We are looking for urgent support for our beloved cat, Dante, who is in need of radiation treatment to treat nasal adenocarcinoma.
Dante came into our lives in 2010 when we adopted him from a local rescue group. He used to be feral, but now he's a big mush, loves every single person he sees, and wants nothing more than to be petted and loved all day long. Everyone who meets Dante loves him, even non-cat people love him.
He is more than just a pet; he's a vital part of our family. Dante has been playing the role of a therapy cat to my elderly, disabled mother-in-law. When she moved in with us so we could care for her, Dante stayed by her side, providing her comfort and companionship.
Dante suffered from chronic upper respiratory infections, but developed a bloody nose this summer as well as worsening congestion that didn't respond as well to antibiotics. It was recommended that we take him to a specialist, so we took him to Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, where they performed a CT scan, rhinoscopy, and some other tests in July. The CT scan showed extensive blockage of his right nasal passage and that the bone had been eaten away. Unfortunately, the biopsy they took was inconclusive. In the following weeks, precious time was lost as we went back and forth with the vet on next steps. During this time, a small bump appeared on the side of his nose, which grew and grew into a huge lump on his face, big enough to press on his eyes. The local vet was reluctant to treat it, and it kept getting worse. They eventually did another test, and this time the results were positive for nasal adenocarcinoma.
Radiation treatment is recommended. We brought Dante to the oncology radiology team at the Garden State Vet Hospital in Red Bank two weeks ago. He needs a new CT scan to know where to target the radiation and to make sure it hasn't spread. After the CT scan, they will advise which type of treatment is best: either stereotactic or palliative. The former is stronger, and he will only need 3-4 doses in one week. The latter requires multiple weaker doses over the course of a few weeks. We prefer the stereotactic since he will need anesthesia each time and less stress for him.
We have already spent close to $10K on the testing, and the radiation treatment will be another $10K or more.
We are devastated by this news, and my mother-in-law is especially not taking the news well. Despite the cancer and the growth on his face, Dante has remained Dante. He plays, eats, complains, and does not act like a sick cat. We want to give him his best chance to get through this and enjoy his remaining years with us.