Thank you, for your nice comments.

There is a cancer called vaccination sarcoma. In the US there is a new vaccine for rabies called PureVax. It has no adjuvants, and these adjuvants are thought to be the causes of vaccine induced cancers. I don't get any other vaccines for our cats because of this. Feline leukemia is really not common here anymore so not getting it is not a risk.

I only get that vaccine now for my cats. But Oreo did have the old 3 yr rabies one last time, as PureVax is rather new and not all vets use it, yet. Weezie our new kitten has had the PureVax in June, first time. It is a yearly shot, but is supposed to be much safer for the cat. Tippy who died in January at age 20, had two serious vaccine reactions, to the old type. So I am loath to use those anymore. She died of a blood clot...not cancer.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=...KllwhVHoX1O9ig

When researching Oreo's uncommon cancer, I found references that Siamese cats and Rex are more commonly afflicted with mast cell tumors. Oreo's is in her small intestine...with lymph node involvement. So surgery (as pushed by the cat vet)--is not really a good prognosis for her. She still looks normal, but a bit underweight. The new vet (my 4th in 4 weeks) is doing a pulsed steroid treatment and we go back in 2-3 wks to see if the tumors are shrinking or at least not growing larger. He said we may stave off the end this way, and keep her comfortable instead. She is running around outside and enjoying our fall so far. With that time bomb clicking inside! I have to give Benadryl too since she seems nauseous and gags in the wee hours without it. The Benadryl is very bitter and hard to give tho. I am using a transdermal gel to rub on her ear for it. It does help with the vomiting/gagging, as it blocks the histamine that the tumor is releasing into her body.

It has been a sad difficult 4 weeks for all of us. She is not liking me much anymore because I take her to the doctor where all the needles are, and then give her medicine which she hates. So much of my day is "making up" to her with special food treats etc.

Losing pets is like losing a child. They are so innocent and depend on us and give unconditional love in return. ... I know how heartbreaking it has been for you. Our old Sheba 24 died in Oct 2010 and Tippy 20 in early Jan 2011. I have pictures of them in my album still. They were great cats! We get very close to our cats emotionally. I think we have special bonds with each one.