Hi everyone! Salem, one of our kids was just diagnosed with a Thymoma. In layman's terms, it's a tumor in the chest cavity that grows and grows and grows until it occupies the entire chest not allowing the heart or lungs to work. The only option is open chest surgery since Chemo has NO effect on this type of tumor. Salem is having his surgery Jan 6 1999. I was wondering if any other ferret parents out there have had this or a similar open chest surgery done before and if so, what can I expect? Salem means a lot to me and I want what's best for him. Unfortunately 4 vets all confirm surgery is the only way for him or he will die in 4 months. After surgery, he'll be able to live the rest of his life out. Just looking for a bit of moral support. This is a hard one for me :o) Love, Randy The Ferret Aid Society http://home.echo-on.net/~magick [Posted in FML issue 2540]