Cat diagnosed w/ Lymphoma - holistic? chemo? confused

My 14-yr old cat,Sydney, was diagnosed with Lymphoma on Friday.  He's been losing weight over the last several months and then had fluid in his chest cavity. 

 The vet who finally diagnosed him suggested Prednisone and said it would give 1-2 months remission but from what I read online, Pred doesn't extend life.  Is that true?

I asked about chemo and the vet said we could try that but that when the spleen is involved (his spleen is huge) it's harder to have success.   He also said there are more side effects.

After reading about chemo, I'm afraid that it could end up killing him.  His blood counts are already low (wbc, platelets etc). 

 I'm holistically oriented but unsure of how much homeopathy and supplements could help at this point.  I'm still trying it and have a holistic consultant.

 Any input is appreciated.

 Sharon

On 12/3/2008 Sharbysyd wrote:

My 14-yr old cat,Sydney, was diagnosed with Lymphoma on Friday.  He's been losing weight over the last several months and then had fluid in his chest cavity. 

 The vet who finally diagnosed him suggested Prednisone and said it would give 1-2 months remission but from what I read online, Pred doesn't extend life.  Is that true?

I asked about chemo and the vet said we could try that but that when the spleen is involved (his spleen is huge) it's harder to have success.   He also said there are more side effects.

After reading about chemo, I'm afraid that it could end up killing him.  His blood counts are already low (wbc, platelets etc). 

 I'm holistically oriented but unsure of how much homeopathy and supplements could help at this point.  I'm still trying it and have a holistic consultant.

 Any input is appreciated.

 Sharon

 

 

Hi:  I've got 5 cats and last year lost one to Hemochromatosis.  I can't answer your questions about chemo but we found in trying to treat Miss Maddy that talking to our vet, reading everthing we could on the internet and then weighing all the options really helped.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

M