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.

[opus88]

very good points thank you for weighing in SweetTani....I am very happy to read that Tani is doing well, keep us updated on her♥

[SweetTani]

A cat at 11 still has, potentially, some good years left, unless however there are mitigating circumstances...like renal failure, although I had a cat with who showed signs of renal disease at 13 and lived to 18, with proper diet and accupuncture. If you opt for surgery, you might want to consider building some sort of outdoor enclosure where she will be able to go out, but still. be safe. If you can buy her a few good years I think you find it's worth it and you will know that you did your very best, just as you would for a child. But above all, if you are able to get a second opinion from a Board certified oncologist, and then, if recommended have the surgery done by a surgeon, rather than your general practitioner vet, you would be doing yourself and your cat a big favor. If you or a family member learned you had cancer and needed surgery would you want your family doctor to do the job?

[opus88]

I am really sorry to read of yet another kitty with this unfortunate condition...I think you really have to come to terms with IF you opted for this amputation that you also accept the fact that Miss Allie will from that day on be an indoor only cat, you cannot put her thru such as drastic surgery than expect her to fend for herself with only 3 legs...gosh its hard enough for many 4 legged cats to manage...
please I beg you do NOT even consider this surgery if you intend to allow her access to the outdoors again, cats DO adapt to staying indoors...if you wish you can leash train her as I have mine, they learn quickly and than can go outdoors safely with you....never tether alone!!!
good luck and I do hope you take my advice, its offered in the best interest of Miss Allie....♥

[Jeffnang1]

Hi, I learned today that my 11 year old cat Miss Allie was diagnosed with Fibrosarcome on her front left leg. Also, found out that her kidneys aren't functioning the way they should be. She is an outside cat, and would never want to be inside. I bring her in my basement at night and she is ready to go out in the morning ASAP. The doctor informed us that removal of her leg was the only option, and she couldn't guarantee that it wouldn't come back somewhere else. I am torn whether or not to remove her leg, and put her at the risk of being attacked by another cat/ dog and not be able to defend herself. Doc also said the outside older cats don't adapt we'll with a leg amputation. If she were indoor, it would be better. I don't know what to do. Any input in this matter will be greatfully appreciated. She acts fine, and I don't know what to do. I am HEARTBROKEN.

[SweetTani]

I don't know the age of your Rowdy, or what your limitations might be in terms of finances, but if she is still full of life, I would not take that away from her. Cats do fine with 3 legs...declawed or not. You might want to find a top notch oncologist and surgeon and see if they can perform surgery without amputation.
Whatever time you buy for her you will never regret.  Many people have amputations in order to live....why not give your cat the same chance. And BTW, my Tani, passed her first checkup and so now we keep praying and hoping that she will also pass the next one. Best of luck!

[harris4274]

Hi, this is my first time here. It helps to know that I am not alone in this and that others understand what I am feeling. About 3 months ago, I took my Rowdy in for her yearly vaccines, and to have this lump on her back leg looked at. I noticed it a month prior, it was soft but didn't slow her down. The vet looked at it and said Oh my, this does not look good. After x-rays and blood work she said it's a tumor brought on by over vaccinating my indoor cat. She then tells me I didn't need to give her all those vaccines since she never goes out. My jaw hit the floor. I looked at her and said your telling me that all those vaccines you tell me every year that she needs, she really does not, that it is all about the boss' billing? She then tells me that we need to amputate her leg. And keeps going on and on about how we need to do it now. So why should I trust them now? they are the ones to put my girl in this position. So I told her no, not going to cut her leg off. She made me feel like the worst kind of kitty mommy because I would not agree to the amputation. I read and read and read everything I could find. It all said that even if it was caught early (like marble size not ping pong size) if the leg is cleanly amputated and she goes through chemo that there is still a 62% chance that it will return and only a 30% chance that I will have her for another year. This vet did not mention chemo or any thing other than amputation. I know my Rowdy, she would not do well with only one back leg. Her front claws were removed when she was very young so that would leaver her only one paw with claws. I think what makes me the angriest is that I was not told of the side effects of these shots. I feel that anything that has a life threatening side effect regardless of species, we should be told so that we can make an informed decision. They should not be allowed to put the health of our furry family members in jeopardy so they can make a buck. Now I have the heart breaking decision of having to put my girl to sleep. I have an appointment for a second opinion, but do not hold any hope. She is the last of my original 4. Her sibs are all waiting for her over the bridge, but it doesn't make the decision any easier. I just keep asking myself, if I made the right decision.