Yeah, but I am ~really~ weird! LOL!
Golf ball is a good-sized lump. If it gets in the way of petting her, you could take it off. If you can handle the lump being there, then prolly so can the cat. The anesthesia is going to be the most expensive part of the deal, so while she is under, maybe clean her teeth and deep clean her ears for not a lot more money.
Sounds like a good idea. I know she could especially use the teeth cleaning, being an older cat who didn't get a lot of vet care over the years.
I'll discuss this with the vet if and when I decide to have it done!
It's on her belly (well, just north of there), so not so much in the WAY when I pet her, but obvious...and has been making me vey nervous. I feel better now that you've mentioned your pets having similar problems. Phew!