How do you know when the end is near with Fibrosarcoma?

Question

My sweet 11 1/2 year old Midnight was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma in October, 2012.  She had a huge mass on her right leg.   I am assuming it is vaccine induced because she received her rabies shot in early August.   I did not find it until early October because it was on the inside of her leg in an area she is not typically petted.  It has since grown up and around the top of her leg.   We had a biopsy but opted not to put her through radiation or amputation at her age since she has had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy since she was born (treated with plavix and atenolol).  She has not appeared to be in any pain, but 4 days ago the tumor started breaking through the skin.   For the first time tonight, she seemed to be in pain.   My vet had given me Metacam to give her when I felt she was in pain.   I will give it to her 3 days and then go to a smaller dose every third day.  I am not ready to let her go, but I don't want to allow her to suffer either.  Once it breaks through the skin, can anyone tell me about how much longer I can expect to have her?  I appreciate this site, it has been very helpful to read about the numerous experiences people have had with fibrosarcoma.   My heart goes out to each pet owner that has had to deal with this horrible disease.   It makes me sick that it could have been prevented.  It is the law in my state to have a rabies vaccination each year.  It seems so unfair for my cats since they are totally indoor cats and the chance of them being bitten by a rabid animal is very slim.  My husband does not want me to get our other cat, Simba vaccinated anymore (for rabies).   I agree, but don't know what the ramifications are for disobeying the state law.   If I can avoid getting it I will.   It has broken my heart in two to see my precious Midnight start to decline (she has lost 2 lbs) since getting this cancer.  We will put her to sleep when we have to, but would like to have a few more weeks if possible.

opus88 · Accepted Answer

I read alot in holistic sites and have read that using Turmeric/curcumin herb for cats has been shown to shrink tumors....the one most recommended is a Jarrow brand b/c it has to be free of wheat, soy, salt, sugar and other ingredients that are harmful to cats....I deal with iherb alot for supplements and found it on there site. you can use up to 400mg per day(open capsule and sprinkle on food)...but as with everything I would recommend you start alot lower to see if Midnight will still eat her food with this added and to be sure she can tolerate well. I would also split into more than one serving such as 200 mg with breakfast and 200mg with supper.

http://www.iherb.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Curcumin-95-500-mg-60-Capsules/106

MochasMom · Answer

My 15 year old Mocha was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma in July of this year. I considered radiation but was informed it would come back anyway in 4 months. At this point, it is breaking through the skin and there's some seepage. He continues to purr, eat, stand at the window, want to be placed at the bathroom sink so he can drink water from the sink. His 'normal' everyday activities continue. It makes it hard to believe that he's suffering the excruciating kind of pain that would prevent him from leading a 'normal' day; at the same time, I realize cats are resilient and that he could be in more pain than he would like to 'show', especially in the presence of other cats. Is it time?

MochasMom · Answer

My 15 year old Mocha was diagnosed with Fibrosarcoma in July of this year. I considered radiation but was informed it would come back anyway in 4 months. At this point, it is breaking through the skin and there's some seepage. He continues to purr, eat, stand at the window, want to be placed at the bathroom sink so he can drink water from the sink. His 'normal' everyday activities continue. It makes it hard to believe that he's suffering the excruciating kind of pain that would prevent him from leading a 'normal' day; at the same time, I realize cats are resilient and that he could be in more pain than he would like to 'show', especially in the presence of other cats. Is it time?

opus88 · Answer

Hi....not sure if catfoot is on our site any longer...I will jump in and give you my opinion.
I don't thk ur doing yr kitty any favours by keeping him alive, he is in pain an miserable an not enjoying life anymore, that's why he's hiding from you....cats can hide pain very well an many will continue to eat well until the very end, so that's not always a good indicating factor.
I know how hard it is too let go an many times we keep our pets alive longer than we should just because we can't bear to lose them. But as neEd to be responsible parents an do what's in their bests interest....I send my love to you both

mykirby · Answer

Our 12year old cat was diagnosed with fibroscarma in January. After the biopsy, Kirby started picking at it, so it is constantly weeping. The smell is awful. He is still eating and using the litter box, but we are wavering on how long to let him go. He seems to be so afraid of us and once again because of the smell, we can't get near him. Any advice would be appreciated.. Kirbys mom

opus88 · Answer

hi and welcome to our site.....I'm so glad you have a naturopathic Vet and I sure hope this Vet can give you some suggestions. be sure to ask about Vit. C injections also, I've read some good results from those also....to shrink the tumor and arrest the growth.
Yes please keep us updated....and sending some prayers for your dear kitty from all of us here♥

Mia795 · Answer

thanks for you post re: use of yarrow for cats with tumors.  will check into that.  I am very fortunate to have a naturopathic vet who studied in Asia nearby and will also consult with him.  If he passes along any great info, will be sure to share.

opus88 · Answer

aww my dear I do know how hard a decision this is for you both....our kitties become our family and we love them no less. I am so sorry that Midnight couldn't stay with you longer, she has told you this is her time..she is ready, it will break your hearts to say goodbye but be comforted in the fact that she will no longer be in any pain and her memory will live strong in your hearts forever....God bless. and RIP dear little Midnight, gentle journey over that Rainbow Bridge...♥

catfoot · Answer

It is Sunday night and Midnight took a turn for the worse today.   The tumor is 'weeping' more and I think she might have a fever and some pain.   I have cried all day.  As much as we don't want to do it, we are going to end her suffering tomorrow.  We love her so much.   It will be the hardest thing we have ever done (other than when we had to put our other cat to sleep).    I am praying that Midnight will remain stable through the night and that she will be peaceful tomorrow.  I dread tomorrow.   My sweet, precious Midnight has meant the world to us. Our hearts are broken.

catfoot · Answer

It is Friday and we are through my husband's surgery and our sweet Midnight is still with us.   The opening on her leg is about the size of a quarter now and protruding and reddish, but I don't think it is infected and hope it doesn't become infected.   We have an appointment to euthanize on Monday, but my heart is already not wanting to.   If we don't do it then, we have a back up plan to do it on Sat, Jan 26.  It is so difficult to ever be 'ready'.  But, we are hoping to make it until the 26th to give us at least one day to grieve before going back to work.  I can't tell you how much I have agonized over this.   Her quality of life still seems to be fairly good.   Not great, but not bad either.   She is still eating normally, sleeping with me, being affectionate and occasionally playing.  She still has beautiful, shiny black fur. I am giving her a 2 lb dose of Metacam every 3 days.  I do hope and pray that is helping with any possible pain.    I appreciate your recommendation of the Turmeric/curcumin herb in another post.  I would have definitely tried it if I had found out about it back in October rather than now.   I think it is too late to try, unfortunately.  Have you ever heard of it shrinking the tumor after it has broken through the skin?  Also, I am assuming it would not work overnight.  It would need time....and that I don't have much of now.   Thanks again for your comments.   I do appreciate them.

opus88 · Answer

as long as she's not in pain and she still has a good quality of life than just wait and see how each day goes....we all hang onto each and every special day that we have left, I hope I didn't jump on you too hard, I'm not pushing for you to make this decision right away today..
my heart breaks for some animals that the parents have waited too long but on the other hand it also breaks for those that jump in and put their cats down for minor treatable issues..
you do whats right for you both and also for Midnight..no one is judging here.
Its only dime size, if its growing slowly and with the pain meds than maybe she will be with you for awhile yet, I certainly do hope so.

apparently the adjuvanted vaccines are the ones that do cause the sarcomas, is Midnights tumor in the SAME location? that will tell us alot about whether or not these statements are true or not....if its the same spot as the vac than its more than chance isn't it.

If your Vet isn't going to cause a fuss abt vaccinating Simba and he is strictly indoors than there is NO doubt in my mind what my decision would be...there are many holistic Vets that tell us one vaccine is good for life...contrary to what we are told again.

You are doing the right thing for her, don't you worry....you are concerned, responsible and you love her to death...that is tons more than many pet parents can say...they do become our children believe me I do understand the love you feel for your kitties....((hugs))

catfoot · Answer

Thanks for responding.   I do know she is not going to improve, although I do think the Metacam helped her feel a bit better as she seemed to be perkier this morning.  The open part on her skin is about the size of a dime right now.  I know it will probably get bigger and messier.  I think if we could just have a couple more weeks with her, it would be helpful.   My husband is having shoulder surgery on Tuesday and he wants to get past that before thinking about doing it.  I saw my vet this morning for my other cat Simba (he has been throwing up a lot lately) and mentioned to him that we do not want to get a rabies shot this year.  He told me he did not think that Midnight's fibrosarcoma was because of the rabies shot due to the fact that the shot she got was the one without the adjuvant added to it.  He believes cats that get fibrosarcomas are genetically disposed to getting it.  Anyway, he said he could not force us to get the shot and he would not turn us in to any authorities, but he would still recommend Simba being vaccinated with the non-adjuivant shot.  We will have to think about that.   Anyway, I know the end is very near for Midnight and I need to start preparing for that which is so very hard.  We don't have children so our cats are a huge part of our lives.   I will try to see if the Metacam helps ease the pain for a week to get through my husbands surgery and then see how she is doing.   I don't want her to be Zombie like either.   She means the world to us and we want to do the right thing for her.  Thanks again for responding.

opus88 · Answer

your story is very sad to read, I am so very sorry for you and your beloved Midnight. there is far too much of this happening to our dear kitties. I know your looking for someone to give you some hope....I'm afraid I can't do that, I have to tell you what I feel in my heart and I know its not what you want to hear.
honey, she is not going to improve...nor will she even stabilize anymore, hon she is in pain sure the meds will help a bit....but not completely. thiis is the hardest thing we have to do as responsible pet parents, we have to know when its time to say goodbye for our dear kitty's sake, believe me I have had to do this myself a few times and I do know how hard it is to know when its time.....when a kitty is in pain honey, its time. 
the tumor will continue to grow and ooze through the skin, it will not be pretty and yes it will be painful too unless the Vet gives her so much medication she will just be a zombie, I know you don't what to see her live her last days like this.

for what its worth you can get away with not vaccinating for rabies, but what happens when one of these kitties needs to see a Vet, will this than be discovered and treatment denied? I don't know how it works in the US. here in Canada its not mandatory. My two cats are also indoor only, I do not vac the one, but have to with the second b/c he is a biter and if he ever bit anyone he would have to be put down.

(((hugs)))) to you all and my deepest sympathies♥