I'm heartbroken (UPDATE-1)
Last edited Fri Feb 9, 2018, 01:35 AM - Edit history (1)
I took her to an oncology vet. She has a sinus tumor that is pressing on her eye, increasing the pressure in her eye and ultimately pressure on her brain.
I have had to do the one thing I didn't want to have to do. I had to make a decision for my kitty based on finances. The vet was very explicit about the various treatments available. I then asked her for the cost of each treatment type. Radiation - about $8,000 and would extend her life by maybe a year or so. There is a new type of radiation treatment that is only available in a clinic on the opposite side of the state which would be about $10,000 plus travel and lodging expenses. Chemotherapy would be $450 A WEEK! for eight weeks. Again, only extending her life by a year or so. And there is no way to know if she would even tolerate the treatments. It just isn't possible to come up with that much money for so little outcome. The plan now is to give her steroids to reduce the pressure of the tumor and a glaucoma eye drop to reduce the pressure in her eye. There are two different cell types for sinus tumors. It would cost another $200 to take a test to determine which one. If she has one type, the steroid/eyedrop treatment could work for one to two months; if she has the other type, it could work for up to six months. I opted to forego the test because it doesn't make a difference in the long run.
So far, she has come out from under the bed and is engaging with us as before, she is eating and drinking just fine. Her eye looks odd but I was told that the eyedrop would raise the third eyelid and contract the iris. We'll just watch her for signs that she is getting worse or suffering. Vet said she would eventually lose the sight in that one eye (not so far!) and that when the pressure is on her brain, she will have a seizure. We won't let her suffer.
Probably more detail than most of you want to know, but I give it for anyone who is going through the same thing.
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Vet says tests show that my lovely black long-hair kitty has lymphoma. She is only eight. From what I've found on the internet, prognosis is 4 to 6 weeks without treatment and maybe six months with treatment. Perhaps a little longer, if lucky. Vet has referred us to an oncologist vet.
Realistically, it will be a process of deciding when, not if, to let her go.
We have two other eight-year old cats and a five-year old dog but as pet-lovers know, they are each distinctive individuals, loved for who they are.
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They rely on us for everything. They steal our hearts and, when the time comes to say “Goodbye”, they rely on us for that decision to let go as well. My advice would be to enjoy and love your kitty until that time comes, you’ll know when that time will be.
I’m so sorry you’ve gotten this news. 
Some cats do well with treatment (and tolerate the medicine). I'm sure you'll look out well for your cat--and see what they want/need.
Don't let her suffer.
You will make the right decision when you are ready. Cherish the time you have together.
That is truly heartbreaking.
