Support Needed-Found a Lump

As if Grace hasn't given me enough to worry about in the past 2.5 months, now I've found a lump on her. I'm so distraught right now. She was cuddling with me and truthfully, I was checking around for things. I have become so hypervigilant with my pets lately so I have been doing it to all of them. However, I was rubbing her side, along her ribs and just under her armpit, I felt a small moveable lump. It's not easy to find. You kind of have to go looking for it. It's sort of long, if that makes sense and moveable as in it moves around under there. I had a cat with a couple lipomas in his life. He got his first one at 8 and this was on his ribs as well, but further down. However, his felt different, more round with even edges. I don't think this is a lipoma. Grace is on the slim side so it's easier to feel things on her. I checked my other cat who is slim too for a comparison and thought I could have felt something similar but I'm just not sure. The earliest I can take her in to have it checked is Wednesday and I'm at my desk in work right now ready to lose it. I searched on this site and came across mammary tumors so I'm a wreck. I feel so sad for her right now thinking of the future vet trip. She hates going. I'm also scared maybe the vet won't find it, if even I had to really dig around for it to feel it again this morning. She was at the vet's a couple months ago and he thoroughly felt her everywhere so it was either there and it's normal or it just popped up. I'm just so sad

It doesn't sound at all like a mammary tumor to me.  Under the armpit is an odd place for one... they usually relate to the mammary gland - she's very young (average age for these tumours is 10 to 12 years) and if they're malignant they don't move around.

I know this sounds odd, but just in case - are you sure it isn't her microchip, if she has one?  They move around a lot.

Have to agree it doesn't sound like a mammary tumour. Our dear departed Sophie who died in 2002 was diagnosed with a mammary tumour at age 12 and it was right next to her teats. Hope your fur baby is okay and believe me, I know how you are feeling!
Since my 11 year old fur baby had to have an emergency enema in August after her bowels stopped working properly, I carefully scrutinise the contents of her litter tray and watch for any sign of her straining! They are such a worry, aren't they?

@Mani Thanks so much for replying. I am breathing a little easier now and hoping it is indeed nothing to worry about and not a mammary tumor. it's not a microchip though, that much I know. She isn't microchipped. I adopted her from a shelter and they don't microchip. I'm not sure if this has been there for her whole life or not because, like I said, it's not like it sticks out and is easy to find. You sort of have to roll your fingers around her ribcage up toward the armpit. It almost feels like a tubelike fat deposit on her ribs, just near or under the armpit.

I know Grace is young but I read a sad thread on here that wasn't too old with a 6 year old cat (not much older than Grace who is 5 and a half) who had it and then someone replied and said their cat had it as well, and the first sign was a lump under the armpit. I'm trying so hard to hold it together right now. I find it hard to even be on this forum sometimes with all the heartbreaking stories of feline cancer.  I just lost my oldest boy in July from lymphoma and it took his life quite rapidly so even though her behavior is fine, I know that doesn't mean she is.

@poppysmummy I'm so sorry for your loss.Also, I completely agree. They are such a worry. Sadly people I know just don't get how much I love my cats. My own mother was lecturing me on the phone that I am going overboard and it's nothing to worry about. However, I am worried and I need to have it checked out. I hope your 11 year old is doing well.

I was so anxious after getting out of work yesterday that I called the vet to see if I could go then. However, I still have to wait until tomorrow and I'm freaking. The receptionist was kind when I called and put the vet on the phone. He isn't the one who sees her normally (there are 3 vets in the practice, but all are nice) and he asked what was wrong. He was a  tad impatient with me because I call there literally every week or two with a concern. He also just answered a question for me not even a week ago. He did say, given her age, that he doubts she has a malignant tumor but of course bring her in to have it checked. I'm so scared! Yesterday I was feeling around and I thought I felt more suspicious things. I just don't know.

My Pipsqueak has had a lipoma in the exact same area and it was removed even though I knew it was a lipoma. Now he has another one - after the needle aspiration and looking at the consistency, it is confirmed another lipoma. We are not opting for another surgery and have left it alone for two years. It has hardly grown at all. Same exact area as Grace'. I am sure it is not a mammary tumor. If they do a needle aspiration, which did not bother Pip at all, and it is confirmed a lipoma, then surgery is not necessary to biopsy. I think you need to take a breath and relax over these issues with Grace. Taking her to the vet won't bother her one bit and if she needs to be seen, then take her in. At least, Grace is living an exciting, exhilarating life with all of these excursions!!!! Try to look at things more positively because you are doing the very, very, very best for Grace that you can. I do understand your deep love for you kitties and that love always comes with such concern and worry. We momma's can't help ourselves. I commend you for your love and care you give your furbabies. :bigthumb:

I really hope its nothing!    Hugs for you and Grace!    

Originally Posted by WorriedSoMuch  

I find it hard to even be on this forum sometimes with all the heartbreaking stories of feline cancer.

Click to expand...

I can certainly relate. That is why I started a thread with a very heartwarming video. It seems to cheer me up every time I'm feeling down about my cat's health. Chances are it will make you tear up, but in a good way. Check it out: http://www.thecatsite.com/t/266815/kitten-overcomes-a-crippling-disorder-and-learns-to-walk

WorriedSoMuch said:

Sadly people I know just don't get how much I love my cats. My own mother was lecturing me on the phone that I am going overboard and it's nothing to worry about.

Click to expand...

I got the same lecture from my mother, until she finally realized how serious Sebastian's issues are. Now she's being very compassionate and understanding. It is kind of an obsession, really, but one consisting of a love so great that it is sometimes overwhelming. It is certainly better than the alternative...say, an obsession to fast food, drugs, alcohol, etc. When I pointed that out to my mother, she much prefers that I be obsessed over the cat! 

@Feralvr Thanks for the support and kind words. The appointment is today in about 6 hours and I'm very shaky. I don't think it's a lipoma. I wish it were that simple.  My beloved, now departed, Tito had 2 in his life. His first one was found when he was 8. It was very noticeable, a round marble sized soft ball that moved with his skin. The doctor (the one who will see Grace today) did the fine needle aspirate and it was benign. He never even suggested taking it out, only told me to watch it and if it grew at all, it might be wise to remove it. However, it always remained the same size. He got another one when he was around 12 that was just tucked under his rib on the other side so it didn't move. However, his cardiologist said it was nothing to be concerned about (even though I was) and it turned out though he was right. This thing on Grace is just odd because it's like a pocket of meat, not so much round and it moves when you touch it. I'm not sure if it's a fat pocket that is just part of her or what. The more I feel in the area too, the more I think I feel more than one. I'm not sure if this is good news as in this is just some fat deposits in her body or she is full of tumors. I'd hate to think so and would think the vet would have felt this 2 months ago. I'm also afraid I won't be able to point out the exact spot I'm concerned with since I keep thinking I feel more than one area of concern. He'd be able to tell right? I'm just so nervous!

@GoHolistic Thank-you so much! The video is adorable! I also want to tell you what a great cat mom you are to Sebastian. I hope he is doing well. To be honest, it's a bit hard for me to read those threads since Tito's passing. The wound is very fresh and now to think my little girl Grace could have cancer too frightens me to death. Tito was my little soulmate. I've heard you say Sebastian was your favorite and that's how Tito was with me. Grace has always been a cuddlebug but not in the way Tito was with me. After he died, it was as if she understood I needed that closeness again and she's been cuddling with me all the time now. She also follows me from room to room and wants to sleep nearby. The thought of losing her is so hard to even think of. I wish my mom understood that. I did try to use that same example with her. I said, "would you rather I be a maniac or something than someone who has a compassionate heart for her cats?" She still didn't seem to get it. I think part of her issue is concern for me. She sees how upset I get and I haven't really been the same since Tito's death, so for the past 3 months, I've had bouts of not eating, not sleeping well, and losing weight. I think she just wants to see me happier, but I can't be happy if my baby is sick.

Also, I've given you both, as well as the other people who responded purraise

Sending good vibes for your vet visit today.  Travis, one of our inherited kitties who is 17, has a cyst-type thing on his spine.  He had it before we got him.  I checked his medical records--it had been aspirated and then removed 2-3 years ago.  Then it came back.  I can't remember if they called it a lipoma or a cyst but we're leaving it alone.  It feels kind of weird but it's not hurting him, and at 17, I'm not going to subject him to surgery unless I absolutely have to.

Hopefully if there is something there, it's benign.

WorriedSoMuch said:

I'm also afraid I won't be able to point out the exact spot I'm concerned with since I keep thinking I feel more than one area of concern. He'd be able to tell right? I'm just so nervous!

Also, I've given you both, as well as the other people who responded purraise

Click to expand...

OH boy, do I know what you are talking about!!!!! I did the exact same thing when Pip had that lump. My vet almost couldn't find it!! :lol3: So I really, really do understand your concerns on this one. You know, from reading all of your other posts and how wonderful your vets sound, I think they will take extra, extra care of you and your Grace. Your vet sounds excellent and you can trust them. It really warms my heart how much you love your cats and I am so glad you found us here on TCS to support and talk things out. It always helps so much.

Mega, mega gigantic vibes for your vet visit. I think, hope and pray that all will be well and you will be reassured. :cross:

Thanks for the purraise! I think you deserve one too for caring so much.

Thank-you both so much for the support!

I took Grace in yesterday afternoon. The poor thing was yowling so loudly that the neighbor came out of her apartment to see what was going on. What a set of lungs on her! Anyway, Grace was being a bit frisky for the vet so the vet tech had to help hold her while the vet examined her. He checked up and down her sides for anything suspicious, as well as feeling around in other spots. He said he couldn't feel anything that jumped out at him. He said he felt muscle groupings and that's it. While I am relieved to hear this, I couldn't help but wish that I was able to show him exactly the spot that worried me. I couldn't really do it though since she was misbehaving and they were trying to get a good exam in. Hopefully I can trust his word. Needless to say, I will keep a watch on it to make sure it doesn't still feel abnormal. I wish the vet visit made me a feel even better but yesterday left me feeling sort of down. The vet kept pushing me to give Grace the rabies vaccination and I told him I don't want to have her vaccinated. However, he said it's the law in my state and that I already put him off a couple times and he can get into trouble. He also made me pre-pay for it since he said it "protects" him even though she hasn't had it yet and the darn thing was pricey. He did seem to validate my concerns about sarcomas and he said that he stands by the company that makes this shot 100%. I think he said the manufacturer was ProVax or something? He said that he's been using this company for several years and there has never been an issue. He said he gives it to his own cats as well.

Then we were discussing her allergies and twitching (which he still thinks are related) and he said she is definitely irritated in both her ears and stomach area. He put some ointment in her ears, and he said the name but now I can't even think of it. I'm sure they will love when I call later So now she's been tilting her head a bit and acting a bit bothered. He did tell me she might have a full feeling in her ears for awhile and that he didn't want to prescribe it for her since he didn't think I should repeatedly put drops or anything in her ears. He also wanted to give her cortisone, but I declined due to fear. Then he suggested a diet trial and wants her on hypo-allergenic food. I was willing to try this next (he said if this doesn't work, we'd try steroids intermittently or another med). However, he showed me the pricing and it was insane! I felt like I was being marketed to with both the shot and the food, so I guess the whole thing just leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth. He has been very nice in the past so I don't know. I really hope he checked her thoroughly. That's my main concern.

Just out of curiosity, why is it that you don't want your cat to have a rabies vaccine?  

I get the same way with my vets. :lol3: Only because I have been lead astray by a few in my life and that makes me distrustful BUT at the same time it makes it even harder on both counts. Wanting my cats to get proper medical attention and having that eensy weensy shadow of doubt that the vet is honest. That is why it is so important to build up a good solid relationship with a vet. I am trying to do that now since recently having to move. Not easy to know who to trust right now. So I understand.

The rabies shot is also required in my new county BUT I refuse it as well. My cats are strictly indoors and my new vet understands and has no problem with me not wanting to give the shot. I have three that have herpes flare ups, one with asthma and one with a compromised immune system. I will say though, that IF I were forced to give a rabies, it would be the PUREVAX only. The PUREVAX Feline Rabies contains a nonadjuvanted lyophilized suspension of a recombinant vectored rabies vaccine plus a sterile water diluent.

betsygee said:

Just out of curiosity, why is it that you don't want your cat to have a rabies vaccine?  

Click to expand...

Google "vaccinosis" in felines. Another informative link http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/AnimalWellness/Petvacc.aspx Also, it is being proven that one or two vaccines as kittens makes them immune for life. I have my own opinions on vaccines but don't want to hijack this thread. Rabies is a risky vaccine and IMO should not be given unless a cat ventures outdoors. Then, yes, I would recommend getting the rabies - the PUREVAX!

Feralvr said:

Google "vaccinosis" in felines. Another informative link http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/AnimalWellness/Petvacc.aspx Also, it is being proven that one or two vaccines as kittens makes them immune for life. I have my own opinions on vaccines but don't want to hijack this thread.

Rabies is a risky vaccine and IMO should not be given unless a cat ventures outdoors. Then, yes, I would recommend getting the rabies - the PUREVAX!

Click to expand...

I hear you, so I won't hijack, either.  :-)  Thanks for the info, I'll look it up--I really hadn't thought much about the pros and cons of vaccines.  

betsygee said:

 
Just out of curiosity, why is it that you don't want your cat to have a rabies vaccine?  

Click to expand...

Hi, my main concern is fibrosarcomas which have been linked to vaccinations. My vet conceded that prior formulations of vaccines did cause cancerous tumors in cats. However, he said the brand now is "very safe." Also, with Grace's allergies, it seems risky in and of itself.

Feralvr said:

I get the same way with my vets.

Only because I have been lead astray by a few in my life and that makes me distrustful BUT at the same time it makes it even harder on both counts. Wanting my cats to get proper medical attention and having that eensy weensy shadow of doubt that the vet is honest. That is why it is so important to build up a good solid relationship with a vet. I am trying to do that now since recently having to move. Not easy to know who to trust right now. So I understand.

The rabies shot is also required in my new county BUT I refuse it as well. My cats are strictly indoors and my new vet understands and has no problem with me not wanting to give the shot. I have three that have herpes flare ups, one with asthma and one with a compromised immune system. I will say though, that IF I were forced to give a rabies, it would be the PUREVAX only. The PUREVAX Feline Rabies contains a nonadjuvanted lyophilized suspension of a recombinant vectored rabies vaccine plus a sterile water diluent. <-- if you understand that, then I am impressed.

I pulled that off of their site to post here. I just know that my vet said the Purevax would be the safe one to use on cats and the yearly - not the three year.

As to the steroid. Don't be afraid to use it! Cats tolerate Pred. extremely well - much better than dogs. I know of many cats on a daily dose of Pred. and do very well. My Wendall is on a daily low dose for his asthma. 2.5 mg. per day. He still gurgles but at least the coughing has stopped.

So you certainly can try Grace on the Pred. and actually, if she were mine, I might give it a try. You can begin by only giving it three times a week and note any improvements.

Another thing I want to point out. My Pipsqueak whom did have that lipoma and has another also has that "marbly muscle groupings" (sorry, don't know what else to call it.

) up and down his abdomen. It worried me too but my vet said it was fat and muscle. My fattie Walden has some too.

Well - have a good day and keep lovin' your girl Grace and all of your other felines!

Click to expand...

I guess I feel I have been led astray in my life by vets as well. I took my first cat to a supposed top specialist that treated CRF and she told me my cat would be fine, that his kidneys weren't even that bad. However, within a month, I found him passed away. I'm not saying it was her fault but something had to be missed. This current vet has been my cats' vet (along with a cardiologist who treated my dearly departed Tito) for the past 6 years or so. I think I have a fairly solid relationship with all the vets in the practice. They are great about returning calls, answering questions, offering discounts at times for rechecks, and even the offer of a "video consult" with the neuro but this time, I just was feeling bad about the whole thing. He won't accept that my cats are strictly indoors and says it is required by law. Basically he's saying I can't go there unless I agree to vaccinate her so I'm upset. I don't want to lose this vet. Also, it is indeed Purevax that he uses and he vaccinates each year, that was the name but still...

Grace has been on prednisone twice already for 6 days each time. Her symptoms did improve and he did say I can give her another 7 day course. My cat, Delilah (Grace's twin) also has asthma and she has been on it too. She gurgles sometimes too, when purring. The vet seemed concerned about too many courses and I was a bit worried too. I'm just nervous because all my cats need treatment by the vet and I don't want to be continuously dictated to that I need to vaccinate them against my will.

Indeed, Grace's muscles do feel marbly! That's a good term for it so hopefully she does have the all clear. Thank-you for the kind words and have a nice Halloween!

Would your vet consider doing titers in lieu of re-vaccinating and giving Grace an exemption based on her past history of allergies? I have heard of other vets doing this. Here's some info on it.

http://www.maddiesfund.org/Maddies_Institute/Webcasts/Saving_Lives_with_Antibody_Titer_Tests.html

Thanks for the article! This is actually a good idea. I will bring it up to him. This would show if she is immune right?

vball91 said:

Would your vet consider doing titers in lieu of re-vaccinating and giving Grace an exemption based on her past history of allergies? I have heard of other vets doing this. Here's some info on it.
http://www.maddiesfund.org/Maddies_Institute/Webcasts/Saving_Lives_with_Antibody_Titer_Tests.html

Click to expand...

Excellent!!!! I completely forgot to mention about blood titer tests!! :doh3:

WorriedSoMuch said:

Thanks for the article! This is actually a good idea. I will bring it up to him. This would show if she is immune right?

Click to expand...

YES! And, this should satisfy your vet. :nod: I understand about not wanting to leave to find another. It irks me to no end, though, when a vet is insisting on a rabies vaccine just to treat and see a cat. Ridiculous IMO. There is a group of vet's here in my hometown whom I was warned about from others in the area in that they are very pricey and run up tests that are not really necessary AND that they also require rabies shots to see pets. I didn't even give them another thought. Again, though, if you found good vets whom you trust, then the Purevax rabies vaccine should be fine to give if they are demanding of it and not willing to take titer blood testing immunity.