Ashling does have carcinoma. A second reading was done. It is of an epithelial nature and the internal mass which looked like an abdomenal node on ultrasound was thought to actually be a tumor since there are no lymph cells. She is going down hill fast, and has been for the last approximately 2 months -- faster than I have ever seen with lymphoma. So, we are spoiling her and she is going to have some Lasix now added to her other meds, plus arrangements are in place for pain meds to be provided when she comes to need those. The testing evidence is that multiple organ systems are having problems with her kidneys the worst right now. Okay, I am seriously collecting info on managing around ferrets with footwear. It looks like I won't need a cast (Whew!) but I'll be having braces made for pretty much constant wearing, and honestly I am looking forward to them because when my feet at held in the position those will keep me in their pain is controlled, and the braces will also make my feet more stable, and help prevent or reduce further bone derangement. It turns out the problem is Cavovarus Feet so now they have to find out why I have developed them. (Yuck. Tests.) Hopefully, it just be due to damage from that past neuromuscular disease I had some time ago. I have some good news to share: the Depo-Medrol shots which Sherman has every three weeks are working marvelously on his IBD. He is just making continual slow improvements. Prednisolone had stopped working, but now after three shots (the first two having been 2 and 1/2 weeks apart) his stools are the consistency of thick oatmeal and there is even some shape to them. We hadn't heard of this med being tried before though it made sense to try, but since Imuran is such a strong med we wanted to try something a bit safer first and we are all very happy about the results. At this rate Sherman might even have normal stools in a few weeks. So amazing! It also did him good about two months ago get out that vascular abnormality he had which was threatening to burst. He is very happy boy right now! He'll never have a full coat of fur due to long steroid use but he loves to roll over for tube-treat (Nutrical) and he enjoys his play and hugs. [Posted in FML issue 4343]