The cancer is back

[April2]

Well, the news was just as I suspected. The cancer is back. I talked to the vet a little bit ago. She said it's a high grade malignacy and the prognosis is guarded. When I asked what that meant she said the prognosis is not good. This type of cancer (it's a malignant fibrous sarcoma) has a high recurrance rate. She said it usually is slow growing but this lump almost appeared overnight and is much larger than the first one she got last year so she's afraid this one may be faster than they usually are.
She said it's a good sign that she's still eating pretty well. One of the things to watch for is if she stops eating. She said I'd know she was in bad shape then. I guess it can be hard to tell with cats when they're in pain but I will watch her and the vet said she can prescribe pain medication at any point I think Misha may need it.

I don't know how long I will have with Misha. I guess at this point I will just try to enjoy her and keep her as comfortable as i can. I don't want her to suffer so I will be watching her closely.

If anyone has any suggestions or has gone through something like this and can tell me what signs to watch for I'd really appreciate it. I'm going to look up information on this cancer. I just hadn't had time to do it yet.

Thanks for the prayers and for caring about me and my kitty.

[PikaPika88]

Thank you.  I'll take her to the vet.

[dominosarah]

I am so sorry for your loss April.  You were such a good mom to Misha.  You loved her enough to do what was right even thru the pain.  I am sending a gentle hug to you,   sara

[April2]

The lump that Misha had was hard and couldn't be moved. Your kitty may have a fatty deposit but I agree with Opus it would be best to get it checked out.
Take care.

[opus88]

I can understand your fear Pika, however please get this lump investigated it may well be some fatty tissue but also could well be a cancerous tumor. And surgery can be successful at least buy your kitty a little more time if caught in time.
If this site is the area where your kitty has had vaccines injected it could well be VAS(vaccine associated sarcoma) and that is all too common. Sarcomas can spread quickly so don't wait any longer please.
Keep us updated hon
♥Opus

[PikaPika88]

I came in here too late.  I feel the pain and as all the furry friends, we would face the similar situation one day.

April, I feel very sorry for your lost.  Could I ask you one question?  Was Misha that lump hard or soft?  My Eiva also got a very big soft lump under her tummy (big like a chinese rice bowl).  It's in between the stomach and back legs.  I'm too scared to take her to the vet.  I love her and fear to lose her.

If anyone knows or happen this to your cat.  Please let me know how it goes?

[FurballsMom]

So sorry you had to put your kitty to sleep.  It's heart breaking when we have to part with our furry friends in this manner, even when we know this is in the kitty's best interests.  :-(  I think all the kitty lovers here have gone through something similar at one time or another.  I am crying, because I feel sad you lost your sweet furry friend.

[opus88]

April I wrote on your journal, what a lovely tribute to Misha.
She was a beautiful cat with a sweet demure personality, RIP dear little girl and gently journey..
I am so sorry for your loss.♥

[April2]

She's gone. My precious baby kitty is gone. I miss her already. :(

I wrote a journal for her. God bless you, little Misha. You will always be my baby. I will miss you always.

Thank you all so much for caring for me and my little kitty. I will always be grateful for that and for all the prayers.
God bless you all.

[LindaTX]

So sorry, April, you are in my prayers.  You are doing what is best for Misha.  She has lived a long and wonderfully happy life. You have taken phenomenal care of her all these years.  I feel for what you are going through.  We're all here for you.

[Cassandrajane]

You're in my thoughts, I am soooo sorry! :(. I know its one of the hardest things to do.
She is a fighter and she has lived a long life, and by the sounds of it ha beaten this before... But you know what you are doing in a nice way is better than having her carry on!

i am here if you need to talk!


xx

[opus88]

Oh April that is so sad, poor dear little Misha. she has fought long and hard to stay with you as long as she could, but I agree you are making the best decision for her....we have to let go and not allow our babies to be in pain when there is no solution in sight.
I will have you both in my heart and prayers Saturday.....and everyday hon.
my deepest sympathies to you both..♥Opus

[AppleBr]

:-(  Sniff!
I would pray for you both, for sure
Take care, hon...

[April2]

Misha has gone drastically downhill. She is now peeing all over the house every day. It's not just the occasional accident anymore. It's constant. She's not even attempting to make it to the litter box anymore, it looks like.
I've noticed she's walking and laying a lot more carefully now too, like she's in pain. She's also attempting to eat that knot on her side and inflamed it again to where it looks terrible.
I have decided to have her put to sleep on Saturday. I made an appointment with the vet who knows her and has worked with her.
I would appreciate any and all prayers as this is going to be very difficult for me, I know. I'm trying to be stoic right now and not think about it too much but I know I will probably fall apart on Saturday. She's my baby and I've had her a long time.
Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you, my friends.
April

[LindaTX]

Thinking about and praying for you and Misha, April.  The Vet or a low-cost spay clinic might give you some inexpensive pain meds for Misha at cost.  It wouldn't hurt to check....just a thought. Take care.

[April2]

Thanks everyone. The sore looks a lot better and she doesn't seem to be bothering it anymore. It looks like it's healing now. The redness and swelling looks like it went down.

She's still eating well and acts interested in food all the time.

Last night I held her on my lap for quite awhile and she just laid there and purred.

I will ask the vet about pain meds but unfortunately it's going to have to wait till next payday. I hate to say that but we're literally broke. This was a bad payday with unexpected bills. 9 more days till next payday and things are tight. :(  I am watching her closely and will talk to the vet about the pain meds next week. She doesn't seem to be in any pain but I know I've been told it can be hard to tell with cats.
Thanks for caring, everyone. I will keep you updated.

[Jade59]

April, I'm with ZQ in this could be a sign she's in some pain.  I know how hard this is on you and my heart truly goes out to you and Misha, poor baby.  Do let us know what the vet said yesterday when you have a minute.

Keeping you and Misha in my prayers, good friend!

[Cassandrajane]

I am so so so sorry about this news! :(...

I am here if you need to talk!

x

[FurballsMom]

So sorry Misha's cancer came back.  :-(  

[opus88]

aww April I'm so sorry for you and Misha. the messing, licking and throwing up can all  be signs of discomfort/pain too so its good you are going to call your Vet.
I would think IMO it maybe soon time to use some pain meds, after all her comfort now has to be a priority.
I haven't had a chance to do any extra research for you yet, but I did find on MH's holistic site there was some info from 2 Vets there that may give you some ideas esp. when it comes to her appetite...
best of luck hon...and darling Misha♥

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Holistic-Care-For-Pets/lymphoma/show/1329856#post_6132184

[zodiacqueen]

You should get an e-collar for her until your bills are straight.  That would prevent her from messing with it and give it time to heal.

Is she okay w/ her eating, etc????

[April2]

Ever since they biopsied that lump she's been messing with it. I guess they must have irritated it by shaving it and cutting a small piece off. She won't leave it alone. She's been biting it, etc., and it looks inflamed and possibly infected. I've been putting Neosporin on it but may have to take her in to get looked at. The only problem is we have very little money this paycheck because of a couple of extra bills. I'm going to call the vet tomorrow and see what she suggests. The lump looks bigger to me too but that could be because they had shaved it.
She's still messing outside her box too and occasionally throwing up. Not sure if any of that is related to the cancer or not.
I will keep you all updated as much as I can.

[29sillygirl]

Geez.  I needed to say the main thing.  Bruno had the same cancer Misha does. He also was well over 10 years old.  My vet said pretty much what yours did...he offered surgery, but I wasn't going to put an older cat though that...plus spend $:) I didn't have.

The medicam is approved for dogs in US.  Off label use for cats.  

I understand you have a busy life.  It is only now I can indulge things I couldn't when working.

We all have said it: it is the quality that counts.  Misha will appreciate whatever time you can give her.  

[29sillygirl]

So sorry to hear about Misha.  I second all comments re pain meds.  Jade is so right about that eating myth.  

Think Medicam is what I gave my last cat,  Bruno, during his last six weeks.   I fed him what he wanted: Natural Balance. He ate well, took his daily walks through apt. complex, and slept on my new Pottery Barn duvetl  The guy had standards!!!

I am retired and had noticed a growth on his hip, so took him to my vet.  He wasn't my cat officially, but I had no choice. Bruno needed care and here I was!

He remained serene throughout his illness.  I keep his ashes in my bedside table, and like to look at his pics to remind me to stay calm in the face of adversity.  My son passed away four days after Bruno, and I have wondered about the timing of their departures.
He may have been preparing me .....who knows?  

My daughter in law had to have one of her kits put to sleep....the vet did come to their home....I think it would be lovely if that could be arranged.  Then again where ever you are, Misha will know you are with her.  That is all that is important.

Ann

[LindaTX]

April, I too want to say how sad I am that Misha's cancer has returned. All you can do is comfort her and spend as much time with her as you can.  I know you have a busy life but I also know you will never regret giving her this extra time and attention...in her hour of need.  Bless your heart and Bless Misha's.   Linda