Hi Holly,

Thank you so much for your kind and fast response on this thread. I didn't realize Purrkins also had the scapula removed -- glad to hear it's not so uncommon as I previously thought. The surgeon said that cats' scapulas sit more flat against their body, unlike humans where it sticks out horizontally, so a removal won't necessarily be like cutting off half his upper body! 

We are still a long ways out from surgery though -- he has 17 more days of radiation, not including weekends. We have been seeing a couple of different holistic vets for acupuncture (though SO expensive, but does seem to help with mood, pain, and appetite) and herbs. As mentioned, I'm doing a lot of supplements every day, including turkey tail, Stamets 7, a common Chinese blend called Chai Hu Shu Gan Wan, and transfer factor (sometimes I use a blend called Transfer Factor Feline Complete from the 4Life brand, and sometimes I just use a human-grade transfer factor with no other added ingredients, also from the same brand).

Needless to say, I've become an expert in foods that are good for hiding supplements... 

Your Purrkins looks amazing! Can't tell at all that he doesn't have a shoulder blade 🙂 The missing arm is a bit more obvious, but doesn't detract at all from him being handsome.

I actually read your blog some weeks ago, and it inspired me to try a onesie on Maceo, just as a test 😀 

Sadly and frustratingly, in Maceo's case, he hasn't had a vaccine since under age 1, and he is now 11. He has, however, had other shots -- subcutaneous fluids, antibiotics, and Adequan (for athritis) -- that a well-regarded medical oncologist here in the SF Bay Area told us can also cause injection site sarcomas in some cats. So who knows. I've moved past the "If only I had / it had..." phase, and am just focused on helping Maceo eat his food and supplements, and stay away from his catheter IV. Luckily no catheter on the weekends, so he is a free kitty! 

I'd be lying if I said I'm not worried about the surgery. It seems really terrible to get dragged to the clinic and then wake up without your arm. I've debated with myself whether or not cats desire to keep living the way we humans do, or whether he'd rather just keep his arm and his normal life, come what may of the cancer. 

In the end, we decided that we have to do *something*, and so that implies a certain path -- radiation, then surgery. I do have my doubts though. "Is it natural?" "Is that what he wants?" etc etc. 

Anyway, I'll go back to reading your and Kerren's blogs, and super appreciate all the knowledge and support here.