My cat has a tumor on his kidney that enlarged it over twice it's normal size. Around what price is chemo?

Question

He has been acting a little less loving. He used to come and see everyone but now he just spends time under the bed. Doc says enlarged tumor on his kidneys. Says to either cut down his protein and sodium, or chemo. I understand every place is going to be different. But I need an approximation. My father is dearly attached to this cat and so am I.

Answer 1

I spent thousands on my two cats trying to save them but the treatment that I think gave her the better quality of life was homeopathic.  I used it along with the medication the vet gave.  I would notice she would respond to the medication and within a couple days of finsihing the symptoms would return.  With the Homeopathic remedies the symptoms did not return for a longer period of time.  The last month of her life she was actually playing and talking and just being her wonderful self again..I would not have had that year if it weren't for this website..shirleys.... I purchased the items I needed through only natural...Just thought I would offer another option to help with the immunity and also there is a diet that has helped with tumors...It may be a way to give your dad a little longer time with kitty and a better quality for kitty.  

Answer 2

mine:A year and a half ago, my cat was diagnosed with a squamous cell tumor.  The doctor told me that given the location of this tumor and the aggressive nature of it, there really was nothing I could do.  He told me to bring her back for weekly steroid shots and keep her comfortable until she died, which he said would most likely be within a month. She did nothing but lay around.  She wouldn't eat, wouldn't play, wouldn't respond to affection.  I did as he said, for one week.  And then I decided I wasn't going to accept "there's nothing you can do" as an answer.  I got on the internet.  I googled furiously.  What I found, was your site, and Transfer Factor.

I started her out on two (Transfer Factor Advanced Plus) pills a day, and within a week, she was back to her normal energy level.  Within a month, she'd stopped clawing at her face.  After three months, I went down to one pill a day, and that's where we are now, a year and a half later.  She won't be fooled by putting the contents in her food, so I've used her fastidious nature against her: I mix the TF with a pinch of butter and put the mixture on her paws.  She hates it, and licks it off immediately.  She's learned to live with this daily ritual for the most part, but she still gets this "Oh mom, not AGAIN" look on her face. She's responded so wonderfully.  It's like she's a kitten again, playing with her yarn and rubbing against my face.  I look at her every day and am simply amazed, that the veterinian was going to be content with steroids until the poor thing finally died.  

Answer 3

Your cat is in pain or he wouldn't be avoiding people. You haven't said what has the vet. done for your cat  Has he taken blood samples, recommended an ultrasound or taken any tissue samples to be sent to a lab. to determine the type of tumor?  Has he discussed surgical options which might be available or recommended a veterinary oncologist?  Your cat can die of uremic poisoning, very, quickly  - this is when the kidneys become unable to process foods in which the ingredients become toxic such as the proteins and sodium the vet. mentioned.  It is my opinion, based upon your cat's behaviour, that seeking further medical treatment is urgent in nature so, you need to go to someone immediately - they will give you an estimate of costs or a recommendation that you say 'goodbye' to your cat. As difficult as it is, there comes a time when the decision has to be made in favor of the animal rather than in keeping with what we would prefer. After, nearly, 50 years of lives being shared with cats and dogs, my husband and I have had to make this decision too many times.      

Answer 4

how old is the cat? is it really benifical to be putting the cat through chemo? if it's getting over 10 then it might not make it through the medication.

Answer 5

I seriously would be skeptical about any "miracle pill" that cures cancer...if it were only that easy....People on the internet will tell you anything you want to hear, and make a convincing argument of it too.

I think you should try the low protein and sodium thing, and do what you can to make your cat comfortable without emptying your bank account. I agree with the other person it is cruel to put a cat through chemotherapy.  Just realize that you couild spend thousands of dollars on this, put your cat through pain that makes most people who go through it wish they could die, and your cat still might die.  It is not worth it.  If your cat's condition gets too bad, you may, unfortunately, have to put him out of his misery.  Sorry, I know how it feels to have to make this decision about a beloved pet.

Answer 6

I'd hate to say it but would you spend that much money on a cat ? Im sure its like family to you but it is only a cat , I was hurt when my two cats ran away because they were like your cat is loving and playful, and I just got another cat and you get over it

Answer 7

Chemo costs thouasands I'm afraid. My sister's cat had it a few years ago, and it only extended his life by a few months. He was about 5 i think. It is certainly an unpleasant procedure for the cat, although it actually isn't comparable to human chemo, much less painful. Honestly though, if there isn't a good chance of success you would be kinder euthanising him rather than putting him through the extended suffering. I'm sorry.

Answer 8

It is really pain full to say but i don't think you should put the cat threw chemo..chemo is basically putting poison in the cats body causing brutal pain and when the cat if you decide not to put it threw that then before the cat gets really bad put it down it is worse to see your poor baby in pain than gone because the cat is happier i would also rather go than be put threw the pain in cancer

This is just my oppinion bes wishes to the poor little kitty and your family

Regards Cherish

Answer 9

My dog died from Cancer about 4.5 years ago. She was a 12 year old Lab that lived a good life, and we had the choice to save her, by treating the cancer. Despite how much we all loved her, we chose not to, as it only put on a few more months of her life, since it could not be fully healed. She was so bad, limping and everything (it was on her shoulder). One day, my dad told me (who was only 9 at the time) to say "good-bye Chloe, I love you," which I did. I came home later that day, and she was gone. My dad had taken her in to the vet, and put her to sleep. I remember is clearly. It was April 1st, 2004. Anyways, I cried so much that week, it could've filled a swimming pool.

The point is, if your cat is in fact suffering, just put her to sleep. Don't prolong her agony, just for you. It's quite selfish.

Answer 10

I can't give an exact, but a cat I had some months ago died from cancer, and I was told chemo could only be done like 3 hours away from me and it would be 1000's of dollars.