Mass In Colon Getting Larger ):

[A.w]

I brought my boy Garfield to the vet earlier since he had not been pooping as much as he previously was. Because of the mass in his colon, we keep him on a laxative so his stools stay soft and luquidy. When the get checked him, the vet said that the mass had gotten bigger which is not good. My heart is completely shattered. There's a surgery option but it's not guarenteed, it would cost thousands of dollars and we'd have to travel out of province for it which concerns me cause Garfield isn't a fan of long car rides.

Everything else he's doing is completely normal. His appetite, playfullness and he pees regularly. I'm so very unsure about what to do. How will I be able to go to work and focus when I don't know how much longer I'll have my baby for?

 

[Furballsmom]

I'm so sorry. Would the vet know of a medication that might target/shrink the mass?

 

[Antonio65]

I'm terribly sorry for what you and your Garfield are going through, I know what that means because I was there before... for three times...
My only advice, that is what I'd do if I were you, is to go on with the surgery.

My cat had a rare disease in 2016 and the only way to save her life was the surgery, but it was highly risky and cost thousands.
I chose to go on, because the surgery wasn't guaranteed, but if I had done nothing my cat's death was absolutely guaranteed.
She wasn't a good traveller herself, but we made it and we won.

She eventually died a year later for something else, but I gave her a year more with me.
To those who told me that I was thousands euro poorer, I replied that actually I was richer. One more year with my sweet Lola was invaluable, it was worth more than all the gold and diamonds of the world.

So, this is what I'd do. You could save your Garfield and have some peace of mind.
Best of luck!

 

[Furballsmom]

but we made it and we won

If I may say Wow.

 

[A.w]

I'm so sorry. Would the vet know of a medication that might target/shrink the mass?

I just called to ask, now i'm waiting on a reply!

 

[A.w]

I'm terribly sorry for what you and your Garfield are going through, I know what that means because I was there before... for three times...
My only advice, that is what I'd do if I were you, is to go on with the surgery.

My cat had a rare disease in 2016 and the only way to save her life was the surgery, but it was highly risky and cost thousands.
I chose to go on, because the surgery wasn't guaranteed, but if I had done nothing my cat's death was absolutely guaranteed.
She wasn't a good traveller herself, but we made it and we won.

She eventually died a year later for something else, but I gave her a year more with me.
To those who told me that I was thousands euro poorer, I replied that actually I was richer. One more year with my sweet Lola was invaluable, it was worth more than all the gold and diamonds of the world.

So, this is what I'd do. You could save your Garfield and have some peace of mind.
Best of luck!

The reason i'm so hesitant to go forth with the surgery is because there's a high chance it gets infected and wont heal. It's right in the colon where the poop gets pushed through so every day he would be risking infection.. the operation hasn't been done a lot on cats, it's actually an operation they do on humans.

I'm just concerned if I go forth with the surgery he'll end up feeling worst in the long haul and not better.

 

[Antonio65]

Would you give up a chance of having your Garfield for a long time with you?
I think that if it works on human, it should work on pets too. Colon is the same in both species, and contains the same... stuff.

The surgery they performed on my cat had been apparently done only one or two times before my cat, not much experience for the surgeon either.

I would give a kidney of mine to have my Lola back with me...
Sorry for ranting, but I haven't gone over her death yet...

 

[Furballsmom]

I so hate cancer

 

[A.w]

I also have 6 other cats and a dog to care for. I'm only a student and I haven't been able to work in over a year. I would give my left arm to have him around longer, but I want his life to be of quality, not of recovery and issues. It's so hard to know what to do because as of this moment he's completely fine. He's happy, playfull, eating tons, peeing normally.... etc.

 

[A.w]

I so hate cancer

Tell me about it cancer took my grandfather, my aunt, my mother and now it's taking my cats

 

[Furballsmom]

You have more experience with this than anyone should have to deal with! I believe with all my heart that whatever you decide to do, it will be the right and correct thing to do.

 

[A.w]

Thank youvery much, it means a lot <3 I'm trying yo wrap my head around it all but I can't seem to. I don't know how I'll be able to make it to my classes when I know I have limited time with my snuggly boy.

 

[Furballsmom]

You'll be ok, however impossible it seems you need to be strong and maintain all his routines for him so you don't stress him out. I'm rooting for both of you!!

 

[A.w]

thank you very much <3

 

[cat princesses]

I'm so sorry you're going thru this. It's never an easy decision to make. We always say it's quality of life for our pets - we always weigh their age and what the procedure would do to their quality of life. I agree with you, if it isn't a common surgery and with the high risk for infection, it sounds really risky and painful. Maybe you can see a specialist and get a second opinion?

 

[A.w]

I'm definitely going to look into it. I'm just hoping it doesn't cost me an arm and a leg to do so

 

[cat princesses]

How old is Garfield?

 

[A.w]

between 11-12 years old

 

[cat princesses]

I have never used it but I know many vets offices offer care credit incase you need financial support

 

[A.w]

I'm not sure my vet offers it, but they may case by case. I suppose it can't hurt to ask! thank you!