11/23; Oren update - removal: pathologist report 95% certain squamous cell carcinoma -

Once again, apologies for being so absent from the forum of late. These last few months have been very busy for me juggling work, travel, my long distance relationship and researching Oren's options re: acromegaly treatment. Today was the day I was to take him up to Northern VA for his CT scan, in preparation for beginning SRT treatment next week. But all that is now possibly on hold or rendered moot by the discovery today of a mass in his mouth, on his lower jaw. The radiation oncologist discovered it when they had him under and the breathing tube was placed. He was not able to biopsy it, but did aspirate it and is sending the sample to a pathologist. I won't have conclusive news till Monday, but I'm steeling myself for bad news. Unfortunately, the oncologist was not able to get a surgeon to come look at it as they were all busy. He seemed hesitant to speculate too much, telling me not to worry over the weekend and "let's see what happens when we get the information" but he was worried enough about it to caution that it could "jump to the front of the line" in terms of the SRT.

I'm reeling. I have been so focused on dealing with the acromegaly that I could barely process this information. The only semi good news he offered; it is not terribly large yet and from the CT scan, it doesn't appear that the jaw bone is affected. If the pathology report is inconclusive, then a biopsy may be required. Potential options then become surgery, chemo w/ radiation or perhaps just radiation, or doing nothing. Or, maybe it's just an inflammatory mass and won't need anything but antibiotics... I wouldn't lay bets on that....

In anycase, it was an awful ride home, 3.5 hours in wicked Northern VA traffic, and hearing the horrific news from Paris on the radio. Oren handled both the procedure and the trip like a pro and seems none the worse for wear, and even with a half dose of insulin this am (5.75u) he was only at 370 at PMPS. The last few days he'd been in 100-200's at preshot times. I'm still a bit in shock, and feeling extremely defeated. I was eager to get on with treating Oren's acromegaly and feeling hopeful about a positive outcome only to be smacked down with something completely out of left field. I'm not sure I can cry anymore and I'm so damn exhausted from the whole days events.

hug all your loved ones, 2 and 4 legged extra close tonight. There is much darkness in the world.

 

Megan, no advice... hoping for the best and just sending hugs.
Lots and lots of hugs...

 

Megan, what a horrible day!

I want to encourage you, however, to not assume the worst. Punkin developed a growth in his mouth and we (both us and the vets) were pretty sure it was squamous cell carcinoma. We didn't do anything for a while, assuming it was cancer and there wasn't anything we could do, but when it grew so big that he was biting it when he ate, we had it removed. There were no cancer cells in it - just inflammatory cells. No idea where it came from. I don't know if that could be an acrocat "thing", but i know i spent months thinking the worst and it wasn't. So don't give up hope!!!

Sending light and healing vines your way.

 

So sorry that the news is so worrying, Megan!

I know it looks gloomy right now, but look at it like this....if you hadn't started the SRT procedures, you may not have caught this mass until it was possibly something much worse...but of course we're all praying for it to be nothing!

The magic of the LL vines are working for you!

Sending lots of hugs and vines for a good pathology report for dear Oren

 

Was wondering what was happening with Oren. Sending good mouth outcome vines to him

Please do not be a stranger

 

@julie & punkin (ga), yes, the doc did mention squamous cell as the worst case scenario. Did Punkin develop this before or after his acro treatment? Because I got the distinct impression that if it IS squamous, then the SRT for the acro would be pointless, given the prognosis... I'm wondering if the aspiration will be enough to tell, or will I have to get it biopsied. I'll try to keep on keeping on... he is his same, sweet self and I'm not ready to say goodbye to him. Thanks for the encouraging words, truly.

 

He developed it after the SRT. I think it was about 3 months later, but i'd have to look at his spreadsheet to be sure. Punkin's grew in his cheek pocket. It looked like a ball, kind of, attached to his lower gum on one side. What I saw looked like a ball and it grew quickly. When they removed it, it was actually tissue sort of in the shape of a corkscrew, not a ball at all.

I don't want to be all la-de-da about it or minimize it because we don't know, but i know from personal experience that things aren't always the worst case scenario.

Hopefully the aspiration is going to give you some good info.

You know we're in your court and sending all the strength of Lantus Lev Land your way!

 

the CT scan did show his acro tumor, it was about 2cm I think, not huge. pretty identifiable on the scan w/o needing an MRI. He got his little head positioning support and covering made, but I'm wondering now if too much time passes between dealing with this new growth if I'd need another scan? Money is definitely going to become an issue if a whole separate set of surgeries/treatments has to come into play..

 

Let's hope that the work you've already done will still be able to be used.

 

Julie; the oncologist showed me cell phone pics he took of the mass; it is on the bottom right jaw, way in back, kind of as you describe up against the cheek pouch, and it looks like a smooth bulb/ball... I wonder how long it's been there...wouldn't this be something if it turns out to be an acro cat thing?

 

wow - punkin's was on the bottom right jaw too. Very strange.

At first he would tip his head when he ate - i think food probably got in there. As it grew, it got between his teeth and the poor guy would bite it. At that point I couldn't take it anymore - to have that happen when he ate was too awful - so we took him to the university vet school and they removed it.

 

Megan - hugs for you and scritches for Oren. Prayers and vines of light and healing headed out to you two.

 

(((Megan))) I am so sorry this is all piling on you at once. Send tons of vines for good outcomes.

I have a similar tale to yours. In August, I took Neko in for a dental because she was grinding her teeth and pawing at her mouth. I thought I felt a small swelling. Turns out there was a walnut sized bony growth (heart shaped) attached to her lower left jaw! The dental specialist vet was 99% sure it was cancer. He removed it and sent a sample for biopsy. He was surprised when it came back as osteoma (not cancer) or bony growth. I have read that bony growths on the jaw are not uncommon for acros. There is always a possibility Neko's growth can come back. It was below her cheek bone.

I am heading out to Colorado on Sunday - doing SRT for the second time. In a small number of kitties that have had SRT, the tumor can regrow. As with most things Neko, she likes to be in the minority.

Scritches for Oren.

 

Such a worrisome day. I'm so sorry this glitch has thrown a bump in your road. One step at a time. For now, just know that light, vines, and prayers are headed nonstop from here to there for you and your boy.

Marilyn and Polly

 

{{{Megan}}}

I know, firsthand, how scary this is. My civvie Sasha, who lost her right front leg to injection site sarcoma, developed a couple of growths on her lower jaw, and the dentist prepared me for a diagnosis of oral cancer. It turned out to be just inflammation from an unknown cause! Antibiotics took care of it and all is well with her mouth again. Sending vines and prayers that the same is true for Oren.

 

Piling on more vines for Oren

 

Adding more hugs and vines....

 

Sending prayers.

 

Sending vines and prayers for a good report for Oren

 

Oh @Wendy&Neko , so sorry to hear you have to do this all over again!! Neko, enough with the individuality, it's ok not to always be the standout! Best of luck with your trip Wendy. Hope it all goes smoothly and Neko is back on track soon.

 

Thanks Megan. Although we are going back again, this time I know what to expect so not as scary. And I am grateful that Neko is still here over 3 years after her last SRT.

I am hoping Oren's pathologist report is good and you can proceed with your SRT plans. I know there is a lot of work (and worry) leading up to it.

 

OMG, I am late reading this, but just have to send my strongest prayers and vines and hugs for both you and Oren. I sure hope your SRT will be unaffected.

 

thanks everyone; I'm trying to come up from the awful low I felt yesterday. Perhaps there is hope that this is something 'benign' and it won't derail the SRT or worse. I must hold some hope, but be prepared I guess too. Such a whirlwind ride. 10 months ago our lives were so very different. Each step, I mustered energies and hopes to step in: Diabetes? drat, well let's tackle that. Not regulating? hm, what's going on... Dr. ISTHATCLEAR obstacles... Acro? well damn, ok, here we go, we can do this thing. ANd now again, to be hit with the unexpected, it is intensely wearying...

But none of what I've been able to do so far would have been possible without the immense knowledge and heartfelt support of the people in this group. I thank each and everyone for their words of help, support, love and compassion. And sharing so much of your own journeys and complications. I think someone has said 'the best group you never wanted to be a part of'... or words to that effect.

may all kitties and beans have good days ahead.

 

can folks remind me, does anesthesia sometimes result in lower BG numbers? Today he's had some of his better numbers, blue from am+8 through PmPS, although truthfully in the last week or so even before the CT, he's been getting better numbers. Perhaps the IAA is breaking ?

 

Yes, anesthesia can cause lower BG numbers. Sending more prayers.

 

Sending many prayers....late but still thinking of you and sending positive thoughts for a great outcome.

 

Some types of anesthesia induction drugs can lower BGs.

You will know the IAA is breaking when you start seeing a lot of green and back to bcc reductions. When it does break, it will be crucial to get tests in the night time cycle.

 

Some kitties just seem to get the entire works, megan. I felt that way about Punkin - there's nothing "fair" about it. Of course, that's life. But I'm sending all my best healing thoughts your way and I hope that Oren gets a break with this one.

 

(((Megan))), I sure hope that whatever it is will be benign. You are due for some good news. Sending very strong vines for Oren. And strength for you.

Ella & Rusty

 

Hi all;
a very heavy heart tonight. I have 95% certainty from the pathologist report that it is squamous cell cancer. However, the pathologist also termed the results 'somewhat inconclusive'. Both oncologists seem to think this is the correct diagnosis, but after a long discussion with the oncologist, I have made the decision to contact a local low cost surgery place tomorrow (results too late today to talk to them) and inquire about a biopsy to nail down the diagnosis. I need 100% certainty that this is the enemy. I feel I owe this much to Oren to be sure I left no stone unturned. If it is confirmed I will be more at peace with my choice of action, which will be only palliative treatment. Detailed discussion of various treatment regimes of surgery and radiation were discussed, and the bottom line is that the most effective course (tumor removal including 'clean field', meaning removal of all or part of the affected jaw plus 2 wks of daily radiation,) only yields a 30% chance of survival 1 yr. out. And is a difficult recovery process, and 2+ times more expensive than what I was looking at with the SRT. Most other options (just radiation or just tumor removal) don't offer much more than a few months.

He has been prescribed metacam (meloxicam) anti-inflammatory, COX2 inhibitor which hopefully will slow the progression of the tumor, which is notoriously fast growing. I can't remember if this is the one that others have warned about being very dangerous re: kidneys? The oncologist did say I would need to have his kidneys checked after 1 month of use. I haven't picked it up yet, again as all this came late in the day, but the prescription is ready and I will likely get it tomorrow. His dose will be .25ml i believe (relying on memory from the phone message I got from local vet). Is there an alternative I should consider? An advantage of this one is it's liquid, not pills.

For now he is doing fine. His BGs are even a bit better lately, his appetite is still great and he seems in no obvious discomfort yet. He recovered quickly from the anesthesia/CT; 1 incidence of slight diarrhea, no nausea or vomiting.

I'm so devastated as I felt we were on a good path to dealing with his Acro. I am even wondering if it may be worth just removing the growth during the biopsy; if by some miracle he beats the diagnosis, then perhaps we try to reschedule the SRT. Even if it is squamous cell, and most likely to grow back, perhaps this buys him more time? Any thoughts on that? My heart is broken for him, he has been such a trooper through everything.
I wish I had better news to share...

 

I'm sorry the news isn't better. I don't have any advice, just sending prayers.

 

I'm so sorry, Megan. That's not good news, although the "inconclusive" leaves wiggle room for hope.

The meloxicam is the same as Metacam, which yes, is the painkiller that people have warned about. There is a black box warning on it for risk to cats - specifically kidney damage. Diabetes can already be hard on kidneys, so unless I knew that it really is squamous cell and I was thinking just keeping him comfortable, I wouldn't use it.

You can get Buprinorphin, which is a narcotic and seems to be safe for diabetic cats. It's very easy to give, you squirt it under the lip up onto the gums, or into the cheek pocket. It absorbs very quickly and does give good relief.

A million hugs from me. I'm glad you're posting so we can be with you on this journey. You're not alone, Megan. We love Oren too.

 

thanks Julie. I of course got the call while in my office at work, so I was trying very hard to hold it together while talking w/ the oncologist. So the metacam thing didn't really sink in till after I'd talked to her... I'm going to try and contact that local surgery place tomorrow to see about getting the biopsy done; if I have a definitive diagnosis of SCC, then the kidney issues may not be significant compared to how long he has...She seemed to indicate that it can/might slow the tumor growth a little too, so that would be the hope in using it, in addition to the pain control.

Ultimately, I'm very concerned about his quality of life. So far, he's still eating fine and enthusiastically, the only symptoms I'm noticing is a bit of drooling and his breath has gotten worse. But if this thing grows as quickly as they say, and it ulcerates or causes difficulty in eating, I cannot see him suffer. I love this little boy so much... I am just heartbroken.

 

We delayed doing anything to test the growth in punkin, thinking it was squamous cell and he's have less than 3 months. He just kept trucking along, and like you we thought he'd just have a very short time. As time went on and he didn't get sick, then we started thinking maybe we should have it dealt with. Then when he started biting it, that was the tipping point.

I can only imagine getting the news at work. That must've been so difficult. I'd try to take this one day at a time and hope for the best.

 

I'm so sorry Megan. I have no advise to offer. Only the most powerful vines of hope and love I can send. It feels like Oren's gotten a raw deal, but all I can say is that in a way, he's hit the jackpot to have a bean like you.

 

Megan, I am so sorry about the news. I too am hoping than Oren proves to be different and beats the odds. Both the dental vet and pathologist originally thought osteosarcoma for Neko and she proved them wrong. It too would have meant removing the mandible/jaw bone. Those days of waiting for biopsy results were hard. I decided on removing the lump at the same time. Her eating improved immediately.

The picture shows true love, an amazing bond.

Neko has been on buprenorphine twice daily for almost two years. It helps with pain, but not with inflammation which is the one extra thing Metacam is supposed to do. But with Neko's kidneys, I wouldn't consider it. It is prescribed more often outside of the US.

 

Sending vines and prayers for a good outcome for Oren.

 

((((Megan and Oren))) That is a wonderful picture of you and your boy. I am so sorry for this probable diagnosis, but I totally get why you want to pursue the biopsy, that is the one thing I regret more than anything with my girl Tiger. Thisis is only my point of view, if you do everything in your power to either get him well or make him as comfortable as possible, and love on him and cherish every day with him, there can be no regrets. You and Oren will be in my prayers.

 

{{{Megan}}}

I'm so sorry for what you and Oren are going through. I definitely agree with asking them to remove as much of the tumor as they can at biopsy. They might as well, since he'll be under already. We'll be praying that the oncologists are mistaken about the diagnosis. Love the picture, but it made me cry.

 

Just piling on more prayers for sweet little Oren....

 

just spoke with the lowcost surgical place; they would try to remove as much of the growth as possible in addition to the biopsy, as they don't feel it's worth going in once and then perhaps having to go in again. If I want just the biopsy, they suggest my own vet. So, now it becomes a biopsy, more bloodwork (they require previous bloodwork to have been w/in 48 hrs.) and removal, another couple hundred dollars total. They have several cancellations tomorrow, and I could get him in there, otherwise it would need to wait till after Thanksgiving. I am supposed to go to NC to be with family for the holiday (Wed-Sat), and now am concerned about leaving him in a post operative state after just a week. I expect he might be in pain and eating might be a problem, though of course they would send him home w/ antibiotics and pain meds. My pet sitter is a vet tech but can only be there 2x a day...

Advice please, as I can't seem to get my brain to think clearly anymore

 

Since it is fast growing, I would think the sooner you can get in the better it would be. He'll have a week to recover before you have to leave. That is longer than it seems. Sending prayers.

 

wow Carla, somehow I missed the OTJ news for Furball, so happy for you guys! congratulations and I hope it's a long stay at the falls.

 

((((Megan)))))
I know how you feel. It's hard to see them suffer. I went thru this last summer. In my case, I wasn't seeing how much pain my girl was in, it took photos to make me see it.
Sending many prayers.... I know your heart just aches......
We just love them so much.

 

So sorry for all you are going through. I would have it done sooner than later. You will have week of healing time. Any chance you can take him with you?

 

I too say sooner. Neko got over her bump removal fairly quickly. After one week she did have some mild swelling at the surgical site but it went away soon after that. She was eating fine the next day. Her buprenorphine went from two times a day to three for 5 days to help with the pain. She did have a visit with the dental vet who did the work a week later to check things out. Factor a follow up visit into your plans.

Scritches to Oren.

 

Hi Megan,
I missed this earlier and just saw this today. I am so sorry that you and Oren have to go through this. I am also keeping my fingers crossed that the inconclusive part shines through. My civie cat had a huge growth on his left jaw bone this summer- it was huge- they did not aspirate it, just took it out and also took skin from around it and inside his mouth for biopsy's. We were very lucky and surprised to find out it was just inflammatory (were told that was very unlikely and rare) but see that Julie and Wendy also had similar stories. I do want to say that he recovered so quickly from the surgery- he was a little out of it for a day and that was more the pain meds then the surgery- he was eating like normal the next day and within 2 days was back to his old self.

Good luck whatever and whenever you decide. We will be sending you light and vines!

Oh yes- there was definitely a follow up visit- we actually had 3 (free of charge). because it was such a big tumour and so much inflammation- and he did have to be on antibiotics for a month afterwards.... (and then he broke a tooth and had to have dentistry with extractions right after that!. they didn't do extractions the initial surgery because they were so sure it was cancer and didn't want to add the cost on for us).

 

(((Megan))) I am so sorry to read the latest diagnosis for your sweet Oren. No advice from me, just tons of vines for whatever course of action you decide on, or if you just go with palliative care. You can see the love shine through in your photo - you will do your best for him. Hugs and prayers for you both

 

I have missed your post, sorry to see Oren's possible diagnosis. Lots of prayers for him and you on his journey. Hopefully if you have it removed, it proves to be a corrective diagnosis and he will be ok.

 

update again, in a rapidly fluid and agonizing period of decision making. Today I took him in to my local vet for a possible aspiration of lymph nodes as a less invasive way to try and get an answer on the diagnosis. On palpation, his lymph nodes appeared very symmetrical, and more importantly, the vet looked more closely at the growth and saw that it is clearly on a stalk, and thus easily removable with a snip. He will still need sedation, but it won't be a traumatic removal, and we can get a definitive biopsy. She cautioned though on a stalk, if it is squamous cell it is likely deeper into the jaw already, and will likely grow back quickly. But, this buys him some time and comfort before it returns, and if it IS just an inflammatory mass, it will be gone. She couldn't do it today, but he is scheduled for Monday. Which means only 2.5 days to recover before I leave but not expecting that to be too bad if it's literally just a snip. The results will still take 3-5 days and w/ the holiday, probably longer. But, I think I can finally come to terms with whatever happens better knowing I'll have a definite answer. I could wait till the Wed after Thanksgiving, but figure getting it out sooner is better. Perhaps I'll be able to get through both upcoming holiday periods with a bit less anxiety.

I had some dark days since the initial finding last Friday, and it put me into an almost paralytic mode for a while. Time to try and move forward again.

 

...Just know you've got a huge worldwide family standing right beside you!!

 

Oh Megan! How did I miss all this? I'm so sorry to read about your dear Oren. Sending the speediest and strongest of vines to you and your little one.

 

(((Mega))) you are in our thoughts and prayers as you face some tough times ahead, keep positive

 

Hoping here that the small bit of good news leads to better news. I am glad the procedure will be simple and give Oren the ability to eat easier.

 

Such a beautiful picture of the two of you, so much love.

I'm glad you have a plan Megan, I always feel somewhat better when there's a plan. Thinking of you and your beautiful boy and hoping for the best

 

Punkin's was also on a stalk. Weirdest looking thing ever. All I saw was a ball, but when they removed it, it was definitely on a stalk.

I'd get it done asap.

Sending all the powers of LLL to Oren and you - full of healing white light and prayers. We're with you, Megan.

 

(((Megan)))

Many, many prayers that it is just inflammatory and it wil br a quick procedure and recovery and all will be well with your handsome boy. I love his look of adoration for you and I know it is returned tenfold.

Keeping you both in our prayers.

 

I think sooner is better. Sending prayers and hugs.

 

Megan, we are keeping fingers and paws crossed for the best possible outcome. Getting the surgery done right away makes good sense. Many vines, snowflakes, white light, and prayers for Oren, and lots of strength for you. The photo tells it all--so much love; so much trust; so much compassion.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

 

Oh goodness. That picture says it all. Precious.

All of L&LL is with you. Prayers, light, vines. And

Marilyn and Polly

 

Cautiously happy news! The mass was removed this a.m and he came through the procedure with flying colors again. Only needed light sedation, got 2 small dissolving sutures and is ready to come home. One bit of possibly warning news, she mentioned a small bit of bone came away with the tissue when she removed it, but she didn't feel there had been extensive infiltration just yet. I am prepared still for the worst, but feel that I've definitely bought him some time and certainly some comfort. Biopsy will take 5 days, and w/ the holiday, most likely I won't know until sometime next week.

I'll be picking him up around 4:00 eastern time. In the continuing turn of events, Dr. ISTHATCLEAR is the one who did the actual surgery! but she was completely on board with the whole situation right know and even said "I can understand why you're going through all this with him, he's a lovely, special kitty". Apparently, he has charmed the entire staff, which doesn't surprise me in the least. He has that effect!

His BG was only 220 prior to the procedure, which is very encouraging considering he missed his AM shot this morning, and is pretty much what it was at AMBG. She doesn't anticipate any recovery issues, he got BUPE prior to the surgery, and the metacam will likely handle any minimal post -op pain. She expects him to be eating fine by this evening. I did leave a can of food with them, but when she called I don't know that he had yet had any. Two nights ago he even got down to green (84) at PM+7... Hopefully he'll be right back on track this evening.

I am entirely grateful for the skills and knowledge of everyone who has had their hands on him, he has quite a team pulling for him, including all of LL's virtual hands on !

I am now just taking it day to day. My hope is we will now at least make it through the upcoming holiday season with less anxiety and sadness, whatever may be coming.

more vines and light to all kitties and beans in need. Gratitude is something to hold onto even in the dark times.

 

So relieved to see the surgery went well. Holding on to the "cautiously happy" news with both hands here; get thee home, Oren where your bean can spoil you silly and you can recover in comfort.

Lots of light to your charming boy!

Marilyn and Polly

 

I'll admit I let out my breathe just a little with this news. I too am cautiously optimistic and hoping for more good news. I would test his BG when he gets home, so you know if he is coming down by PMPS. Some types of anesthesia have a BG lowering effect so you'll want to consider that when dosing tonight. And also just feed him small watered down amounts of food every 20-30 minutes when you get home. Anesthesia can also play with motility. Many vines being sent your way for Oren speedy healing.

Paws crossed Dr. ISTHATCLEAR has excellent surgical skills to make up for her bed side manner skills.

 

I'm glad the surgery went well. Sending prayers and hugs. Try not to worry and spend as much time with him as you can.

 

Megan, my heart is much lighter on reading your update. My civvie, Sasha, also had some masses in her mouth recently, and the oncologists and dentist were very concerned that it was oral cancer. Hers turned out to be inflammation, to everyone's relief. She recovered very quickly from the biopsy/removal.

Baby food (the kind with just meat) is also a great after-surgery food. Easy to eat and most cats love it.

Sending many vines and prayers for a smooth recovery and good results from the biopsy.

BTW, love that Dr. ISTHATCLEAR got the chance to redeem herself a little in your eyes!

 

@Wendy&Neko , thanks for checking in on us. Yes, I'll be sure to watch his BG closely tonight. I'm wondering if he's starting to break IAA, as he's been trending down, and as I said, even hit green for the first time in months...

How is Ms. Neko today? Hope she came down from her ick numbers of the other day; haven't had a chance to look in on her today..Hope she's recovering nicely too, I'm sure you're both so happy to be home!

 

Thanks for asking Megan. Neko recovered nicely yesterday and today we bounce. The problem with her being in the higher numbers for a stretch is now she's back to bouncing and I have to get her used to nice numbers again. I see the same thing happened to Oren and his SS is looking nicer lately.

Hard to say on the IAA, the acromegaly tumor can rev up and down too, so hard to say what is at play. If you find you've got a couple of quick back to back reductions in a short period of time, that's more indicative of IAA breaking.

 

What wonderful news!! been anxiously awaiting word. Try to breathe and enjoy the holidays!

Hugs and scritches all around !!

 

so glad it's removed.... and he's recovering....
still praying....

and lots of scritches for Oren.

 

Great news that the mass is out and the surgery will leave him with minimal discomfort
Prayers for good pathology news back. What a terrible time to be waiting when the holidays make it so much longer.

 

well, it took longer to get home due to traffic and having to stop for gas; poor guy was in the car for an hour! and when i tested BG at 5.30, the dreaded HI came up. But not too surprised, he did eat a whole can of FF after he came around this afternoon! and no insulin. Gonna test again about 6.30 though I doubt he'll be coming down. But, he sure seems perky and pretty much himself, just a little less vocal than usual. So glad to have him home, he's purring and seems pleased to be back. I note his breath is greatly improved too!

 

SO glad he made it through- and is home and eating already!! I am cautiously optimistic too! Chela's was also on a single stalk- and he healed great- and biopsy was negative!! Enjoy your cuddle time with him tonight- and have a great Thanksgiving Week!

 

That's wonderful news! So happy that he's back home and eating already. My Labrador mix had a mass in her mouth removed a few months where the vet was almost certain it was cancerous (her guess was melanoma due to the discoloration of the mass). They ended up removing two surrounding teeth and part of her jaw bone that the tumor had already invaded - and the biopsy came back as benign. She hasn't had any more issues since then and hasn't missed a meal. Fingers and paws crossed that Oren's biopsy comes back with good news... and that it comes back quickly.