Fibrosarcoma in my cat – What should I do?

Our question this week was:

My 2 year old cat has been diagnosed with fibrosarcoma which is a very aggressive cancer that is associated with vaccines. I was left with the decision of a very harsh surgery that would remove part of her bone and muscle and leave her in pain for at least 2 weeks. They would have to cut her from one end to the other and from top to bottom.

Everything I’ve read about this surgery and disease has given me no hope. They say that it’s very odd that a 2 year old could have this type of cancer. They also told me that they haven’t seen this cancer in cats for several years. I asked if they could tell me the success rate of this surgery and got no reply from the surgeon specialist that was to perform the surgery. I’ve decided to just let her live as much of a quality life as she can. She is feeling fine at this time, but I am desperate to find information on holistic healing for her.

I’ve searched the internet again and again and can’t seem to find anything. If anyone knows of a diet or any herbs I can put in her food to slow the growth of this cancer, please let me know. She is a very special kitty. I have another cat that is 11-years-old and she has always been a very scared kitty that always hid under the bed. My 2-year-old, Cricket, has taught her to be more sociable. She will miss her friend very much when she goes. Please contact me with any info possible. In my search, I’ve only found a product called C-Caps. It is supposed to stop the growth of cancer cells. If anyone has had any luck with that, please let me know. I’ve ordered some herbal supplements that I hope will help. I fear there is really nothing I can do, but I will keep on searching for information.

Please Help!

Suzi Hokanson – Houston, TX

Answer

Hi – thanks for your email. I’m very sorry to hear about your cat. An article that might be helpful to you is Injection-Site Sarcoma in Cats. Personally, I’d recommend that you talk to the surgeon and discuss your questions/concerns. This is important. I would NOT do anything. I don’t know of any herbal treatment that works. I’d recommend reconsidering the surgery to give her the best chance of survival.

The prognosis for this type of cancer depends on the location and stage of the tumor. For example, tumors on the tail, on the distal legs or that are small and localized have a very good prognosis. Tumors that are large and treated aggressively with radiation, surgery and chemotherapy still have a fairly good prognosis, however some cats can have either reoccurrence or metastasis. Cats that are treated with aggressive surgery at the first diagnosis have the best chance of survival. Ask your surgeon about the specifics about your cat’s tumor.

In my opinion, two weeks of post-op recovery is a small price to pay for a longer life. But it’s your decision.

Best of luck!

Dr. Debra