As previously reported, our hamster Becca is living with a cyst/tumor on her underside. The cyst part has been drained several times, the last one of which was pretty traumatic, leading to some real worry that she'd been so weakened by the experience that her immune system wouldn't be able to cope. But she bounced back fairly quickly, and is now back to her regular eating and exercise habits. We check in on her frequently, and she seems happy to see us.

A few days ago (Tuesday, I think it was), Janet noticed that the mass had grown again, and had turned a darker color. I set up a vet appointment for yesterday at 4:00, worried that just the experience would freak her out again. Before leaving, I put some bedding in a box marked Priority Mail (which always gets interested looks from strangers), along with some dry food and a small piece of broccoli. In went Becca next, who promptly scratched at the walls, and tried to jump out (but it was too tall for that).

A quick 15-minute drive, and then waiting for about five minutes in the waiting room before Dr. Grant came in. I held Becca, since she knows me and wouldn't be as stressed, while the vet checked the mass.

"You know," she said, "it really doesn't look any bigger than the last time you brought her in here."

"Do we need to drain it again?"

"No. I'm afraid that she'll have the same, if not worse, reaction than last time. If the cancer has spread to her heart or lungs, the trauma of that might be too much for her."

"Well, what about the color change?"

"It has gotten darker, but the fluid I took out last time was fairly dark. It looks like this fluid has filled back up and is what is producing the dark color."

"So what do we do?"

"Let's keep an eye on it. If it gets any bigger in a week's time, then we'll discuss possibly draining it again. If not, then we'll leave it alone. She seems to be pretty happy and frisky, so if she starts getting lethargic or cranky again, let me know."

And that was pretty much it. When I asked how much I owed her for the examination, she said, "Nothing. Don't worry about it. This was just a quick trip." Isn't that awesome? Dr. Grant has been a really great vet, and is wonderful with our little hamster. She really cares about both Becca and us, and is very willing to talk to us about what's going on. I'm so glad we found her.

So after the appointment, I drove with Becca up to North Raleigh to pick up Janet from work. We were expecting to get snow again yesterday evening, and I did not want to get caught in that again. The trip was easy and quick, and Becca was very happy to see Janet when she got in the car, since she hadn't been home in two days. Becca kept climbing all over Janet's coat sleeves and her legs, and would run around and jump in the box. She was clearly feeling good.

So we're on observation duty. She's being perky as always, and I can hear her now running on her wheel. I just went in to say hi and pet her, and she wanted me to let you all know that she appreciates the good thoughts, and sends everyone a nibble.

Now Reading:
The Art of Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama
and Howard C. Cutler

Stories Out to Publishers:
9

Books Read This Year:
2

Zines/Graphic Novels/Fiction Mags Read This Year:
1