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A few weeks ago I noticed a tumor growing on my poor kit's tummy. Since I had no idea what it could be (and being totally ignorant of mammary cancer in cats) I assumed it was perhaps a bite or claw infection from my other gal crystal -which whom Sasha wrestles and plays with unmercifully- I thought this especially since she showed no signs or symptoms of sickness. So, I cleaned the wounded area daily and kept watch for fever or a change in condition. I went so far as to have the carpets cleaned (with the help of my faithful sis -who's kit's Muff & Punkin are in the bio area) and cleaned the windowsills etc.. in hopes that would help clear this up. It did not. A week later my sister noticed the tumor was more pronounced than on her previous visit. I don't know if it was just my wishful thinking or what; but I truly didn't realize this until she pointed it out to me; after all cleaning the area was hard enough (Sasha is NOT a good patient) and it was virtually impossible for me to keep her still to see it clearly. So, I looked up cat tumors on the net (ever my faithful source of information) and became very afraid for her after reading about Mammary Cancer. On June 22nd I took her in to the vet and was told news no cat owner wants to hear.... that she probably had Mammary Cancer herself. Being part Siamese (often shows in Siamese cats) and the fact that I didn't have her spayed until she was four was a bad combination factor. To be absolutely sure I had her doc run a wedge biopsy on the large tumor and awaited results. Her tummy healed amazingly well from the minor surgery and it gave me hope, after all she was playing and fine maybe an hour or two after I brought her home (though she did develop a disturbing habit of constantly going into the carry all and laying in there -which she never would do before since the very sight of the carry all sent her running!) Her results came in Tuesday evening -the vet was kind enough to call me at work and let me know immediately when they came in- The tumor was definitely Glandular Mammary Cancer and was considered low/moderate malignancy grade. I was rather taken by the news but the vet was optimistic and stated from the results of the biopsy there was a chance if he removed the tumor he could buy her time- a year at least. He also said when he prepared to do the surgery he would more thoroughly examine her and if he found more tumors he would abort and call me. Now, I'm strongly against performing surgery on my pets unless there is a great deal of certainty it is for the greater good and since she was terminal (virtually no cat survives mammary cancer) I didn't know what to do. After much torment I decided to go ahead and give her the chance-at the worst I would at least know I did what I could to give my cat a bit more time that had now been taken away from her. I took her in the morning (June 28th) for her surgery and to my total loss and sadness her vet called me later to tell me she did indeed have more tumors and there was nothing he could do for her. By taking the one out it wouldn't give her more time and more than likely would give the others more room to spread quicker. With a tearing heart I went and picked her up and brought her home. She has a few months -hopefully- before the cancer takes its toll and she feels sick (or the tumors burst open on her belly and she has pain) -so for now she isn't in pain or feeling out of sorts at all. All I can do for her is love her and make her time left the best by spoiling her. I cannot tell you in words how devastating this is to me, and I not only feel badly for Sasha and me but also, for my little Crystal -who worship Sasha totally and cannot be away from her side.
You can read Sasha & Crystal's bio by clicking on the bio button above and I urge you to read about the Mammary Cancer (button above) and have your cat checked periodically-you could save it's life if you catch it early enough! I also included a link to the galleries where I have pictures of Sasha -and I'll be adding more soon since I have gotten a camera now!!!!
I'll keep everyone updated on her -for now she is sleeping curled up with my lil Crystal on the bed and there I'll let this rest for now......
* Kit * -June 28, 2001- |
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