Cancer story and a question

by Dawn Houghton
(Northamptonshire)

My name is Aura and I have been living with final run breast cancer for the last 2 years. When diagnosed the vet gave me 4 - 6 months to live, this upset my guardians a lot.

Well, I am still here but so is the cancer.

I have not taken any medication since last year as the Tramadol was making me very very ill and I could not even make a walk without wanting to lie down...so I just refused to eat it.

My cat companions have kept me happy and fulfilled and it is thanks to them that I have such a zest for life (and the humans of course!)

Recently I have been coughing - as though I have something in my throat that I cannot get out...it is now of concern to all of us and is regular now, every 10 - 30 minutes I have a bit of a cough for several minutes...just like trying to clear my throat.

I would like to ask what this is please...is it the cancer spreading?

I must add that I am an old lady now at almost 13 and tend to spend the time sleeping unless it is time for foods, which I love and there is never enough of that! Or, a game of teddy throw or a little stroll in the garden or in the field...I like to go steady these days and my back legs are quite weak, so no more long walks or game of ball for me, which, being a retired sheep dog is hard to take! LOL

Treatment for me was not really an option because of my age, they said it would mean I most likely would have an open wound as they would have to remove all the breast tissue and lymph glands, and would possibly not recover and heal well.
So, we went away with pain pills, and as I said before, I now will not be having any of that zombie making stuff!

Please help me with my question so we can sort out the coughing and have peace of mind...even if it is bad news, we can cope with that if need be.

Thank you deeply
Aura