Monday, June 11, 2007

Bad News

From the Mom -

I spoke to Dr. Country Bob today and he had bad news for us. The biopsy shows that she has squamous cell carcinoma, which is a malignant skin cancer.

According to the International Veterinary Information Service
Unfortunately, the vast majority of neoplasms found in the mouths of cats are malignant and carry a poor prognosis. Over 20 different types of cancer have been reported to occur in the oral cavity of felines, although only a few are observed commonly [1]. Among the more common feline oral neoplasms are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), fibrosarcoma, lymphoma, and malignant melanoma. In fact, SCC alone accounts for about 70% of all feline oral tumors. It is of extreme importance to identify the tumor type and commence treatment early in the course of disease if a favorable treatment outcome is to be achieved. In the majority of cases, however, a clinical cure is not possible.
Ugh. After talking with Dr. Country Bob, the treatments are just too much for Ayla. I have the choice of starting radiation treatment--which according to him probably won't do much to help her anyway and I'm not willing to put her through it unless the prognosis was 100%--or surgery but that would basically require removing half her face. That's out of the question.

So basically we're just going to keep her as comfortable as possible. The vet told me that if the lump starts bothering her, she can be put on steroids or antibiotics.

Right now she seems to be doing ok. Getting her teeth removed seems to have done some good since she seems happier with them gone. She has yowled at me numerous times for Stinky Goodness and I've seen her eating the dried food too. As long as she has an appetite and shows that she's happy, I'll be happy.

Thank you all again for your prayers and best wishes.

20 comments:

DK & The Fluffies said...

Sending purrs and nosebumps

Just Ducky said...

Purrs to you Ayla and the rest of your family.

Millie said...

Jasmine and I have set aside our differences on this one. We've been through it with Gizzy, so we are sending you lots of purrs and headbutts, and snuggles.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

There is a time when "comfort" is better than a few more Big Moons. We have made an agreement here that when "the time comes", we will cross the Bridge and just wait for our friends to join us there.

We just don't want to go through "weird stuff" before that.

Purrs and Licks...

Ivan from WMD said...

It sounds like the best thing for Ayla. We'll keep her--and all of you--in our thoughts.

William's mom.

Parker said...

Ayla deserves all of the quality. I hope she is able to have a lot more quality days.
We shall be purring for her.
(((Hugs to Ayla)))

Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are so sorry that this is the diagnosis. Just so you know, radiation is not painful (according to Vincent). It is the knocking her out part that would be hard on Ayla. It is expensive though, and if the vet feels it won't do any good ... The only reason we mention it is because radiation can also be used for palliative care if she is in pain. Sending purrayers and purrs.

The Furry Kids said...

Lots of purrs to you guys.

Anonymous said...

Me and mommy send our prayers.

Karen Jo said...

I think you have chose the right route for Ayla. I hope she has lots more quality time with you. I am praying for both of you.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

Sending a hug basket right away! Please remember a hug basket is for all of the family, and it never is empty until you don't need it anymore....

Purraying hard for Ayla to have a peaceful and loving time.

Rebecca Meyer said...

oh ayla , what news... purrs and big hugs to you and your family..

Mattingly said...

Ayla (and family), we are very sorry to hear the news of this diagnosis, but very happy for you that you have a family who is watching out for your needs and your best interests. I hope you know there are those who love you outside of your own home! We are sending all our purrs and love... and you keep being feisty! You deserve to have everything you want!

Tommy and Teaghan said...

We am sending lots of healing thoughts as well. Owr cousin, Frosty, had cancer in da mouf and he was kept as comfortable for as long as he could be too. We'll be keeping owr paws crossed that you feel no pain.

Max said...

Ayla deserves some shrimp. I'd give her some if I could get it out of the freezer and through the modem.

This sucks. I'm glad you're going to try to keep her comfortable...I was really hoping it was just an infection that could be cured with 10 days of gross pills.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

We'll keep praying (and purr-raying) for sweet Ayla and her family.
For what it's worth, I wouldn't put one of my babies thru chemo or radiation, heard it is very hard on them and a lot of discomfort. The main thing is to keep her comfortable and happy. Isn't that always our job with our kitties and woofies and buns and rattiess.... etc.

The Lee County Clowder said...

We're sorry to hear the news. It stinks, big time.

Getting a second opinion might be worth a shot, if you want to put Ayla through it. CountryBob didn't seem all that interested in treating her in the first place, as we remember.

Sending comforting purrss to Ayla, and {{huggss}} and headbutts to all.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Ayla's mom - my heart is breaking for you. I know what you are going through as I went through it with my Ralphie. There are no words that can take away your sadness, but know that I am here for you. Meezer Mom Mary

Meowers from Missouri said...

oh, (((dear ayla))). purrs and soft headbumps to you an' your fambly. we think you are following the right path. we'll be wif you all the way.

hugs & purrrayers from all the meowers--
nels, ed, nitro, an' xingxing

The Crew said...

Ayla, we're so sorry to hear the bad news. We agree, maybe a second opinion would be good.

The important thing is that you be kept comfortable until the time comes.

We're all purrin' for you.

The Crew