I don't know who was more traumatized. Around Thanksgiving of 1997, we noticed Ginger wasn't eating as she had been, that her breathing had gotten kind of raspy, and her energy level had gone way down. A consult later that day with a wonderful oncologist in nearby Irving, CA was a mixed blessing - and after heartbreaking consideration, we opted against chemo for her, as from all indications the cancer had spread too far. But by Friday, Dec. 12th, as hard as it was to think so, it was clear that the most loving thing to do was to let her go. SO - even though our story has not had a happy ending, we share it in hopes of helping other cats and their people.
Information is power.
The recommendations about this have changed several times even in just the 8 months, and hopefully whatever necessary changes in the vaccines will be made soon so that others are not compromised. She was a stray that came into the yard four days before that and simply wouldn't leave. I could think of who may have been looking for a kitty, or lost one. If I was outside at all, this kitten was right under my feet. At that point, I gave in.