What would you do? (**Update 6-18-09 - need your prayers)

[kittykatharine]

So Sydney's cancer has been in remission since December. This has been very wonderful and we have been totally grateful to have her everyday. A new issue, however, has surfaced. Sydney was diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism yesterday. I had a feeling this was going to be an issue, because she has lost some weight and has been vomiting some (although not excessively). The vet has told me that I have three options for Sydney:

1. Do surgery and remove the thryroid tissue - the vet said she does not recommend this because it is very difficult to determine how much needs to be removed and many times - you end up having to give medications for hypothyroidism because too much was extraced. (RULED OUT AS AN OPTION)

2. Daily administration of Methimazole - for the rest of her life. The problem with this option is it does not cure the problem, only manages it - and long term wise it becomes expensive (daily meds, blood tests, thyroid tests, etc.) (MAYBE)

3. Radioactive iodine therapy - this option cures the problem. Problem with this is it is around $1500 and I have to travel to Auburn and leave her there for at leat 2 days. (MAYBE)


Here are my concerns - if I drop the $1500 on the treatment - the stress of the trip could cause her cancer to come out of remission, not to mention I dont have $1500 laying around. Plus, I am so afraid that I will get her the treatment, only to find out she has other problems, which would result in my having to deny her future treatments because I can no longer afford it. However, with the pill therapy the cost will end up being much more in the long run if she lives more than a year. I am just afraid I will be spend the money and her cancer will return in a month. I just dont know what to do. Any ideas or anyone with expereince with this would be greatly appreciated!

[columbine]

Was it the vet who told you stress can bring cancer out of remission? I've never heard of that before.

Sounds like a hard choice. How about getting a second opinion? It seems like a situation where one would be helpful.

Love, Columbine

[kittykatharine]

Thanks so much for the response Columbine! No, it wasnt the vet who told me this, however, I used to work in a medical setting with people and this was believed to be a common occurance. Because stress causes the sympathetic nervous system to be activated - you have increased heart rate, increased sweating, increased blood pressure, decreased immune system, etc. - all of which make you vulnerable. Sydney has survived 6 months of chemotherapy and I have been very adament about making her life as comfortable and stress free as possible. I am afraid leaving her in Auburn will for several days would be traumatic - especially since she is almost 14 years old. However - I have been reading all the previos posts on hyperthryoidism and it appears long term usage of the pill can be problematic, wherein loose stools, appetite, and vomiting issues can occur. This is not what she needs. It is so difficult sometimes having to be the one incharge of her life. The responsibility is exhausting at times

[moosmom]

I'd definitely get a second opinion. I adopted a 14 year old cat, Murphy, in December and she had thyroid problems that were corrected by the Humane Society before I adopted her. I've noticed that she vomits whenever I give her anything other than dry food. Since she's been on nothing but Wilderness Cat food, a high quality, expensive dry food. The vomiting has all but disappeared.

Since your precious baby has been through so much with her cancer and stuff, do the best you can for her. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[kittykatharine]

I'd definitely get a second opinion. I adopted a 14 year old cat, Murphy, in December and she had thyroid problems that were corrected by the Humane Society before I adopted her. I've noticed that she vomits whenever I give her anything other than dry food. Since she's been on nothing but Wilderness Cat food, a high quality, expensive dry food. The vomiting has all but disappeared.

Since your precious baby has been through so much with her cancer and stuff, do the best you can for her. You guys will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Moosmom, thank you so my much for your kind words - dont worry I will do what is best for Sydney, regardless of what a vet says. If I had listended to the vets the first time around, she would have been put to sleep a year ago.

[Medusa]

Oh boy, that's a toughie, Katherine. I hate to be a "me, too" but I think a second opinion is in order. I will say, though, that since you've ruled out surgery and you're leery about leaving Sydney at the vet's and stressing her out, the second option appears to be the most viable. My Creamsicle is on Prednisolone which does not cure her allergies, only manages them, but this is the option I've chosen. Granted, allergies and cancer certainly don't compare in severity but I'm sure you understand my comparison. Good luck, honey. You've done a great job so far and no doubt you'll continue to do so. Gentle pets to your sweet Sydney and (((HUGS))) to you.