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. 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.   :-)

[densy21]

My cat Ashley, 15, was just recently diagonsed with fibrosarcoma. We noticed a lump in between her shoulder blades about 8 months ago. I took her to the vet and of course they said surgery. They did not even know what it was at the time. Of course, I was afraid of doing surgery because she is so old and I did not want her to suffer. She acts perfectly normal. She runs, rolls, jumps, eats, drinks,. I mean if it wasnt for this massive lump on her back you wouldnt know she was sick. Anyway, I noticed last week that the lump was opening up. Im not sure if she scratched it or if it is busting open, but it worried me. So I took her to another vet and they did a biopsy. The lump is probably the size of a baseball. I know that one day I will have to make the decision to put her to sleep, but I cant make that when she is happy. She is not in any pain. So, I am going to talk with the vet monday about what options we may have but I dont know if I want to put her  through surgery, which may or may not help. Im just so confused and scared!
We will just take it day by day and I will enjoy her as much as I possibly can.

Dena

[KSA01]

Which vaccines did you have and who was their manufacturer?

[Tigger1997]

I have a Loveable 12yr old Blind cat and he is so sweet but we received the results today at 9:00 that he has fibrosarcoma. I just stood and cryed !!! I was given the option for surgery but the doctor told me that it would not do any good because the tumers would just return, it would be better just to allow Tigger to live his life out with a good time. So I have decide do just love him and allow him to live his life out as God see it. Please pray for our loving animals!
God Bless

[Dee1241]

My 13 yr old male cat was diagnosed today with fibrosarcoma.  She had a tumor on his lower right leg.  This is not vaccine realated which the vet said wuld be worse.  She said we need to keep an eye on him to see if a growth reappears.  If there are not any issues with the lungs when it grows back then they said they culd amputate his leg.  If lung involvement then there will not be anything they could do.  He was acting and still is like nothing is wrong and if things change then we will further investigat.  

[Nana997]

My cat (9 years old right now) had his first surgery for fibro sarcoma in September 2008.  They had to remove one of his toes.  My vet had contacted an oncologist to see if removing the entire leg would prevent re-occurrence. The oncologist said that because this type of cancer is so aggressive, it may have already spread cells, so it was in no way a guarantee the cancer wouldn't come back else where.  We decided not to amputate.  Radiation and chemotherapy were suggested, but statistically would only lengthen his life by 6 months.  For only 6 more months and considering the pain of the treatment, we opted not to do it.
One year later, September 2009, a small lump appeared on his shoulder, just below the shoulder blade.  Right now it is the size of a tennis ball.  He has began to show signs of pain and is close to us making "the decision".  I have read so much online about pain and the one thing I want to say I have learned from it is that cats hide pain as a survival technique.  Just because they are not showing signs of pain, doesn't mean they are not in pain.  Enjoy your cats for as long as you possibly can...this is a terribly devastating cancer.  My heart truly goes out to each and everyone of you as I am dealing with the heartbreak same as all of you.

[Jaimie_2000]

6 weeks ago my cat was dignosed with fibrosarcom after the vet cut out a tumor by her thumb. 2 weeks later we did the chest xrays and there was nothing there. Yesterday I took her in and she now has 2 more lumps one her thumb again and one on her ribs. The one her thumb , she has chewed half way off. The vet said she could cut her leg off but in 2 weeks we might be in the same place again. I have decided no more surgery or kemo as my studies show it doesn't not do anything but make the last days miserable. But I am concerned that the chewing will cause the cancer to spread or she might bleed to death while I am at work. The vet gave me some ointment to stop her from chewing but it hasn't. We have tried wrapping her paw but she always gets it off. If I could get her to stop chewing she might live another 8 months to a year, but if she doesn't I will be faced with my biggest fear, and I feel I don't have the right to end her life. Just the thought of it tears me up. I fear coming home from work, afraid I will find her ....Right now my mind is racing to help her but I can not come with anything.  Please does anyone have any ideas on how to make her stop chewing?

[kiirab]

PLEASE READ: I am writing this to make you more aware of the consequences and care of vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas in cats. I am a 23 year old college student. My cat, Reverie, is 5 years old. In January 2009 she received a routine rabies vaccine that left a small welt under then skin. The vet said, "Call if it is still there in 2 weeks." It was still there and two weeks turned into months. In May 2009, I took her to a different vet (while still consulting with the vet that gave her the vaccine) because I moved to Austin, TX when I got accepted to UT. Upon reflection, I SHOULD HAVE DONE MY OWN RESEARCH. I SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HER TO AN ONCOLOGIST. Instead, I went to a vet close by that could get me in quickly, they said it needed to be removed ASAP, and she had surgery a week later. The biopsy confirmed a vaccine-associated Fibrosarcoma. The lump returned in 3 weeks, while the horrible stitches from the surgery had yet to finish healing. I thought the tumor might slow down or even stop growing, but it did not take long to see that the rate at which the tumor grows is exponential. In February 2010 I took my cat to a new, highly recommended, and high rated (on Yelp.com) vet. They referred me to Capital Area Veterinary Specialists-Texas Veterinary Oncology. They told me my options: (aggressive) Surgery, Chemo, and Radiation or some combination of two. But, the rate of a successful SECOND surgery is very, very low. They also told me what to expect if I did not pursue the surgery route. WHAT TO EXPECT: the tumor will continue to grow. It will grow so rapidly that the skin will begin to rupture. It will continue to grow out in all directions, including outside of her skin, and an open wound will result. The OPEN WOUND will/can get INFECTED. I expected the rupturing of the skin would be a least a year away, but once again, I was wrong. I said before that these tumor grow at exponential rates, and when I returned to the vet this week, my suspicions were confirmed. It is July 2010. On 2/12 the tumor was 7.5 X 4 cm in diameter. On 7/13 the tumor was 13 X 10 cm. They took a chest X-ray to see if the cancer had spread to her lungs yet (an indication that it has most-likely spread into other vital organs as well). Her lungs were fine and healthy. She is still eating and until yesterday, she was walking around. She is wearing a little SHIRT that the vet made (Tube-like cloth with two arm holes cut out). It looks like a baby's onesie. It helps to keep her from licking the wound and helps control/absorb the fluid that is leaking from it. She also got a shot with 2 weeks worth of antibiotics to help with the infection and the smell (I can tell it has started working already). Because I am not considering surgery at this point, the doctor told me what I can do. Because the wound will NEVER HEAL, I can give her pain medication and antibiotics. She will wear her little shirts, and I will change them daily (at the very least). I can apply a clean, warm towel to her wound if she allows me to do so, to help with the scabbing and crusting over that will occur. And that is it. I am guessing that the final step, euthanasia, will have to happen when she can no longer eat, the wound is affecting her mobility, or the cancer spreads to her other organs (whichever comes first). As of now she is comfortable and eating, still eager and birght-eyed for treats and getting petted. Personally, I am scared to death and have been sick to my stomach since I took her to the vet this week. I simply want her to enjoy her remaining time and be comfortable. I try to keep my mood elevated when I'm near her because I know she can sense my moods. I want my little girl to be happy. I just want to put my story out there and into the world. I want to inform other people and raise awareness of this horrible condition and consequence of vaccinations, as well as the lack of information and concern from some of our vets. I want people to know they aren't alone. I want more people to become aware of this devastating result. But most of all, I want to know that I am not alone. I am glad I found this on-going discussion. It is honest. I hate to think that this post will mark a moment in time; a moment in time that will exist indeterminately while my lovely kitty won't. My heart is broken, for Reverie, and for every person who has or will have to endure this painful kind of experience. (Feel free to re-post this anywhere and everywhere you desire). I love you, Reverie. Forever and always. Love, kiira. xoxo

[opus88]

thankyou so much for bringing this to everyones attention. I am so sorry for your poor kitty, that is so sad for him and for you, we do the vac's thinking we are doing whats right for our pets only to discover thats not necessarily the case, there can be horrible consequences to these vaccine's that Vets don't like to acknowledge.
I too urge everyone to do their research than make up their own minds.

I do hope Reverie and you will have some quality time together for as long as possible. I can understand how scared to death you must feel and rightly so.I think you have made the right decision and not pursue the trauma of the extensive surgery, it would buy Reverie a little more time but at such a physical and emotional cost.
That poor little darling. I feel so bad for him and for you too.
My heart goes out to you both.

Please continue to update us on his condition

[Jaimie_2000]

I still have not found a way to stop my cat from chewing on her tumbors but I have found in the past few days there are ways to reduce, shrink, and even make the tumors go away using herbs and vitamins. I googled "shrinking fibrosarcoma tumors" and am amazed there is so much information. The vet doesn't offer any info so I will continue to research, however the vet does listen to me and make suggestion and is helping me research dosages for my cat as all the dosages listed on the web or on the herbs only offer human dosages.
I have also learned that betacarotine is good to fight the cancer as it helps improve the immune system and has lots of antioxidants in it. I also added a multivitamine to her diet. After 3 days she is back up socializing and even tries to play.
I can't just sit and watch this happen to her. I feel I must try so if anyone has any input or reseach to share I would appreciate it. I may not find the cure but aleast I will know I made her qaulity of life the best I could. Then again, maybe our combine efforts will find a way to put this in remission or cure it. We will never till we try.

[Jaimie_2000]

We will never know till we try.