fibrosarcoma

[miakitty]

My cat was diagnosed with a fibrosarcoma tumor last spring (the kind of tumor that is believed to be from vaccine injections).  We decided not to do surgery becuase it was very invasive and did not have a high sucess rate.  The tumor's size is now bigger than a plum, but smaller than a baseball.  It is on her back, below her shoulderblade.  In the last 2 days, I've noticed that it has begun to open slightly - as if she has been itching it or it is beginning to "pop" through  (I haven't seen her itch it, but I am at work during the day).  It is not an open would yet - is there anything that you know I can do to prevent it from becoming one?  Is there any type of ointment I could but on it?  I'm kind of lost on this.  I know the vet said that if the tumor opens and becomes infected, she will need to be put asleep, but I want to put that off as long as possible since she still really enjoys life.  Thanks for your help.

[Savas]

The only thing that helps with scabbing is Vaseline or a similar safe substance. Otherwise...you can ask the vet if antibiotics is safe to prevent infection, but it would only be a matter of putting off for a few weeks what's going to happen eventually if it's opening.
I'm sorry to hear your kitty is going through this, these types of tumours are frustrating to deal with, coming from a well meant shot.

[miakitty]

Thanks for the advice, I'll call my vet tomorrow.  I do realize that we only have limited time with her, but I want her to enjoy life as long as possible.  When it causes her pain, I know that we will have to put her to sleep.  Thanks again.

[indigo15]

My first kitty had the same thing many years ago, and we did have the surgery.  Unfortunately it came back faster and more aggressive than before and was the size of a softball when we decided to put him  down as he could no longer clean himself and his motion was becoming too restricted for him to function.  I use a topical homeopathic gel or cream with a calendula base.  I call it "magic" as the gel variety is safe for most skin types and heals incredibly fast.  Since this is tumor based and will continue to grow and change, it will not stop the cancer process but it might help keep her comfortable by minimizing secondary skin lesions.  Best of luck to you and love her every day that you have her.

[miakitty]

Thanks for letting me know what is to come soon.  It helps to know what to expect because there is not a lot of information out there about what to expect at this point.  Thanks again.

[daisyrose441]

I just got the new my cat had this about 4 months ago and it has spread so quickly it is the size of a baseball on his neck. The vet told me it would open up and cause an infection and as gross as this is the skin is dying so it is odorous. I have to bandage my cat like a person and clean it everyday.  My cat still eats and plays like nothing as wrong. As gross as this tumor is the surgery is so expensive with not a good chance of survival. I opted not to do the surgery and they told me as long as I can handle the grossness of the tumor and as long as my cat still ate and played I wouldnt have to put him down. This is a toll on me because I still see the happiness in my cats eyes Ive had him for 17 years and I cant see putting him down yet.  Its also something that is very gross to see and take care of. Even with antiobiotics the infection always comes back.  All i did was get a rabies vaccine.  Kind of disappointing that trying to keep my cat healthy caused it to kill him.

[bags47]

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the more holistic way of handling cancers?  My cat had a very smal external tumor on her fore front paw.  As soon as I discovered it, I made an appointment and had it removed; the biospy showed grade 2 fibrous sarcoma.  She is in basically good health, eats, runs, clear eyes, good coat so I'm thinking rather than putting her through Chemo and radiation at this stage of her life (she's 15), I'm opting for weekly injectiions of acemannin along with supportive supplements.  doe anyone have any feed back on this type of treatment?

[haxorkat]

we discovered a tumor around october of last year. it's been about 6-7 months and it's now the size of a baseball. we started homeopathy around december 1st with some initial improvement of his energy but continual tumor growth. he likes his new diet though of fresh cooked fish and shrimp! he's started scratching the growth as of two days ago and it's opened up. the regular vet gave us a topical spray yesterday to help with the itching but he seems very uncomfortable at this point. atleast i felt like we were doing something positive to help him in these months with the homeopathy and diet changes, and he's gotten to have some really yummy meals and contented cuddles with us... i'm just waiting for him to give us the sign "i'm OK to go!"

[Lindamay]

My cat has 2 fibrocarcomas on her side right above her ribcage. My vet said there was a chance that the manufacturer of the vaccine might chip in on her health care. Have any of your pursued this and if so, with what results?
***@****

[zodiacqueen]

I feel so bad for you guys, God bless all of you for having to deal with this.  This thread has upset me so much-to think that you have been good pet owners trying to do the right thing keeping your cats vaccinated to get "rewarded" with fibrosarcoma.

My heart goes out to all of you!!!

Has anyone tried to do some research on this cancer?

Hugs to all of you guys!  Lots of 'em!!

[Titanslove]

My dalmation has been fighting this cancer for 3 years. at 10 years of age he started with a lump by his hip. I left it thinking it was a fat pocket.But it got bigger and it was operated on93lb. tumor) i was devastated!!!  It came back & we took it out again. Last August was the 2nd & last surgery.  It has come back bigger and worse but I have tried everything fro Essaic water to carrot juice to anything homopathic plus giving Titan (my boy) ubrin(arthritis meds that are suppose to slow the growth of the tumor and the inflamation (inflammation). He turned 13 in Nov. of 2008. I know he has had a good life but I dont care. I will try anything to keep him comfortable. he is now starting to vomit with almost every meal but is still eating preety good & going out to the bathroom. LOVE them for as long as you can. when the time comes to say goodbye I know it will be the hardest thing in the world to do(My vet comes to my house for this-this is not the first time I will have to do this)  READ everything- try everything ask questions and call anyone and all. Hope you and your pets will find peace in knowing I am praying for you all!!Love Debbie & Titan

[mrflj]

We found a lump on our cats hind quarter a couple of years ago, and had it surgically removed.  In January of 2008, I found a pea size lump.  It has since grown.  We have decided not to put her through any other surgeries.  As of right now she is eating, playing and doing her business as usual.  When she starts showing that she is uncomfortable, we will do what is necessary.  But for now, we are enjoying every minute with her.  I am keeping an eye on it, and it hasn't opened as of yet.

Are there any ointments I can use to keep the skin for getting irritated?  Thanks for any information.

[moggymum]

My 9yr old black half siamese was diagnosed with sarcoma in February after having an operation to remove a lump the size of a ping pong ball between her shoulder blades.I was devastated when I found out the results. Within 8 weeks the lump had reappeared. The vet said they couldn`t operate again and to prepare for spending our last few months together.She is a cat that always has to be with you and spends every night on the bed glued to my side !! When the lump came back, everynight when she was sleeping with me I began massaging the lump. The lump reduced in size to a marble and is not showing through the skin. I have no idea whether this is just pure luck but I took her to the vet who was as surprised as I was as this is quite an aggressive cancer. She is very happy,eating well and not on a special diet other than a supplement of mouse or bird when she can catch one !! I think it is just wishful thinking on my part but hey why not try massaging your cats lump and if its doesn`t work you will have given your cat alot of one to one attention.I will keep you posted on her progress.

[Baylynx01]

I read your recent post with interest.  I just took my 11 yr. old half Siamese Sophie to the vet and learned that the lump I recently discovered on her left lateral tibia was probably vaccine related Fibro Sarcoma.  I have been reading up on this condition and am getting quite depressed.

My Sophie's lump is 3/4" in diameter.  The vet recommended monitoring the growth of the lump to see how quickly it increases in size.  No biopsy was done, but the vet strongly believes it is Fibro Sarcoma because it is located at the site where feline leukemia vaccines are typically administered.

I am confused because the vet said this type of cancer does not metastasize.  However, everything I'm reading indicates that this is a very aggressive cancer.  There are many accounts from pet owners who have reported the appearance of several lumps... often after surgical removal of the original lump.

I will be contacting my regular vet who administered the vaccinations to confirm the location of the injection.  I'm also thinking that I should have the lump biopsied.  If Fibro Sarcoma is confirmed, the next step will probably be a visit to an oncologist.

Sophie is a beautiful, talkative and active cat.  (I posted her photo on my profile page.)  I can't imagine her being snatched from me by cancer.  She often sleeps with me, so I will start massaging her lump.  It certainly can't hurt anything.

A brief anecdotal comment:  I mentioned to my husband recently that Sophie no longer purrs like she used to.  I've never known a cat to suddenly stop purring - hmmm... just wondering.

Thanks for listening.

[benniesmom]

If you haven't already done so, please schedule a biopsy asap, and I mean NOW.  If the lump is fibrosarcoma, you need to find out very quickly.  I just found a lump on my kitty, had the biopsy done, and found it was fibrosarcoma. Without any medical treatment, my cat is expected to have a 2 month survival time. When they say this is a fast growing cancer, I had no idea it was that fast!  It almost grows by the day, and sends out microscopic fingers that spread into the surrounding tissue, muscle and bone.  The sooner you have it diagnosed, the sooner you can have a plan. Most times, the treatment is surgery, removing the tumor and a wide section of tissue around it. Don't be shocked if they recommend removing the leg as the best chance to get rid of the cancer. They may also suggest chemo and/or radiation treatments ( - which are very expensive and last several weeks in some cases).  Although it seems like a horrible choice, many cats do well on three legs, and often they are the ones that can survive long term, because it's the best chance to remove all of the cancer. ( I was in denial about this, but I've read the studies over and over again, and often it's the best choice to beat the cancer ) There is a group on the Yahoo site for Fibrosarcoma cats and owners, and helpful info there. There is also helpful info on the Links page, by people and their kittys who have gone thru the surgery.  Like you, I've been reseaching till I could drop.  I hope this helps, please, don't delay, with this disease,a day really could make the difference and take away any choices you may have. Please do contact a specialist for the biopsy and an oncologist at a specialty hospital, who are familiar with this cancer.  Monitoring this type of tumor for growth is unimaginable.  I know this is all overwhelming, but I'm hoping that you and Sophie benefit from what I've learned. I hope this doesn't come across as harsh or hard nosed, just trying to stay strong in the face of this bad dream.  Best wishes to you both, I hope there is a good outcome for your little kitty.   :-)