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#1
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
Hi Everybody,
This is my first time posting and I could really use some advice. My cat is 15 years old and was just diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and the vet also found a small tumor on the liver. The cost for the bloodwork and the ultrasound was a lot. Now I am faced with a biopsy to find out if the tumor is cancerous, which is also expensive --- then we maybe talking surgery and more ultrasounds, bloodwork and heartmonitoring. ( She has some heart damage,too ). Medications for the heart and thyroid would stabilize her to still live a normal live. The question is about the tumor. It could be benign, but it could very well be cancer. I don't know what I should do?! I don't want for her to suffer, that is my main concern, but her age and unfortunately my budget is a big concern,too! If anyone of you has a cat with either problem or both, I would really appreciate your advice. Thanks in advance, Andrea |
#2
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
I am sorry you are facing multiple concerns with your cat. It's so
hard, isn't it? Cats with hyperthryoid and on heart medication can live a number of years. While 15 is certainly older, she could live to be 18 or even more. I am well aware of the expense of vet visits/treatment, and yes, your budget is something to think about. However, if it were me personally, I would at least want to know what kind of tumor you're dealing with. Once you find that out, you can see what options are available. Take it one step at a time. Get your vet's input too, and if you're not satisfied with that, get another opinion elsewhere (make sure to bring copies of all test results along). You can also talk to the vet about your money concerns. Some may offer payment plans or even give reduced rates for treatment (I was fortunate to have this happen to me once). You won't know unless you ask them though. Rene |
#3
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
Thanks,Rene, for your thoughts. I know the best thing would be to check
the tumor. Weighing the amount of time my cat will have left with the amount of money I have to come up with to keep her is really hard. I don't know what vets charge in your area, I live in NY, but just to find out what is wrong with her including bloodwork,ultrasound and biopsy is $1200! You can imagine what surgery would be, if she has cancer. I hate to put a price on her life, but with veterinarians charging that much for their service, you get forced into a tough decision. Plus I have 2 more cats at 12 years of age to consider. I am trying to keep them all healthy, but that problem really through me for a loop. I am contemplating treating her for the heart and thyroid problem and taking a chance on the tumor. I did some research on line and it said that if a cat has a tumor only in the liver it is most likely to be benign. If she had a cancerous tumor it would be also in other organs and the doctor who did the ultrasound did not see any other anywhere. My veterinarian is obviously insisting on doing the biopsy. Got to give this some more thought........ Andrea |
#4
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
I am contemplating treating her for the heart and thyroid problem and taking a chance on the tumor. I did some research on line and it said that if a cat has a tumor only in the liver it is most likely to be benign. If she had a cancerous tumor it would be also in other organs and the doctor who did the ultrasound did not see any other anywhere. My veterinarian is obviously insisting on doing the biopsy. Got to give this some more thought........ Have you gotten an estimate on just the biospy? You can try calling around and talking to some other local vets to get other opinions. I did this once when my cat had pancreatitis, and got some helpful information from other vets. It was free and if I hadn't had that information, I'm not sure my cat would be alive today. |
#5
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
The biopsy is estimated at $500, I already spent $ 700 on the other
tests. Good point though, I'll try and call around, maybe there are other options. |
#6
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
"Andrea Parker" wrote in message ... The biopsy is estimated at $500, I already spent $ 700 on the other tests. Good point though, I'll try and call around, maybe there are other options. Another idea is, see how much to just go in and get that tumor out of there, regardless of whether it is benign or what. |
#7
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Hyperthyroidism + Liver Tumor
On Jan 15, 1:38*pm, (Andrea Parker) wrote:
The biopsy is estimated at $500, I already spent $ 700 on the other tests. FWIW, when my oldest cat had pancreatitis a few years ago, we spent $2k on his medical bills. We don't have extra money laying around, and I wasn't sure spending that much was a good idea. However, the night after he came home from the hospital, weak as he was, he jumped on my bed at bedtime, purring softly. I started crying because that took so much effort for him, but he still wanted to be close to me. I said to him "paid in full" and have never regretted spending that money since. Money aside, you need to do what your heart tells you. If you let things go, will you regret it someday, saying "I should have. . ."? Not trying to guilt you into anything. Just something to think about. |
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