Mr Meow is home, pictures added on post #80

[jenluckenbach]

Mr Meow was at the vet for his regular depo shot (to keep his cancer under control). I finally had a chance to ask "what else should we be doing." (my regular vet is on vacation) so this gave me a chance for a second opinion....

So the vet started by saying, if it is cancer, than you just give the depo shots. but he also said how amazed he is that Mr. Meow is holding his own for so long (5 months now). Not losing weight and not getting sick. Then he palpated the abdomen......felt a golf ball size lump. (keep in mind that 5 months ago this swelling was barely able to be felt and was found on an ultrasound) So it is growing.


But he is doing REALLY well otherwise.

This vet suggested an exploratory surgery. Go in and SEE what might be able to be done. The down side, might open him up to find out there is nothing to be done. The good side, maybe it is removable. Might not cure him 100%, but then at least this growing lump would be gone. And maybe could be biopsied for further possible treatments.

So, my question is.......What are the pros and cons of having this done? (in YOUR opinions)

I would be totally CRUSHED if they opened him up and said that he was so full of cancer that we should PTS without even awaking him! (I watch too much Animal Emergency ER) I mean, he is doing so well!

But if there is even a CHANCE that a tumor could be removed giving him more time.......of course I would want to do it.

I have no doubt that One by One would OK the surgery. But is it the right thing to do? need to see both sides of the issue.

What do you think?



EDIT 12-11-07........Mr. Meow will be going in for surgery Friday (12-17) Wish him luck.

[Catty1]

Jen, could they do a needle aspiration and then decide on surgery? (After sedating him majorly!)

That would buy either a bit or a lot more time, depending.

PT Prayers for that loving, beloved special boy...

[jenluckenbach]

Jen, could they do a needle aspiration and then decide on surgery? ..

I don't know The first thing after the ultrasound was the suggestion for an endoscopy/biopsy. But we decided against it. I personally wondered about going in and taking a L@@K.

I wonder if it is because the lump is so deep in the abdominal cavity?

[Catty1]

This is a toughie...it would be great to know once and for all....

It's hopeful because he has done so well, and whatever is growing has gotten so much bigger and is not bothering Mr Meow.

If they would have to biopsy by going in - and if they could remove the whole lump - I personally would like the surgery to be as gentle as possible so that Mr Meow can have lots more time with you, even if it IS malignant. I wouldn't want you to have to decide to PTS while he is still under...that would be so brutal, especially since he is doing so well right now...

What is the least invasive way they could find out for sure? I mean - I don't expect you to know that, but maybe the vets could answer that question...

[rosethecopycat]

I would be totally CRUSHED if they opened him up and said that he was so full of cancer that we should PTS without even awaking him! (I watch too much Animal Emergency ER) I mean, he is doing so well!

That's exactly what happened to a 7 y o Meezer named Bongo (on SICC site).


Way TOO HARD for me to give an opinion, I can only relay outcomes and experiences that I know of.

Let your heart tell you what to do.
Prayers and Meezer songs for Mr. Meow

[Craftlady]

We were told by a surgical specialist, most tumors that are taken out come back even bigger.
I know from what was explained to us, chemo and radiation is brutal on animals and very expensive.

Fact the tumor is growing so fast in last 5 months, unfortunately is not a good sign. It doesnt take expensive testing to figure that one out.
Yes, Mr. Meow is doing so well now but the tumor will start to effect him.

Enjoy the time you have with him. Give him lots of attention and kisses, I personally would not put him through surgery since it's growing so rapidly.

Your heart will tell you what is right to do, Mr. Meow will let you know too.

Will keep him/you in prayers.

[columbine]

This could be out of date or just plain wrong - for all I know it's one of those "folk wisdoms" that are just misheard or made up - but there are supposedly cancers that go nuts when exposed or cut. I dunno - this almost seems like a question for that Nancy person, because she could get Mr. Meow's opinion and maybe even more information. (Her name is Nancy, right? The cat psychic?)

My only personal reservation is that depo weakens the immune system, and so Mr. Meow would be unusually susceptible to infectious complications, but I'm sure your vet knows how to deal with that.

Whatever happens, you've taken a sad little cat and made him happy, shown him the kind of love that every creature deserves, and been a friend to somebody who really needed one. Sometimes that can be, if not enough, a real comfort, if you take it as seriously as Mr. Meow has in his gentle kitty soul.

Love, Columbine

[Grace]

Such an impossible decision. Columbine is correct. Certain tumors will simply take off once operated on.

See if the Vet can give you an idea if this one is inside an organ, such as the stomach, or just hanging out in the abdominal cavity. Those inside are harder to deal with.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Jen, I'm glad to hear that Mr. Meow is doing well but I'm so sorry to hear that his tumor is growing. If I was you I don't think that I'd put him through any type of surgery. Since he's on depo shots this makes his immune system weak like others have already said and then he might not be able to recover very well afterwards. I hope that he'll continue to do well for a long time. Please give him some loving for me and enjoy the time that you have with him.

If I had it to over again, I don't think that I'd put Starr through the surgical biopsy like I did. It did confirm that he didn't have cancer but it didn't really tell me anything else that I didn't already know. Even Starr's holistic vet said that it really didn't help to diagnose his illness. Starr's tummy fur hasn't even grown in completely and it's most likely because of the pred.

Whatever you decide, I'll support you. You and Mr. Meow will continue to remain in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[critters]

My ancient MamaCat had a huge adenocarcinoma that you could practically see growing. Dr. C operated, intending only to make her more comfy for the time she had left. That was 2 years ago last summer, and she's still going strong!!

[jenluckenbach]

Mr. Meow will be going into surgery this Friday. I am both scared and hopeful.

Could we possibly find a NON-cancerous tumor? After all, his orignal blood work up looked good. And the ultrasound only showed a lump, not what KIND of lump.

This week will be a long wait..........

I am praying for you, Mr. Meow. I love you!

[momcat]

Jen, my prayers continue to be prayed for Mr. Meow. Prayers and [[[[HUGS]]]] being sent for you.

[Craftlady]

Will keep good thoughta and prayers.
Not to be a downer, justing being realistic, good blood work up doesnt mean the tumor isnt cancerous. Thumper had normal blood work and all her organs were clean.

[jenluckenbach]

Will keep good thoughta and prayers.
Not to be a downer, justing being realistic, good blood work up doesnt mean the tumor isnt cancerous. Thumper had normal blood work and all her organs were clean.

I know....... Just trying to be hopeful. No use worrying about things you can't change. (If it is cancer, I won' change that by worrying about it....know what I mean?)

[phesina]

Prayers and good wishes are going to you and Mr. Meow, Jen. Luck and good news to you both.

Love, hugs, and purrs,
Pat and cats