New and a bit scared,

  
Natalie the- NatCat

Show some- respect,- youngster!
 
 
Purred: Wed Feb 2, '11 1:28pm PST 
We just got the biopsy results back last week, Natalie had her stitches out this week and staples. The biopsy was positive for cancer. It was in her breast. Vet said that biopsy showed they got it all, now to find out what we need to do to make sure it's true and that it didn't spread...Natalie was from a rescue, she was found by a woman in the street. The woman had her neutered, but it was obvious Natalie was an older cat.
We got her out of the rescue, out of the cage, and home.
I am just feeling so worried about my girl.
Vet is seeing her again on Monday for another follow up, and we'll talk then and get a referral to a specialist.
I'm worried about so much...she coughed a little, and I'm imagining scary stuff.
She's lived with us since Thanksgiving, and I have become so attached to her. Most days I'm very positive, for whatever reason, it's sinking in that our Natcat's biopsy was positive for cancer, and how do we help her?

Misha Angel

Misha Mouse- snuggle muffin
 
 
Purred: Fri Feb 4, '11 4:47pm PST 
Natalie,I am going to paw mail some of the cats who know more then I do and let them know you are here. All I know is some cats on catster have good years after surgery. And my dog sister had mammary cancer and had it removed and it never came back. I am purring for you.

Rufus - In Loving- Memory 12/17

Sweet Angel
 
 
Purred: Sat Feb 5, '11 7:19pm PST 
I don't know much about your type of cancer, but I can tell you not to be afraid of trying chemo. It's not the same as it is for humans. Our fur doesn't fall out, but it is slower to grow back when it's shaved.

Please let us know what the specialist recommends.


Miss Mittens- (Angel DG- #14)

I'm a soft,- gentle summer- breeze
 
 
Purred: Mon Feb 7, '11 3:45pm PST 
Hi Natalie and welcome to our group!

I'm sorry but I don't know much about feline breast cancer either. However, I know you're friends with angel Queen Tallulah, who also had breast cancer, and I think you should contact QT's wonderful mommy for help and information. QT and her mom are very knowledgeable about feline breast cancer and are very active in the campaign to bring awareness and knowledge to the public about this deadly form of cancer in cats.

Purring hard for you! Have courage and stay strong!
hug

Gracie

I am- Snowflake\\\'s- birth mommy!
 
 
Purred: Mon Feb 7, '11 4:31pm PST 
Hiya Natalie,
I am sorry to hear you were diagnosed with cancer... I know its a scary time and very hard to get that news. I know your mom is nervous too.. I was diagnosed with nasal lymphoma in April 2010. I have been going to chemo ever since. As the previous poster indicated, chemo for cats is not like in humans because they do not aim to cure the disease.. just control it. So the symptoms are not bad or very slight. for example, i have been on chemo 10 months and only threw up once .. and hardly at all.. i am active, i have a good appetite, i purr, i gallop around.. i am a happy girl! occasionally because of the chemo, my appetite is not what it should be.. so basically all mom does in those cases is give me a small dose of medicine from my oncologist that helps my appetite. Mom doesnt have to give that very often though... I used to get IV chemo once a week.. then it went to every other week, then it became once a month.. so not sure how long i will be on it, but mom just takes me and does with the doctors say.. So be strong and do all the research you can so you can ask the doctor questions.. and listen closely to the oncologist, ask questions..etc.. just continue to be strong and know that all of your catster friends are here for you day and night..

Sally Maria- (Mama's- Angel)

Mama's angel
 
 
Purred: Mon Feb 7, '11 10:09pm PST 
Hi Natalie! Welcome to the group! We're sorry you had to find us but we'll do what we can to help you and your mom.

I've heard of a couple of kitties with breast cancer. I'm glad to hear that they think they got it all. If you go through chemo, it's quite a bit different than human chemo. Our doses are much smaller so we don't get quite as sick. If you don't have to have IV chemo, then you'll be able to take pills in the comfort of your own home. I took chemo in pill form for almost two years. About the only problem I had with it was an upset tummy, but you can take Pepcid to help. After being on chemo for 4 months, my lymphoma went into remission and I had 22 nice months before it came back.

We are sending you all the purrs and prayers we can. Us cancer kitties have to stick together. If there's anything we can do, answer questions or just be there to support you and your mom, we're here for you.

Hang in there brave girl. Let's kick that nasty old cancer to the curb!

Hugs & Purrs,
Sally Maria

Misha Angel

Misha Mouse- snuggle muffin
 
 
Purred: Wed Feb 23, '11 7:02pm PST 
Yup! Kick it to the curb like Sally maria says.little angel