Willy might have cancer / high-grade lymphoma Treatment thread

[Kwik]

I don't mean to turn this thread into a discussion of something else, but I feel like atheism often takes on this cold reputation. But like I said in my previous post, I believe in love between people, animals, and each other. That's real to me, because I can feel it and see it.

It's your thread and I don't want to go off Topic but just know I only know your heart,not any categorized reputation.... and all I see is a lovjng,kind and wonderful person that has always been my pleasure to talk to... and loves Willie beyond words!!!!

We are all joined here because of our love of cats (& each other)- like minded and that's what matters!

 

[fionasmom]

I am so sorry that you are facing this. You have to make the decision as to the best treatment for Willy and everyone here is trying to offer suggestions or support. In the world of many types of cancers, if that is what this is, getting a clean margin is a big step to resolving some, if not all of the problem. In that case, it may be less expensive to do a complete removal as opposed to a biopsy. An FNA, if that is applicable in this case, would probably be less expensive than a biopsy though.

One of my cats, years ago, Daddy Cat, had skin cancer very deep in his ear. It was not caught right away but treated as an ear infection which never got better. When the vet realized what it was, we removed the entire ear and part of his scalp...no ear tipping in this case. We did not follow up with any other treatments as they were not as widely used then, but he lived out the rest of his life and died from kidney disease years later, not cancer.

I do not know if this applies to Willy or not, but sometimes a chest or abdominal xray is done to look for any spreading of the cancer. This does not mean that it has spread, so don't panic. When my GSD had his melanoma surgery, he had no sign of cancer on any other diagnostic.

Does the vet think that these two lumps are related? I agree that the ear surgery might require a specialist if it were to be entirely removed.

 

[iPappy]

cmshap I know how much you love your cat, and I am so sorry you and he have to deal with this.
I have found a lot of lumps and bumps on dogs and cats over the years, some of them my pets but most of them not. And in many cases, they are fatty tumors that are not malignant. Obviously I can't say this is the case for your guy, but, that's what I'll be hoping for!
My vet told me once that once a single fatty lump develops, they usually get more. My Mom had a Papillon develop a lump in his chest area when he was only 3 or 4 years old, and there was absolutely NO way to feel it unless he was on his back (it was deep along his sternum). It grew rapidly, then suddenly stopped growing. He lived to be almost 16, and it never grew any more or needed removed. I'm hoping the two lumps are just benign fatty tumors and won't cause him any harm.

 

[cmshap]

I have found a lot of lumps and bumps on dogs and cats over the years, some of them my pets but most of them not. And in many cases, they are fatty tumors that are not malignant.

Actually, I have experience with this as well. One of my childhood family dogs, Sophie, developed a number of lumps and bumps in her later years that were not serious.

I am hoping there will be some explanation like that... however, the speed with which the lump below Willy's ear has developed is what worries me. It's grown very fast. And then the tiny lump on one of his inner ear folds, which is what has been bleeding a little, makes me think the larger lump isn't alone in its cause.

Of course, I can't help but expect the worst. I wish I could be more optimistic. I am still showing Willy just as much love as I always have, and am playing with him all the same, but I am having a hard time looking at him without thinking our time is now limited. And I hate thinking this way.

 

[eevans3373]

But the mass under his ear has grown to a noticeable degree within just 5 days.

To be honest, I never considered an option like this. My vet's current plan with the biopsy is to fully remove the chest lump (the less serious one) and send the whole thing in for biopsy, along with a piece of the ear lump.

Do what you have to do to get a piece of the ear lump biopsied immediately. The rapid growing and bleeding sounds bad. Like the Cancer that took the life of my cat Sammie.

 

[cmshap]

Do what you have to do to get a piece of the ear lump biopsied immediately. The rapid growing and bleeding sounds bad. Like the Cancer that took the life of my cat Sammie.

I'm sorry about Sammie. Do you mind describing what happened, specifically?

I am going to put my trust in my vet. I will call her Monday morning, explain how fast the ear lump has been growing, and ask if there's any way, or anywhere, I can get a biopsy sooner than in mid-October, when it is currently scheduled.

If she says she doesn't know, I will start calling around to other vets' offices in my area.

 

[eevans3373]

I'm sorry about Sammie. Do you mind describing what happened, specifically?

I am going to put my trust in my vet. I will call her Monday morning, explain how fast the ear lump has been growing, and ask if there's any way, or anywhere, I can get a biopsy sooner than in mid-October, when it is currently scheduled.

If she says she doesn't know, I will start calling around to other vets' offices in my area.

Like you I had sensed a disturbance in the force before any of this happened and was sure 2023 would be my last year with Sammie.

On my birthday (March) I noticed odd blood spots on the carpet. I looked over Sammie but could find no obvious signs of injury. Until I looked at his rear end. There was an abnormal growth near his rectum that displayed odd properties and was bleeding. I immediately rushed him to an emergency vet. They took a sample to biopsy. A week later the results came back. It was Cancer. Due to its location and his health surgery was not an option. The vet didn't feel Chemo would be effective and steroids would most likely kill his kidneys. I was told "No time is too soon." in regard to euthanasia.

I made a deal with him that I would keep him around as long as he wanted to be around. Around May the lump got much bigger, and Sammie told me he was ready to go.

 

[cmshap]

I made a deal with him that I would keep him around as long as he wanted to be around.

I can't stand the thought of having to make this call, but I know it is part of life. And it's an inevitable part of having our relationships with cats.

Thanks for sharing. Despite whatever negative thoughts I'm having internally, I've already made a similar deal with Willy, in that I am going to treat him like nothing is wrong. He's not showing any pain, discomfort, or decrease in energy, which as Kwik put it, is a blessing in itself.

I'm going to play with him and love him like everything is normal. And actually, playing with him takes my mind off the negative stuff.

 

[eevans3373]

I can't stand the thought of having to make this call, but I know it is part of life. And it's an inevitable part of having our relationships with cats.

It's pretty grim but unfortunately many of our furry friends need help getting where they are going. When the time comes it's a selfless act of love.

I'm going to play with him and love him like everything is normal. And actually, playing with him takes my mind off the negative stuff.

Good plan. Make sure he has a lot of fun and gets all the foods he likes. Good luck.

 

[cmshap]

I called my vet this morning, and explained that the lump has grown since she saw him a week ago.

She was able to make some time for his biopsy surgery on Oct. 12, which is a week earlier than it was previously scheduled.

I am making the decision to stick with this plan vs. rushing him into emergency surgery elsewhere, because I honestly can't afford that. My vet thinks we have a good plan, and I already got an estimate for the biopsy and have money allocated for it. If he needs further surgery after that, I have a little more time to work on figuring out how to get that done.

She said things to watch out for that would put it in emergency territory is if the lump opens up and shows signs of being an abscess, or if his eating/drinking/activity changes. So far it still is not bothering him in the slightest.

Also, no ear bleeding in 24+ hours. I've been giving him antibiotic drops for about 6 days now. He is still scratching his ear more than I'd like to see, so I am keeping his nails trimmed, and I bought a soft collar in case the scratching becomes excessive.

 

[cmshap]

I managed to get a few photos that show the lump under his left ear.

The crusty stuff on the inside of his ear is a little bit of dried blood from when it was bleeding.

His facial expression in the third pic was too silly not to include.

 

[FeebysOwner]

The sweet face of a sweet kitty!

 

[cmshap]

The sweet face of a sweet kitty!

He's the sweetest guy I've ever known. Whenever he meets a new person, he is a little standoffish for about 5 minutes... and then he is inevitably up on their lap.

My worst fear is that this turns painful for him, because he doesn't deserve to feel any pain for the rest of his years.

 

[BtwnStars]

Aw, so sorry to read about Willy. But glad you have a plan and sounds like you and vet are doing everything as good as can be!

I don't have experience with this. My first dog when I was a kid developed hodgkins disease pretty quickly and I was the one to discover a lump. It was one of the hardest things to go thru and we ultimately had to let her go within a few weeks of that.

I pray or send ++++ vibes that Willy comes thru this with flying colors! I know of another cat who rec'd a cancer diagnosis last year and was given 3-6 months....she is still around 1+ year later. And doing just fine.

You will know what to do with Willy... it really is the hardest thing. Cats are tough with the way they don't show pain.

 

[Kwik]

I managed to get a few photos that show the lump under his left ear.

The crusty stuff on the inside of his ear is a little bit of dried blood from when it was bleeding.

His facial expression in the third pic was too silly not to include.

Precious precious sweet boy... love his lil blep photo!

 

[cmshap]

Update: Still no more ear bleeding, which is good news. It's been 3-4 days now since the last time it happened.

I will take whatever victories I can get right now, and the fact that this symptom has seemingly subsided is making me feel a little better. I'm still worried, but when I was waking up every morning to Willy shaking his head and blood coming out of his ear, I was much more worried.

 

[iPappy]

Update: Still no more ear bleeding, which is good news. It's been 3-4 days now since the last time it happened.

I will take whatever victories I can get right now, and the fact that this symptom has seemingly subsided is making me feel a little better. I'm still worried, but when I was waking up every morning to Willy shaking his head and blood coming out of his ear, I was much more worried.

cmshap I hope things are still going well.

 

[Kwik]

cmshap
Hello friend--- tomorrow is Willie's appt ,I know your expecting the worst( can't help that!) BUT please-continue to HOPE for the best

I hope you know that you and Willie remain in my heart and in my prayers-can I tell you that 11,yrs ago I myself was diagnosed with Stage 4 terminal cancer,incurable ,not treatable....I know we are not of the same Faith and that's okay because I am here,alive to tell you that all things are possible and I think we have 2 dates( written in stone)- a time to be born and a time to die but more importantly it's what's in between thst counts! I want to lift you up ,to Comfort you and tell you thst YOU are the very best thing that ever happen to little Willie-----I do hope to hear a good report and that you are okay too,I worry about you because I know your heart---here for you whenever you need a friend

 

[FeralHearts]

I've been quietly reading and I'm so sorry that you Willie are having to experience this.

There are a few energetic beings over here sending good vibes/ prayers as well. (1 human,3 furries and one in pure energy form until mama finds (or creates) a time machine and makes the universe mad. . )

Kwik side note. I am soooo glad you are okay. The world's a better place with people like you in it.

 

[Kwik]

I've been quietly reading and I'm so sorry that you Willie are having to experience this.

There are a few energetic beings over here sending good vibes/ prayers as well. (1 human,3 furries and one in pure energy form until mama finds (or creates) a time machine and makes the universe mad. . )

Kwik side note. I am soooo glad you are okay. The world's a better place with people like you in it.

Not wanting to go off Topic,especially for Willie but I don't think Willie will mind if I take a moment to say" thank you and God Bless you"