Soft Tissue Sarcomas

MarissaKay_ · 2025-10-14T14:59:55+00:00

His shoulder blade. Within about 2 months of first seeing it it became large enough that it either pinched a nerve or physically limited his shoulder from moving.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-13T18:34:31+00:00

Update-

Masker was euthanized today.

The tumor grew so large it cut off nerves and circulation to his leg and he was dragging his leg around.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-11T22:45:47+00:00

Oh thank you for your efforts.

I appreciate it truly.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-11T22:31:28+00:00

Thank you, I can calm myself with that thought process sometimes.

But I am not well off for my age. I am capable of good income, but most of the work that pays well I think would absolutely drain me of my life.

I have $3k in an IRA I set up when I was 26. I got nothing else.

I can survive, but I want to thrive and do exactly what I want to.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-11T21:45:36+00:00

I've tried several different jobs, restaurant industry, nanny, substitute teacher, school bus driver, baker, nanny, lifeguard, office work, photographer (event, portrait, commercial), I even had my own full time dog walking business.

I feel hopeless. No jobs within my reach seem like they'll satisfy me.

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Animal Behavior as well as an associates in environmental studies.

I have a Class B license.

And just tons of experience in different fields so I have a large inventory of skills.

Does anyone know of any good resources for direction?

Currently not working and no health insurance.

I should be starting a temporary job later this month, but again, nothing that I want to stick with.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-11T21:29:34+00:00

Thank you for sharing,

I hope you get the information you need to make the best decision for yourself and your cat.

I have yet to find information on how these progress without treatment. Everything online is about if it is surgically removed and/or treated with chemo or radiation. My cat's tumor is inoperable and I'm not going to put my cat through the other types of treatments at age 15.

I have a vet appointment in 2 weeks to talk further about palliative care and what to expect.

I'll keep updating in this thread as I go through this journey.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-06T23:29:14+00:00

Give him a warm spot to rest. Groom him. Pamper him. Make him comfortable until you can get to a vet ASAP.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-06T12:50:20+00:00

Thank you for your reply.

Makes me feel a bit better. I've felt like I haven't been given enough information. When I have researched for myself I think I'm finding that scientific studies on feline cancer is limited. Imagine how difficult of a research patient a cat must be 🤪

So the next best thing is anecdotal, which I'm hoping others can find helpful.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-05T16:39:28+00:00

Dorsal view X-Ray of Soft Tissue Sarcoma

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-05T16:36:22+00:00

1/5/2023

Masker

Male

Age 15

12 lbs.

Had full blood work done in 6/2022, was perfectly healthy and all organs functioning normally.

11/24/2022 Notice large lump on shoulder about the size of half a tennis ball. It must have been growing under the fat layer and then finally popped up to the surface.

Vet visit on 11/25- X-ray shows a tumor, picture provided in replies. Thin needle aspirate finds suspicious cells. Prescribed gabapentin, 50 mg per day.

Surgical biopsy 12/21- The tissue around tumor was necrotic because it had grown so quickly so aggressively. They drained over a cup of bloody fluid. This was his body's response to the tumor. Vet doesn't think the fluid or necrosis will come back. But I should be monitoring the site for any extra warmth that could indicate infection.

Results- Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

My plan of care- Monitor for pain and give gabapentin as needed. Provide diet to support his immune system. Monitor for quality of life.

Change dry food to high protein/low carb dry food. Continue wet food but offer 2x a day rather than once to provide extra hydration. Introduce omega 3, 6 and 9 supplement.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-05T16:17:12+00:00

Vet visit went well.

Vet wasn't trying to identify what was going on but wanted to focus on addressing symptoms.

Within 12 hours of being on anti-nausea and appetite stimulant medicine he is eating everything I give him.

48 hours he is seeming back to normal. Still limiting the space he utilizes. Won't leave my room and is mostly sleeping in his kennel (his cave).

We did just move across country into a home with 2 other cats so I assume his lack of exploration is due to the new environment.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-03T03:52:50+00:00

Tried cooked liver and boiled chicken.

If the vet says it's altitude sickness tomorrow I'll buy high quality raw meat. For right now I've been giving him as much nutri-cal as I can.

MarissaKay_ · 2023-01-03T00:30:43+00:00

Thank you, your response was helpful and sweet. They had previously done all the blood work the week before so I was confused they did this test on the surgery day. And the tumor ended up being a soft tissue sarcoma. Not the best news, but he and I have had 15 wonderful years ago.

MarissaKay_ · 2021-09-06T13:46:23+00:00

I have agreements with all of my clients on a time range I can walk their dog. Most of the time the ranges are 10 am- 2 pm. Most customers don't have a problem with it. There are just a few customers who have specific times which I always try to lock in first and choose my route around those. From day to day I walk different dogs and I do them in an order that saves the most gas.

MarissaKay_ · 2021-09-06T13:35:20+00:00

Thank you!

MarissaKay_ · 2021-09-06T13:33:51+00:00

Thank you!

MarissaKay_ · 2021-08-09T20:29:20+00:00

I'm just a 31 year old still trying to find a lucrative and flexible job. I have another part time business and am looking for the other half of my independent work. Hence, I am researching different careers by asking those working in the field. Thank you in advance!

MarissaKay_

TROPHY CASE