Thank you all for the very kind words & encouragement. Right now Raven is doing very well on the pain medications. She's romping & playing just like normal & her appetite is very good. As for doing chemo, there are a couple of things that have gone into my decision not to treat her with that. The first, is after a long consult with the veterinarian treating her it was decided that the cancer was too advanced for chemo to be very effective. There are signs both physically & in the blood work showing that it is already affecting her lungs, liver & digestive systems. I worked for this practice & this particular vet for almost 10yrs as a licensed Veterinary Technician. If anyone knows what my pets mean to me, it would be them. Through my past training, I know what processes are going on in her (both a blessing & a curse). The other reason I have opted not to treat her with chemo is because of logistics. Like I said, I was a Vet Tech for almost 10yrs, I know the regional vets & know none of them offer such advanced treatments. To have chemo done on Raven, I would have to travel 3-4hrs one way to the nearest Veterinary Teaching school. With my crazy swing shift work schedule, it would be difficult at best, if not impossible. I certainly did do a lot of thinking, praying & research into my options before reaching my decision (as hard as it was).
Right now, I am just going to cherish the time I am given with her & hope that when the time comes, the good Lord gives me the strength to keep her from suffering. Once again your very kind words are comforting & a strength to me. Thank you.