Kidney Tumor

My Baby Girl Gia is 11 years old. As was full of life until about 2 months ago. I took her to the vet and After an Xray and Ultrasound they found a huge tumor that has consumed my cats right kidney, the kidney is no longer functioning. The other kidney is functioning fine and all bloodwork has come back normal. The tumor has not spread to any other parts of her body.

She has lost about 2 lbs in a month and a half due to her not eating as much ( she went from 11 lbs to 9 lbs), and has been pretty lethargic and just not her normal self. Right now we have her on a appetite booster (which is working, she is now eating dry food again) and pain med.

The option the vet gave is to do surgery ($about 5000)  to remove the huge tumor and her right kidney. They do not know any type of life expectancy with or without the surgery, and of course theres also a chance of her dying on the table due to her age and low weight. I dont know if i should put her through major surgery like that. They say 11 is old but i know cats that live into their 20's and if i could give her a few more years i would do it.  Has anyone been through this i need some advice im going crazy with my thoughts and just want whats best for her.  I  feel like no matter what decision i make its the wrong one.

Thanks so much

Steenzy said:

 
My Baby Girl Gia is 11 years old. As was full of life until about 2 months ago. I took her to the vet and After an Xray and Ultrasound they found a huge tumor that has consumed my cats right kidney, the kidney is no longer functioning. The other kidney is functioning fine and all bloodwork has come back normal. The tumor has not spread to any other parts of her body.

She has lost about 2 lbs in a month and a half due to her not eating as much ( she went from 11 lbs to 9 lbs), and has been pretty lethargic and just not her normal self. Right now we have her on a appetite booster (which is working, she is now eating dry food again) and pain med.

The option the vet gave is to do surgery ($about 5000)  to remove the huge tumor and her right kidney. They do not know any type of life expectancy with or without the surgery, and of course theres also a chance of her dying on the table due to her age and low weight. I dont know if i should put her through major surgery like that. They say 11 is old but i know cats that live into their 20's and if i could give her a few more years i would do it.  Has anyone been through this i need some advice im going crazy with my thoughts and just want whats best for her.  I  feel like no matter what decision i make its the wrong one.

Thanks so much

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Have they done an aspiration to see if it is lymphoma?  My daughter's cat was found to have a mass near her kidneys.  Her blood work too was perfect; they said she has the metabolic profile of a 4 year old.  So they did an ultrasound and found the mass.  They did an aspiration andt the cytology came back as being "suspicious for lymphoma" but we still don't have a definitive diagnosis.  She is 16, weighs 4.5 pounds and is not a candidate for surgery.  She is now going to an oncologist.  I had an 18-year-old with a tumor on one of his kidneys caused by a resorptive tooth lesion.  He was put on antibiotics and the tumor disappeared.  I did allow him to have surgery to remove that tooth and, while he did well during surgery and while in recovery, on the way home from the vet's he had a light stroke.  Sometimes surgery cannot be avoided, but it's a frightening prospect.  Of course at this point, I'm sure all of it is scaring you.

11 is NOT that old and I think you are absolutely correct to want more time with your baby.  My suggestion would be to get a second opinion as soon as possible, and possibly have them aspirate fluid from the mass to see if it's cancer.  At least you will know what you're dealing with and will be able to make a more informed decision.  With cats they consider "old," if they operate and do find cancer without good margins, they probably will not revive the cat.  At least that is what my daughter's vet who found the 16-year-old's mass told her.  Surgery is so hard on them, especially when they are frail.  Removing the mass and a kidney would be a tough one.   I will keep you both in my prayers.  Hugs, sweetie.