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08-06-2009, 09:50 AM
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My cat has Mammary tumors
Hi to all on the forum
I need some advice or at least a consensus of opinion. I simply don't know what to do for the best. My 17 year old cat, Baby, was diagnosed on Friday with mammary tumors, potentially malignant. We noticed that one of her teats was bleeding and swollen, so we rushed her striaght to the vets. Baby has lumps in all of her mammary glands. I thought that the vet would test for malignancy, but she said it wasn't worth it. That the tests would be painful and invasive. She said that they treat all mammary lumps as malignant. She said because of Baby's age and the location of the lumps that it was most likely to be cancer and that it would probably spread quickly. We were given the option of an operation, but it sounds absolutely horrendous. To remove the tumors they strip all the glands and lymph glands down one side, then when that heals, they do the same on the other side. My problem is now what should I do? If the cancer is so quick moving, would it not be cruel to have such drastic surgery if it has already spread. Does anyone know what the survival rate is of these ops? Anything I've read on the WWW says that the cats have died not too long after having the tumors removed due to secondaries. Any treatments are apparently not considered as cures but more as a means to prolonging life as long as possible. I don't want to simply have Baby kept alive for my own selfish reasons, if her quality of life is impaired and she is not cured. On the other hand I don't want my little friend to die and feel I have done nothing to save her. She seems perfectly happy and healthy right now, so should I leave her be and let her enjoy her life for as long as it lasts? I don't want her last months/years of her long and happy life marred by painful surgery and I don't to be complacent and simply let her die. I have talked and cryed myself around in a circle and am no nearer a decision. So any feed back would be great. Love and light to all xxxx 
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08-06-2009, 01:33 PM
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Re: My cat has Mammary tumors
Hi, welcome to the forum.
I am really sorry to hear about Baby. To get to that wonderful age and then be diagnosed with cancer really just isn't fair. From what I have read and heard, unfortunately mammary cancer in cats is nearly always malignant and aggressive. 20 yrs ago I inherited an ex breeding queen and she developed a lump behind one teat. That was removed, but it came back within a year. Treatments have moved on from then though. She was only 8yrs old at the time. I think your vet is right in that the operation to remove all the mammary glands is very painful. If the outcome of that is not going to be any kind of guaranteed substantial longevity then you have to decide on what gives Baby the best quality of life for the longest time possible. Its not an easy decision to make, but one only you can make weighing up all the pros and cons. Her current health and personality would have to be deciding factors too. How about speaking to a specialist, there is an specialist oncology unit on the outskirts of Essex, or the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket. They have the latest treatments and knowledge so any information they give you, you know will be the most complete and up to date. If it looks like paliative care is the best option, you could try alternative therapies like essiac tea, vit c, various homeopathic remedies (Ainsworths have a animal specialist you can talk to over the phone), manuka honey dressings for any sore patches. 17 yrs is a fabulous age, but that doesn't make this any easier, in someways I think its worse when they have been with you for so long. To reach that age, she has obviously been cherished by you her whole life. You know whats best for her, you just have to trust your instincts.
__________________
 www.saikousiameseandorientals.com "Love a lot, trust just a few and always paddle your own canoe" "Who is the greater fool - the fool themself or those that follow them"
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08-06-2009, 01:43 PM
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Re: My cat has Mammary tumors
Hi Cathy,
Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry I don't really have anything to add to Saikou's comments but just wanted to wish you and Baby all the best.
__________________
Elmstar Bengals http://www.elmstarbengals.co.uk Our darling Foxy is now at Rainbow Bridge. R.I.P. little one, you'll always be loved.
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08-06-2009, 01:45 PM
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Re: My cat has Mammary tumors
Hi Cathy,
I'm sorry I can't help with medical advice, but just wanted to say I'm sorry about your cat and Best Wishes. xx
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13-09-2009, 01:41 PM
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Re: My cat has Mammary tumors
Thanks to everyone who posted back to me with your kind thoughts, well wishes and advice. Thanks especially to Saikou xxxx. Sorry to not have thanked you all sooner, but I've been ill and unable to use my PC.
Anyway a quick update Baby's mammary tumours. When we got the diagnoses in June, it was dreadful. We didn't know what to do for the best or how it would effect Baby's life. After much discussion, fact finding, seeking advice ( several Vets in Liverpool we wonderful  but the Animal Oncology Centre in Essex wouldn't even speak to me ) more discussion and soul searching. We decided that the surgery was way too radical and that the best thing to do would be to let things go their own way and let Baby take her chances.Well the positive news is, that 4 months in, up to now so far is so good. Baby still looks as bright eye'd and bushy tailed as ever. She is still eating and drinking, she is still the same shape as the Hindenberg and seems happy and healthy. She does have an extra lump which I'm not best pleased about but for now she is holding her own. She may even make it to 18 yet! Thanks again for all the support and good vibes. Love and light to all xxxx Cathy
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13-09-2009, 02:54 PM
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Re: My cat has Mammary tumors
All I can say is I think you made the right decision.
From a personal point of view I wouldn't have one operated on for mammary tumours. I remember a well known breeder (unfortunately no longer with us) saying to me never have one operated on for this
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