Back in March we realized that Stella wasn’t eating well, was getting skinny, vomiting often, and having bathroom issues. This was a major worry so we took her to the vet (which she hates). Dr. Sims took X-rays and determined that poor little Stella, who is down to 7 lbs, has Feline Lymphoma.

Feline lymphoma is the most common type of cancer in cats, accounting for almost 33% of cat cancers.

There are several types of lymphoma in cats: Mediastinal, in the chest, Renal, in the kidneys, Multicentric, in multiple lymph nodes, Extranodal, in the lymph nodes and other organs, and Gastrointestinal (GI). Stell has the GI kind. It is the most common form and includes the stomach, liver, and intestines. Then there are 2 types of GI lymphoma: small-cell and large-cell. We believe that Stella has small-cell lymphoma. We have chosen not to do a biopsy or anything invasive to confirm. Small cell GI lymphoma can be treated at home with medications and monitoring. The great news is that many cats can survive for 2 to 4 years after being diagnosed with small-cell lymphoma as long as they get treatment.

Stella is on 2 different meds every day and doing well (though still skinny). She will be 13 years old in September.

Here’s to several more trips around the sun for her. Cancer Sucks!  

Just another DogDaz morning at the zoo ❤