Charlie’s Journey (3): An Unexpected Diagnosis

Feb 24

Facing Farewell: A Journey with Charlie through Terminal Illness

Embarking on what seemed like a routine vet visit for Charlie, little did I know it would unravel into a profound journey of love and loss. In this article, I share the heart-wrenching reality of Charlie's terminal illness, the unexpected twists in his diagnosis, and the poignant decisions we've made along the way so far, all underlined by the importance of routine veterinary care, at home observation, and communication with your veterinary team.

Trigger Warning: This deeply personal narrative discusses a feline cancer diagnosis, expectations of how that may progress, and end of life care, including euthanasia.

The Routine Vet Visit

It started innocuously enough—a visit to the vet for a sudden skin rash and excessive scratching on December 1st. We assumed Charlie was experiencing allergies. I mentioned he’d cough a few times recently... as an afterthought. At our veterinarian’s suggestion, Charlie received chest x-rays. She explained there were some spots on his lungs, told me not to go down the online rabbit hole, and assured me we would know more once the radiologist reviewed the images.

The Shocking Diagnosis

Little did I know, this routine checkup would escalate and rapidly reshape my world just a few days later. The diagnosis: metastatic lung cancer.

The news was shocking and unbelievable. When I got the call, time stood still. How could Charlie, who appeared healthy and vibrant on the surface, be terminally ill? Charlie’s veterinarian was kind and compassionate, and we talked about the possibility that we could have several more months together based on his otherwise good health. We received a referral to an oncologist for a second opinion and treatment options.

Grasping at Straws

The Veterinary Oncologist was just as surprised to see Charlie’s outwardly healthy appearance and alertness with this advanced diagnosis. He was not what she expected to see based on his x-rays!

She was empathetic and understood my disbelief that he could be so sick. We tested for a potential systemic fungal infection, which would have been extremely rare in Colorado’s climate - we were grasping at straws. Once those results came back negative, we received a list of testing and treatment options, all with benefits and side effects.

Making Difficult Decisions

After taking some time to think, research, and talk together, Gunther and I decided we would not pursue any option that required Charlie to be isolated, because for Charlie, that would be the poorest quality of life imaginable. If you know Charlie, you know.

We took him in for a follow-up x-ray on January 8th – a little over one month after his initial diagnosis. It was clear, not only to our veterinarian, but to our own eyes, that the number of nodules in his lungs had increased quickly. There was no need for further testing to accept what was happening. Our veterinarian kindly estimated we have one to two more months together with the addition of a steroid, and here we are, six weeks later...

Navigating End-of-Life Care

Charlie is slowing down just a little bit – I probably wouldn’t notice if I weren’t observing him so closely. He also hasn’t come to snuggle the last few mornings.

More concerningly, his breathing is slightly more rapid. I check it a few times each day. The veterinarian we spoke with about in-home euthanasia cautioned that we may have to schedule an appointment before he appears completely ready, in order to avoid him suffering through painful suffocation as his lungs fill with nodules. That was hard to hear, and I recognize it may be hard to read.

This is my first experience with lung cancer, and I find comfort in knowledge and understanding the mechanics of what we’re up against. I feel Charlie is best honored by sharing the reality of what he is facing and the importance of regular veterinary care. I’m grateful we know what to look for based on his diagnosis.

Thinking About and Accepting Final Moments

This has been a very different end of life than I have experienced with other animals. Previously, senior pets showed clear outward signs of decline. There was a process of watching the body change, seeing muscle waste away, and energy dwindle. This is my first time reconciling an outwardly healthy appearance with terminal internal turmoil.

If possible, we would like to help Charlie pass peacefully at home, rather than in a busy emergency room. However, we will accept whatever the final situation is, and we will make sure Charlie knows how dearly loved he is throughout the process. His death will be a “good death” no matter how it happens, as he will be surrounded by love.

Gratitude and Reflection

I am so thankful my veterinarian asked for x-rays, and even more thankful that I trusted their instincts and agreed to imaging. I would not be making this time or allowing myself a beginner's mind to really observe and absorb the smallest details of Charlie’s essence otherwise.

My family has received such a gift in the opportunity to honor Charlie each day with the mindful presence he craves. And I get to physically see his perfection as I have always known it to be, though there is nothing about Charlie that would seem less perfect if I did not know he was dying. His love, playfulness, and stubborn nature bring such joy!

PSA: Coughing in Cats and Regular Veterinary Check-ups for ALL Companion Animals

In hindsight, I wasn't aware that coughing is not that common in cats, and it's something that should prompt a discussion with your veterinarian when noticed. While coughing can often be benign, our experience with Charlie has underscored that it can also be a sign of underlying disease. It's crucial to raise awareness about this subtle symptom and encourage regular veterinary check-ups anytime you notice a change in your pet’s appearance, behavior, eating habits, or other visible health symptoms. Open communication with medical professionals is essential to best advocate for the health and well-being of your non-human family members.

I am grateful for the compassionate and thorough medical care we have requested and received for Charlie so far.