Mammary cancer. Anyone had their cat go through this?

We're suspecting that one of our cats has mammary cancer. We're taking her to the primary vet we first wanted to go to on Friday since that's when the vet was available. The one we had a short visit with yesterday checked out the lump on her and gave us the suspicion that it's more than likely mammary. We were told up front on the chances of it being malignant, but we could not have the money up front to have all of the blood work, x-ray, biopsy etc. done on the spot.

My cat is a black and white, short haired and is eleven years old name Josie. She was around six months old when adopted and was spayed prior to the adoption. Despite the fact that she is spayed, she could still very well be a victim of this. I'm hoping by Friday that we'll have the results done and see where we can go on from there. I signed up after seeing a forum that is a few years old of someone who had their cat with the same illness, so I figured to sign up and see what anyone here, cat owner and/or veterinary expert would say about it. I'm not ready for the worst outcome that could very well be the reality since the bump is present, Josie looks like she's in slight pain when walking and you can tell her figure is becoming different. I'll post some pictures when I can of all of my cats for everyone to see. I'll also update like the forum poster did with her cat as well.

I have a cat dealing with Lymphoma, so not quite in your shoes. My cat had radiation and is now going through chemotherapy. What I can tell you is that my cat has had barely any issues with either treatment. She may throw up 1-2 times during the few days following chemo. Radiation had 0 issues whatsoever. If you are debating treatment but are concerned with how your cat will handle those 2 treatments, I would say go for it and try. Most cats tolerate chemo very well and targeted radiation which is becoming more the norm leaves fewer side effects. The sooner and faster you act, the better the outcome. Cancer moves fast, so if you are going to treat, do it as soon as possible. Also, if you are not doing so already, look into feeding your cat a high quality protein diet with low carbs. Cancer likes carbs so if she will tolerate that kind of diet, every bit helps!

There have been several cats here over the years with Mammary Cancer, as well as other types of cancer. 

Sadly, it appears that Mammary cancer doesn't normally do too well with surgery and chemo.  Seems in most cases it reappears.  

Here are a few stories:  http://www.thecatsite.com/t/256015/removal-of-mammary-tumors  (threads within threads)

Let's hope the pre-diagnosis is incorrect

Good news. It turns out that it has been a cyst and the fluids had to be drained out. Nothing cancerous was found. In a few weeks, Josie will be taken to have the area reexamined since she's required to take medication and to check for anything every now and then. You do not know how relieved I am for this.

CNikki said:

 
Good news. It turns out that it has been a cyst and the fluids had to be drained out. Nothing cancerous was found. In a few weeks, Josie will be taken to have the area reexamined since she's required to take medication and to check for anything every now and then. You do not know how relieved I am for this.

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Oh!  That IS good news .  I'm sure you are EXTREMELY relieved  I know I would be