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

[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.

[kittykatharine]

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.

Thanks so much Medusa - you are always so wonderful. I have been reseaching this all morning - and if Sydney had no other problems, this woud be an easy choice - the radioactive iodine treatment is the best choice and a true cure if successful. However, the fact that Sydney is dealing with cancer - if complicates the entire situation. I am going to try and get in touch with the vet oncologist who saw Sydney a year ago in Auburn. Hopefully she can shed some light on the best protocol to follow.

[Medusa]

if Sydney had no other problems, this woud be an easy choice - the radioactive iodine treatment is the best choice and a true cure if successful. However, the fact that Sydney is dealing with cancer - if complicates the entire situation.

Exactly. Nothing is easy in this life, is it? And we take our responsibility to our little fuzz nuggets so seriously, as well we should. I sure would hate to see you trade one illness for another, if you know what I mean. You're truly in a precarious predicament but the oncologist may give you the peace of mind that you need in order to proceed. I know you'll keep us all posted and prayers will continue for Sydney and you.