Willy might have cancer / high-grade lymphoma Treatment thread

[cmshap]

Thank you, Kwik , iPappy , F FeralHearts , and everyone else wishing me and Willy well. I haven't been going on TCS much lately but I will be posting more updates soon.

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

Yes, I am dropping Willy off tomorrow morning at 8am for his biopsy surgery. I am a mess over it... not because I am worried about the surgery -- he is healthy and has a good vet -- but I am just so worried about receiving bad news. I am definitely hoping for the best, but it's in my nature to always expect the worst, and I really wish I could help that.

Thanks again, everyone, for the well-wishes and positive energy. It is very much appreciated. I will have more time to provide updates and respond to your posts after tomorrow.

In the meantime, I have been instructed to cut off Willy's food after midnight. I guarantee he will be complaining loudly about his missing breakfast tomorrow morning.

 

[cmshap]

Willy is home and doing well. The vet said he did very well during surgery. He's just a bit wobbly as the anesthesia wears off, so I am having to watch him because he keeps attempting to jump on furniture, and I don't want him to fall.

The vet could not go through with the initial plan, which was to biopsy the ear mass, and fully remove the chest/neck mass. Unfortunately, the chest mass was too close to the carotid artery for her to feel comfortable cutting without knowing exactly what the mass is.

The way she explained it to me was that depending on what the mass is, that will determine how deep a surgeon would need to cut. And if it requires going deeper than she is comfortable doing herself, then he would need a specialist. That made sense to me.

So, she just biopsied both masses, which meant today's surgery was less intensive, so the recovery is easier. Incisions were smaller, and he doesn't even need pain meds beyond the 24-hour injection she gave him.

Results can take 7-10 days to come back, which feels like an eternity to me. But she gave me a list of specialists that do oncology in my area, and advised that I call now to set up an appointment ahead of time while waiting for the results, so that if I can't get in somewhere right away, I can maybe save a week of time. If, by some miracle, it turns out that oncology isn't necessary, I can change the appointment as needed. I think this is good advice, and I am going to call the clinics tomorrow morning to try to set something up.

The mass under his ear has grown quite a bit over the last few weeks so I am beyond worried. And I don't yet know how I am going to be able to pay for specialty surgery if it's needed. I can try borrowing money from family but I don't yet know what Willy will need, or how much it will cost, so I haven't broached that subject yet. And I don't even know if it is feasible for my family to help, even if they wanted to.

...but that's a problem for another day. At least the biopsies were done, so I will get more information soon, and I have options to at least start the next step of getting him seen by a specialist. And I like his vet a lot -- she always seems to have a plan, and has been good at explaining everything to me and offering good advice.

As I write this, he is starting to rub on me and purr, and he's walking around with a little more surefootedness. As long as he is feeling well and not in pain, I am grateful.

Edit: When he settles down (he is still pacing a lot, as I think he is a bit confused), I will get some photos of the incision site to you all can see exactly where these masses are.

 

[iPappy]

Willy is home and doing well. The vet said he did very well during surgery. He's just a bit wobbly as the anesthesia wears off, so I am having to watch him because he keeps attempting to jump on furniture, and I don't want him to fall.

The vet could not go through with the initial plan, which was to biopsy the ear mass, and fully remove the chest/neck mass. Unfortunately, the chest mass was too close to the carotid artery for her to feel comfortable cutting without knowing exactly what the mass is.

The way she explained it to me was that depending on what the mass is, that will determine how deep a surgeon would need to cut. And if it requires going deeper than she is comfortable doing herself, then he would need a specialist. That made sense to me.

So, she just biopsied both masses, which meant today's surgery was less intensive, so the recovery is easier. Incisions were smaller, and he doesn't even need pain meds beyond the 24-hour injection she gave him.

Results can take 7-10 days to come back, which feels like an eternity to me. But she gave me a list of specialists that do oncology in my area, and advised that I call now to set up an appointment ahead of time while waiting for the results, so that if I can't get in somewhere right away, I can maybe save a week of time. If, by some miracle, it turns out that oncology isn't necessary, I can change the appointment as needed. I think this is good advice, and I am going to call the clinics tomorrow morning to try to set something up.

The mass under his ear has grown quite a bit over the last few weeks so I am beyond worried. And I don't yet know how I am going to be able to pay for specialty surgery if it's needed. I can try borrowing money from family but I don't yet know what Willy will need, or how much it will cost, so I haven't broached that subject yet. And I don't even know if it is feasible for my family to help, even if they wanted to.

...but that's a problem for another day. At least the biopsies were done, so I will get more information soon, and I have options to at least start the next step of getting him seen by a specialist. And I like his vet a lot -- she always seems to have a plan, and has been good at explaining everything to me and offering good advice.

As I write this, he is starting to rub on me and purr, and he's walking around with a little more surefootedness. As long as he is feeling well and not in pain, I am grateful.

Edit: When he settles down (he is still pacing a lot, as I think he is a bit confused), I will get some photos of the incision site to you all can see exactly where these masses are.

It sounds like you have an excellent plan in place. One thing at a time, or else things get much more overwhelming than they should!
He is so sweet. He looks so much like a cat I had growing up, he let 10 year old me dress him up in doll clothes and didn't even give me a "look."

 

[catloverfromwayback]

Echoing iPappy , sounds like you have an excellent plan set up.

Would a gofundme be worth trying? I've never used it, so don't know how it works, but a lot of people do seem to use it for vet fees.

 

[cmshap]

Would a gofundme be worth trying? I've never used it, so don't know how it works, but a lot of people do seem to use it for vet fees.

Not a bad suggestion for something to just spread around to my family/friends, as that's a good way for anyone who wants to help to just chip in however much they can. However, before starting something like that, I would need to know exactly what we are dealing with, and how much exactly I'd need. Thanks for the reminder about it.

 

[cmshap]

Posting a link to this new thread I started, in case anyone is reading this and has some input. I started a new thread on the matter because it is an acute symptom that I wanted to get more eyes on for anybody who isn't following this thread here.

Agitation after general anesthesia earlier today

 

[fionasmom]

Glad to hear that today was successful as much as it could be, and that Willy is home. He looks so cute with his little blue bandage. Make an appointment with the oncologist. There will probably be a higher office visit\consultation fee, but they should spell everything out for you, as far as treatment and cost. It is expected that you would go in and get all of this information first before you would hand him over for any kind of treatment. Your vet was very responsible not to proceed with the surgery that she did not feel comfortable doing, and if it ends up that the surgery does need to be done you do want a very skilled veterinary surgeon.

 

[FeralHearts]

One stressful event down! I'm so very glad that everything went well and now Willy get to be home with you for some love!

It is sounding like there is a solid plan in place, which is so very good.

Still going to continue the good vibes for you and Willy. Let's hope oncology isn't needed at all!

He is a beautiful boy and so obviously well loved. Lucky little guy!

XOXOXOXO

 

[catloverfromwayback]

Not a bad suggestion for something to just spread around to my family/friends, as that's a good way for anyone who wants to help to just chip in however much they can. However, before starting something like that, I would need to know exactly what we are dealing with, and how much exactly I'd need. Thanks for the reminder about it.

Very glad to help!

 

[Kwik]

Thank you so much for the fast update - so very thoughtful of you and you are very considerate .You obviously know many of us are madly in love with Willie ( we like you too- lol) So we anxiously await any news

I'm really glad you have the Vet you have,she sounds great..... She made a wisd decision imo and she has put a good plan in place- let's hope you can cancel the oncology appt but very smart to make one now

I too thought of 'Go Fund Me'' when you mentioned financial strain.....I've heard good results with that but personally have no experience ,a couple of friends used GoFundme in the past and got the help they needed..... I'm praying still and now I'll also pray for Provision but more so that you WONT need $$!!!

Willie looks great,he's so handsome posing with his little bandage - that pose will get him anything his heart desires,rofl

7 -10 days does seem like an eternity,I hope we can help distract you while we wait and keep you uplifted

Can you give Willie a hug and a big kiss from me? Oh,from Graycie,Bella, Sami,Max & Timmy too

 

[cmshap]

I think most people following this thread have seen the other one I started on Willy's complications post-surgery, but I'm going to link the updated saga below:

Agitation after general anesthesia earlier today

Essentially, he had a urinary blockage following the biopsy surgery. I don't know whether or not it was caused by the anesthesia, or any other component of the surgery, but he's never had any issues with urination before in his 11 years, until right after waking up from surgery.

As described in the thread above, he is peeing on his own again, so hopefully we can move on to potentially treating his likely-but-hopefully-not cancer.

 

[cmshap]

Adding some pics of the surgical site. In one, I crudely drew outlines of approximately where the lumps are.

 

[fionasmom]

If nothing else, it looks very cleanly done.

 

[white shadow]

Just a thought......

As those incision sites heal, they will naturally itch.

You might consider having a collar on hand.

 

[cmshap]

As those incision sites heal, they will naturally itch.

You might consider having a collar on hand.

I do have a collar on hand, but they warned me that due to the location of the incisions, a collar would sit right on them and potentially rub/irritate them. So he wasn't actually sent home with a collar, but I have a soft one at home already.

I might try one of those wider donut-shaped ones, though, if scratching becomes a problem. If it is wide enough, it could cover the incision sites, and hopefully not rub too much if it's soft enough and fits well.

Otherwise, I've been advised to watch closely for scratching and keep his nails trimmed.

Edit: Can anyone tell me if it's okay to massage around the incision sites myself, if I do see him starting to persistently scratch?

I don't mean scratch them myself with my fingernails, or rub them too hard... I'm just wondering if I see him continually scratching, if it would help to sit him in my lap and gently massage the area for him to give him some relief?

 

[FeebysOwner]

Can anyone tell me if it's okay to massage around the incision sites myself, if I do see him starting to persistently scratch?

I would try using chamomile tea. Buy chamomile tea bags - you can find them in most any grocery store and generally speaking those are Germain - you don't want English or any flavorings or additives. Brew a bag in water, cool the liquid to room temp and then apply some with cotton balls or a soft cloth. Chamomile tea is a soothing and healing agent, as well as having anti-bacterial/anti-fungal properties. It is safe for Willy to ingest if that should happen.

 

[IndyJones]

Just be careful with the tea. Idk what i did wrong but it just made a wound on Indy angrier. Im not saying its a hoax but it probably is a ymmv thing.

 

[iPappy]

Adding some pics of the surgical site. In one, I crudely drew outlines of approximately where the lumps are.

What a little trooper.

 

[IndyJones]

Just be careful with the tea. Idk what i did wrong but it just made a wound on Indy angrier. Im not saying its a hoax but it probably is a ymmv thing.

To be clear it was a tick bite in Indys case but might be different because of that.

 

[Kwik]

I do have a collar on hand, but they warned me that due to the location of the incisions, a collar would sit right on them and potentially rub/irritate them. So he wasn't actually sent home with a collar, but I have a soft one at home already.

I might try one of those wider donut-shaped ones, though, if scratching becomes a problem. If it is wide enough, it could cover the incision sites, and hopefully not rub too much if it's soft enough and fits well.

Otherwise, I've been advised to watch closely for scratching and keep his nails trimmed.

Edit: Can anyone tell me if it's okay to massage around the incision sites myself, if I do see him starting to persistently scratch?

I don't mean scratch them myself with my fingernails, or rub them too hard... I'm just wondering if I see him continually scratching, if it would help to sit him in my lap and gently massage the area for him to give him some relief?

Hello friend- my advice is to cross that bridge when you come to it and then call your Vet IF Willie does start scratching on or around the incision site ,your Vet can prescribe a safe analgesic or recommend one and might even prescribe an antihistamine but as those little wounds heal they may not even be as itchy as your projecting. They didn't give you a collar because it's best to not irritate the site-I would not suggest massaging them

Many times with incision sites around the neck,like Willes,will get irritated from a collar- soft,light ,sweater type jacket is used instead- cats that are used to harnesses are usually more comfortable in a jacket thsn an E- collar.... I bet Willie will not cause further damage by scratching,he's a pretty cool guy!Before you DO anything call your Vet

How's he doing tonight?