amitymamaThe Attachment Parenting Community

nellebelle · 08-29-2004, 12:17 AM

She's about 16 years old. About a month ago I noticed this small lump under her leg but didn't think much of it. Suddenly, it's HUGE so I made her an appt. The vet said it's a tumor by her mammory gland? She's guessing that because it grew so fast it's cancer.

But, we did blood work today and a urine draw. The blood work is to make sure she' healthy enough for surgery. The urine to eliminate diabetes... If she's up for surgery, they'll do an x-ray to make it hasn't spread to her lungs and is therefore not worth it. If that is clear, then they'll remove the lump. Even then, we won't know. If it's cancer and it hasn't spread... she may be alright. But it could come back.

The vet has been really great. She isn't charging us through the nose. The surgery will be about $150. Heck, my husband's dental bill was this much with insurance. I'm really thankful for the good vet. She cares.

I knew Katia had thinned down a bit the last year... and then a lot this last month. But she went from 8 lbs to 5 lbs.

I'm sad and scared. We've had this cat for our whole marriage... eleven years. She sleeps above my head at night on my pillow. My kids have hauled her around everywhere... sometimes in a headlock and she just looks at me with this comically resigned look... I just can't imagine our next child not playing with her. She's such a part of our family.

She's laying here with me now while I type... purring away. Urgh. I'm just getting ahead of myself. We don't know anything for sure yet, right?

Nelle

doubleblessed · 08-29-2004, 12:21 AM

Hon -- you can cry with me

My German Shepherd was just diagnosed with lymphoma (deadly cancer) and he has less than 6 weeks to live.

Trust me, I understand how close pets can be to people as I am one of them. I consider them my own children!

Keep us updated about your kitty cat... I hope they can do something about it!

ashley · 08-29-2004, 07:48 PM

My heart goes out to you. Our Boxer had two recent surgeries for tumors but neither was malignant. Don't worry until you know for sure. Our vet was talking about Chemo as soon as he saw the lumps and it turned out to be nothing serious. Hang in there.

Ashley

Evan&Annekasmom · 08-29-2004, 09:24 PM

I am so sorry. I had a 16 year old cat too that had a tumor. I was so scared but it turned out it was fine. I hope your kitty has the same outcome!
((((HUGS)))) And good kitty vibes!
Love
Jen

Kimmyboo · 08-29-2004, 10:55 PM

I'm very sorry to hear about your cat!

MammaMel · 08-30-2004, 12:01 AM

I am sorry. It seems like a lot of sick pets going around here lately.

Linda · 08-30-2004, 12:52 AM

I am so sorry

I don't know what her outcome will be-but it sure sounds like you all have incredible, wonderful memories together...That is a blessing.

I hope everything is OK

nellebelle · 08-30-2004, 11:29 PM

Well, her bloodwork came back today. The vet I talked to today (K) said that Katia has "some" renal failure. It is not acute yet, but her kidneys are showing signs of shutting down. I get the impression though that it is not life threatening at this point, that she could go on this way for quite some time... something like they like the number to be at 80, and hers is at 68. Not horrible, but not optimal either. While talking to my mom, she mentioned special low protein foods you can feed them that can help, and possibly medication.

The vet I talked to today (K), said that she thought they should go ahead and schedule surgery. Before they do it, they'll take an x-ray of her chest to make sure it hasn't spread. If it has, it would be unnecessary to put Katia through the surgery because she would not be with us much longer. If it hasn't spread, they'll go ahead and cut the lump out.

Positive thoughts and prayers for my kitty are very appreciated

Thanks,
Nelle

Linda · 08-31-2004, 12:51 AM

more {{{HUGS}}} and positive thoughts for you and you kitty.

(just an FYI)my kitty had renal failure in the end...and just be warned they can act crazy if that happens. He even attacked me(and had never done that in his life). It was so sad.)

Take care!

KD · 08-31-2004, 01:45 AM

:bighug: