable to leave during the day to take Weasel to the ultrasound, it has been scheduled for early April.  I have mixed feelings about this since I currently live with the mindset that we have the cancer barricaded from all sides - unable to spread.  It would be truly heartbreaking to learn that it has slowly grown, re-opening the nagging fears of 'when is his last day'; however, I think the research that can come of this is beneficial to others, to the medical industry and to Dr. Haghighat who has been treating him for many months now.

I haven't changed any treatment regimes per say.  We did add the CAS Options chewable tablets - cut up into quarters since these tablets are made for dogs interestingly enough.  This has been attributed to controlling tumour growth.  You can read people's personal reviews on this 'miracle mushroom' product on Amazon.  Many have found it to be extremely rewarding results wise.  I think that on its own, it's not sufficient but with everything else we're providing Weasel with, cancer has a very slim chance of winning this fight - at least that's how I like to think :).

Truth be told, my biggest challenge at the moment is finding a caretaker to come and feed both of my cats if I take a trip to visit my Uncle next summer (I'm assuming he'll still be well by then - Weasel, not my Uncle, but yes my Uncle as well :).  With Weasel's finicky nature, his strange habits and taking hours at times to finish a meal, it's not as though we can hire the local 'pet service' people that do house calls, unless they're willing to hang around for oh - 4 hours or so in total for feedings, then come by at night to put Naltrexone on his ear.  If they were willing to do this, the fees would be astronomical no doubt.

I hope that all of you who are facing this same ordeal have found equally positive outcomes.  If so, please feel free to provide your responses on how you and your kitty are doing and what treatment regimes you've followed to date.  This type of information benefits all.

Running Around Again!

I didn't have a chance to post an update due to the holidays; however, Weasel is more or less back to his old ways again.  When we had that scare prior to Christmas, I was able to get an appointment to see Dr. Haghighat and he administered shots that included Vitamin B, an inflammatory aid and something to increase his appetite.  Normally I keep tabs on what's taking place so that I can report on it afterward but during this visit I was a bit shaken up with Weasel's decline and was in the mode of 'just work your magic on him!'.  He also received a herbal based injection as well but I'm not sure what the 'ingredients' were.  All of this is a repeat of what he received on previous visits that seems to get us back on track, and thankfully worked for us once again.  What I did pick up that was new for this visit were these large round 'pills' described as 'CAS Options Canine 120 chewable' - according to the receipt. Dr. Haghighat explained their purpose but I was a bit out of sorts so I can't recall their intent unfortunately. Although they are produced for dogs, they serve an equally beneficial purpose for cats and are a desirable product since they have a mushroom taste which cats are fond of.  Weasel now receives a quarter of these pills in each meal per day, grounded up and mixed into his food.

I am pleased to see Weasel running around, sitting on my lap and purring quite contentedly; however, he does breath heavily these days which Dr. Haghighat noticed as well.  No one has an explanation for it but it does concern me.  He has gained 3 lbs since we first started seeing the holistic vet which is great.  Aside from these 'vomit' incidents, he's otherwise not showing signs of pancreatic cancer and visually looks better than he has in a few years, with a nice full fur coat and a plump little belly.

Around the mid to end point of January, we will likely take him for his ultrasound which will contribute toward the report that Dr. Haghighat is producing for the veterinarian journals. I'm really hoping that the outcome of this doesn't depress me as I naively feel on most days that Weasel will be around for quite some time.  It's when he has those days of severe sickness that I'm thrown back into a 'reality check' that our time together is truly precious.