Baby Jane Has Advanced Cancer In Her Chest Cavity

[bryon]

i AM DEVESTATED. I FEEL SO HELPLESS. I CONTINUE WITH STUFFING THE PILLS AND FOOD FROM THE BLENDER MIXED WITH WATER VIA THE SYRINGE.

GOT THE ULTRA SOUND TODAY AND IT IS CANCER. ALL IN HER CHEST. BLEAK OUTLOOK ON THIS SITUATION. MATTER OF TIME. WOULD HAVE TO TAKE HER TO ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER HERE IN NYC FOR BIOPSY FOR WHETHER LYMPHOMA OR CARCINOMA. tHE DIAGNOSIS SAID CARCINOMA BUT THAT WAS WITHOUT A BIOPSY. JUST THEIR CONCLUSION FROM LOOKING AT THE ULTRA SOUND. $215 FOR THAT.

THEY GAVE ME LARGE DOSE PREDNISONE, MORE LASIX AND APETITE STIMULANT.

SAID I COULD GO TO AN ONCOLOGIST BUT........I HAVE KNOWN PEOPLE WHO PUT THEIR PETS THRU THIS AND IT WAS IN THE END NOT MUCH QUALITY OF LIFE CONSIDERING WHAT THE PET HAD TO ENDURE FROM CHEMO AND RADIATION. ALSO BABY JANE IS VERY ADVANCED. I JUST WISH I COULD GET HER TO EAT SOMETHING. THIS IS PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY DRAINING.

ANY SUGGESTIONS?

THANKS EVERYONE,

BRYON

[smokey the elder]

I must beg to differ. I had a cat with cancer a few years ago (the source of my screen name.) Smokey had a cancer called hemangiosarcoma, a cancer of the blood vessel walls. She had two doses of chemo and two months of thalidomide. If she hadn't had this she was expected to live less than two months. She lived almost a year, and it was only the very last week that she crashed. But, every cat is different! You may want to discuss Baby Jane's condition with an oncologist. This does not commit you to any course, but can be good for your peace of mind.

Good luck, and I wish you could have joined Pet Talk under happier circumstances. Anyway, welcome to you and Baby Jane.

[BoxyMama]

I dont have any suggestions, but want to say Good Luck to you and your baby Jane. :(

[Denyce]

I remember from another post that your Baby Jane is only 8 years old. This is still in her prime. I am a HUGE believer in quality over quantity, however, that being said..I would talk to the oncologist. I know that cats don't have quite as difficult a time with chemo that humans do. And sometimes it can be very effective. You need to follow your instincts and do what your heart tells you is best. I am positive you will do the right thing.

I am so extremely sorry that you are faced with this. It is such a horrible place to be in. My heart breaks for you. I understand your despair at the moment and your wanting her to eat something so badly. Try some meat baby food. Or some human tuna...yes I know...tuna is not the best for them but it is better than not eating at all. Good luck Bryon. Best thing to do is to hug her and let her feel how much you love her.

Denyce

[Steffi N]

Oh Byron, this is such sad news. I can't offer any advice, but I do agree that you should see the oncologist. My heart goes out to you.

[Cataholic]

I have nothing to add but that I will pray for Baby Jane and you.

[RedHedd]

Prayers of course going your way for you and your Baby. I went through cancer with my cat Goldie just earlier this year. It was tough and I know the not-eating part very well. She did tolerate baby food - Gerbers was the only one I could find that comes in plain Turkey, Chicken, Veal and Beef baby food -- no peas, carrots or other strange non-cat ingredients. For a while it was the only thing she would eat. At the end it was prescription diet A/D via syringe. I still have fond memories of cradling my little one and feeding her sweet little mouth. I miss her so.

If you can afford to go to an oncologist for a consult, do; if only for your own peace of mind. Goldie's cancer was pretty far along by the time it was detected and she only lasted a little over a month from the diagnosis. I hope your prospects are more positive.

[rosethecopycat]

My heart breaks for you and the road you must go down.

I'm praying for the best for you and your Baby Jane.

[ozzlou]

this is horrible news, bryon- i am so sorry!
the only thing you can do- is what you feel is right, for you, and your baby.
i'll keep you in my prayers.
tara

[kimlovescats]

So terribly sorry for you and Baby Jane! I wouldn't know which way to go if I were in your position either. :( I just know I wouldn't want to see my baby suffer either way!

Good luck!

(((((HUGS))))

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh no! Poor little Baby Jane! I can't offer any advice on this, but I sure hope she can be helped.....

Good luck with finding the right help for her, and prayers going out that you are able to make the right decision for her. :(

[slick]

Bryon: I'm so sorry for you and Sweet Baby Jane! I have not had any experience with this but I would at least talk to the oncologist just to get some options. Whatever decision you make, I'm behind you all the way. Prayers going out to you for the long road ahead.

[lynnestankard]

Bryon I'm so sorry for Baby Jane - this sounds awful. I can't offer any advice as I know nothing of the condition. But I would talk more with your own vet., and not decide anything too quickly.
I do agree quality of life over quantity of life.
Keeping your lovely furgirl in my thoughts and prayers

Lynne

[Fluffy'sMom]

I'm so sorry :( I hope you can see the cancer specialist.

[taopjlcpg]

this part sucks in life:( :( :( :( :(
my tabby had kidney renal failure for 4 years...she would crash...then recover...crash...then recover
it is emotionally draining, but you'll get thru it
it's funny i always worried about knowing or not when it was "her time"...it's a huge decision...basically "playing god"
but i just knew that last day...she was always disoriented,
but for the 1st time....she didn't recognize me...and i knew
she was always here for me and i was ALWAYS going to be there
for her UNTIL the VERY end.....
it is a gift though, that we are honestly lucky to give to them
so peaceful...in loving arms...a gift
many people would have the same if the "human" wouldn't always end up corrupting it...it's a shame
u will know ...follow your heart...if u need to let her go...it's ok
go to the doc or don't, it's up to u...just make sure she gets to spend the time with u.....that's the greatest gift u could give her
my heart hears u.....
quote: " the special ones steal our hearts and give us theirs"
-unknown
how true............................

[slick]

Bryon: how is your kitty doing? Any updates?

[catland]

This is the hardest part of having these wonderful creatures in our lives. I can't advise you on what to do since each situation is unique.

Since Baby Jane isn't eating, you don't want to delay too long in your decision.

I'm so sorry for these sad times. If nothing else, spend as much time as possible with her:(

[Catsnclay]

Bryon.....PLEASE give us an update!!!!

I'm sorry I've been on vacation, please let us know here, or e-mail me about Baby Jane!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so sorry to hear about this.:( Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way for Baby Jane. She'll let you know when her time has come. Please take care.

[HayleyRosie]

So sorry to hear about Baby Jane. She will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please give us an update.

[Baby'sMomma]

Byron,

From someone whose family has nursed many cats through various cancers, a visit to the oncologist is strongly recommended. At least listen to the options. They will tell you if the cancer is too far progressed to do anything. Also, Prednisone can take up to a week to work in kitties, especially if they have already stopped eating and are becoming weaker. My parents cats that have had cancer have benefitted from surgery and lived another year to two years, with some fluids needed along the way, but definitely had the quality of life we wanted for them all the while. It's just so hard to see them suffer in the beginning and it's hard when the costs start to add up, so you have to do what's right for you and Baby Jane. You and Baby Jane are in my thoughts and prayers. My kitty, Baby, sends Baby Jane purrs and kisses.

Denise

[rg_girlca]

Has anyone received any news from Byron on how Baby Jane is doing?

[slick]

bump

still waiting for some updated news. I'm getting worried.

[RedHedd]

No, I even PM'd him last week with no response.

[Catsnclay]

I just found his e-mail address and asked him to either respond to me or here. Hopefully he will. I sure hope he is ok and things are good with Baby Jane.

Will let you all know if I get a e-mail.

[rg_girlca]

I hate to say this, but this doesn't look good since no one has heard any news on Baby Jane.

Oh perish the thought.

[hootchlid]

i am so sorry to hear that,I have a cat that is survivor of cancer,at the time she got hers,i was just laid off my job and was around her alot,as she is my little devotee she is in my face every morning to get her daddy up.Well,1 day i noticed there was a lump (like a little zit but not a whitehead)well i watched it for a couple days,it grew,So i took her to the vet,who determined it was cancer,and we lasered it off,but,it came back,i will post the picture of her with in,you can see she is not feeling well in this picture.But,the Dr said we need to cut most of her ear off,and thats been 8 months ago and she is cancer free and doing well,I hope yours gets better,there are miracles that do happen.

posted is Picture of Polly before her surgury with cancer in right ear.
dave

[Kirsten]

I'm so very sorry to hear this, poor Baby Jane!

I think I would also talk to the oncologist, but agree with those who say quality over quantity.

But it's hard, it's so very hard... :(

Kirsten