fibrosarcoma in cats...2nd update!

[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.


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]

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