Kitty Gastric Lymphoma

3/27/2007 Poe "lost my kitty cat" .. says:

I'm so sorry to hear that. Is the alley cat?

3/27/2007 Cornelius "indigomaster" S. says:

Thanks, Poe.
No, this is the extremely, gentle good-natured gray pure bred. I'm very upset, but it's the lesser of two evils and in some ways i'm relieved because it could have been carcinoma which would have meant curtains for kitty.

I'm still gathering info, but it sounds like she may be able to survive with a fairly good quality of life for another year...If so, I'll take it!

3/27/2007 Poe "lost my kitty cat" .. says:

Sending kitty some love via cyber space. Purrrrr

3/27/2007 MissMaryAnn D. says:

so sorry to hear about your kitty
I Pm'd you some stuff
:(

3/27/2007 Roger "Not So Jolly" G. says:

My kitty had a fairly aggressive gastric carcinoma, which didn't end well.  :-(

He was on prednisone for about six months before succumbing (along with Flagil... yech... and Pepsid and some iron supplements).

In the last week or two, he wasn't eating much on his own or drinking at all, we were syringe feeding him and giving him SQ fluids at home.

When to let go is a really hard decision to make, but keep in mind that cats are very stoic and by the time they're actually demonstrating their pain, its probably really bad.  I think we were a bit "selfish" in keeping Cassio alive longer than we should have, but we'd never gone through it before, so it was really hard to let go.  He would have good days and bad days and it was a total emotional rollercoaster.  Stomach cancers are apparently very painful, so I wish I could have spared him a few of the last days.

Anyway, the prednisone will probably help out for a while.  You'll know when its time.  Don't beat yourself up.  (I say this knowing that you will still beat yourself up.)

For such tiny little critters, they leave a big hole when they leave.

Best wishes... :-(

5/6/2007 Diana C. says:

My cat received a diagnosis of colon cancer in its early stages, in December 2001.  At first the specialist thought it was Inflammatory Bowel Disease.  My cat's been on Prenisone and Leukeran (chemo) treatment for over 5 years now.  He's doing great.  But the cancer was found in very early stage, it was a mild case, and I proceeded with the chemo because my dad had just died of cancer and I couldn't lose both my dad and my cat.  The decision went against my grain as I try to live as "clean" (non-chem, non-GMO, non-processed-foods, etc.) as possible.  I hope you understand that whatever decision you make (made), and whenever your cat dies (as we all must), everyone can only do their best to navigate confusion - love is the main force here.  Best.

8/1/2007 Kumuki M. says:

Sending your kitty love. Hopefully this will be helpful in some way:

If you are considering surgery for your pet, at the recommendation of your vet, I would definitely ask for second and third opinions from other vets outside of the practice. Creature Comforts might be worth a try. Also, make sure the vet outlines all the risks for you. Our cat recently had surgery for mammary and other cancer and rapidly declined & passed away soon after. She may have had a better quality of the remainder of her life should I have sought out second and third opinions as is common advice before surgery. Know your options and don't be pressured into surgery. At least you won't second guess yourself and be wondering if you made the right decision for your loved one.

Resources:

ACS questions to ask prior to surgery:
(written for people, but the same questions are applicable)
http://www.cancer.org/...

Holistic vet referrals:
http://www.drpitcairn....

Books:
(I really wish I read these sooner)
Dr. Pitcairn's New Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats
The Nature of Animal Healing : The Definitive Holistic Medicine Guide to Caring for Your Dog and Cat

- In loving memory of Princess Bu cat,  Dec 1993 -- July 30, 2007