fibrosarcoma in cats...2nd update!

[LittleOrangeKitten]

[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]

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]

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!

[fragrancehound]

I need some honest opinions here. I feel so torn apart and I really do not know what to do. Do I opt for the radiation treatment assuming I can even get the funds or do I skip it and just give Panther the best life I possibly can in the remaining time he has with me?

I've contacted another oncologist to get a second opinion and basically he confirmed what the first oncologist said. With just surgery and no radiation treatment there is a 70% chance that this tumor will come back again. His life expectancy is about 1 year maybe even 1 1/2 if I'm lucky. With radiation there is a 40% chance of the tumor coming back but his life expectancy is about 2 years, maybe even 2 1/2. I am also looking into holistic approaches to see if anything will help but so far I am coming up empty although I did order a product called Willard Water because I read somewhere that it might help.

I have done everything possible to give him the best quality of life I can...tests, vet visits, surgery, tons of love, etc.. I really am conflicted about him having radiation. At $4,000 to $6,000 it is not something that I have budgeted for nor did I expect to have this being an issue but sadly it is. I've looked into some of the wonderful organizations posted here but I don't qualify. I might be able to borrow some of the money from my bf and put some on my credit cards however I am still not sure if that will be enough.

What would you do if you were in my position? If there is still a 40% chance of this tumor coming back would you still proceed with radiation treatments? I really am lost. I've asked the advice from family and friends and have received opposite opinions. Some say do whatever you can even if there is a chance of this cancerous tumor returning. Others say just enjoy the time you have with him. I don't know. I'm depressed and lost and just conflicted about this situation.

[Craftlady]

The odds w/radition are worth going for plus using holestic stuff.
If the odds were both 70% of re-occurance then I would let him live life without treatment as god sees it.

[Catty1]

Fragrancehound...the two links I posted - you have to apply for the funds before treatment starts. Why not contact them now, see if you qualify, and get other contacts from them to help out if they have any.

Your Humane Society might even know of some assistance that is available.

[Craftlady]

Fragrancehound...the two links I posted - you have to apply for the funds before treatment starts. Why not contact them now, see if you qualify, and get other contacts from them to help out if they have any.

Your Humane Society might even know of some assistance that is available.

The imom.org is very specific on who they will except, I'm surprised anyone qualifies. Here's link for "do you qualify" http://imom.org/fa/qualify2.htm
Sad

[fragrancehound]

Ok after much discussion with my bf and consulting with a few different oncologists I have decided to move forward with radiation treatment. My bf who has been very supportive made a good point which was I would not be able to forgive myself if I didn't exhaust whatever reasonable options are available for my cat to get better. I just couldn't live with the guilt. Afterall he is my 16 lb. baby! My bf is going to give me half of the money and I can probably put the rest on my credit cards. It still is going to be very tight financially the next 2-3 months but the oncologist said I can spread out Panther's treatment over a 6 week timeframe instead of 4 weeks so that will help a little.

Today Panther went in for the remaining bloodwork and x-ray tests to make sure he is able to withstand the radiation treatments and the anethesia he is going to need each time. I should get the results Monday and if all is well he starts his first radiation treatment next week. On a positive note his biopsy margin results came back clean so I am really hopeful that after his radiation treaments he will be completely cancer free!!!

[TopCat3]

That is wonderful news all round. I am so happy for you and Panther. What a great friend you have there. You must feel so much better already having come to a decision. My best wishes to you all. Good luck Panther!!