Just got home from the vet because I found a lump on my cat this morning. She’s doing fine otherwise, but I figured I’d take her in anyways for peace of mind. Turns out this lump is in her armpit, right where her lymph nodes should be, and the vet says it’s kind of uneven, so she took a biopsy and is sending it to another lab. I’ll know the results in like a week, but I’m absolutely panicked in the meantime. The weird thing is it’s only one swollen lymph node which is why the vet thinks it might be cancer and not just an infection or virus. She said the lymph node looks “reactive” and that there could be several things causing it, mostly cancer-related things. She said it’s probably not lymphoma since it’s only one reactive lymph node, so that’s good at least. I won’t know for sure if she has cancer until the end of next week though. Has anyone had any experience with something like this? Any advice or words of encouragement?
My words of encouragement would be not to panic until the vet tells you to. It could be nothing, it could be something. While you have a clear head, ask yourself which situations you would choose palliative care over life extending. Look into what you can afford. Even if it’s something simple, it’ll probably need medication and monitoring until resolved. It’s best to be clear-eyed and ready when you get the call.
@Yan
Thank you. It’s just so hard to not panic with all these thoughts going through my mind. I just want to make sure she’s okay.
Eli said:
@Yan
Thank you. It’s just so hard to not panic with all these thoughts going through my mind. I just want to make sure she’s okay.
Totally get it. It’s tough waiting like this. Just remember to take care of yourself too while you wait for the results.
@Shan
I appreciate that. I’ve been a bit neglectful of my own self-care, just focused on her.
One swollen lymph node can definitely sound alarming, but there are often many explanations that are not serious. Try to stay hopeful.
Lian said:
One swollen lymph node can definitely sound alarming, but there are often many explanations that are not serious. Try to stay hopeful.
That’s kind of what my vet said too. It’s hard, though, not to jump to the worst conclusion.
@Eli
I had a similar situation once where my cat had a swollen lymph node, and it turned out to be an infection. The vet was able to treat it with antibiotics.
Fin said:
@Eli
I had a similar situation once where my cat had a swollen lymph node, and it turned out to be an infection. The vet was able to treat it with antibiotics.
That’s reassuring to hear. I sure hope it’s something treatable like that.
Just take it one day at a time. Cats are resilient, and your vet will guide you through this.
Haru said:
Just take it one day at a time. Cats are resilient, and your vet will guide you through this.
Thanks so much for that. I just want to make sure she’s taken care of properly.
If it helps at all, lymph nodes can swell due to many things, so try to focus on the fact that you did the right thing by taking her to the vet.
Jai said:
If it helps at all, lymph nodes can swell due to many things, so try to focus on the fact that you did the right thing by taking her to the vet.
You’re right, it was the best thing I could do. Just need to hang tight now and wait.