fibrosarcoma in cats...2nd update!

**kb2yjx** · 10-27-2006, 12:43 PM

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** · 10-27-2006, 01:10 PM

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** · 10-27-2006, 02:48 PM

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** · 11-02-2006, 12:20 PM

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** · 11-02-2006, 01:01 PM

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** · 11-02-2006, 02:16 PM

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** · 11-02-2006, 03:29 PM

[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** · 11-02-2006, 03:46 PM

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** · 11-02-2006, 04:33 PM

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!