It is with a sad heart that I write this post. Last week I asked for help for an elderly lady who called me late one evening. She was desperate for help for her ferret Lisa. At first she thought I might be a set-up and turn her in. But she took a chance and called me anyway. She gave me the normal symptoms of a blockage. She told me she had no money. I assured her not to worry and gave her the address of a special vet. He let me write 2 cks. One to start treatment, the other post dated. I ask for help on the FML, 3 very special people came forward, 1 with the help of money and constant contact, 2 with a lot of very good information. I want to publicly say Thank you to Marge S., Sukie C. and Chris K. All are truly special ladies. X-rays were done, blood work was and the blood work came back with the emphasis on Insulinoma. Only she showed no symptoms for insulinoma. Back to the x-rays, Dr. Kang saw something that disturbed him and couldn't explain it, even after consults with other Vets. There was something large pressing on one lung and had rearranged the trachea, alway down to the stomach. At this time Lisa had been been throwing up everything for 4 days, very dehydrated, Dr. Kang gave her sub-Q fluids and kept her for the day. Every other day, Lee would take Lisa back to him. He kept doing blood tests and showed no indication of insulinoma. He gave Lee prednisone (sp) for Lisa was able to take the medicine mashed up in nutrastat. Lisa was steadily dropping weight. Monday morning Lee and I went to the vet together. I saw the x-ray and immediately knew something very bad was going on. So Lee had to make a decision to operate and Lisa may not make it or she could take Lisa home and let her pass. I have a very hard when I lose a kid, but I'd never been this close to someone I didn't know, and go thru all the emotions with. We were constantly on the phone day and night. I felt so helpless, all I could do is offer her money, my friendship and be a shoulder to help carry the weight of losing her Lisa. She kept asking me, what should she do ? This was one day I hope never comes again, my heart was breaking, but I had to stay strong for her. I asked her - what does your heart tell you Lee ? She was silent, like what seemed to be forever, then said...I don't want to watch her die slowly at home and suffer. So the surgery was elected, all of Lisa lower abdomen was healthy, pictures were taken. Then the Dr. asked Lee if she wanted to let Lisa go while under anesthesia, because what he feared was wrong he could not help Lisa. She shook her head yes and turned away. After Lisa passed peacefully, Dr. Kang cracked the chest, the trachea was collapsed and swollen in different places. The lung was huge, nothing on the outside prepared Dr. Kang what he was about to see...he opened the lung and a tumor the size of golf ball appeared. I could not comprehend how Lisa had lasted as long as she had. More pictures were taken. I contacted Dr. Bruce Williams, gave him some info about the tumor, he in turn e-mailed me with an address to send him the pictures and the tumor I had. I called Dr. Kang and gave him Dr. Williams address also, x-rays, his report on Lisa and what I have are going to be in the mail as you read this. As soon as I hear back from Dr. Williams on what he finds, I will pass on the info. Since we are in California I can not give out an address for Lee. I told her about all the wonderful people here and I would be grateful if ya'll would send some caring and comforting words to her. I will print them out for her. We ( Marge and my husband) are going to get Lees' computer up and going. It's a 386 desk top Dell something, with a 3meg hard drive...hint...does anyone have spare parts. Kiss all your ferts, OutlawDook [Posted in FML issue 2603]