First time visiting this site and wondering about people who have been through issues with their cats having enlarged lymph nodes in the intestines. Our cat Polky Dottie (Pokie for short), is 12 and went in for his routine checkup last week. We noticed that he appeared to have lost some weight but he had no other symptoms of any kind. I mentioned the weight loss to the vet, and he had, indeed, lost 2 pounds since the prior year. She said she felt a mass in his belly and did an xray and normal blood work and urine. She said the xray looked like either a tumor or IBD, and his urine had bilirubin but all the other blood work that they could do in house looked fine. However, with the bilirubin, she was concerned about multi-system cancer. So, she sent off the rest of the blood work and called me back two days later with somewhat better news - all his numbers were within normal limits. His bilirubin and lymphocytes were high normal but within normal, and everything else was completely fine. So we scheduled a special ultrasound for the following day. Ultrasound showed "multifocal mesenteric lymphadenopathy" which is concerning for lymphoma and mild pancreatitis. So, the vet is saying it's almost 100% lymphoma and wants to send him off for chemotherapy. Here's the thing, though, we love Pokie so so so much, but he is 12, and the vet is telling me it's likely 6 months of weekly treatments and best case scenario is 2 years of life - best case - if everything is perfect. He HATES the car and going to the vet gives him major anxiety, and the oncologist is 30 minutes in the car each way, so our family is feeling like it would be a lot of stress for him and us, emotionally and financially (it can cost $1000 a month). Has anyone else gone through this? Were you glad you did the chemo if you did? Our other alternative is prednisone, but I'm being told that if we do prednisone, it eliminates chemo as an option. Just looking for thoughts/opinions. Thanks in advance.
Mine has cancer, but it was breast cancer (mammary gland) she had the surgery, but now her breathing isn't 100%. so my vet thinks it may have spread to her lungs. she is as also 12 (will be 13 in September) The surgery (april 12)was hard on her, and she hates being in the car, and away from her sister. If I had the option of 6 months of weekly treatments to give her a few years at best, I would probably decline, my opinion is, for her, the car rides back and forth, plus needles, treatments, pokes, who knows what..every week, or even once a month.. making her feel bad, for no guarantee at a better life, I don't think I would do it. And I have the best vet around, and she is only a few minutes driving time. I would pick quality of life over quantity, especially at her age. once you weigh the options, you will come up with your answer what is right for you and your kitty. Make a list of pro's (MAY extend life a little, vet recommends) and Cons (costly, hates cars, may NOT work, may make sick) etc. As someone else suggested, a second opinion wont hurt either. Maybe you have less invasive options to help him get better/ ? Good luck and prayers.
