Have you gotten a second opinion just to be sure it is cancer?

I'm very sorry to hear about your cat's diagnosis. It's tough to lose them when
you've had them so long.
Please understand this is just my opinion. But if it was my cat, I would just
make her as comfortable and happy as possible for her remaining quality time,
and euthanize her before she really starts suffering.. It's hard to know when a
cat is really in pain, but she should give you some clues. She may go off her
food, and she may start hiding. If she were doing those things,  and in
generally acting lethargic, I would think it's time. I wouldn't want keep her
until she is suffering terribly or in a crisis situation. Right now, from your
description, it sounds like she's relatively comfortable and still has a good
quality of life. . You'll just have to trust your own judgment, since no one
knows her like you do. I would also see if I could get the vet  to do a house
call for euthanasia. Good luck. I'm very sorry. Pleasse keep us posted.

Sherry

I agree with this poster. I would keep her as comfortable as possible and
when her quality of life diminished (ie stops eating, hides, etc), I would
have her euthanized.
gail

circa 15 Dec 2003 16:14:01 -0800, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, auk7
(Auk72002@yahoo.com) said,

Having lost a cat to cancer, and having followed the chemo route,
which was right for my cat and my situation, I can understand a lot
of what you're feeling. If I were in your shoes, I don't think I'd be
likely to go the chemo route, either. As far as whether/when to
euthanize, all I can say is that you'll know when it's time. The fact
that you're already agonizing over it tells me that you won't be one
of those people who holds on too long and makes the cat suffer as a
result. As long as she's seeming relatively normal, I'd let nature
take its course. There will likely come a day when she will no longer
be willing to fight any more, and you'll know when it comes. She's
over 17 years old, and unless you recently acquired her, you know her
well enough that you will just "know" when it's time to release her.
Until then, enjoy every moment you have with her. The two extra years
I had with my Alex meant more to me than I can express. When it came
time to let him go, I was ready, and so was he.

I am sorry that you have to go through this. Losing them is so very
hard.

Laura

I think your cat will tell you what she wants when the time comes. I personally
feel that as long as she's happy and comfortable, spoil her rotten. When she is
no longer enjoying life or in pain, have the vet come to your house to help her
go to sleep. Plan for what you will do when she is gone ahead of time, i.e.
bury her in her favorite spot in the garden? cremate and put in a little urn?
You'll be upset when she does pass so it's best to take care of the other
things ahead of time. I will keep you both in my prayers.

If it's advanced & treatment/chemo (which most cats tolerate very well)
wouldn't help Cassie, then what I'd do would be to...

strike a compromise: I'd let nature take its course w/ appropriate
treatment - the Prednisone, for ex. - to ease her symptoms.  But then when
it became evident that she was beginning to be in distress, would choose
euthanasia.

Cathy

--
"Staccato signals of constant information..."
("The Boy in the Bubble")  Paul Simon

I think when the quality of life isn't good anymore, then it's time to help our
furry friends by easing their suffering.  Quality of life meaning is she
eating, going to the bathroom normally, doing her everyday usual behaviors.

I'm very sorry to hear your kitty has cancer, Auk.

Lauren
________
See my cats:  http://community.webshots.com/album/56955940rWhxAe
Raw Diet Info: http://www.holisticat.com/drjletter.html
http://www.geocities.com/rawfeeders/ForCatsOnly.html
Declawing Info: http://www.wholecat.com/articles/claws.htm

circa 15 Dec 2003 16:14:01 -0800, in rec.pets.cats.health+behav, auk7
(Auk72002@yahoo.com) said,

P.S. Take lots of pictures. You'll be glad you did.

Laura

So sorry about your poor Cassie.

I would agree with what others have already posted. Hang in there. There
will come a time when you know she's slipping away. As long as she still has
quality of life just enjoy her.

Wendy

Hi, all,
I've been lurking here for a while, and now I desperately need some
others' input.  I have five cats total, four of them over 14.  Cassie,
the 17 year old, went off her food briefly and when I took her to the
vet, we also realized that her breathing was very shallow, and she
occasionally "coughs".  Did full blood workup; all fine except for
high eosinophil (sp?) levels.  X-rayed.  Discovered cancer in her
lungs and probably spleen; heart and diaphragm almost not even
visible.  I don't plan to treat it--IMHO, that would be cruel in a 17
year old where it is so advanced. Vet said it's fast growing; she went
from 13 lbs to 9 in less than a year. Still, she doesn't seem terribly
uncomfortable, is back to eating & drinking & even using scratching
post; bladder & bowel habits normal, though she still is breathing
shallowly.  I have her on prednisone to make her more comfortable
while I agonize. My choices are euthanization or letting nature take
its course, but, of course, I don't want her to suffer. I know that in
this group there is no dearth of varied opinions.  I'd like to hear as
many as possible to help me make the best decision for her.
Thanks,
Auk

This is where a good vet is your best partner, in deciding when it's time
to let her go.

Another way (though this may sound odd) is to take photos at regular
intervals.  You will see it in her eyes when it is time...

Meanwhile, enjoy her.  I only wish my Shira had lived to be 17.

Sharon Talbert
Friends of Campus Cats