Vibes needed for Buster's surgery today

Glad Buster came through surgery well! I have my fingers crossed that you have clean margins.

If you are faced with chemotherapy, I really encourage you to talk to some people who have gone through it--both people who have been successful and those that have not. Be sure to ask them if they would put another pet through that sort of treatment. I imagine your vet could give you a few phone numbers.

When Stripe was 4 she had a breast tumor that had cancer cells in it.
A month later it came back and was removed.
It was sent to UC Davis.
They removed 2 breasts and alot of tissue.
She beat it and I lost her at age 11 to Crf.
There is hope for Buster.
My friends cat Vana had Chemo because she had cancer from a shot.
I helped at first but the cancer came back.
I named my Sisters cat Midnight to honor her.
I hope everything goes well.

Originally Posted by Simkie

Glad Buster came through surgery well! I have my fingers crossed that you have clean margins.

If you are faced with chemotherapy, I really encourage you to talk to some people who have gone through it--both people who have been successful and those that have not. Be sure to ask them if they would put another pet through that sort of treatment. I imagine your vet could give you a few phone numbers.

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I heard that animals tolerate chemotherapy better than humans do because the dose is lower. We've made it so far at this point and I can't give up now. Buster underwent a pretty major surgery but the doctor said he's doing fantastic. All my vets attribute his success to his positive spirit. The surgeon described Buster as a "fighter" and tolerated the surgery exceptionally well in light of his older age.

Nonetheless, I am definitely going to consult with my holistic vet for help alongside western medicines. I want to work hard in order to ensure that the cancer does not return. Buster is not ready to go. He still has the same spunk after all these years.

I know you will do everyting you can.
How is Buster today?

Originally Posted by mews2much

When Stripe was 4 she had a breast tumor that had cancer cells in it.
A month later it came back and was removed.
It was sent to UC Davis.
They removed 2 breasts and alot of tissue.
She beat it and I lost her at age 11 to Crf.
There is hope for Buster.
My friends cat Vana had Chemo because she had cancer from a shot.
I helped at first but the cancer came back.
I named my Sisters cat Midnight to honor her.
I hope everything goes well.

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I'm glad to hear that Stripe lived a long time after beating cancer! I am trying hard to keep an upbeat attitude. I am realistic and realize that Buster is a senior cat. I know the limitations of his age.

I'm sorry about Vanna's death. Those nasty injections are leading to many cases of sarcoma. I think that chemotherapy alone can't really put an animal into remission. The best thing to do is try to remove the tumor as much as possible if it is operable.

Vanna is the owner of the Cat that died.
The tumor was removed first but it was a bad one.
The cat was named Midnight.
When Coco was 9.5 I was told she would not live by the Er Vet.
Its the Er Vet in san Mateo.
She is 16.5 now.
Buster can do good and live long.
When will you get to see him today?

Originally Posted by mews2much

I know you will do everyting you can.
How is Buster today?

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He's doing great! Buster is eating well, peeing a lot (now that his bladder size is significantly reduced), and pooping a little bit. He's also interacting with the staff. The surgeon said he's doing even better than expected in light of his older age. I miss him so much and I'm looking forward to our visit tonight.

I am glad he feels better.
I was looking at your vets website.

Originally Posted by mews2much

Vanna is the owner of the Cat that died.
The tumor was removed first but it was a bad one.
The cat was named Midnight.
When Coco was 9.5 I was told she would not live by the Er Vet.
Its the Er Vet in san Mateo.
She is 16.5 now.
Buster can do good and live long.
When will you get to see him today?

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I'm going to visit him tonight after work at 8:30 PM. Fortunately, it's a 24 hour clinic, so I can drop in anytime!

I just visited Buster at the hospital and he's doing great! He sort of ignored me and devoured a can of tuna. I was feeling hurt and hope he's not mad at me for putting him through a major surgery. The on-duty doctor said that she rarely sees a cat behave so rambunctiously after major surgery. She said that most cats just lay quiet and don't have an appetite. Not Buster! He's been pigging out since 9 PM last night.

He then had the nerve to jump off the table to the chair, which must have hurt him. He meowed loudly and then I gave him back the nurse. I can't take him home right now when he's jumping all over the place. He acts like he didn't have a surgery at all! The most amazing thing is that they didn't put an e-collar on him because he's been so mellow. I have one special cat!

I am glad he is alot better.
Will he need to stay longer now since he is jumping?

Hahaha, it sounds like you're right and Buster sure does have some spunk. That's a really good sign- he's clearly not going to let a little bit of major surgery get him down, so how does cancer (if it even IS cancer) expect to win over him?

I bet Buster could kick it's ass. XD

I am glad he got through the surgery fine, and fingers crossed for the test results. I am surprised they allowed him tuna if they suspected pancreatitis though, that needs really bland food to recover.

Here are some vibes for a quick recovery and NO cancer!

He sounds like a very special boy and I'm sure it's hard on you to have him away from home. (((((hugs)))))

Originally Posted by mews2much

I am glad he is alot better.
Will he need to stay longer now since he is jumping?

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I'm so torn! I don't know what to do with Buster's boarding at this point. Buster can be discharged tonight because he's recovering well. However, I wanted to transfer him to my regular veterinary kennel. However, I don't know if it's safe to leave him overnight (6 PM - 8:30 AM) without medical staff. If I keep him at BAVS, it costs about $63.00 because he will be transferred from the pricier ICU. However, I can't bring him home tonight because I know he will jump on and off the bed. I can't take the risk of him injuring a suture.

Maybe I'll just leave him at BAVS tonight and then transfer him to the regular vet tomorrow. The surgery tech said that would be okay.

I think I'm just going to buy Buster a huge dog crate tonight. I may have to leave him in the crate next week when I'm at work. He'll still have his stitches in all next week. I'm so worried that he'll rip out the staples.

I do not blame you for being worried.
My Lucy took hers out when she was fixed and it got infected.
You can try a cone for the time you are not home and put him in the cage.

I was going to suggest a dog cage, it is what I used when Pebbles had her leg amputated, and she had a collar to stop her getting at the stitches. Although they normally only need to be in for 10 days, so by next week, it wont be as much of an issue if he messes with them, as everything has gelled together after about 4-5 days.