Cat has cancer

[alm_nin]

I just found out at the vet yesterday that my cat, Monkey, most likely has cancer . I just lost a cat a couple of years ago to cancer, too. They are going to do surgery to remove the tumor. Has anyone else had to deal with cancer in a pet? I'm mostly concerned with, if the vet recommends any kind of chemo or radiation after the surgery, what would that do to his quality of life? What would you guys do in that situation?

[Shadows_Gold]

I'm so sorry for you. I had a dog die of cancer 2 years ago. All the vet said we could do for her is try to make her as confertable as possible until it was time to end her pain. Again I'm sorry.

[Animal Lover]

I'm so sorry that happened. I had a cat with cancer about 15 years ago and they said that she had only a few months, actually she lived for another 8 years happy and ,mostly , healthy. Our vet never suggested radiation or chemo. I would probably give her the chemo if I had her today but definitly not the radiation since it does more harm than good. Good luck and all my prayers go out to you and Monkey.

[Toadies]

Cats and dogs do not suffer the side effects of chemo that people do. They are able to keep on going much as before, being active, eating and being critters. It may not be a cure, as it is not always so in people, but it can extend and improve the comfort level and quality of life for the pet. I wish you the very best for your kitty. Cats are my passion, I have 7. Shhhhh! Don't tell the piggs!

[Baby's mom]

My dog Kelly had Cancer. It hit her fast, and hard. She died one year, and three months ago. I know I did the right thing, and made sure that she didn't suffer, because the Cancer hit her hard.

But if Chemo or anything else would've helped to fight the Cancer, I would've tried anything to save my fur baby. I am so sorry to hear about your loving little cat. It is so terrible when they get something like this, you want to have it instead of them.

My opinion is 1) make sure my baby didn't suffer at all. And 2) do whatever it takes to fight the disease.

My prayers and positive healing vibes are with you both.

BIG HUGS TOO!!

[PixieStix]

I'm so sorry you got this news, I would be devestated if I received such a serious diagnosis for one of my pets. I thankfully haven't had any personal experience, but I hope Monkey's able to continue to live happily and healthily for another good long time.

[alm_nin]

I have good news! Monkey went in for surgery on Monday to remove the tumor, and it turns out it wasn't cancer! It was just a fatty tumor. I am a little upset though that I just spent almost $400 for this surgery when he most likely didn't even need it. Plus, I feel so bad for him because he is does not like the recovery process at all. Should vets be able to tell whether a tumor is serious or not before surgery? I'm just wondering if this happens very often, or if I should start looking for a new vet. This vet is AAHA accredited and I have only heard good things about them...

[GP_lover]

I'm so sorry. my cat recently died of feline leukemia

[guineapigluver1]

Sometimes they can't tell until they go in to do the surgery.
I'm glad it wasn't actually cancer, though!

[Tserisa]

My beloved kitty, who is 14 (wow, it's hard to believe I adopted her that long ago!), has cancer. She's had one tumor removed years ago. It's returned, but it's not progressing quickly, and she's still happy and healthy. She purrs if you so much as look at her.

But it's good that you had the surgery even if it cost $400 and he's a bit uncomfortable! If it hadn't been a fatty tumor, and you'd put it off, it could've been really bad. Never regret taking good care of your pets! They deserve it.

And I'm so glad she doesn't have cancer.

[5guinea5pig5]

Congrats that it wasn't cancer! *Gives monkey a treat*

[Shadows_Gold]

Thats great! I would of rather spent the money for the surgury than have him in pain. I'm so happy for you!

[PixieStix]

That's great it wasn't cancer! I'm sure it's a huge relief, even if there was the extra money spent.

I haven't had experience, but I believe vets can usually take a sample of the tumor and test it to see if it is benign or cancerous. Though not always able to tell, physically examining can give some idea.

[NicholsS10]

6 years ago (I was a junior in HS) our family dog, Molly, a golden retriever, got lymphoma. We had the option of chemo, and since Molly was mainly HIS dog, he made the decision. He decided to treat her, we had the money, and she had a chance with chemo.

Eventually she went into remission for a few months, but the cancer came back worse.

We decided not to treat her the second time around, and when her bad days outnumbered the good, we said our final goodbyes and held her in our arms as she went to sleep the final time. It was heartbreaking and I still tear up thinking about it. When we got her ashes, we went to her favorite pond and spread them across the water.

What I DO remember about her being on chemo is that is that she was really tired all the time, she lost weight, and lost her appetite, but that could have been the cancer too. To be honest, I've blocked out a lot of her bad days in order to really remember the good.

Just know that you and Monkey are in my thoughts, and I hope for the best for you and yours.