Cancer advice please

[Beanie]

It’s been a long time since I visited Cat Chat so hello to anyone who remembers me. I need some help and advice.

One of our cats Tiggy has been found to have cancer in the lung, which was totally unexpected and only suspected after a routine X-ray when antibiotics did not work on a cough. The nature of the cancer does not lend itself to surgical removal, as it is in both lungs and shows early signs of spreading. We have been to see a veterinary oncologist and understand that, regardless of the spread, it is not normal to remove a tumour from each lung.

After much soul searching and sleepless nights, we decided that Tiggy should be given a proper chance. She is a very young 15 – more like a 6/7 year old cat in manner and play. If you looked at her you would not know there was anything wrong other than a more selective appetite.

Tiggy has had chemotherapy once a week for 4 weeks after which a review of the cancer was done by X-Ray (NB: the original specialist diagnosis was following a scan). The X-rays once compared to the scan and adjusted as appropriate to view ‘like for like’ showed that the cancer had not shrunk. Indeed it had grown slightly. The oncologist would not continue as there had been no sign of shrinkage. The reason the measurement moved from scan to X-Ray was because we blew our insurance aggregate and the vets were trying to help us with costs.

We want a second opinion. It is clear to us that no two oncologists use the same chemotherapy medicine. Indeed they have different views on the accompanying protocol for use, so there may be more suitable products used by other recognised oncologists.

During the course of my research, I have heard of and seen videos of human beings testifying to the use of Hemp Oil in treating cancer. For the sake of clarity, this is not hemp nut oil. It is hemp derived from marijuana. Whilst the majority of the research carried out in Canada, USA, United Kingdom Italy, Spain & Israel concerns human beings there are suggestions that it can help animals. The claims by people who have taken this hemp oil range from shrinkage of nearly all types of tumours to completely removing the tumour in some cases. Its use for human beings is banned in most if not all of the aforementioned countries as an illegal drug but I do not believe that it applies to animals. Strangely (!!), the pharmaceutical giants are reluctant to prove or disprove its value but I suspect a darker reason underpins that reluctance.

With that background in mind, I would be grateful for your own experience or knowledge:
1. Has anyone had experience of a veterinary oncologist or similar types of cancer and, if so, have you any suggestions, personal recommendations about thing that helped or oncologists that have helped them? Have you ever got a second opinion?

2. Does anyone know of any use of Hemp Oil in treating animal tumours and, if relevant, point me towards any relevant websites?

Thanks guys.

[Grace56]

It never ceases to amaze me how, some people get rid of a cat because it pees on the carpet, some drown unwanted kittens and then there are some, like your good self who will do anything and everything to save a beloved cats life.

I've never heard of hemp oil as a possible cure for cancers, but I did look some sites up and found this one for you..

http://www.collective-evolution.com/201 ... re-cancer/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My best wishes to you and your little one. I hope you find some help and informed advice in your search.

[Beanie]

Thank you Grace. I am very grateful to you for your kindness and support. I will look at that web link closely in a few minutes.

I take my ownership (if we ever do own them) and my love for cats and animals very seriously. I made a pledge to each of my rescue cats when they joined us that I will look after them properly and give them the best veterinary care. For all my human faults, my word is my bond. Our cats are family pure and simple, yet there are so many people who just don't try or want to understand that there are many of us who feel that way.

[Beanie]

Ps: Hi Grace again,

I note from your 'handle' that you live in the Norfolk / Suffolk area. I am waiting to hear if the oncology specialist at Animal Health Trust in Newmarket will look at Tiggy. I believe that AHT have an admirable reputation.

[meriad]

Beanie; I'm really sorry to hear about Tiggy and I really hope that you still have a few happy years with your girl.

Re the hemp, to be honest the only experience I have of it was when - years back - my father was very ill with cancer and it was something he and my mom decided he should try; but it was in tea form, not as an oil. Sadly for my dad it didn't work, but the opinions on hemp even then (and I'm talking 29 years ago) were very promising and it apparently did help a lot of people. Not sure how it would work on animals and the difference the tea vs oil would make, but in all honesty I think it's something worth trying. Hemp is a natural product that has quite a few medicinal positive uses and I really think should be used more for those reasons

Fusses to your girl x

[Beanie]

Thank you Meriad. I'm sorry that it didn't work for your dad.

[Beanie]

A message for Suzy.

I have just read your email and will reply to you later. I just wanted to say how extremely grateful I am for you taking the time and caring for our Tiggy's health. The information and your sad experience of this terrible disease is invaluable. Thank you, so much. God bless you!

[Beanie]

Tiggy has an appointment at AHT on Wednesday, so please keep her in your thoughts with positive vibes if you have a moment. Thanks!

[Crewella]

Will be thinking of you both on Wednesday - all paws here crossed. xx

[Catfan5]

Sending positive vibes Tiggy's way and will be thinking of you both next Wednesday .

[Beanie]

Thank you catfan5.

[MarkB]

Sorry I don't have any advice, but good luck next week, Pete & Tiggy.

[bobbys girl]

I will be thinking of you both on Wednesday, sending all good vibes xxx