After a very stressful past few weeks, I took the advice of the mailing
list and insisted that the vet perform exploratory surgery on Vanilla
rather than wait for the stupid lab to lose her blood test again.
 
I dropped her off this morning (with a teary...hysterical is more like
it...good-bye and kiss on her fuzzy head).  I was afraid I wouldn't see
my little girl again.
 
Well, amidst the heart ache and fear, the surgery was performed
SUCCESSFULLY!  They removed a "large" tumor from her adrenal gland and
said that they did not see any other signs of cancer.  They are having it
tested anyway. I think I scared the vet when I told him he'd have to deal
with me if the surgery didn't go well.  :-)  The wrath of a ferret owner...
 
I picked her up and she was so sleepy.  She barely blinked her eyes at me
(let a good yawn, too) and we came home.  She's curled up in her cage,
soundly sleeping after her ordeal (and looking awfully funny with her
belly shaved).
 
I owe it all to everyone who responded (especially the gentleman who
posted this weekend about my problems with the vet).  Thank you thank you
thank you!!!
 
Signed,
 
Vanilla and me
 
[Posted in FML issue 0824]