Malignant Giant Cell Tumor--I don't know what's best for my cat

In April I came home from work and noticed my Victor(orange tabby) had jammed his toe. And then appeared to compound it before I got him into the vet. Three dermal nodules appeared on top of his paw and one grew larger. My vet put him on different meds and after three months, two burst and became infected wounds. I changed bandages every day and administered meds and three weeks ago my vet said he needed a specialist.

I went for a second opinion: blood work and X-rays. They recommended amputation of two toes. I shopped his surgery in a neighboring state where I grew up and saved thousands. One toe was removed and the entire wound mass removed and sent for biopsy. The surgeon said in his opinion it was an STS, or soft tissue sarcoma. Sometimes vaccinations lead to STS and trauma can also do this.

I was sitting at work waiting for the fax to come through last Friday night, and it did about 6 EST. diagnosis: Malignant Giant Cell Tumor. Now I am headed to an oncologist. He is not quite four, but I read online that the median life expectancy even with treatment is 502 days. I can't spend thousands. Or be paying on this credit card years after he is gone. What would you do?

I am so sorry to hear of your dilemma, and understand that you want to do what is best for him while having limited funds, a common problem. I think you have to see the oncologist before making any decisions, as there may still be affordable possibilities. Maybe amputation of the limb as the tumour is in his foot? Cats do fine on three legs, and the tumour may not have spread. We can all frighten ourselves reading things online that may not apply to our own special circumstances. One of my cats has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, and in my researches I read that most cats live around 380 days after diagnosis. I was heartbroken until I talked with an online group of owners with diabetic cats and many of them were well stabilised and living normal lives years later. I hope it all works out for you both and that you find a solution.

I am so sorry for your situation. I am someone who will go into debt to make my kitties happy, but that's me. I have also looked into a funding organization to help me with my vet bills in my area. I know there is something on this website about help for funding people with sick animals.

The best thing to do is talk to your vet--don't use the internet for information. Every cat is different. Your kitty is young and that can make a difference.

Many vets will tell you that an animal's life is about quality, not quantity. As long as he's happy and comfortable, that's all you can do