Tom update - advice needed

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Sonia & Tom (GA)

Sonia & Tom (GA)

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Just came back from vet.

As I was affraid, and preparing myself for, vet believes the mass on Tom's tongue to be cancer. She saw nothing there in March.

She does not believe we could or should try to remove it because:
1. Mass appears to go quite far back in his mouth
2. Tom's age (18) and medical history (diabetes, CRF)
3. She just doesn't think we should put him through that at this point.

Tom is not ready to go and we're not ready to let him go either but she says we are likely looking at weeks :cry:
(as i'm typing this, Tom came down the stairs with his toy, meowing for attention. Now asking for food.)

She gave him ABs and subqs. They showed me how to and I will start doing it at home. We also have bupe for pain.

Question is: Vet mentionned giving him steroids to try and shrink or slow down growth of the mass. I'm not sure. Thoughts anyone?
 
I'm sorry you are going through this.
Is there a way they could do an aspiration or something to look at the cell type just to make sure it is cancer?
Is there a veterinary oncologist in the area? You could at least get a consult from them to see if there is anything that can be done or should be done.
 
Sonia

I would look for an oncologist for sure. They will know more about the mass and how to proceed. I had the sister to my Lilly the diabetic cat and they found a lung tumor doing a routine xray. I did take her to an oncologist here in town, she did a CT scan and we talked over our options.
An oncologist knows much more than the average vet about these cancers and can maybe tell you what type of mass it is and what options there are for Tom. He sounds like he is doing well so far, as long as he is eating well and still drinking and not losing weight maybe his outcome will be a positive one I hope. Please do keep us posted.

Terri
 
I agree about getting a second opinion with an oncologist.
And I had a neighbor whose cat lived about an extra year because the prednisone (sp?) helped him.
BIG HUGS to you, Sonia. I will keep Tom in my prayers and keep thinking possitive thoughts.
 
Vet said it's fast spreading. I have not given any thought to other treatments.

I love Tom. He's my baby and has been around longer than DH. He has supported me through difficult times, moved provinces with us and has been there for the most wonderful times as well.
I just don't know if I want to put him through invasive treatments or just enjoy the short time I have with him while keeping him comfortable.

Gayle, we're at Downtown Animal Hospital on Church.
 
Sonia & Tom said:
Question is: Vet mentionned giving him steroids to try and shrink or slow down growth of the mass. I'm not sure. Thoughts anyone?
Click to expand...
I'm so sorry to hear this. About the steroid, It will probably raise his BG, but if it helps to slow the growth of the tumor or makes him feel better, I'd go for it. You can always adjust his insulin to compensate.
 
When my civvy Calypso (GA) was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia), I also said I didn't want to do anything invasive as she was 17. I did meet with the oncologist and she said that she also values quality over quantity of life for the pets. We did decide on treatment for Calypso, she was pronounced to be in remission just before she died (most likely not cancer related). Most treatments of pets are very well tolerated.
It might be worth getting a consult. There may be drugs that can help shrink the tumor. Just make it clear that you value quality over quantity.
 
Sonia & Tom said:
Vet said it's fast spreading. I have not given any thought to other treatments.

I love Tom. He's my baby and has been around longer than DH. He has supported me through difficult times, moved provinces with us and has been there for the most wonderful times as well.
I just don't know if I want to put him through invasive treatments or just enjoy the short time I have with him while keeping him comfortable.

Gayle, we're at Downtown Animal Hospital on Church.
Click to expand...

OK that's what I thought. Only Dr. Vihos is good there but they just don't specialize, so you need a place much better.

I hope you will consider making an appt with my new vet office.... they are incredible. It's not close but I can get there on transit....
http://www.vetstoronto.com/blog/
Kingston Road Animal Hospital 24/7
1025 Kingston Road
Toronto, ON
M4E 1T4
ph: 416-690-0625
- by Kingston Road and Victoria Park.
I take the subway to Victoria Park and then the bus down a half dozen blocks to their office.

There are two great drs there - Dr. Jon Mitelman, who sees my Oliver and Shadoe and also another good vet, Dr. Samson.
I have nothing but praise for this office and especially the staff and vets.
I am pretty demanding when it comes to my cats, but they treat me like their only client. I have popped in to get a refill for tramadol, and no problem.... they mix up a fresh batch for me. I wanted to switch a med and just wanted to leave a note for Dr Mitelman, but he said nope, just sit for a few minutes and we can discuss it now!!!
He even emails me to ask how the meds are doing.

Sonia, just call and make an appt for a consult and see what they have to say. I went with Mitelman as he's the expert on hearts, so having 2 acros, I wanted a heart guy. You can ask who would be better for your particular issue though.
Just tell them that Gayle sent you!

Big pats and hugs for your sweet Tom.
 
Sonia,

I understand how you are feeling and the difficult decision you are now faced with. There is no right or wrong here, just what is best for Tom and what decision will help you not feel guilty either way.

If it only takes a little time and a little money to get a second opinion (from an expert), wouldn't you want to do that to know that you have made the best and most informed decision you can.

Information is power and power is key to making any decision. You can then choose to treat him for pain management only and love him for all the days he has left with you. Or really go out and aggressively treat. Either way, you will make the decision with all the information you need.

In the end, you need to have peace of mind and know that you did what was best for Tom.

My thoughts are with you.
 
I am so very sorry that you and Tom are going through this.

I once used this hospital for chemotherapy, though I have not been there recently.
http://www.vectoronto.com/
My current oncologist is in Oakville.

It may help you to discusss the case with an oncologist, and get an opinion about using the Pred, or maybe trying a round of a chemotherapy drug for palliative shrinkage of the mass, if the vet feels it is one that might respond. If you prefer to not put yourselves through that, I would completely understand as well. I lost my 18 year old Miss Emily this year, and I know that just loving and treasuring them for the comfortable days they have left is sometimes the way to go.

Only you can know what is right for Tom. I am sending healing thoughts your way.
 
Thank you all.

I will be seeking a second opinion. I do not want to have any doubts or regrets.

On another note, Tom is and has always been an indoor cat but has enjoyed the rare closely supervised walk in the fenced in garden. We have decided to get him a harness and leash and indulge him with walks outside.
Will take pictures.

He is currently spleeping in his favorite spot (other than my lap): a pile of clean laundry. :-D
 
I'm glad to hear you are getting a second opinion. They should give you some treatment options as well as prognosis for the different options. You'll do what is best for you and Tom. Whatever is the best for you and Tom is the right thing to do.
 
If you think you might do chemo, do not start pred by itself, as it may make chemo less effective. (Its a timing issue, related to cell growth cycles)
 
Again, thank you all for the advice and support. I love this community.

We have an appointment tomorrow evening for a second look and opinion. Will post update.
 
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