Went to the vet today for our 6 month senior visit.............................I'm a wreck.

[classic67]

Hi all cat lovers, I guess I'm posting because I'm looking for a glimmer of hope. I took my 13 year old cat Shelby in for her routine 6 month senior kitty check up today. All went well during the exam, but they took her out back for her bloodwork and came back and told me she either has a kidney stone or a mass in/on her kidney. They suggested leaving her so they could do an ultrasound, which I did and went home to cry and pray all afternoon. They called back to confirm that it was a mass and to ask if I wanted them to aspirate with a needle, which I'm assuming is a biopsy. I would do absolutely anything for my girls so I said yes, I picked her up later in the afternoon, and now the long miserable wait for results has started. She has shown no signs of illness prior to this visit, and since being home this afternoon she's eaten and is her old self. No signs of distress at all. I have 3 other cats, one 17, and 2 sisters 16. All doing great, so this is a total shock. Shelby is the youngest. I love these cats more than is healthy to do. They are our children and I am sick with worry. I guess what I'm looking for is anyone with experience with something like this and hopefully some reassurance. I will do whatever she needs to overcome this. We sure could use some prayers too! I find this site invaluable. Thanks, from Susan and Shelby. xoxo

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. I would wait to see what shows up, if anything, on the tissue analysis from the needle aspiration. There are other things besides cancer when it comes to masses. So, since Shelby seems perfectly fine, take it for what it is and wait to see what they have to tell you.

I will tell you that I am a bit surprised based on bloodwork alone that the vet could come up with a kidney stone or a mass - that just doesn't seem to make any sense to me. Ask them to explain to you how they could have arrived at the idea it was a kidney stone or a mass just from bloodwork. Perhaps, they also did a urinalysis that showed up additional information? You are entitled to know. Get copies of all the test results to look at yourself.

Whatever they come back and tell you from the tissue analysis - get a second opinion from another vet in an entirely different practice (to avoid colleague bias). You can also take her records, test results included, and ask for a second opinion consult with another vet.

Take a breath and relax and wait for more information.

 

[stephanietx]

I am so very sorry this is happening to you and your precious Shelby. It's so very hard for us when they get older and issues pop up. I know it's difficult, but try to relax and love on your girl. She will pick up on your stress. Keep us posted on the findings.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

 

[silent meowlook]

Hi. It is really important to remember that Shelby doesn’t know anything is wrong with her unless you tell her. Don’t dwell on things you can’t control and let her be a happy cat. I have seen manny cats defy the odds and live good lives when according to the text books they shouldn’t have still been walking around.

I know it is easy to say don’t worry but another thing to actually not worry.

I guess what I am trying to say is, don’t let Shelby know you are worried.

 

[silent meowlook]

I think they did an ultrasound.

 

[di and bob]

My prayers are with your precious girl. I pray that God is merciful and that your sweet baby is fine, or has something that is curable. To give you the strength to deal with whatever comes up. My thoughts and prayers are with you both......

 

[classic67]

My prayers are with your precious girl. I pray that God is merciful and that your sweet baby is fine, or has something that is curable. To give you the strength to deal with whatever comes up. My thoughts and prayers are with you both......

Thank you so much. I appreciate the prayers more than I can tell you. I haven't slept in 2 nights. I stayed in the recliner last night just watching her. I'll keep all you wonderful folks updated.

 

[classic67]

Hi. I would wait to see what shows up, if anything, on the tissue analysis from the needle aspiration. There are other things besides cancer when it comes to masses. So, since Shelby seems perfectly fine, take it for what it is and wait to see what they have to tell you.

I will tell you that I am a bit surprised based on bloodwork alone that the vet could come up with a kidney stone or a mass - that just doesn't seem to make any sense to me. Ask them to explain to you how they could have arrived at the idea it was a kidney stone or a mass just from bloodwork. Perhaps, they also did a urinalysis that showed up additional information? You are entitled to know. Get copies of all the test results to look at yourself.

Whatever they come back and tell you from the tissue analysis - get a second opinion from another vet in an entirely different practice (to avoid colleague bias). You can also take her records, test results included, and ask for a second opinion consult with another vet.

Take a breath and relax and wait for more information.

Thank you so very much for your reply. All the support I get from you folks keeps me going. You brought up such good points. They had no results on blood work or urinalysis when she gave me this news. My husband tells me not to jump to conclusions, (men are always so level headed!) but my cats are my world and I guess I do obsess over them! I lost my Mum a couple of years ago after caring for her in my home for 8 years, She was my best friend, and I still haven't gotten used to being without her, so I focus on my kitties. They are our children. I'm thinking now that maybe a call to Angel Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, might be an option. I'll keep you all updated. This is my little Shelby!

 

[di and bob]

Bless your heart.....

 

[fionasmom]

Calling MSPCA Angell might be a very good move if the situation calls for it. I am a big believer in consulting a specialist when needed. Sending good thoughts for your baby.

 

[classic67]

I got the call last night that I prayed I wouldn't get. My little angel Shelby has cancer. My vet gave me the information for a Oncologist that she used when her cat was sick. I've been up all night just watching her and crying. She's acting totally normal, it's me that is hurting. I've already got the specialists number and I'm ready to call at 8:30 when they open. I love my cats more than anything and I will do whatever it takes to give her a chance. Funny thing is that my vet said "Don't tell her that she's sick". She is a beautiful spiritual person and understands the pet/human bond. I'll keep you all informed on what happens next. Prayers welcome. xo

 

[FeebysOwner]

 

[fionasmom]

It is very true; don't act as if anything is wrong. Animals take clues from us and read body language and the subconscious much more than we give them credit for.

 

[t c c]

Hi all cat lovers, I guess I'm posting because I'm looking for a glimmer of hope. I took my 13 year old cat Shelby in for her routine 6 month senior kitty check up today. All went well during the exam, but they took her out back for her bloodwork and came back and told me she either has a kidney stone or a mass in/on her kidney. They suggested leaving her so they could do an ultrasound, which I did and went home to cry and pray all afternoon. They called back to confirm that it was a mass and to ask if I wanted them to aspirate with a needle, which I'm assuming is a biopsy. I would do absolutely anything for my girls so I said yes, I picked her up later in the afternoon, and now the long miserable wait for results has started. She has shown no signs of illness prior to this visit, and since being home this afternoon she's eaten and is her old self. No signs of distress at all. I have 3 other cats, one 17, and 2 sisters 16. All doing great, so this is a total shock. Shelby is the youngest. I love these cats more than is healthy to do. They are our children and I am sick with worry. I guess what I'm looking for is anyone with experience with something like this and hopefully some reassurance. I will do whatever she needs to overcome this. We sure could use some prayers too! I find this site invaluable. Thanks, from Susan and Shelby. xoxo

I had a cat a few years ago that got cancer. I decided to treat her because she had no other health issues holding her back from fighting this. And I also had a friend stand in my office and point at an empty chair-He said "Would you rather a pile of money be sitting there, or your kitty?" Needless to say, $9,000 later, and she made it about another 5 months, but gave a lot of knowledge to the cancer center (not enough people have cats treated for cancer), I never regret a penny of it being spent..

I don't miss a dime of it. But I miss her and she knows I did everything I could for her. One other bit of advice: do a ton of research during the process & only go to a cancer vet that is open to discussing what you find. A good vet will admit that they can't know everything. This is a fast moving area of science, so be your kitty's advocate. Saying prayers for both of you, also

 

[linzy383]

Any time that something happens to our boys I do the same thing--just sit and watch them. Stay in the same room just to be with them. Etc etc. If it's lymphoma I learned a lot from the Feline Lymphoma Support Group and Feline Lymphoma Worldwide Facebook groups. Thinking of you--I know how difficult this is.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Lighting a candle for the both of you! It will be lit until. Just...until
.

 

[classic67]

Any time that something happens to our boys I do the same thing--just sit and watch them. Stay in the same room just to be with them. Etc etc. If it's lymphoma I learned a lot from the Feline Lymphoma Support Group and Feline Lymphoma Worldwide Facebook groups. Thinking of you--I know how difficult this is.

Thank you so much for making me aware of these two FB groups. I immediately requested to join. Reading some of the posts have given me a glimmer of hope. I'm glad there is someone else that understands the need to be with them to reassure them and let them know they are loved. Love isn't a big enough word for how I feel about my cats. They are my children, and I can't get over the anger that something like this could happen to a precious little soul that is only here to give love and make us happy. At least now, I have a sliver of hope. We see the Oncologist on Thursday for her first appointment, and since her bloodwork came out "wonderful" as my vet said, I'm taking that as a good sign too. Thanks again for giving me hope.

 

[Jcatbird]

Whatever you find out with the oncologist, she is happy. It sounds like whatever it is, you caught it quickly and that’s a huge plus. I just went through this and I know it is hard not to feel panicky but truly, as long as she doesn’t know something is different, all is well. Sending you all prayers for great days.

 

[Meowmee]

I am so sorry about Shelby, hugs to you both I hope the oncologist appointment goes well and she can get some treatments that will help her. That is good that she is feeling well too. I know how hard this is, I have been through it too many times. My kitties are my babies too.