A chest tap was finally done on Syd this morning. The results showed the cancer has spread throughout much of his body. There was blood and clusters of cancer cells in the fluid. Dr. Edling said there was not much that could be done for this type of cancer - adnoid (sp?). She removed fluid from around his heart and lungs and he is breathing easy now. Jack's cold and showing similar symptoms was almost a cruel twist of fate, strictly a coincedence, nothing more. We don't have any hopes of Syd recovering, but when we went to see him after the tap, he was comfortable and eating, even wanted to play a little when we came in. Though I know the time is coming very, very soon, today just was not the day to say goodbye. We don't expect to have the week with him, his chest could fill again within 48 hours. He is taking lasix twice a day, but this is just in hopes of holding off the end a little bit longer. I've had a bad feeling about the cancer since the ultrasound 2 weeks ago showed 3 small spots. I know part of bringing him home is my selfishness, I didn't want to let the last 36 hours of his life be spent in a small cage in the backroom at the vets. I wanted him to have whatever time we could steal be home with us. I wanted Syd sleeping in his favorite hammock or curled up in his favorite sleep sack. I want him to have all the raisins and ferretone he wants, and to cuddle in my arms or across my daughter's lap knowing how much we've loved him. I could not bring myself to say goodbye in a vets office when he could have a day or two home with us. Being home now I know I was right, Syd has spent the last 10 minutes fighting to get the basement door open, he loves to escape downstairs and explore. He has checked out all his favorite hidey spots in the room, grabbed a bite to eat, played with his friends and is now heading up to his favorite spot on the top level of the cage. Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Jen and Gang [Posted in FML issue 2967]