Cherny was scheduled for a dental (thorough teeth cleaning) a few days after we sent the previous update.
During the procedure, one of our vets noticed a small lump under Cherny’s tongue.
So, she took a small piece of the lump and we sent it to the lab for analysis.
Because of Cherny’s age (15 years), we were very worried about cancer … specifically, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a nasty cancer, which is the most common form of oral cancer in cats.

We were very saddened when the lab confirmed our worst fears: the lump was SCC.
I was particularly distressed, as this was the type of cancer that took Tabby from me and my wife in 1999 and I knew how dismal the outcome usually is.
While SCC does not typically metastasize (spread), it is very locally invasive.
Furthermore, in the vast majority of cases, by the time the tumor is noticed, it is too large for treatment.

But, we had to give Cherny every possible chance.
So we took her to see an oncologist.
The oncologist examined Cherny carefully and came back with what could very well be wonderful news.
She said that because we had noticed the tumor in a very early stage, it was still very small and she though there was a very good chance that surgery could cure Cherny of this cancer!
The oncologist emphasized that it is very rare for SCC to be treatable and that this was incredibly lucky.

Cherny is scheduled for a surgical consultation this Tuesday (7/6).
Barring unforseen circumstances, she will have surgery on Wenesday.
Please keep Cherny in your thoughts and prayers.
I will send an update as soon as there is something to report.