Young FIV cat has breast cancer

On 12 Nov 2003 21:03:23 -0800, (Patricia) wrote:

I need advise about what is the best to do with my FIV cat who has
been diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

Good advice from all so far. I'll throw in a plug for the Long Island
Veterinary Specialists http://www.livs.org/. They killed two of my
cats after costing me a small fortune but it wasn't their fault
really. I do appreciate their work.

Lots of cats are on chemo and some of it you can do at home. Cat chemo
is nowhere near as bad as human chemo.

On 12 Nov 2003 21:03:23 -0800, (Patricia) wrote:

I need advise about what is the best to do with my FIV cat who has
been diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

Good advice from all so far. I'll throw in a plug for the Long Island
Veterinary Specialists http://www.livs.org/. They killed two of my
cats after costing me a small fortune but it wasn't their fault
really. I do appreciate their work.

Lots of cats are on chemo and some of it you can do at home. Cat chemo
is nowhere near as bad as human chemo.

On 12 Nov 2003 21:03:23 -0800, (Patricia) wrote:

I need advise about what is the best to do with my FIV cat who has
been diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

Good advice from all so far. I'll throw in a plug for the Long Island
Veterinary Specialists http://www.livs.org/. They killed two of my
cats after costing me a small fortune but it wasn't their fault
really. I do appreciate their work.

Lots of cats are on chemo and some of it you can do at home. Cat chemo
is nowhere near as bad as human chemo.

Hi Phil,

Thank you for ypur advise and encouragement!

Do you have used chemo on a FIV cat? Do you know anyone who has?

I am very concerned that the chemicals are going to weaken her immune
system and that the FIV virus will take over.
Do you have any direct experience or information about cancer and
chemo on a FIV cat?

By the way, you're right, she is a tough and courageous cat and she
never complains.

Patricia

"Phil P." wrote in message ...

FIV+ cats can live nearly normal lifespan. Survival time for cats that had
mammary tumors removed depends mostly on the tumor size. Cats with tumors
less than a 2 cm diameter generally have a median survival time of over 3
years (we have a few still living fine well into their fourth year post
surgery). Cats with 2 to 3 cm tumors have a survival time of about 2 years.
Larger tumors significantly reduce survival time.

If your vet performed a radical mastectomy (removal of all four glands of
the chain with the affect gland) and lymph (inguinal) node (and axillary
[armpit] lymph node if was enlarged and positive) the chances of recurrence
are significantly reduced.

If I were you, I'd go ahead with chemo - Your vet also seems to feel she has
good chance. Also remember, she's a NYC cat... so you *know* she's tough!


Best of luck.

Phil

Hi Phil,

Thank you for ypur advise and encouragement!

Do you have used chemo on a FIV cat? Do you know anyone who has?

I am very concerned that the chemicals are going to weaken her immune
system and that the FIV virus will take over.
Do you have any direct experience or information about cancer and
chemo on a FIV cat?

By the way, you're right, she is a tough and courageous cat and she
never complains.

Patricia

"Phil P." wrote in message ...

FIV+ cats can live nearly normal lifespan. Survival time for cats that had
mammary tumors removed depends mostly on the tumor size. Cats with tumors
less than a 2 cm diameter generally have a median survival time of over 3
years (we have a few still living fine well into their fourth year post
surgery). Cats with 2 to 3 cm tumors have a survival time of about 2 years.
Larger tumors significantly reduce survival time.

If your vet performed a radical mastectomy (removal of all four glands of
the chain with the affect gland) and lymph (inguinal) node (and axillary
[armpit] lymph node if was enlarged and positive) the chances of recurrence
are significantly reduced.

If I were you, I'd go ahead with chemo - Your vet also seems to feel she has
good chance. Also remember, she's a NYC cat... so you *know* she's tough!


Best of luck.

Phil

Hi Phil,

Thank you for ypur advise and encouragement!

Do you have used chemo on a FIV cat? Do you know anyone who has?

I am very concerned that the chemicals are going to weaken her immune
system and that the FIV virus will take over.
Do you have any direct experience or information about cancer and
chemo on a FIV cat?

By the way, you're right, she is a tough and courageous cat and she
never complains.

Patricia

"Phil P." wrote in message ...

FIV+ cats can live nearly normal lifespan. Survival time for cats that had
mammary tumors removed depends mostly on the tumor size. Cats with tumors
less than a 2 cm diameter generally have a median survival time of over 3
years (we have a few still living fine well into their fourth year post
surgery). Cats with 2 to 3 cm tumors have a survival time of about 2 years.
Larger tumors significantly reduce survival time.

If your vet performed a radical mastectomy (removal of all four glands of
the chain with the affect gland) and lymph (inguinal) node (and axillary
[armpit] lymph node if was enlarged and positive) the chances of recurrence
are significantly reduced.

If I were you, I'd go ahead with chemo - Your vet also seems to feel she has
good chance. Also remember, she's a NYC cat... so you *know* she's tough!


Best of luck.

Phil