fibrosarcoma in cats...2nd update!

**kb2yjx** · 10-20-2006, 06:18 PM

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** · 10-20-2006, 10:12 PM

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** · 10-22-2006, 05:12 AM

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!

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** · 10-24-2006, 02:15 PM

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** · 10-25-2006, 11:22 PM

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.

This is the front view of my baby! I think I woke him up taking this photo.

Here is the back view of him after surgery. His fur is already begining to grow back.

**fragrancehound** · 10-26-2006, 12:19 PM

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** · 10-26-2006, 01:01 PM

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** · 10-26-2006, 01:09 PM

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].