The Year of the Cat?

If you've read my blog in the past six months, you are probably aware of the heart-wrenching saga of Mackenzie and the unfortunate passing of Sappho at the end of August. Well, just before Christmas I discovered a lump on Kestra's neck. Not a tiny little "hey could that be a pimple" lump, but a huge, honking "WTF!" subcutaneous lump. After a visit to the vet (ca-ching) and an unsuccessful run of antibiotics, it was determined that it was a growth and she needed to see a specialist. This past Monday I saw the specialist (ca-ching)who theorized that it was lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes, for those lucky enough not to be familiar with the term) and it needed to be removed. I agreed with the "needed to be removed" part, however, I am still skeptical about the lymphoma part. My skepticism doesn't come from all my years of veterinary training and practice, as one might suspect a dissenting opinion against a respected and experienced veterinarian might come from; but instead from a higher authority: my mother's intuition. Let me clarify. I don't think MY mother has anything to do with my belief here. First, let me explain: Lymphoma is a systemic cancer that would most likely require chemotherapy and all sorts of follow-up (ca-ching) that would make Kes even more sick while probably only extending her life by a few months--maybe more. And that's the best case scenario for a diagnosis of Lymphoma. However, I just know in my gut that it's not some raging cancer spreading through my cat. Here is why I believe this. First, the only symptom she has had so far is the lump. All blood work has come back normal, chest x-rays came back normal (no spreading, no other lumps), her behavior (including eating and litterbox habits) are all normal. She hasn't lost weight (and, in fact, gained an ounce in the week between her two initial vet visits). There is no unusual vomiting (which is to say that the usual amount of vomiting/hairballs hasn't changed). Of course, I knew that this tumor (round cell tumor according to the aspirate they took from it) had to be removed (ca-ching) and that was done today. She came through with flying colors and we will find out next week whether the experienced and very personable veterinarian was right about the tumor or whether the Universe is playing some mean trick on me and I have called its bluff.

One quick note. I had to include a photo of the post-op Kes since my sister and mom have been teasing me mercilessly about how ugly Kestra is and how, if she has to go through chemotherapy, she will look even uglier without hair. I must yield that she is not about to win any beauty contests with her current hair cut, but she is alive and seemingly well and that is good enough for me.

One more note. I have added some really gross pictures to my flickr page if anyone is interested in seeing more surgery pics of Kes (and even two from when I had my hand surgery in 2002). Enjoy!