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ShazzieB

(18,530 posts)
Tue May 21, 2024, 10:39 PM May 2024

Update on Willow (mostly good!)

Earlier this month, I posted about Willow being diagnosed with mammary cancer, promising future updates. Things did not go as quickly as expected, so there wasn't much to report for a while, but I am finally back to fill you in on what's been happening.

After the diagnosis, the game plan was to do some preop testing before scheduling surgery. First item on the agenda was an abdominal ultrasound to check for any signs of metastasis. Our vet clinic's ultrasound tech had just left for vacation, so there was a bit of a delay while they made arrangements for us to get it done at another practice. We took her to have it done on a Friday, and I think it was Tuesday for our vet got the report. Fortunately, it was good news; everything looked fine.

Next up was a visit to our vet for a chest xray and blood work. The results from that were good, too, so we were good to go as soon as the vet had an opening to do the surgery. We didn't hear anything for the rest of last week, and then our vet called on Monday (yesterday) to tell us, "I can get her in tomorrow if that works for you." We said, "Sure," and Willow had the surgery today!

Everything went fine. Two masses were removed and she also got a teeth cleaning while she was under the anesthesia, and we brought her home this afternoon. Tonight she's pretty much her usual self, amazingly enough.

The masses that were removed were sent to the pathologist, and we won't have a prognosis until the lab results come back (probably another week or so), but so far, so good. I'm just glad the surgery is over and we have our little girl back home safe and sound.

As an added bonus, Willow got rave reviews from the vet clinic staff for being a great patient. One tech said Willow was the sweetest tortie she'd ever taken care of! Tortoiseshell cats have a reputation for being a bit of a handful, but not Willow! That was very nice to hear, even though we can't really take any of the credit for it.

That's it for now. Thank you all for the support, good vibes, etc. It really means a lot.

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Update on Willow (mostly good!) (Original Post) ShazzieB May 2024 OP
Best wishes for your little girl montanacowboy May 2024 #1
💙 sheshe2 May 2024 #2
Vibes for Willow for swift recovery and healing, and to you, her worried niyad May 2024 #3
Healing thoughts for Willow radical noodle May 2024 #4
What encouraging news. 3catwoman3 May 2024 #5
Such good news! I am sending healing vibes to Willow brer cat May 2024 #6
❤️ littlemissmartypants May 2024 #7
Sending good vibes KT2000 May 2024 #8
Good news for you and Willow. 😻😸 Polly Hennessey May 2024 #9

niyad

(119,559 posts)
3. Vibes for Willow for swift recovery and healing, and to you, her worried
Tue May 21, 2024, 10:56 PM
May 2024

family, for eased anxiety and worries. hugggs to you all, with scritches for Willow.

3catwoman3

(25,378 posts)
5. What encouraging news.
Wed May 22, 2024, 12:00 AM
May 2024

Some years ago, a now departed cat had an injection site sarcoma near one of her shoulders. Theses are usually invasive and have a poor prognosis. The veterinary surgeon who saw her thought removal was worth a try, and he was pleasantly shocked when it turned out that her tumor, atypically, had not spread at all. She lived several more years.

Sometimes you get lucky. May this be one of those times for you and Willow.

brer cat

(26,131 posts)
6. Such good news! I am sending healing vibes to Willow
Wed May 22, 2024, 12:06 AM
May 2024

and for your worry and anxiety. I hope the good news continues.

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