cat with terminal cancer

Question
Hi,
My 12 year old cat was diagnosed with intestinal cancer 2 months ago, since then she has continued to loose weight and has become less active. She is being treated by a local animal charity as I am unemployed. 2 days ago I took her back to the vets as I noticed her breathing had become quite laboured and heavy. The vet there said that she suspected the cancer had spread to her lungs and that she probably had fluid on the lungs, they did not prescribe her anything she has a further appointment in 2 weeks time, she is still eating and drinking. Obviously little can be done for her  can be done  for her, I would like to ask if there is anything I can obtain to ease her breathing and obvious discomfort and as to whether steroids would help her.

Regards, Tina

Answer
Tina,
I am sorry to hear of your cat's cancer. I know how hard it is to have one get so sick.
Steroids might be of help to her but once the cancer spreads to the lungs they don't usually last long. Steroids would help the inflammation to a point. Some people use human inhalers with albuteral in them, but of course it's hard to get the cat to take that.
So other than prednisone, which is the most common steroid used, or theophylline, which is a bronchial dilator, (comes in pill and liquid form), there is nothing else that I know of that will help.
Steroids are the standard helper treatment for humans with asthma also. They have saved my life more than once.

I hope that her end is peaceful and quiet. I know it will be hard for you but she will always be in your heart. Make sure her last days are not full of pain, but pain free and quiet.
I will be thinking of you both.