A little progress?

The opthamologist returned my call on Wednesday, we discussed the options we have.  The chemotherapy they tried on the only other case of this condition they have seen seemed to work for the first two treatments, but the animal declined rapidly after the third.  I don't want to subject Pika to that much discomfort for something that has no history of success.  The doctor suggested that we should pursue the treatment with our own vet since Pika is used to them and it will be less stressful for him.  She faxed their treatment protocol to Family pet.  On Thursday I called to make sure they had received the information and left a message for our vet that I could be reached at any time except between 4pm and 6pm when I would be in a meeting.  Naturally, the call came between 4pm and 6pm and I couldn't answer.  By the time the meeting finally broke up the doctor had left for the day.  She'll be back in the office on Saturday so I can talk to her and try to get started on a treatment regiment.  It will be difficult to get to the clinic this weekend due to the art festival going on in our neighborhood but I'll do what I have to if it means some relief for Pika.  Pika is still acting normally and is affectionate as ever.  Last night I noticed him scratching the left side of his face a few times o it is definatly bothering him.  Hopefully the steroids will help with that.  The opthamologist also mentioned that the other cat had received Buprenex as an analgesic, it is on opiate (buprenorphine) and doesn't have the dependency issues with other opiate analgesics like morphine.  We use this routinely at work, the one thing I'm concerned about it is that buprenorphine causes appetite suppression, so I'd prefer to hold off on that until Pika seems to be in pain.  Hopefully there will be some movement on the treatment front tomorrow.