Mammary cancer

Nacho23

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Hi, I just created this account and dont really know if it is the right place to ask for an advice on this matter but im really desperate. The situation is the following: about 1 year and a half ago I discovered a lump on my 14 years old cat. It is located on the chest really close to one of its breasts. By that time the lump diameter was less than 1cm. I took my cat to the vet and she said that it was probably malignant. I asked her if there was something that could be done and she said that in order to remove it she had to make sure there wasnt metastasise on the lungs. So I had it made a X-ray. The results were not good, its lungs "were not normal" but there was no sign of metastasise. Even with no signs of metastasise the vet advised me not to get it into surgery cause it could make things worse and that I should just let it go...So one year and a half later my cat is still alive and seems pretty much healthy but the diameter of the lump is now around 2cm and the breast kind of started to ooze fluid (although it doesnt look bad, only swelled). So right now I dont know what to do, should I take my cat to get him done another X-ray so that in case the results are the same as before that could mean that the issue it had on its lungs wasnt cause of metastasise, which would mean that the tumour could be remove by surgery? Do you think its right what the vet said about not doing surgery? I feel so bad for trusting her, im afraid i just could have lost too much time and now really theres nothing that can be done to cure my cat.
Any advice is welcome. Thanks.
 

catsknowme

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:salam::alright: Hello and welcome to the TCS family of cat lovers! I am sorry for the circumstances that have led you to join - I can tell that your cat is very precious to you. 14 years is a venerable age but typically, general anesthesia is high risk no matter the circumstances. On one hand, you could risk the surgery and take the chance of your cat slipping away peacefully or you can just keep giving the best care as long as the quality of life is good. I found a good article but it recommends discussing options with a feline oncologist, something that very few cat rescuers here can afford or even find accessible. Anyway, here it is:
Mammary Tumors in Cats | Manhattan Cat Specialists

Also, a TCS thread (but with limited response):
Has anyone had a mammary cancer cat still thriving after a year with no treatment?
 
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Nacho23

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Thanks for the fast reply. The vet said exactly the same as you, that anesthesia is a high risk at her age (she also has overweight). I wouldnt forgive myself if she passed away during surgery but at the same time i feel bad for thinking there might be a cure but im just sitting arms crossed... Shes literally everything to me...
 

catsknowme

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I understand your dilemma. I had my "baby boy" Lance put down 10 days ago. He was only 8 but had survived terrible diseases as a tiny kitten and had lung issues as well as had developed severe stomatitis that wouldn't resolve. A year and a half ago, he almost died from pneumonia - he crashed twice but after 4 days in hospital, he rallied and we had that bonus year+ of scritches & hugs.
I would ask your vet about what the quality of life would be if you opt for surgery. If it's just a matter of healing for a few weeks, then it's worth the risk but if it's chemo and feeling lousy, then it's better to enjoy the time you have, monitor closely for pain & search your soul for courage and love to let go (when quality of life is miserable). Remember to do what is best for her. Most of us here at TCS know the pain of loss and will be here for you when that time comes. My best advice is that it is better to let go too soon rather than too late; that said, let your cat enjoy what ever remaining days that she has. Every day after age 11 or 12 is a bonus gift!
 
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Nacho23

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Im really sorry for your loss...losing a friend after so many years of being together it is something i dont think i will ever recover from. Sabrina is the first cat i ever had and shes being with me half of my life.


Thank you so much for your time and advice. I was thinking of calling my vet later today and ask for another X-ray and an appointment so she can check on her.
Maybe theres something that can be done about that little oozing and swelling she is having but in spite of that she is doing okay.
 

posiepurrs

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Was it biopsied? Is she altered? Unaltered cats are at higher risk of mammary cancer, but there is also a condition that will cause the mammary gland to swell called mammary hyperplasia. I have had it happen with several of my cats (even a neutered male!). However since your cats gland is oozing, I doubt that it is hyperplasia. I only bring it up so others reading this will know since even my vet was uninformed about it. I am sorry that I can't be more help. Best of luck getting treatment.
 
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Nacho23

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Hi! Thanks for the reply! It wasnt biopsied and yea, shes altered.
The one study they made on her was X-ray, and since the results didnt show a "normal lung" the vet advised me not to carry on with surgery cause according to her, removing a tumour that is metastasized could be counterproductive. She is pretty sure that it is cancer and so am I since the lump has grown and it oozes (barely) if i press the zone. What is strange to me is the fact shes been living with it for a year and a half and shes completely fine, her behaviour hasnt changed at all.
 

fionasmom

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Did the vet ever suggest to you what is in the lungs if it is not mets? You have been left in a little bit of a gray area as decisions go. If it is at all mets in the lungs, or another serious lung condition which is comorbid with the breast tumor, that would rule out surgery, at least to me but you certainly might look at it differently as she is your cat. It has not been biopsied? Could they do a needle aspiration which should not need anesthesia to see what the tumor is?

One of my cats who was very elderly, lived to be 17, developed a tumor in her ear very late in life. The vet herself refused to operate due to the age of the cat as she said that her experience with surgery on the elderly feline was not good. The tumor did ooze but the oozing got worse over time....it took a long time....so be vigilant about the condition of the skin and whether or not you think there is any pain.
 
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Nacho23

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My vet didnt say anything else about it apart from the biopsy, but still, she said it wouldnt matter cause pretty much theres nothing else that can be done besides surgery, any other treatment would be too stressful for her. Tbh i feel like she gave up on her. Im gonna take her to a new vet this next monday.
 
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