So I need some opinions/other's stories. A few weeks ago (it seems like months now) I found a lump on Peanut, one of my 6yr old cats. It was slightly on his jaw and slightly on his neck. After panicking I took a deep breath and decided to wait a few days to see if it went away, it didn't. Off to the vets we went and they were a bit puzzled by it but did a fine needle aspirate on it. The results came back as a mast cell tumor, ok not great but deal-able. They suggested and I agreed that a punch biopsy would be useful. The results on that came back that yes it was a mast cell tumor, but in addition it was showing signs of having lymph cells in it. The vet explained that this was odd, but could just be because it was close to the lymph node, but suggested to have chest x rays and abdominal ultra sound done to see if it had spread there and if not we would go in and surgically remove it (I say we but my part was simple to pace around it was the vets doing the surgery). The tests came back and no sign of tumors in the organs so the tumor and lymph node were removed and sent away for further biopsy. At the end of last week the vet called with the results which were that it was a mast cell tumor (by that point I could have told them that) and that it had spread to the lymph node and they said that it was very odd and that they felt it needed more specialized opinion.
That brings us to today, I took Peanut to the oncologist and they agreed that the way his tumor is behaving is very odd in cats and that there is just not studies on it or papers. The surgery removed most of the tumor, but because of where it was located they couldn't take enough of a margin so there are still small tentacles of the tumor. However there are options for treatment/cure. They did a further aspirate of his liver and spleen to check if the cancer had moved there and just hadn't formed tumors yet, while they were doing that they notice a lump in his mouth which they also took samples from as they think it might be the 'source' tumor. This adds another twist to the oddness as cats very rarely develop mast cell tumors in the mucus membranes or gums and when they do the tumors don't move.
Taking the best case scenario they recommend radiation and chemo to go for a cure, if the organs are affected then it would just be chemo to keep things at bay for as long as possible.
I am coming to the realization that as much as I adore my Peanut, I cannot afford the radiation (it is just too much having to be paid in too short of a time and additional credit isn't an option).
What I was wondering is has anyone had any experience with treating mast cell tumors with just chemo (the cost will still be a hit, but it is far more doable)? I understand that the localized radiation is best as it would target the remaining cancer, but as much as I love my baby I cannot do it.
Any experiences or opinions are welcomed. I am looking for a miracle right now.
That brings us to today, I took Peanut to the oncologist and they agreed that the way his tumor is behaving is very odd in cats and that there is just not studies on it or papers. The surgery removed most of the tumor, but because of where it was located they couldn't take enough of a margin so there are still small tentacles of the tumor. However there are options for treatment/cure. They did a further aspirate of his liver and spleen to check if the cancer had moved there and just hadn't formed tumors yet, while they were doing that they notice a lump in his mouth which they also took samples from as they think it might be the 'source' tumor. This adds another twist to the oddness as cats very rarely develop mast cell tumors in the mucus membranes or gums and when they do the tumors don't move.
Taking the best case scenario they recommend radiation and chemo to go for a cure, if the organs are affected then it would just be chemo to keep things at bay for as long as possible.
I am coming to the realization that as much as I adore my Peanut, I cannot afford the radiation (it is just too much having to be paid in too short of a time and additional credit isn't an option).
What I was wondering is has anyone had any experience with treating mast cell tumors with just chemo (the cost will still be a hit, but it is far more doable)? I understand that the localized radiation is best as it would target the remaining cancer, but as much as I love my baby I cannot do it.
Any experiences or opinions are welcomed. I am looking for a miracle right now.
