Lexi has cancer....

I found a scab on Lexi 2 months ago and thought nothing of it. I thought that maybe Keira had gotten to her. About 2 weeks ago I noticed she had licked all the hair off in one area. Well, I felt a growth on her and took her to the vet that very same day.

After the agony of having to wait a week for the results - I already feared that it might be a sarcoma and they confirmed that when the results came in.

Needless to say, I was devastated. Lexi is the last gift from my mom and I never thought that I would have had to worry about her health this soon.

My options are limited and I refuse to put a cat through radiation. They can give her shots, but there is no guarantee and with as aggressive as it is I want to stop it from coming back.

The cold hard reality is that if I want to give her the best quality of life that she has left and keep it from spreading then my only option is to amputate her leg. Under the advisement of both vets and all my friends - I have to say this is the hardest decision I ever had to make.

I would rather have her than not and I don't know what I would do if she weren't in my life. These past few months have been hard already and for once in my life I just want something good to happen because all this negativity is wearing me out.

Oh no!! I'm so sad to read this! What a difficult time for you and for Lexi. Praying for you both.

I watch a webcam at a rescue group and they have 3 tripod kitties, one of which lost his leg recently. He's doing fantastically and can even climb stairs! There's a lot of hope for amputees and they really only need a few modifications to live a normal life.

Oh, no. Mega for Lexi, and for you.

Cats adapt to missing limbs very well. If the doctors feel that the cancer hasn't spread past the limb, I would recommend the amputation.

Originally Posted by katachtig

Cats adapt to missing limbs very well. If the doctors feel that the cancer hasn't spread past the limb, I would recommend the amputation.

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If that's going to get rid of it i wouldn't have to think twice

Lots of mega healthy coming for Lexi

So sorry to hear this news. But if it gives her a real chance of some more quality time, then I would do it.

That's why I am doing this. I asked the vet point blank if she thought the tumor was low enough so that it wouldn't come back. She said this would be the slimmest chance of it returning.

I have to do what is best for her and I can't stand the thought of it spreading and making her suffer more than she has to.

Her surgery is this coming thursday.

Your Lexi will be just fine and so will you . I am sorry you and Lexi are going through this. I have seen many cats with three legs and they get along quite well without a problem. This will be hard on you and I wish you all the best for the surgery Thursday

I'm very sorry to read about your little Lexi. I am, however, glad to read that there is a good treatment available, even though it must be a radical one.

I am currently awaiting biopsy results on one of my cats. I understand what you've been going through.

for a fast recovery!!!!

Please check out this site/group. I used to belong there when my angel kitty Taco was dealing with sarcoma. There are many owners there whose kitties have/have had sarcoma....many whose kitties underwent the amputation and now YEARS LATER kitties are doing very well. They can give you all kinds of support and info. In Taco's case, the location of his tumors were such that amputation wasn't an option. He did have surgery twice to remove the tumors but they returned.

http://www.feline-vas-support.org/

I'm so deeply sorry you're facing this nightmare. I know you don't want her in any pain and that you'd trade places with her in a minute. Sending a ton of vibes for you both and whatever decision you make, Lexi knows how deep your love is.

Originally Posted by the_food_lady

Please check out this site/group. I used to belong there when my angel kitty Taco was dealing with sarcoma. There are many owners there whose kitties have/have had sarcoma....many whose kitties underwent the amputation and now YEARS LATER kitties are doing very well. They can give you all kinds of support and info. In Taco's case, the location of his tumors were such that amputation wasn't an option. He did have surgery twice to remove the tumors but they returned.

http://www.feline-vas-support.org/

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Thank you for the link. I will check that out. She did have the surgery done to remove the tumor and with the strong advisement of a friend who had to put his cat down after multiple surgeries due to a sarcoma - he said that if he had the option I had he would do it in a heartbeat.

Even though it is a radical decision - I don't want to watch my cat suffer from cancer like my dad did.

I am sorry to hear that and am hoping for a good outcome, if it comes down to an amputation, I am not trying to trivialize things but I hope this helps a bit.

Originally Posted by Feralvr

I have seen many cats with three legs and they get along quite well without a problem.

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A buddy of mine had a cat with three legs, she was missing one rear leg.

He rescued her when she was about a year old, the leg was deformed, atrophied and of no use; a birth defect. The leg was amputated.

That was quite a while ago, they lost her to an age related ilness about 2 years ago, she was quite an old girl by then.

She lived a long, happy life though. They used to take her outside on a harness and she would still catch grasshoppers, even with three legs. She was quite a "pet" and seemed very happy.

I really so sorry,....

:vibes to you and lexy!...

Oh, she will adapt beautifully! I had a 3-legged cat when I was a kid. His name was Tom (and boy, was he a Tom cat...part of the reason his leg had to be amputated). She will adapt and have a chance at having a wonderful rest of her life, cancer-free. I think you are making a great decision for both you and her! *hugs*

I too would likely make the same decision if faced with the options for most of my cats.

I am so sorry. major for you and precious Lexi

Like you, I took my moms cat in. I know what a strong bond is there between you.

Sending prayers for Lexi to come through fine. And for you. Your mom is proud of you.

I will keep Lexi in my prayers . I'm sure I would be doing the same thing if this happened to one of my girls.