Thanks so much for the response Columbine! No, it wasnt the vet who told me this, however, I used to work in a medical setting with people and this was believed to be a common occurance. Because stress causes the sympathetic nervous system to be activated - you have increased heart rate, increased sweating, increased blood pressure, decreased immune system, etc. - all of which make you vulnerable. Sydney has survived 6 months of chemotherapy and I have been very adament about making her life as comfortable and stress free as possible. I am afraid leaving her in Auburn will for several days would be traumatic - especially since she is almost 14 years old. However - I have been reading all the previos posts on hyperthryoidism and it appears long term usage of the pill can be problematic, wherein loose stools, appetite, and vomiting issues can occur. This is not what she needs. It is so difficult sometimes having to be the one incharge of her life. The responsibility is exhausting at times