fibrosarcoma in cats...2nd update!

[fragrancehound]

Last week I felt a large, hard lump by my cat's back/hip area near his tail. I took him to the vet over the weekend and she ran a series of tests including blood work, a chest x-ray and a needle aspiration. Both the blood work and the chest x-ray came back fine. No problems. I am still waiting on the results for the needle aspiration but the vet thinks it might possibly be fibrosarcoma or even hardened scar tissue of some sort. She can't really tell until she gets the results from this last test but she doesn't sound very optimistic because this lump is so hard and not soft like other lumps or bumps. She said if it is fibrosarcoma she will have to call in a specialist to have this tumor removed which can be very costly, possibly over $1,000. I would do anything I possibly can to save my baby's life but I am wondering from a financial standpoint how much can surgery and treatment run? I've spent over $400 already with this last visit. I guess I want to get a better idea financially what I need to save so I am prepared.

I have been crying so much already. I just can't imagine my cat being sick. He does not act sick at all nor does he demonstrate the usual signs of an ill cat. He is using the liter box w/o any problems, eats and drinks just fine, and is playful. His coat is in excellent condition too, even the vet remarked how silky it was to the touch. If he had fibrosarcoma wouldn't there be some indication of it in the blood work?

Anyway, I'm wondering does anyone here have any experience with fibrosarcoma? What should I expect? Everthing I have read so far has been pretty dismal.

[TopCat3]

I'm so sorry to hear of this and your distress. I don't know whether something like this would show up in the bloodwork. I lost a beloved cat to an aggressive form of cancer seven years ago, it was sudden. So I can imagine how you must be feeling. I cannot remember what type it was called, whether it was fibrosarcoma or something else, sorry.

I just wanted to send some sort of reply and moral support, but I cannot offer any knowledge, sorry.

What's the latest? Test results back yet?

Can you take out a small short-term loan? Credit card? :(

Please let us have an update, fingers and paws all crossed for you here. Healing thoughts and prayers coming your way.

The TopCats
Australia

[kb2yjx]

First, welcome! How old is your cat?? We just lost our 14yr cat in June to intestinal lymphoma. Ralph was not doing well, so we weighed out the options and went with the least invasive for a cat of Ralph's age and personality. You will make the best decision for your cat...

[LittleOrangeKitten]

First of all, welcome to this wonderful site. There are so many wonderful people; all willing to offer advice or condolences when needed. I am keeping my fingers crossed and praying for your precious furbaby.

I lost my precous Gideon to Fibrosarcoma 2.5 years ago. I did everything I could to save his life; even took him to Auburn University for a six-week radiation treatment. I drove down from Huntsville (8 hr round trip) every Friday. I would check him out for the weekend and we would stay at the hotel near the campus that catered to pets and their owners. All in all, Gideon had three tumors removed (two surgeries). Even now I question could I have done anything else; although I know I couldn't have. I spent just over $4,000, but I feel he was worth every dollar because of the unconditional love and happiness he gave me.

Fibrosarcoma is an extremely agressive cancer and is believed to grow from vaccination sites on your animal. The tumors have microscopic "fingers" that extend into the muscle, making removal of a tumor almost impossible since you need microscopic surgery to "get everything". When even a tiny tendril is missed, the cancer grows back quicker and larger than before. I truly could not believe what I was seeing.

There is so much I want to write/say. This is the first time I've been able to write anything about Gideon and his cancer, so everything is literally tumbling out of my brain/emotions/feelings. Please research your area and see if you have any homeopathic vets in your area. Agressive cancers aside, there are several successful treatments for cancer in animals AND humans that aren't dangerous like radiation and chemo are. Shirley's Wellness Cafe (http://www.shirleyswellnesscafe.com) has a very expansive search and offers great information.

My two cats I have now DO NOT get any vaccinations except for rabies. Shortly after Gideon went to the RB, my mother discovered a fibrosarcoma on her cat, Samantha Ann. Very fortunately for her, the vet removed the tumor, making sure he went as deep as possible into her leg muscle. She was left with the tiniest of limps, but compared with the alternative an occassional limp wasn't a problem.

If you want to ask me questions or just talk, please email me at [email protected] - and I will be glad to help any way I can.

[TopCat3]

Little OrangeKitten - that sounds like exactly what happened to my Sapphire. Except it was not treatable. I actually had a feeling it might have been fibrosarcoma but didn't want to say so straight off because of the aggressive nature and dismal prognosis. I didn't want to upset fragrancehound and then find out I was wrong.

Gosh I hope everything works out for you fragrancehound. :(

p.s. I don't vax my cats now either. Rabies is not an issue here in Oz and there are no compulsory vax like you have. :)

[LittleOrangeKitten]

Hello again everyone,

I wish we didn't have compulsory vaccinations here in the states; seems like we are so drug happy here. Got to have a vaccination or a drug for everything.

I truly wish I had had someone to talk to when Gideon was diagnosed. I didn't find this site until December after he went to the RB in May 2004. I spoke at length with my vet about Fibrosarcoma and even ask her if legal action was possible against the companies that had developed the vax. Unfortunately, being able to prove the case would have been difficult. First of all because of the number of distributors and also because the manufacturers had since changed their formulas and gaining access to evidence would have been near impossible.

Evidently, the ingredient that causes the cancer to form at the vax site is aluminum. The drug companies use that as a "encapsulator" to carry the medicine. They have since stopped using it. I honestly cannot believe why they would have ever used it in the first place. Aluminum is bad for humans; why wouldn't it have the same ill effects on animals?!

One other option some vets employ is giving vaccinations in the tail. That way if the cancer develops the tail can be removed without the animal having any recurrence of the tumors. I still believe the best way is no vaccinations at all, unless you need to board your animals frequently or the animals are outdoor.

Gosh, please forgive me for rambling on so. It seems once I started talking about this the words won't stop. I left work yesterday and went home and had a meltdown. I cried the entire time I was taking care of my kitties and while I cooked dinner. I still feel incredible guilt: #1 for allowing all those vaccinations when I thought they were good for him; and #2 for . . . I don't know...maybe for not being able to take away his pain or suffer it myself. I really need to get to the point where I can forgive myself.

*sigh* Guess I'd better get to work here. I hope everyone has a wonderful day and FragranceHound PLEASE keep us updated on your baby.

[Kirsten]

I'm very sorry! First of all, let me welcome you to this place, you'll find a lot of support and advice here!

I hope the lump will turn out to be something else. Believe me, I know exactly what you're going through right now. Three months ago, I detected a lump between my Luna's shoulder blades, and immediately thought of a vaccine-related fibrosarcoma. It scared me to death and I cried for days. Luna was almost ready for surgery, but then we decided to watch the lump for a little while. It got smaller, so it's very unlikely that it's a fibrosarcoma! My vet thinks it's a harmless reaction to an antibiotic shot. :)

Best wishes to you and your cat, please keep us updated!

Kirsten

[Beauty17]

I wish you every good thing, Fragrancehound, and I hope that you cat turns out to be healthy. Whatever happens, please know that your love for your cat will be your guide as to what you will do - that and your knowledge of what you believe your cat would want you to do.

LittleOrangeKitten, I am very concerned for you, because your feelings seem to be so deep and so strong. Probably it is because, as you say, you have not been able to talk about them since the sad events themselves. I have an experience that has left me with guilt and self-doubt, too, and a great reluctance to talk about it, because I am afraid of being judged for my decision. (I decided, on behalf of my beloved Myrtille, to allow her to go on her own at home rather than be hastened along at the vet's, because she loathed the vet's so, and because she seemed to cling to and enjoy all the tiny things of her life that she could do, even as they became more limited. And yes, she did suffer - but I truly believe that if she could have told me in words, she would have made the choice I made for her. So I know what it is like to be left with feelings of guilt. You did so much for your Gideon, so very, very much. You thought you were doing the best for him by getting him vaccinated, too. I hope you will be able to let go of the pain and remember him with joy.

All best to both of you - Fragrancehound and LittleOrangeKitten.

[fragrancehound]

Thank you for the support! I have been on such an emotional rolllercoaster the last 2 weeks that it has been very difficult to concentrate on work and such.

After consulting my vet I decided to take my cat to a specialty center where they have an oncology dept. and specialize in more aggressive surgeries. Everything happened so fast. I made an apt. yesterday just for a consultation and exam but ended up agreeing to surgery that day. I just brought him home and he is doing ok. The mass was removed along with some leg muscle tissue so he is limping a bit but otherwise fine. The whole ride side of his body and front legs are shaven and he has these huge stitches. When I picked him up my heart sank. He looks so sad. I couldn't stop kissing him. Overall he seems in good spirits.

The biopsy results should be in by next week. As of now I still have no idea if what was removed was cancerous or scar tissue. It scares the hell of out me because even though this mass was removed there still could be microscopic margins of it left and if that is the case we are back in the same position. Since the needle aspiration came back inconclusive I am hoping that the biopsy results come back with more information, hopefully positive info too!

As of now I am finding it very difficult to keep him from jumping. I am so afraid that his stitches are going to pop open. Any suggestions? I've been following him all day and he is a little rascal. He wants to jump on everything.

Edited to say that my baby is 10 yrs. old and still pretty feisty. :)

[kb2yjx]

You probably did the best thing by taking your cat to a specialized center where they deal with cancer alot. When Nicholas had surgery for mast cell tumor, a wide enough margin was taken. I bet they did the same thing when your cat had the surgery. But, it is scary and it is hard to believe that that could happen to your cat. And waiting for the biopsy result will seem like forever!! Just hug your cat! He must feel pretty good if he is that active!! Take care...

[fragrancehound]

He seems like he is doing ok for the most part. He doesn't seem like he is in pain and he his eating well. I am however exhausted. It has been very challenging trying to keep him from not jumping. I've been trying to rearrange furniture and put away some of his climbing furniture/toys. It is just hard to keep an eye on him all the time and I really do not want to cage him..I don't even own a cage!

[TopCat3]

This brings back so many memories of that time with Sapphire. I know how you are worrying, I did too, but they are a lot tougher than we think. In fact, we think too much! :rolleyes: We have cognitive intelligence that gets in the way of a lot of things, our animals just know what to do by instinct. Your precious little convalescent will not do more than he is ready for, but you are right to keep a motherly eye. Don't forget to take care of yourself too - so you can take care of him!

Lots of love and healing prayers to you and your furbaby from the TopCats. :)

[LittleOrangeKitten]

Hello fragrancehound,

I wanted to post to see how your baby is doing. I read your last post and sounds like he wasn't in much pain and was bouncing off the walls. :)

I know it takes a few days to get results on lab work, but please let us know as soon as you know. We care about everyone's babies and I wish you the best with yours. BTW - I didn't see his name mentioned anywhere...?

[fragrancehound]

He has slowed down considerably the last few days. I think the initial first day he was just happy to be home. He seems to be doing ok considering everything. I've moved some furniture and closed off a few rooms to limit his activity. He is still jumping around here and there but less frequently.

It has been a little easier to give him the liquid antibiotic too even though some of it ends up on me. I am still having a hard time giving him the pain meds but he doesn't seem to be in any pain at leat from what I can see. Sometimes he will take it and sometimes he won't. He is one stubborn cat!

I called today to see if his biopsy results were in and the vet was off and the technicians are not allowed to read the results in case a client has questions that they can't answer. I don't know. I was told that the vet should be in tomorrow.

BTW, my baby's name is Panther and he is 10 yrs old.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r311/fragrancehound/panther3a.jpg
This is the front view of my baby! I think I woke him up taking this photo.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r311/fragrancehound/panther4.jpg
Here is the back view of him after surgery. His fur is already begining to grow back.

[fragrancehound]

I just got off the phone with the vet and part of the biopsy results are in...Panther does have vaccine related fibrosarcoma. The vet still waiting on the rest of the biopsy to determine margins. She said the next step is to meet with an oncologist to see if I want to pursue radiation treatment for Panther. If I choose that option it is going to run between $4,000 to $5,000. I don't know what I am going to do as of now. I was really hoping that he did not have cancer, especially fibrosarcoma. I am going to make an apointment with the oncologist because I do have a lot of questions. I am so upset. I can't stop crying.

[Cataholic]

I am so sorry to hear that it is a sarcoma. Very sorry. I would encourage you to consult with the oncologist, and ask his/her opinion as to treatments vs. sucess rates. I feel he/she will give you an answer that will lead your heart to make a decision that is in the best interest of Panther.

I know how difficult it is, as I am in the same position with my cat, Tenny. They count on us to do what is right for them. Hugs to you and Panther.

[LittleOrangeKitten]

I am so sorry about Panther. But - as hard as it is and as much as it hurts, try to not cry around him alot; he will pick up on your mood and react to it, wondering what is wrong. When I took this journey with Gideon I promised myself and him I would always be of positive attitude and keep his spirits up along with mine. I'm sure this sounds odd, especially with all the pain you are feeling, but it keeps you and Panther on a positive footing. He looks to you and trusts you.

When I made the arrangements to take Gid down to Auburn for his six weeks of radiation, I would sit and hold him and tell him about all the wonderful doctors he would meet and how they were going to take excellent care of him. I also promised him I would be down every weekend to visit and stay with him. I don't know what your proximity is to where Panther will be getting treatment, but I truly hope it's close.

I am at work and can't write very much now. I will check again tonight when I'm home to see how you and Panther are doing.

Again, please contact me by email if you have any questions or just want to talk. My email address is [email protected].

[fragrancehound]

I really appreciate the support. Right now I'm just cuddling and playing with my baby. When I look at him I still can't believe he is sick. He certainly doesn't act like it.

On a side note I am angry that these vaccinations that are supposed to protect my fur baby are instead going to kill him. It's just not right.

I've been trying to come to terms with this situation and it is so hard to accept. I am very depressed about the whole thing.

[Catty1]

Oh hon - your beautiful Panther!

Wait for the margin news...it might be better than you think. Maybe treatment will not be so serious and expensive.

Also, take a look at IMOM.org - I don't know if they cover radiation and chemo, or just surgeries. They cam maybe refer you to another resource.

And don't underestimate your PT friends here.

You also have PT Prayers going for you, the best there are!

HUGS! :)

[TopCat3]

Fragrancehound and Panther my thoughts are with you. This is truly distressing and I have been through what you are probably going through now. People tell you to make the most of the time you have and that is true but it makes it all the more poignant and sad. :(
((((Hugs to you))))
From the TopCats in Sydney :cool:

[kb2yjx]

O, I was hoping not to read the posts about Panther!!! I cannot offer you very much, but my support here on the thread and LOTS of prayers!!! Go on the internet and read ALL you can about sarcoma. There are several good cat cancer site that have lots of information. It IS a big decision that you will make and the more informed you are, the better you can make a decision on what to do or not. Hugs to Panther and you!! Sandra

[fragrancehound]

Due to a cancellation I lucked out and was able to get an appointment with the oncologist for next week so I will see what he has to say and what options are available.

There is a small glimmer of hope. I talked to my regular vet and she was reading part of the biopsy results to me. The pathologist who did the biopsy thinks if they were successful in getting the entire mass out including any microscopic margins there is a very low chance of this reocurring. I'm hopeful but realistic. I think I caught this in the beginning stages so I am trying to be optimistic.

[smokey the elder]

Please ask the oncologist if chemo is an option. It's still expensive but not so much as radiation. Both cats I've had with cancer tolerated chemo very well. Hugs to you and Panther, with his shaved bottom!

[fragrancehound]

Panther and I just got back from our apt. with the oncologist. She was very informative. They still do not have the remaining biopsy results in regards to the margins but she said it really doesn't matter at this point given that it is nearly impossible to completely remove fibrosarcoma because of the strands or legs attaching itself to other organs. Bottom line radiation is the best bet to reduce the chances of this coming back. She said that if I don't pursue radiation treatment it is almost inevitable that this tumor will come back within a year's time. With radiation treatment there is still no guarantee but the chances of it coming back are reduced to 30 to 40%. The thought of him going through radiation scares me but the idea of doing nothing scares me even more. I was hoping though that there might be an alternative treatment but no such luck. :(

The main problem I am having is a financial one. It is going to cost between $4,000 to $6,000 for a 20 treatment course, which is roughly about a month or so of treatments. The vet center is willing to break it down week by week but that is still going to cost me around $1,000 to $1,500 per week. They unfortunately do not allow you to pay things out over a period of time like I was hoping. I don't know how I am going to manage this situation. For those of you who have been in similar situations what did you do?

[Craftlady]

We have pet insurance on our gang. However, it has to go on credit card first then when they process the claims we repay back the card.
I would ask to speak with the office manager then go to the vet. I know where we were yesterday (specialty vet) they (office girls) were talking about someone who had a balance. I know they can if they want work with people. It would be curl to refuse treatment just because someone cant pay. They dont do it for humans it should be the same consideration for animals.
Other suggestion is getting personal loan.

[CathyBogart]

I am so sorry. I don't know what I would do if I were in your situation.

In my Vet Tech classes we are being taught to give injections very low down on the leg, so that if a fibrosarcoma should occur the leg can be amputated.

I hope things work out well for little Panther, he's a beautiful boy and obviously very loved.

[LittleOrangeKitten]

[QUOTE=The main problem I am having is a financial one. It is going to cost between $4,000 to $6,000 for a 20 treatment course, which is roughly about a month or so of treatments. The vet center is willing to break it down week by week but that is still going to cost me around $1,000 to $1,500 per week. They unfortunately do not allow you to pay things out over a period of time like I was hoping. I don't know how I am going to manage this situation. For those of you who have been in similar situations what did you do?[/QUOTE]

Hi again fragrancehound,

Do you have any family members that understand your love and devotion to Panther? Perhaps they could help. If not, does your bank do unsecured loans for the amount you need? That way you could spread it out over (maybe) 3-5 years.
Just a suggestion...

[fragrancehound]

I don't have pet insurance and I know that Panther wouldn't qualify now. :(

Some of it I can put on my credit card but that still leaves a huge chunk I need to come up with, sooner than later. I really hate to ask family as I have gone that route before and I still owe money to my mom. I just don't like to owe money to family. It just makes for an uncomfortable situation.

I'm hoping to come up with a solution within the next week or so so I can start his treatments in 2 weeks.

I never would have thought I would be in this position but I guess no one can plan for something of this nature.

Thanks again for the support! It is comforting to know that others understand what I am going through now.

[Catty1]

This was mentioned in a previous post. http://www.catsincrisis.org/

They have a funding limit, but might have ideas or make exceptions for Panther.

Also check out www.imom.org and see if they can help. I think it is usually surgery, but they might have some other ideas as well.

Pick their brains, and apply wherever you can, before treatment starts.

HUGS!

[fragrancehound]

I need some honest opinions here. I feel so torn apart and I really do not know what to do. Do I opt for the radiation treatment assuming I can even get the funds or do I skip it and just give Panther the best life I possibly can in the remaining time he has with me?

I've contacted another oncologist to get a second opinion and basically he confirmed what the first oncologist said. With just surgery and no radiation treatment there is a 70% chance that this tumor will come back again. His life expectancy is about 1 year maybe even 1 1/2 if I'm lucky. With radiation there is a 40% chance of the tumor coming back but his life expectancy is about 2 years, maybe even 2 1/2. I am also looking into holistic approaches to see if anything will help but so far I am coming up empty although I did order a product called Willard Water because I read somewhere that it might help.

I have done everything possible to give him the best quality of life I can...tests, vet visits, surgery, tons of love, etc.. I really am conflicted about him having radiation. At $4,000 to $6,000 it is not something that I have budgeted for nor did I expect to have this being an issue but sadly it is. I've looked into some of the wonderful organizations posted here but I don't qualify. I might be able to borrow some of the money from my bf and put some on my credit cards however I am still not sure if that will be enough.

What would you do if you were in my position? If there is still a 40% chance of this tumor coming back would you still proceed with radiation treatments? I really am lost. I've asked the advice from family and friends and have received opposite opinions. Some say do whatever you can even if there is a chance of this cancerous tumor returning. Others say just enjoy the time you have with him. I don't know. I'm depressed and lost and just conflicted about this situation. :confused:

[Craftlady]

The odds w/radition are worth going for plus using holestic stuff.
If the odds were both 70% of re-occurance then I would let him live life without treatment as god sees it.

[Catty1]

Fragrancehound...the two links I posted - you have to apply for the funds before treatment starts. Why not contact them now, see if you qualify, and get other contacts from them to help out if they have any.

Your Humane Society might even know of some assistance that is available.

[Craftlady]

Fragrancehound...the two links I posted - you have to apply for the funds before treatment starts. Why not contact them now, see if you qualify, and get other contacts from them to help out if they have any.

Your Humane Society might even know of some assistance that is available.


The imom.org is very specific on who they will except, I'm surprised anyone qualifies. Here's link for "do you qualify" http://imom.org/fa/qualify2.htm
Sad

[fragrancehound]

Sadly with Imom.org I don't qualify because my vet requires a deposit. According to imom's qualifications:

- My veterinarian is not willing to accept payment by check from IMOM after my pet is released and an itemized bill has been sent to IMOM.

- My veterinarian requires a deposit from IMOM.

:(

[Catty1]

What about the other fund?

[Craftlady]

What about the other fund?

They give you a grant of $150 if you qualify(catsincrisis.org)
or
Qualifications for Individual Assistance:
(The Applicant must meet one or more of the following)
(These are not required for humane organizations)
Be a recipient of state Medicaid or Medicare
Be a recipient of public assistance
Be a recipient of disability benefits
Be a recipient of unemployment benefits and
registered with an employment agency
Provide documentation of any other extenuating circumstances that you feel qualifies you for assistance

They let you fund raise on their site.

[fragrancehound]

I looked into catsincrisis.org too but I don't think I qualify for their grant either unless I am reading it incorrectly. According to the web site it says:

Meet one of the following criteria to be considered:
Be diagnosed with or strongly suspected by a vet of having one of the following:
Kidney Disease
Heart Disease
Thyroid Disease

Panther does not suffer from any of those health conditions thankfully.

I also looked at their Qualifications for Individual Assistance and their requirements do not apply to my current financial situation.


On another note I keep looking into Panther's golden eyes and I just melt. I am going to see if I can work something out with the vet clinic. I called the oncologist today but she was off so hopefully Monday I can talk to her. I'm wondering if I can schedule Panther's radiation treatments so they are 3 times a week instead of 5 times a week. If that is acceptable and still beneficial for Panther I might be able to pull this off although it will very very tough for the next 2 months. The more I think about it the more I realize that I would be very upset with myself if I didn't exhaust every possible means to help my baby kick this cancer.

[TopCat3]

I can really "feel" your dilemma and tortured heart through your posts. I cannot add anything to what the others have replied to you, also being in Australia I don't know what is available there and how things work with financing etc.

Have you thought of this, though? - Find out which is the most proactive and advanced-thinking pet/cat oncology research university within reasonable distance and contact them with a view to offering Panther's services as an outpatient for research treatment. Any university research facility worth its salt should welcome with open arms the opportunity to closely study the effects of their own radiotherapy protocols on a cat that is in a loving home environment, if they have the sense to realise that the loving home environment is a crucial factor in the outcome of any treatment process.

The other thing - do you have anything of reasonable value that you can sell?
Say you had a fairly new car - could you trade back to an older model?
Do you have any luxury home appliances you could sell and replace with a more utilitarian basic model - I'm thinking big plasma screen TV back to a small portable model.

Do you have a spare room you could clear out and make function as bed-sitting room you could rent out to a young person or student that would cover the loan repayments?

Here in Australia we have a lot of foreign exchange students, largely from Japan, and you can apply to the authorities to be an accredited PAID accommodation provider for them, providing bed, breakfast and an evening meal. I wonder if you have anything similar there.

Just trying to think laterally for you.

There are many ways of raising money in hurry, and an unsecured bank loan is indeed one of them. Do you have any existing loans you can get a repayment "holiday" on? Here you can be granted relief from making any payments on homeloans etc for a limited period of time for extenuating circumstances. Then you can resume payments later on.

I don't know what else to add.

I do know that with my Sapphire I could feel the tumours regrowing under her skin within 10 days of her operation to remove the tumour. There was no option of radiation, samples had been sent to the cat oncology dept at the uni where my vet lectures, and it was untreatable. So I did not have to face the difficult decision you are facing now.

Under those circumstances I don't know what I would have done, and I would not like to advise you now.

However I would strongly suggest you look at the scenario of being in a difficult financial situation long after Panther has enjoyed his reprieve and eventually passed on to the Rainbow Bridge, if you are on a single income, as I am, and that income is limited, as mine is. You have to do what is right and best for Panther, and you also have to do what is right and best for you.

If you're earning squillions, or have the prospect of doing so, that's great. If not, and you have to grieve the loss of Panther at some stage in the future, if you are also in deep financial hardship, well, that would be very difficult to bear.

I pray you come to a decision and that you and Panther can find help and be spared any more heartache.

With much love
The TopCats

[Catty1]

Hey, a vet university might be worth checking into!

HUGS and prayers coming your way!

[critters]

I
Meet one of the following criteria to be considered:
Be diagnosed with or strongly suspected by a vet of having one of the following:
Kidney Disease
Heart Disease
Thyroid Disease

These conditions are eligible for special funds, but they accepted a kitten with a bizarre systemic fungal infection recently and put her under "Emergency Funds.".

[fragrancehound]

Ok after much discussion with my bf and consulting with a few different oncologists I have decided to move forward with radiation treatment. My bf who has been very supportive made a good point which was I would not be able to forgive myself if I didn't exhaust whatever reasonable options are available for my cat to get better. I just couldn't live with the guilt. Afterall he is my 16 lb. baby! :p My bf is going to give me half of the money and I can probably put the rest on my credit cards. It still is going to be very tight financially the next 2-3 months but the oncologist said I can spread out Panther's treatment over a 6 week timeframe instead of 4 weeks so that will help a little.

Today Panther went in for the remaining bloodwork and x-ray tests to make sure he is able to withstand the radiation treatments and the anethesia he is going to need each time. I should get the results Monday and if all is well he starts his first radiation treatment next week. On a positive note his biopsy margin results came back clean so I am really hopeful that after his radiation treaments he will be completely cancer free!!!

[TopCat3]

That is wonderful news all round. I am so happy for you and Panther. What a great friend you have there. You must feel so much better already having come to a decision. My best wishes to you all. Good luck Panther!! :) :) :)

[Catty1]

Super news - MUCH better odds! I am sure your beautiful black boy will be with you for a long time to come! :)

[alaiia]

Last week I felt a large, hard lump by my cat's back/hip area near his tail. I took him to the vet over the weekend and she ran a series of tests including blood work, a chest x-ray and a needle aspiration. Both the blood work and the chest x-ray came back fine. No problems. I am still waiting on the results for the needle aspiration but the vet thinks it might possibly be fibrosarcoma or even hardened scar tissue of some sort. She can't really tell until she gets the results from this last test but she doesn't sound very optimistic because this lump is so hard and not soft like other lumps or bumps. She said if it is fibrosarcoma she will have to call in a specialist to have this tumor removed which can be very costly, possibly over $1,000. I would do anything I possibly can to save my baby's life but I am wondering from a financial standpoint how much can surgery and treatment run? I've spent over $400 already with this last visit. I guess I want to get a better idea financially what I need to save so I am prepared.

I have been crying so much already. I just can't imagine my cat being sick. He does not act sick at all nor does he demonstrate the usual signs of an ill cat. He is using the liter box w/o any problems, eats and drinks just fine, and is playful. His coat is in excellent condition too, even the vet remarked how silky it was to the touch. If he had fibrosarcoma wouldn't there be some indication of it in the blood work?

Anyway, I'm wondering does anyone here have any experience with fibrosarcoma? What should I expect? Everthing I have read so far has been pretty dismal.

I have an 7yo cat Chloe that had a pea-sized lump in her flank, I had it surgically removed, biopsy siad it was fibrosarcoma, and vet said if she had known, would have amputated b/c these are notorious for coming back aggressively. In a year it had regrown to 1/2 a pear on her flank.

Had a consult at a local speciality clinic's oncology dept. Diagnosis was poor on success rate, but they were willing to x-ray, blood work and MRI her, amputate (with no promises on survival or cancer remission) even though it may progress to her spine area, and follow up with chemo, etc. Bill would be about 3K+. I have insurance and would be willing - but to torture her with all of this, and the chances of survival being very small... decided her quality of life was more important for the short time she has left.

Since her tumor was bursting through her skin... I was desperate, as that signal the end, pretty much... and came across an option: NEOPLASENE from Buck Mountain Botanicals

http://www.buckmountainbotanicals.net/treatments/neoplasene.html

I called them, got the name of vets familiar with this protocal in my area, and took Chloe there. Have been doing the topical treatment with oral since Nov 1. 2012. Its been 3 weeks and she has gotten lethargic and lost her appetite... but once I gave her fluids, she perked up actually tried to eat something today.

Note - I know how to give sub-Q fluids (lactaters ringer solution hi flow needle high gauge = smaller size) b/c I had cats with kidney problems...

Its a LOT of work... DAILY dressing of open wound where the tumor has been eaten away by the Neo (cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, dabbing away dead tumor tissue, wrapping in gauze - you need help holding your cat, and have to be VERY careful to secure the dressing WITHOUT causing rubbing on other tissue - and causing more wounds), keeping wieght up with special foods liquids and hi-cal paste if required, giving sub-Q fluids if dehydration happens due to lack of appetite)... but its FAR CHEAPER than the surgery, and my cat keeps her leg.

Its going okay so far... its pretty gory gross looking BUT I love my cat, so I am dealing with this... and I should be able to dress wounds like a paramedic when I am done.

Let me know if you have Qs and I will share all my info with you... I was in the same situation and desperate to do something aside from surgery or a deathwatch.