Surgery? Euthanize? Do nothing? I just want what's best for my cat

Hello all,

Our sweet, loving cat Bob was diagnosed with a primary lung tumor this week. We had taken him into the emergency vet for what turned out to be an unrelated case of pancreatitis (he was vomiting and refusing food). During the X-rays, they just happened to notice a mass in his lung. The specialist vet said she was 95 percent sure it is a cancerous tumor, though it is too deep in his chest for an ultrasound or biopsy. The only way to find out for sure would be surgery.

She said that if we proceed with surgery, if it's an aggressive cancer median survival range for it would be about 3 to 5 months. For a less aggressive cancer, he could live another one or two years. She said if we don't treat, he could throw a clot, have it metastasize to his feet, develop fluid around his lungs--a lot of really ugly possibilities. 

The surgery could cost over $4000. She said the odds of him surviving the surgery are excellent.

Here are the other factors: Bob is a very timid cat. He was just in the hospital for an extended stay for radioactive iodine therapy a couple months ago for hyperthroidism, and even the vet said he seemed miserable there. When I brought him home from hospitalization today, this vet commented on how overwhelmed he'd seemed.So in other words, sending him back there for another two-day stay plus surgery seems not ideal.

I am also, frankly, going broke. Between the radioactive iodine treatment and this most recent hospitalization, I've spent close to $3000 on his vet bills this year so far. I also have two other cats with ongoing, expensive health issues. If I knew that the surgery would have the best possible outcome--many months or years more with him having good quality of life--then I would not hesitate to do it. But there are so many unknowns here.

Bob is  about 11 years old. We adopted him a few years ago from a cat shelter, after he'd been found wandering the streets as an emaciated stray. He's been through so much in his life. He's never been anything less than completely sweet and trusting and willing to love no matter what. I just want for him to be as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.

This has turned my life upside down since getting this diagnosis. We thought we would have many more happy years with Bob. I don't know what's right--it seems like there are no good choices. I was just wondering if anyone has been through lung cancer or a similar diagnosis with their cat, and what you decided.

Thank you.

I think you might get clarity out of reading a thread that is currently ongoing, written by someone whose cat has terminal cancer (not lung, but squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth).  Surgery would have been too radical and could not offer a cure, just would buy time but the cat would suffer.  The vet gave the cat about 5 days, and that was over a month ago.  With good supportive care, good pain medicine, and a vet who was willing to be wrong about the time, the cat and his family are taking one day at a time and there is still some pleasure in life.  When there isn't, then they will help him pass peacefully. 

As you said, if the surgery would save his life for many years, you might attempt it, but in a year or two, you would be facing the same thing.  He is not a young cat, and you have given him some good years and lots of love.  I think you should do just what you said, make him as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.  This thread is a long read but you can skim the details and perhaps just watch the progression and see what is possible in the way of "hospice care" for a cat that is loved and at home, not in a vet hospital.

http://www.thecatsite.com/t/316100/...ill-loved-one-i-share-with-you-simons-journey

Thanks for your thoughts, and for sharing that link. I've been reading the thread and it's pretty moving.

I agree with Red Top. If I were in your shoes, I would just make him comfortable and pain free until his time comes.

Thanks, DreamerRose.

BobsTheCat said:

 
Thanks for your thoughts, and for sharing that link. I've been reading the thread and it's pretty moving.

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@BobsTheCat  -  I'm very sorry to hear your boy Bob is suffering. It's difficult to make decisions regarding our little fur balls lives. I understand completely.   In my case, x-rays weren't even an option, never mind treatment, the vet didn't think any sedation would be good. In the three months since my boy was diagnosed, I realize, I'm the one who knows him and he knows that he can trust me to help him.  I do pray God make the decision for me.

I don't know what's it's like having a large vet bill like yourself, I imagine that adds weight to an already difficult situation.

I'm sure Bob knows he's very much loved and wants to spend his time enjoying life as he's used to.

I always think about when my uncle was sick he used to say, "why can't they just put me down like Mitzy" (his cat)  "why do I have to suffer, all I want to do is be home, why can't I die at home"...

Well, I think, if people think this way when dying, we should take that into consideration when assisting our furry wee ones, this is probably how they feel also.  Cat's are such creatures of habit, it only makes sense to make life as normal as possible.  They know what's coming, I'm sure of it.

Now if surgery was an option with enough years to put behind the nightmare of surgery, I'd say go for it.  If not, then enjoy each other until the very end.

I'm glad you find my thread Simon's Diary moving, but I do hope you find it helpful as well.  

One thing I make sure to do with Simon is keep things as normal as possible, nicknames, games, speech, my own habits also need to stay the same.  He picks up on everything. I also write down everything.

I wish you and Bob nothing but the best as you move forward.  If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a DM.

I'm still learning and researching and I am very much interested in Bob's journey.  Warm regards from Simon and me.

@BobsTheCat

Please update us on how you and bob are doing.  In no way is the situation you are in easy.  Please know we are here to support you.

Thinking about you both...  Be well.