Can Anyone Recommend A Oncologist In New York / New Jersey / Connecticut?

Hello all,

I have read MANY post's and stories about cats having cancer on here. Well, I am now one of those as well. I am devastated just like all of you :-(

My boy, my cat "Twinkie" has stomach cancer (Lymphoma) a very large mass. (Like 3 cm x 5 cm) He has a some small cells, some large, some medium sized. It has not metastasized (thank god)

Can anyone share their stories of survival? How long? treatments? chemo experiences? and most importantly how much did it cost you to do Chemo?

Can you also recommend a oncologist? I would so appreciate anything you can contribute to this post!!

Here is Twinkie better days. I call this picture, "I FITS!!"





Here are a few more Twinkie pictures (right after he started throwing up blood and not eating as much) :-(

I don't have any recommendations for that area but try checking the Veterinary Cancer Society's web site Find A VCS Member | Veterinary Cancer Society

Twinkie is a beautiful boy! I totally understand your devastation upon receiving the cancer news. I have received it three times...twice with the same cat...and she is right here with me feeling and looking good at age 16! Looking at her, you would never guess she has cancer.

Calico is being expertly cared for by Oncologist Suzanne E. Rau, DVM at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates in Valley Forge, PA, just outside Philly,not far at all from NJ, and easy to find. It is a comprehensive Veterinary facility; the Vets are top notch and the equipment they use is the latest; service is fantastic. I call it the "Mayo Clinic" for pets. Over the years, I have used most all the specialties for different cats, and all have been tops in their fields. Everyone from the front office staff, the techs, assistants are very caring, compassionate and give your pet the utmost in customer care. Check them out at www.metro-vet.com.

A lung mass was discovered in Calico last spring by X-ray incidental to an ear issue. She underwent surgery at MVA where a very capable surgeon, Dr. Rebecca Wolf removed a lung lobe. This was followed by 5 monthly infusions of chemo (Carboplatin), each costing around $250. This cancer has not returned.

The fact that Twinkie's stomach cancer has not metastasized is indeed lucky! I would think at this point it may be operable by a good surgeon and would be followed by infusions of Chemo. When Calico was first diagnosed, Dr. Rau gave me options for how aggressive I wanted to treat, costs, what it involved...from most aggressive to least aggressive. I chose most aggressive and am glad I did. She tolerated the chemo infusions very well.

Now Calico has a bladder tumor, totally unrelated to the lung tumor, and is still in the expert hands of Dr. Rau. The tumor is stable, not growing with the use of Leukeran (capsule) which I give her 3 times a week, and which she tolerates very well and she looks and feels good.

Another place you might want to check is Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of PA. This is in downtown Philly and is very comprehensive as well, just harder to get to with traffic. I have taken cats there, (not for cancer), but I do know they have an excellent Oncology department there and all the latest equipment and expertise.

I urge you to seek advice of the best Oncologist you can get as soon as possible. They will do a thorough examination and will provide you with a range of options and then together, you can decide what is best for Twinkie. I think after having done this, you will have a much better outlook along with much less worry and anxiety. I wish Twinkie, and you all the best!

Our vet recommended an oncologist at Blue Pearl in NYC that she liked very much, and we did a consult with hi and he was very informative. We elected not to pursue treatment given the prognosis. If you want his name, please reply in the thread and I will research it and get back to you quickly.