Does anyone else have a cat with an abdominal (mesenteric) tumor?

Hello,

I am new to this site and hoping to find others that have or had a similar experience. My cat was diagnosed with an abdominal mass about a month ago. After blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds, and aspirates, the vets were still unable to tell me exactly what type of cancer it is, or what the mass is attached to. So, my cat just had exploratory surgery yesterday, with the goal of tumor removal. Unfortunately, they discovered the tumor involves the mesenteric root, which supplies the blood for his intestines. Due to this, the mass is inoperable. They took a biospy and I should get the results in a day or two. I googled Mesenteric tumors in cats, but I didn't really find anything. I did find one prior thread on this site, but it's old.

So far my cat is in otherwise good health. He's lost some weight, but he is eating, drinking and using the litterbox. He is still mobile and affectionate. All of the doctors have stated he is bright and alert, and shows no signs of being in pain. The next step will be discussing chemo and/or some other form of drug therapy. I am just so sad because he is only ten years old, and I never expected him to have a serious illness this soon. I've had him for about 7 years, and I cannot cope with thinking about him getting sick and putting him to sleep. I have no idea how much time chemo will give him. One doctor thought he had maybe a few months without treatment. I've been so worried about him, and crying evey day. He is all I have.

I would appreciate any input from others with similar stories. Thank you!

My GFs cat recently got sick suddenly and was just put to sleep last night. After very expensive which has left her thousands of dollars in debt, the Dr could not determine cause of illness. In your case early detection may be helpful, but I wouldn't be opposed to getting a second opinion

((((Shayliba))))  I am so sorry you are going through this with your kitty.  I lost my precious Tiger to probably pancreatic cancer in July. In February, her IM said she had the mildest thickening in the intestine and stomach;his notes said probably IBD.  After the US, Tiger was doing very well, her vomiting had stopped, appetite improved, in hindsight, i should have pressed for the biopsy right then... Fast forward to mid June, she started not eating again, vomiting more often but no weight loss. Her bloodwork showed high neutrophils, lymphocytes, high WBC, elevated ALT/AST and her diabetes which was regulated, went dangerously into the low Blood Glucose range, I had to stop insulin to keep her safe. Xrays showed her organs were being squished to one side, this literally happened in a couple of days!  The vet said it was likely a mass, I could not get another ultrasound done until that following Monday. This was on a Friday.  Unfortunately, I had no choice but to help her cross the Rainbow Bridge at the ER vet that Sunday, it happened so quickly, there is never enough time with our precious furbabies. 

I also would pursue a 2nd opinion, are you seeing an oncologist or IM?

I would recommend you join the Yahoo Group for Feline Lymphoma if you haven't already. There are knowledable people there, plus there is a vet, Dr. Jory, who might have some suggestions for you. It is my understanding that many cats respond well to Leukran, I cannot say in your case, but I would get on that mailing list and ask your questions. Sending all the hugs and  positive vibes your way that I can,

Thank you for your sharing your stories. My cat Smudge is seeing a team of oncologists and his surgery was performed by a surgical oncologist. Unfortunately, this vet is the second opinion. His primary vet told me that due to the location of the mass, it was likely inoperable. I took him to the best vet hospital in the area, hoping they would have the expertise to remove it. They were optimistic that they could perform a resection of the mass; however, the tumor is right where all the major vessels provide blood to his intestines. It's impossible to resect it without killing him. The only option left is to await the biopsy results, and then consult with his oncologist to pursue drug therapy. Hopefully it will halt the tumor's growth...maybe even shrink it. I don't know. He is so healthy otherwise, I hope we caught it in time. It's so stressful having to wait. It's already been a month. I Just want to get his treatment started before it spreads. I am so scared for him.

Thank you I am going to look into joining that support group

 (RuthM) Btw I just found out today that my cat Smudge also has pancreatic adenocarcinoma

(((((Shayliba)))))  Oh no, I am so sorry, my heart goes out to you and Smudge... Does your oncologist have a treatment plan at all?  If there is anything I can do, I'll do whatever I can help, I got real good at researching things.....even if you just need to scream or cry, please let me know.  You're not alone- hugs and scritches to Smudge!!

Thank you. I am supposed to get a call from the oncologist tomorrow to talk about our options. His surgeon was not optimistic. He didn't think chemo would do much good--sounds like he has two months tops without any treatment. I researched his cancer tonight and the prognosis sounds pretty hopeless. He could go downhill any day now. Really sad. I've spent over a month just doing tests, and he has yet to get any kind of treatment. So frustatating. Bad day.

Big hugs to you!  There is nothing worse than to be told there's nothing they can do- I feel your pain on that one. Is Smudge eating okay? Peeing, pooping, grooming? Do you have anti-nausea meds( Cerenia and Ondansetron), Cypro in case he loses his appetite; bupe for pain, on hand? 

He is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally. He is moving around but he's a little wobbly and has trouble jumping up on furniture now, of course part of that is due to surgery. He is acting a little off tonight. He loves being brushed and petted, but he was shying away tonight. So I think he's having pain. He is now off his post surgery pain meds. Im going to ask if they can give him more pain meds. The tumor is 3 inches and its pushing out on his organs. Between that and the recent incision im sure it hurts.

That is awesome that his appetite is good, the 5 P's are extremely important to gauge how Smudge is doing.  I'm o glad to hear he wants loving, give him all the love you can give!!   Definitely, the surgical wounds are painful. I would not hesitate to ask for supportive pain meds, but keep in mind, at least for my Tiger, bupe can be constipating, so ask about Miralax or pumpkin or something to help keep his stools soft. Also important, watch for any bloating, signs that his abdomen is filling with fluids or signs of breathing difficulties. Was bloodwork run?  Just making sure he isn't anemic.

Hi there RuthM. Sorry I did not see your last reply. Smudge just had a follow up of bloodwork, xrays, urinalysis and ultrasound. The tumor has not metastisized or gotten any bigger. We are trying Palladia. He had his first dose yesterday and seemed to tolerate it fine. All in all he is doing great besides the wobbly-ness. Vet said that could be due to muscle weakness from cancer. Not sure. They are not concerned at this point since he is moving around normally. Hes not falling over. Im not sure what was wrong with him last week. He has been very affectionate. No signs of pain. Really hoping this drug shrinks the tumor!!!

(((Shayliba)))  so glad you posted-that is encouraging that the tumour has not grown and normal bloodwork;and I am glad your oncologist has a plan for treatment! How long will Smudge receive treatment(pills?)  Please give him some hugs and scritches from me, I have every body part crossed this will shrink the tumour!

RuthM--thanks for the well wishes! He has follow up bloodwork in two weeks. If that goes well, then a full check-up every 4-6 weeks. So at least 6 weeks, depending on his response to treatment.

Hi ((Ruth M)) I don't know if you are still on this site. I wanted to thank you for your support. Sadly, Smudge declined this past week and I had to put him to sleep Monday night. He passed peacefully in my arms. I hope to pass on the love he gave me to another cat in the not-too-distant future. Right now I am in the process of grieving and commemorating him. I am so glad he was part of my life. I will never forget him.

(((((Shayliba)))) I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet Smudge, my heart breaks for you!  It feels like there has been so many kitties I know this year that have succumbed to cancer :-(  Please take care of yourself, you've been through a very traumatic ordeal, I am glad he was in your arms at the end though.  And I am certain he knew how much you loved him and that love will live forever in your heart.

Fly free Sweet Smudge, and land softly- you were so loved. 

Hello. My 14 year old rescue cat Butters was just diagnosed with Mesatonic Root cancer also. He had been suffering from diabetes, then went non-diabetic, then got pancreatitis in May...and now this. He stopped eating and drinking about 6 days ago. I can get him to eat a little from a spoon. He is on an appetite stimulant, antibiotic, and Cerenia. He was diagnosed when he got sick again - his white count was 30,000 and temp of 104. Vet xrayed and saw the tumor. We did an Ultrasound at a internal med vet yesterday and she diagnosed the type of tumor - and said because of where it is and his other symptoms trying to removing it was not an option. So he is basically on hospice care now - doing a little better today. Temp down, eating and drinking a tiny bit. Has anyone else had this diagnosis in a cat - I'm just wondering if there is anything else we can do for him - and also wondering how much time we have left with him. He is not in any pain, which is a blessing. He is the sweetest, most loving cat we've ever had - we think he thinks he is a dog because he loves our yellow Lab so much and they sleep together.