It has been too long since I sent an update on Wiley, so after finding my
original post in the archives, I decided to do an update on him.
 
On April 10, 2003, Wiley was diagnosed with Lymphosarcoma and Lymphoid
Leukemia via biopsies.
 
Almost 3 years later he is still hanging in there, but his tummy is
getting larger due to the Splenomegaly and he is becoming uncomfortable,
so we don't know how much longer this sweet and loving little guy will
be with us.  I sent photos to Sukie of the FHL and she can attest to the
size of his spleen.
 
It's hard to believe that he has been with us going  on 4 years, and how
every day has been a blessing to us.
 
Mary
 
*********************
 Date:    Sun, 20 Apr 2003 23:38:00 EDT
 From:    Me
 Subject:  Update on Wiley
 
First, I'd like to apologize for not getting my Easter cards to all the
ferret groups I belong to.
 
Now for Wiley!
 
We got Wiley as a rescue almost a year ago.  When we first got him, he
was a sweet, but antisocial ferret with a vision problem and hair loss.
We thought at first he might be adrenal, but after spending several
months on a totally different diet, cutting way back on his sugar intact,
his coat is once again the beautiful coat he was always meant to have.
 
The week before last I noticed that his tummy felt harder than usual, so
we made an appointment for him to see our local vet, who agreed that his
spleen was larger than it should be and recommended putting him through
several biopsies.  He had them done a week ago this past Thursday.
 
Friday we received a call from our vet, he told us that both the spleen
and bone marrow tests came back with bad news.  Wiley has Lymphosarcoma
and Lymphoid Leukemia, and that Wiley might have 2 months left to live.
Very bad news for us and Wiley, but at least we've had him long enough to
have a better idea of what we can do to make his remaining life easier
and happier for him.
[Posted in FML issue 5123]