Lung cancer - what would you do?

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marisofigia

marisofigia

Member Since 2020
Hi all,

Unfortunately, my 12-year-old angel, Maya's sister, has been diagnosed with lung cancer. We did a CT and found two tumours in her lungs. Heart ultrasound and bloodwork turned out fine, but she has trouble breathing and she's coughing blood.

One vet recommends a biopsy and chemo, believing that it will give us a chance to shrink the tumours. The other vet recommends cortizone shots and vitamins because he believes she won't make it with chemo.

I am at a loss and would appreciate any comments and suggestions.
 
Oh my! I am so very sorry that you have received this very devastating diagnosis. I know that I would most likely research everything that I could before making any decisions. Also, your cat’s current health status and any other health conditions would play a role in your decision-making. It doesn’t sound good that she’s coughing blood and is having trouble breathing. I feel very sad about this. While you are researching and deciding, could you perhaps try your vet’s suggestion of steroids and vitamin’s until you can get another opinion and do your research?
 
I had a cat with lung cancer, but it was 20 years ago. It was diagnosed quite late and we had to let her go. She had stopped eating and it happened very quickly. I don't know if treatment has changed in the last couple decades. Are you seeing an oncologist vet? Are you near a veterinary teaching hospital?

Does you kitty have any other conditions? I've had a couple cats undergo chemo, and other than having to give some ondansetron around the time of the dose, it wasn't that bad on them. There are different types of chemo, I only have experience giving the one.
 
Thank you all for the replies!
It seems that her health is deteriorating very rapidly... I guess I need to decide if I want her to go fighting under the knife or in the house...
 
I had a cat with lunger cancer about 10 years ago. He had mild symptoms (just a cough, initially thought it was astma), we caught it early on x-rays. He lived 1 more year on steroids, but then crashed suddenly and an ultrasound revealed it had spread through his belly and into many organs. We had to let him go. I'm glad we went with the steroids though; they worked extremely well and allowed him to live comfortably for his remaining time.

I'm very sorry for this difficult decision that you're facing. Whatever you choose, you'll do it with love and that's what matters.
 
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