...came to mind that I'd best talk with them at least. Don't know if the infection will affect the hardware in my spine.

went to the closet to get my shoes and there was my cat; glassy eyed and looking very sick. so I took her to the vet.
she was put to sleep...
he discovered she had cancerous nodules. due to her age, we decided not to subject her to surgery and treatment, the prognosis was not good even with aggressive treatment.

so I held her and thanked her for being my companion for so many years, for being so full of fun, sitting near me while I wept, asked her forgiveness for the times I was not pleasant to her, then said goodbye while he injected her...he also had tears in his eyes, he's done all my furry companions and knows this was the last pet I'll have...

later in the week I'll go for the conference on treating the infection

thanks guys for your kind support and encouragement
Catherine