Lucky was being Lucky… until he started acting a little differently. We did not notice a drastic change in his personality. Looking back, yes, he was more of a cuddlebug, but it did not seem out of the ordinary.
Especially with the cooler temps, everyone was snuggling more. He also presented with noisy breathing, which the primary veterinarian treated with prednisolone with okay results. However, a month ago, we noticed that his left eye was dilated and not reacting to light.
A trip to the emergency vet showed good blood work and clear-sounding lungs. They recommended seeing an ophthalmologist and an internist. The earliest available appointment (with the ophthalmologist) would have been this Friday. So, we worried, and we waited.
During this period of waiting, Lucky’s right eye also became dilated and nonreactive, and he grew more lethargic. So, we took him to the emergency vet again. More exams, more blood work. They suggested a chest x-ray, and we had to push for a head x-ray as well. Well, the head x-ray revealed a mass in Lucky’s nasal cavity. He was discharged the same night with plans for a CT and rhinoscopy on Monday.
That wait was rough because Lucky—during the few times he ventured away from the comfort of his favorite box—walked into furniture, doors, walls, etc. He managed to get upstairs, trying to get a sense for the space. He moved cautiously and almost fell down the stairs. So, we made sure he stayed on the first floor of the house for his safety.
Lucky had his appointment on Monday, and we received the news we had been expecting and dreading: cancer. The mass started in his nose, eroded the bone, and entered his brain. It is applying pressure to the nerves involved with sight, which explains his vision loss. Tests confirmed that it is nasal lymphoma.
We had a consultation with the radiation oncologist this morning. We reviewed Lucky’s case, and when she said, “I am so sorry for you,” my heart sank. At best, he may get another year—possibly two—with treatment, but based on studies and actual feline patients with cancers involving the brain, it may be less.
But we are going to try. Because Lucky is responsive to prednisolone and has shown a little improvement in the past twenty-four hours, then he may respond well to radiation therapy.
Lucky will begin SRT (stereotactic radiation) next week with three consecutive sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. His response will determine whether or not we follow with chemotherapy.
He is still our Lucky. Although his time here may turn out to be less than we would have liked, we will continue to give him the best life that we can, just as we would for all of the cats.
Passing time caring for critters.
Creating while they nap.
