Some not so good news....

[Nomilynn]

I took Bassett back to the vet this morning. I noticed last night around supper time (my vet was closed) that her breathing had gotten worse. I decided to wait it out and monitor her. I was up until about 2:30am, and her breathing, even when she was sleeping and totally relaxed, was very laboured and rapid. She was also taking deep, shuddery sighs, like she couldn't get enough air. I called the vet when I got up this morning, and took her in. The vet said that her lung sounds were even less prominant than when she was there a couple days ago. They decided to take some fluid out. They just called me, and the tech said that so far, 100cc had come out, and the vet was still in the process of removing more :( I don't know what the final amount will be. It's scary because Bassett was only there three days ago, and already she's produced this much fluid? The last time she was tapped was the beginning of April, for 45cc. Now, it's twice in one week with over 100cc each time :( I don't know what this means.. like I don't know if she's getting worse, having a bad spell or what.

Please pray that she can snap out of this fluid producing phase.. and that she won't need anything more for a long time :( I'll let you know what the vet said after I get back from picking Bassett up.

[PayItForward]

Bassett get well soon.

Hopeing this is a 'phrase' and she improves quickly.

Thinking of you both.

[Russian Blue]

Poor Bassett!!

I'm totally sending "get well" vibes your way. I wish I could do more!

[Felicia's Mom]

I will be praying for both of you.:(

[ChrisH]

Poor Bassett :(

Sending prayers that this is the end of a bad phase and that she improves quickly.

Hugs for you both
Chris

[Nomilynn]

We just got home. They took another 145cc off again.. the 160 they took off the other day was the most fluid she's ever had taken off at once. Then today, it was still more than the first time I ever took her in. She produced a LOT of fluid in a very short period of time. The vet's exact words were, "I'm really quite worried" :( Basically, the vet said that if Bassett continiues to produce that much fluid that quickly, my only other option is surgery. I've already decided that should it come to that, I will try the surgery. After talking to the vet today, she confirmed that she felt it was the best route. Basically, if I DON'T do the surgery and Bassett is producing fluid this fast, she won't make it. Her lungs would develop scar tissue and her infection risks for being poked so much would be too high. If I DO do the surgery, she has that much more of a chance to make it. If the surgery doesn't work, then at least I did everything I could for her and she had every chance in the world to make her better :( I'm praying really hard it won't come to that. I can't believe it's only been since January that this problem has been going on.

Please keep Bassett in your prayers. She really needs them :(

[Karen]

Oh dearie, Bassett, that's not good at all. If it comes to it, Sir Jury ain't as bad as the doggies tell you he is ...

But if you try real hard and get better, maybe you won't have to visit him after all ...

You'll both be in our prayers.

[kimlovescats]

Oh, I am praying for good things for Bassett. I know you are very worried, and I just hope and pray that God will show you the right route to take with this decision!:(

[Steffi N]

Dear Bassett, I am sorry to hear that you may need surgery. Please keep us posted, Naomi. Many prayers, good wishes, and comforting thoughts are coming your way. I know you care so much about Bassett and that you will make the right decision.

[Cataholic]

Dearest Bassett,
So soon again? Please let this just be a bad phase, and no more liquids!!! I am praying for you both.
{{{{HUGS}}}}}

[Miss Meow]

Oh no, Naomi, that's not good. We'll be sending positive vibes to your little girl and hoping she picks up. {{hugs}}

[PaysForIt]

Our thoughts are with you.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Naomi, I'm so sorry to hear this. :( Prayers are on the way for both of you. Please get better Bassett so you don't need surgery. Please keep us updated. {{{HUGS}}}

[moosmom]

Naomi,

I'm SO sorry to hear about Bassett's problem. I hope they can help her. :( You guys have been through SO much lately!! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep us posted.

[I Love Brian, Forever <3]

Your little baby will be in my prayers. :( I hope all goes well.

[shais_mom]

Nomi and Bassett, you BOTH are in my prayers and loving thoughts tonite and always.

[jenluckenbach]

Poor Bassett. Not being able to breathe must be very scary for you. I pray that you will be over this phase very soon. HUGS to you and Naomi.

[smokey the elder]

Poor Bassette. I hope you stop producing that nasty fluid. Cats are supposed to breathe air, not that horrid stuff!

[rosethecopycat]

Bassett,

We are thinking of you, sweety. Keeping our fingers crossed. Snowy too...

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Naomi, I'm so sorry to hear this latest update.:( Yes, you and precious Bassett have been through so much these many months. And I know how frightened you are for your baby. But, if sir jury is needed, as difficult as it will be, please know that so many here are with you in spirit and sending you all of our love and strength and prayers. Wish I could give you a hug in person. Please give Bassett and kiss for me. Sandra

[Nomilynn]

Bassett's breathing stayed stable and farily good all night. It isn't 100% back to what it should be, but she's very calm and doing well right now. I will keep a close watch on her, and I may take her to the vet next week for a re-check, depending on what the vet thinks and of course I will take her if her breathing gets really laboured again. However, it looks like the PT prayers are working. Right now she's very subdued (the side effect of a medication she takes every three days) so it's probably doing her a lot of good to just rest quietly all day. She did have her fishies (breakfast) this morning, so at least she's still got her appetite!

I'm afraid to just come right out and say she's doing *well*.. I'm trying to stay realistic here and I'm also being very cautious. I don't want to get my hopes up and then her have a relapse. So I'm not trying to be negative, just guarded. I hope that makes sense and everyone can understand.

Thanks so much for all the prayers. Your support means everything :)

[kimlovescats]

Naomi...

I'm glad to hear that Bassett is stabilized, and it is very good that she is still eating! I know you are afraid to "celebrate" yet and that is understandable. Just know that we all here are keeping you and her in our prayers!

Hugs to you and Bassett!;)

Oh Naomi, I am so sorry to read about poor Bassett....! It must be so frustrating for you to see her suffer like that! I will keep her in my prayers, so she will stabilize again!
If she needs an operation, let's all pray that she pulls through and get a happy healthy cat again!
Hang in there, Bassett!!:) :)

[IttyBittyKitty]

I'm sorry to hear that your little furrdarlin' is suffering so much! I hope that she continues to recover!!! Pixel sends her love and headbumpies :)

[tatsxxx11]

Dear Naomi...Glad to hear that little Bassett is resting comfortably, and taking her food. I completely understand your guarded optimism; one day at a time. But all the while you both will be in my thoughts and the prayers will continue for you and your precious furbaby. Sandra

[HayleyRosie]

I am so sorry to hear about Bassett. You will both be in my thoughts and prayers.

[slick]

It's times like this that I hate not having a computer at home. Naomi, you have my undivided prayers for both you and little Bassett. So glad to hear she's at least eating for now. I do hope it doesn't have to come down to surgery but whatever will be, will be.

[PayItForward]

We are thinking of Bassett, I glad she has a good appetite.

Hopeing she is over this phrase, fingers crossed.

[Nomilynn]

Bassett is still doing well. The part that is frustrating about this disease is that she never acts sick. She is always eating, using the litter box, drinking, sleeping normally. She will still come up to me for love and attention. So, it's very difficult to really know how she feels.

Thanks so much for the prayers. I will continue to keep you posted.

[Steffi N]

I am happy that Bassett is doing fine. We are thankful for every day she is well and hope she is over this bad phase. Cuddles and pets to you, Bassett. Take care of yourself, too.

[tatsxxx11]

Thinking of you sweet Bassett. Hope you continue to do well. We're keeping you in our prayers.

[marysmerrycats]

Naomi
I just saw this thread... so sorry to hear about Bassett again! what is the illness that she has? what kind of surgery will they do? I mean I know it's her lungs, but what will they do?

I will light a candle for her to get over this fluid on the lungs problem, and I hope she starts getting better soon!
how old is Bassett?
take care of yourself too, I know how upsetting it is to watch a cat's health daily.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm so sorry to hear about Bassett's latest bout. :( I'm so glad she seems to be doing well, and I hope she continues to do well and it was just a bad phase she was going through. It does seem odd that she went so long without problems and then she produced so much fluid in such a short time.

Get well, sweet Bassett - and stay well. :)

[Nomilynn]

Bassett's heading to the vet tomorrow morning for another check up, and I think probably another chest drain. It isn't nearly as bad as it was, so I didn't feel like I needed to rush her in. But I keep watching her carefully and make sure she's ok.

I don't really understand the surgery myself, so I'm not about to try and explain it. I've searched for a link, but nothing that really explains it except in humans. I'll keep looking, and see if I can find something.

Bassett is four, and she weighs just under 15lbs.

[Cataholic]

Everything is crossed here for a successful white coat visit tomorrow!!

[Steffi N]

Naomi I sent you a PM with an abstract. I did find that a low fat diet is supposed to help. Wishing the best for poor dear Bassett

[NoahsMommy]

Poor, sweet Bassett, and you too, Naomi. :(

I'll be praying hard....we'll even get the furkids involved.

[marysmerrycats]

wishing Bassett all the best for her vet visit tomorrow!
(maybe you could ask the vet for some info on her illness, or a name for it? I mean, the vet could help you with that, but no big deal if you aren't looking for the info now, you have enough to think about now.)

get well Bassett, and good luck!

[kimlovescats]

Praying for a good vet visit tomorrow!!! Please keep us updated!
;)

[krazyaboutkatz]

Prayers and positive thoughts are on the way for a good vet visit tomorrow. Good luck.

[Cheshirekatt]

Elvis and all the critters in the Cheshirekatt household are sending Bassett head bumpies and good thoughts. We'll be waiting to hear some good news.

[Nomilynn]

Originally posted by marysmerrycats
maybe you could ask the vet for some info on her illness, or a name for it?

I know what Bassett has.. I always have known what she has.. She has chylothorax. I know I've told you this before :confused: :confused:

Bassett has spent the evening sleeping, so I'm glad for that. I want to keep her still. I'm pretty sure she'll need more fluid drained tomorrow :( I just hope she's not accumulating it AS fast anymore.

Thanks for the prayers - I will update you tomorrow!

[Lerah021399]

I hope that everything goes okay for Bassett. Kitty prayers on the way.

[Nomilynn]

I don't have any news yet. The vet is very concerned. She is going to draw out the fluid that's there, and do another blood panel. I may have to take Bassett for another ultrasound and a catscan, if I can afford it. I have no idea what a catscan would cost. I know the ultrasound was almost $300. The vet said that she thinks Bassett has a tumor or something, something that is growing inside her that is causing this very sudden and rapid fluid buildup. I'm just so scared..

[Cheshirekatt]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}} to you and Bassett. I'm thinking positive thoughts for you guys.

[slick]

Oh Naomi I'm so sorry to hear the news. Prayers and head-bumpies on the way for all of you.

[Russian Blue]

I'm so sorry that the two of you have to go through all this!! Many positive vibes being sent, please keep us updated.

((((( Hugs )))))

[rosethecopycat]

Still thinking of Bassett.

[kimlovescats]

Naomi, I know this has to be very difficult for you ... there is nothing worse than not knowing and having to wait! Hugs and prayers to you and Bassett!

[Miss Meow]

Hang in there, Naomi. You two have been through so much already - more good wishes being sent from over here.

[Nomilynn]

Still no real news. I have to wait until tomorrow, when the results from the blood test and fluid tests are back. The vet is also rechecking the chyle (apparently she got ANOTHER 120cc today :( :( ), to make sure that is still clear.

It's strange. I was sitting waiting for the vet to call me, and for a few seconds it was like I would forget Bassett was sick. I could go upstairs, find her sleeping on her bed in the sun, and she was fine. Then, the reality of it all would come rushing back like a huge tidal wave of dread and greif and fear and frustration. I just feel so helpless in this whole situation. I had a long talk today with the two techs at the office when I picked Bassett up, and they said to me that I've been better than most people in taking Bassett to the specialists and spending money when I didn't necessarily have it; Sue actually said that I was the best owner .. even though I don't think of myself as "owning" anything. I am blessed with these companions that live not only in my home but also in my heart. I can't imagine NOT doing everything possible for Bassett - or any of them should the need arise. I just pray that the decisions I have to make are made clear to me; I know they will be difficult and I know it will be financially trying, but I just pray to God that He will help me with this process.

So, I don't know what the outcome will be. I just hope that whatever it is, a real solution can be drawn from it. Right now, I'm going to go cuddle with my girl :(

[batgirl1980]

This is what I get for being away...
:( :(

(((((((HUGS))))))))

I am so sorry for what you are going through. I can't imagine how tough it is, I just know if I were in your shoes, I would be bawling my eyes out just thinking of her not feeling well!

I hope the news is better tomorrow, and you most definetely are a great meowmie.

Give Bassie some head scritchies for me, and hugs too. Sending prayers your way.

[marysmerrycats]

She has chylothorax. I know I've told you this before
yes you did tell me, I forgot, sorry!

[marysmerrycats]

they said to me that I've been better than most people in taking Bassett to the specialists and spending money when I didn't necessarily have it
yeah they told me something similar when I was taking Cookie to the vets all the time... are there that many people out there would NOT do that?:eek:

[krazyaboutkatz]

Naomi, I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. :( Prayers and positive thoughts are still on the way. Just remember that you are a great meowmie and Bassett couldn't ask for a better one. Please take care. {{{{HUGS}}}}

[marysmerrycats]

how are you doing Naomi? I know this is hard on you... you are a wonderful mommy to Bassett, and I'm sure she knows how much you love her!

[PayItForward]

{{{{Hugs}}}}

Sending prayers & good luck to you & Bassett.

Hopeing she improves and the tests results are helpful.

[HayleyRosie]

Hugs are on the way for you and Bassett.

[Logan]

Once again, I am behind. Naomi, I'm so sorry for you and Bassett that you're having to go through this. Please know that I will keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers. I do hope that the vet can figure out what is causing the problem and remedy it so that your girl can be on her way to good health again.

Logan

[ChrisH]

Basset and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love & hugs
Chris

[Lerah021399]

Any updates on Bassett? Praying that she gets well soon!

[Catsnclay]

Have you gotten any news from your Vet yet?

We are all pulling for both you & Bassett.

Stay strong.

[slick]

Waiting to hear some good news as well.

[tatsxxx11]

Keeping you and Bassett in my thoughts and prayers...and anxiously awaiting an update. We're keeping all paws crossed. Love, Sandra, Mr. B and Oliver

[Nomilynn]

Sigh..

I wish I had some real news, but I don't :( Bassett's blood work up came back normal. The vet sent off the fluid again, but it hasn't come back from the lab. My vet called the radiologist and she said "well the picture and diagnosis I did thie first time should be enough. I don't see any point in doing it again." I know my vet well enough to know that she does NOT agree with that. I really think that she will want Bassett to have a catscan, and possibly another ultrasound. She also said that she will be calling the surgeon in Victoria today to ask him what he thinks is the best route to take. I'm just so numb from all this. I can't have Bassett tapped every three days. It isn't good for her, and it's not safe, and it's totally unfair. None of this is fair. I know I shouldn't but I can't help but wonder what I did to deserve this. I and REALLY wonder why Bassett deserves this. I just wanna SCREAM "make ME sick.. I'll suffer through it because at least I can say what's wrong" Bassett has no voice in all this and it's killing me. She looks at me with these trusting eyes like "why, mom? why?" and what can I say to her? Nothing! because I don't even know myself!! This is tearing me apart and the only reason I'm keeping it together at all is because I know Bassett needs me and I know that no matter what happens with Bassett, Tilly and Nutmeg need me. I just don't know how much hurt my heart can hold before it explodes inside me.

Thank you all for your support. It means SO much and you are all wonderful and I love you all. I really don't think I COULD do it without knowing that I can come here and let my fingers throwup all over the keyboard and someone is there for me to rely on. Thank you all.

I'll keep you posted. As soon as I know something, you all will know too. Please keep praying.

[Cheshirekatt]

{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}} for you and Bassett.

[Steffi N]

Please don't lose hope. The new tests should give a fuller picture of her problems and indicate the best way to treat them.
I have a little book called "Where Cats Meditate" and in it is quotation from the Buddha "The greatest prayer is patience."
We are all here for you and with you.

[batgirl1980]

*wipes away my tears from your last post* ((((HUGS))))

I really don't know what to say, other then I'm sending prayers your way still. We're all here if you need us.

[kimlovescats]

Oh Naomi....... I feel so heavy hearted for you right now! Wish there were some healing words to take this all away from you, but all I can do is offer you my love, prayers, and shoulder if you need it!!! E-mail or PM me any time if you need to!

((((HUGS))))

[wolflady]

Naomi, I'm so sorry I'm late to this post, but please know that prayers are on the way from me too. Don't be so hard on yourself. You are such a wonderful meowmie, and there is a reason why a precious creature such as Bassett was meant to be with you. It's because you're doing all you can for her, and she knows it. I know it's hard because they can't tell us their feelings and it makes us feel at a loss sometimes. Chin up, sweetie, she knows you love her very much. I sure hope she improves soon and do keep us posted. Lots of ****hugs**** and prayers for you and Bassett!
Karen

[krazyaboutkatz]

Naomi, I know it's hard to see Bassett in this condition but please don't give up. I'm sure that the tests will be able to tell your vet what the next course of treatment should be. Prayers and positive thoughts are coming your way for you and Bassett. Please take care. {{{HUGS}}}

[HayleyRosie]

Naomi, I am always thinking of you and Bassett and I will continue to pray that Bassett will be well again. Please don't be so hard on yourself. I think you are doing a wonderful job. You are doing everything you can and Bassett's well being is what you have in mind. I don't know a better way you can approach this than what you are already doing. I admire you for your strength and your love for your furkids.

[slick]

Naomi:
I breaks my hear to hear this news. Please know that you and the furkids are in my daily prayers. Hang in their buddy and lean on us for support any time you need it. I'm sending you a giant hug through cyberspace. I know how difficult this must be for you and Bassett but please try and stay hopeful. Kisses to Bassett from me.

Bassett:
I know you can't speak but your Meowmie is doing the best she can to try to make you well. I know that sometimes the procedures are uncomfortable but please know that she loves you just as much as you love her and whatever needs to be done is for your own good in helping to find the next course of treatment.


luv

[PayItForward]

We are praying as hard as we can.

Sending {{{Hugs}}} to you & Bassett.

I'm so sorry you & Bassett have had to go though this horrible illness. Hoping things change for the better asap.

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Originally posted by Steffi N

I have a little book called "Where Cats Meditate" and in it is quotation from the Buddha "The greatest prayer is patience."


I know it's hard, but this quote is so true. It sounds like your vet is doing everything she can to determine the best step to take next. It's hard to wait for answers, but it sounds like she's working on it, so please try and be patient.

{{{Hugs}}}to you and Bassett. Thoughts and prayers still coming your way.

[Catsnclay]

Our vet chose to put a chest tube in Lucky, its is not a better solution, but they could drain the fluid hourly, rather than sticking him daily. Less of a chance for inection, too. You might ask for that option since the fluid is still building up. The chest tube can stay in for a week without any major problems. Just a thought.


Stay strong..........

[IttyBittyKitty]

I just know I would go to peices if I had to go through something like this with my kitty. It must be so awful! I am continuing to pray for you and Bassett and your other two kitties who would certainly be upset at their best mate's discomfort.

Bassett- You are also very, very brave and very, very lucky to have such a wonderful Meowmie. Please get better soon for your Meowmie and all your friends at PT.

[Killearn Kitties]

I just found this thread. How awful for you and Bassett. It is so hard to deal with this situation, where you have to make all the decisions for an animal that trusts you but you just don't know how they feel or whether they understand why you are doing this. I'll be thinking of you and sending all the positive vibes I can.

[Barbara]

I've been away for 3 weeks and when I met Bunny's Lucky who also has chylothorax and who is quite ok at the moment, I thought of Basset being so much better too and now I see this. Oh I know it is so difficult to bear all this with a cat who trusts you absolutely because she knows you will do the right things for her -but you don't know....

I keep everything crossed and hope she will have a long life with you and her sisters:)

[Nomilynn]

Hi everyone,

I do have some information for everyone, but I just don't have time to write it all out today (I'm going to a family thing tonight). But I hope that I will be awake enough to type it all out tonight after I get back from dinner.

But to quickly update you all, Bassett is doing ok. She went to the vet yesterday for another drain, and it was 150cc again. We are noe considering the surgery. (that's what tonight's update will be about).

Keep checking, and I will keep you posted when I have the energy to think it all out into some coherent paragraphs ;)

Naomi

[IttyBittyKitty]

Thanks for the update! Enjoy your dinner!

[Randi]

Naomi, I've just now read the whole thread. I'm so very sorry to hear Bassett is producing fluids again. I really hope you and the vet can find the right solution for her! So far, you have done everything possible and I'm sure Bassett knows that. I can only imagine how you feel. :( Please try and be strong and keep your hopes up.

I'll be sending positive thoughts and we'll keep all fingers and paws crossed for sweet Bassett. :)

Get well again dear Bassett!

[tatsxxx11]

Thinking of you both with lots of love and sending our prayers, as well. We love you Bassett. Please get well soon. Love, Sandra, Mr. B and Oliver

[momoffuzzyfaces]

(((BASSETT & NAOMI)))

[Nomilynn]

Ok.. I'm finally able to give you that big update I promised before.

On Friday Bassett went in again to have another 150cc drawn off. I have now started thinking about the surgery options. I talked to a surgeon on Friday, and I really really liked her. She explained everything to me in a clear way without dummying it down.. she did not make me feel stupid or anything. I would be very comfortable with this woman giving Bassett her surgery.

The surgery is very extensive and invasive. They have to open up Bassett's chest cavity (thoracotomy) and then there are three procedures that take place.

1) First the pericardium, or the sac that the heart sits in, is removed. Dr. Schiller (the surgeon) says that in removing this sac, the flow dynamics of the blood and lymph fluids (the chyle that accumulates in Bassett's chest is a lymph fluid) is changed. In removing this sac, the heart does not have to work as hard and therefore the pressure on the vessels is less. She described it as "removing an avenue for the fluid to accumulate."

2) The next step is the thoracic duct ligation. This means that the thoracic duct would be tied off just where it enters the chest cavity, forcing the fluid to find another place to dispel and then be absorbed by the body's fat. Where it is accumulating now, there is nothing to absorb it, and that's why it's just sitting in Bassett's pleural cavity rather than being absorbed.

3) The last part of the surgery is some omentum, which is fat from around the small intestine, is brought up through the diaphragm and into the chest cavity, so that if fluid does accumulate, the omentum fat can act like a wick and draw the fluid out of the chest.

After the surgery, Bassett would have to stay in intensive care for at least five days, and then I don't know if I would take her home or if I would have to leave her at my own vet for a period of time (this surgery would be done at the same critical care unit that Bassett had her ultrasound). The surgeon said that this is Bassett's best chance at making it through this disease, and even at that the success rate is only 30-50%. I don't know if that means a complete recovery or if it includes even a partial recovery. What I mean by that is this procedure sometimes is a complete cure, a partial cure meaning fluid still accumulates but medical managment and drug therapy can control it, and sometimes if cures the cat for a while and then the disease can come back. Also, there is a chance it won't work at all.

Now for the final blow.. Dr. Schiller wrote me up an estimate, and the total came to $4750. That does not include my other expenses like travel, finding a place to stay, etc. I still have a lot of questions for the surgeon and so I'm not 100% sure this is what I want to do, but I'm leaning this way. Bassett is so happy and chipper otherwise, that I feel like it would be unfair to not give her this opportunity. However, it's a very expensive chance. I still feel like I need to talk to the surgeon about the risks and everything.

I'm also going to ask you all a favour. If you could, try to put yourself into my situation, and think of the questions you would have for the surgeon. I'm so overwhelmed because I'm so involved with this that I'm sure there are things I should ask that I am not thinking of. Then I can print them out and call the surgeon about it. That would be a great help to me.

So, I think that's all I know so far. I will be getting in touch with the bank tomorrow to see if I can take out some kind of loan. I need to set up the money in case I decide to do this.

Thank you all for the continued support and prayers.

Naomi

[marysmerrycats]

Naomi
as I was reading this, I thought wow she really did explain it very well to you...because it seems to be explained so well in your post.
the first thing I wondered about it, was the 30-50% success rate.
you need to know, does that mean 30-50% as in her chances of making it THRU the surgery?? or does it mean her chances of the surgery helping? be very sure to find out what the chances are of something going wrong during a surgery like that...I don't want to scare you, but it is something to think about. that sounds like a extremely serious surgery! but she is only 4 yrs old(right?) so I would also be leaning toward wanting to have the surgery done on her if she were my cat.
also, can the vet give you information on other cats that have had that done, or do they know of anyone, maybe other vets have had patients with that disease? try the universities, maybe they have info on it. vet universities etc.
and, after the intensive care, how long til a complete reccovery?
will she be able to do normal activities and play after she is recovered? is there any known downside to life after the surgery?

that's all I can think of right now, but I will let you know if I think of anything else. you have SO MUCH to think about and so much worry, can I help you in any way, like with find/gathering info from universites and the interent? PLEASE let me know, I would be glad to .