Feline Lymphoma Warriors
“PHOEBE” HELLIS - INTESTINAL LYMPHOMA
(Written by Lenore Hellis; edited format)
“Phoebe” is a beautiful, loving, playful Lynx Point Siamese mix who was born on 9/5/2007 in Mississippi. She was rescued then fostered in Tennessee by a wonderful volunteer of Siamese Cat Rescue Center (SCRC/Virginia). She was adopted by her Mom, Dad and sister “Maggie” in March of 2008 and traveled to Virginia Beach via “Meezer Express” by volunteer drivers of SCRC. Phoebe and her family moved from Virginia to the North Country in February of 2015 and now live in Three Mile Bay, NY on Point Peninsula.
In October of 2018, Phoebe’s parents became concerned with her weight loss, vomiting and not being her playful self. After consulting with a couple of doctors at the veterinary hospital and completing blood work, x-rays, and an ultrasound, it was decided in late November to have an intestinal biopsy performed. After recuperating from surgery, Phoebe’s doctor called with results from the biopsy. Phoebe was diagnosed with low grade intestinal lymphoma.
In mid-December of 2018, she began her chemotherapy treatment: a chewable tablet of chlorambucil and a tablet of prednisolone administered every 48 hours. After about one month, she would eat around the tablets in her food, so liquid versions of both medications were recommended. After making a few “flavor” changes, Phoebe is tolerating her every other day treatment very well. In May of 2020, her doctor suggested a daily probiotic added to her food, which she eats right up unnoticed.
She has scheduled routine check-ups with her doctor, which includes blood work, weight checks, and discussions with her parents about home monitoring of her eating habits, activity, weigh ins, and any clinical symptoms and challenges they are noticing.
Phoebe is fighting her cancer like a true warrior. Her family is so proud of her and prays that her story will provide hope and assistance to other families whose beloved fur-babies are facing a similar diagnosis.
*** As of September of 2020, “Phoebe” continues to do well and is kicking cancer’s butt!