I'm worried about Patches

[guitarsjb]

I know I haven't been here for very long, and you don't know me.
But I have had my cat Patches for 16 years, and she is my best friend. I had her before I had my husband.....She has always been a mommy's cat,and we are CLOSE. She lays on my lap, watches T.V., sleeps with me and my husband at night (always curled up next to me).
Anyway, about 2 months ago I found a lump on her breast, took her to the vet, he ran a couple of tests, said it was a cyst, it was OK, but keep an eye on it. If it changed in anyway, get back in there.
The other day, I checked on it again (she loves her belly rubbed) and there were about 4 small cysts...the big one was dark looking...so I called the vet today..we go in Wednesday. He says breast cancer is fatal for cats..especially one of her age...I'm so scared for her...she is truley my best friend.

[Traci]

Is Patches spayed? Or if spayed, was it very late in her age?

I understand your worry, your vet should be able to make an educated guess based on the exam, but will probably want to biopsy, so be prepared for that. This could also be a lymph node reaction to something, so a full blood profile, including thyroid function and urinalysis should also be done.

If mammary cancer, removal of the mammaries is the first option and best thing to do, sometimes chemo or radiation therapy is used, but generally, it is a reoccuring neoplasia that may require subsequent lump removals. This can also metasticize to the lungs, so frequent chest x-rays are useful to monitor it.

Try not to jump the gun just yet.....get her examined, discuss bloodwork with your vet, x-rays, etc, and go from there. Hang in there and let us know what your vet says.

[guitarsjb]

Yes, she is spayed, and wasn't spayed until about 9 years ago...yep late in life...
Thanks for your input and support Traci. I will let you know. Thanks again for your time.

[Traci]

I'm sending Patches and you good thoughts that it isn't serious.....hopefully only a lymph node reaction, but play it safe and discuss everything in detail with your vet.

[guitarsjb]

Went to the vet today, he called it an ACTIVE TUMOR...in the last 3 months it has actually grown over 4 times it's original size. Anyway, she is on antibiotics and is scheduled for surgery next Friday. He says if he gets it BEFORE it gets to her lymph node she may be OK, if not, there is nothing more he can do for her...I'm nervous but hopeful...he says overall she is in great health but he is worried about her age and putting her under the anethesia. (sp?) Anyway...will keep you posted and thanks for your support Traci.

[Traci]

I would advise getting a pre-surg screen for her, plus an ECG if your vet offers/suggests it. Besides the antibiotics, did he also prescribe prednisone?

Next you talk to him, ask for the technical name (type) of the tumor....I would be happy to help answer any questions you might have in Feline Health if you wish.

Try to keep your spirits up, think positively, and know our prayers are with Patches and you.....(((HUGS)))

[guitarsjb]

Nope, no prednisone...just clavamox. Which I am giving her 2 x per day.

Thanks for your support and prayers. I keep saying "she will be just fine".

Jeri