My near 3 year old rat has 3 tumors

Question
My female rat Splinter will be 3 in October. She has never had any health problem. I noticed for the first time on Fri 16th April at night time that she had 2 marble size lumps on her left side. One on her chest the other just after, not under, her left front armpit. I took her the vets the next morning and the vet found another smaller one under her back left underarm and she said it was most likely cancer in her lymph nodes as it was down one side. She isn't yet in any discomfort althouth she has lost a considerable amount of weight over the last 4 months which I put down to old age. And she is drinking loads. She also just sits and stares and doesn't climb up her ropes or cage bars anymore. But she will run after treats and still has a huge appetite. The vet gave her some baytril 0.16ml twice a day, based on her body weight and said to carry on for 1 week and if the tumors shrank slightly to carry on for another 2 weeks after and see how she goes. It is now Tues 20th and they are a tiny bit bigger. I am going on holiday on Sat 24th and am worried about leaving her with my father-in-law as I do not want her to suffer while I am away and when the time comes I'd like to be with her. I don't no whether to leave her while I'm away and risk my father-in-law taking her to be euthanized or he may not be the best judge of charactor and she may be in discomfort or should I take her tonight. If I take her tonight then I can spend a few more days with her sister Anya so she doesn't get stressed and have cuddles from someone who she knows. I want to give them both the best chance of survival I can. From your other questions it does sound like mammory tumors but I am not sure whether I can put her through the surgery as it looks and sounds awful for such a little creature. The nearest exotic vet is 30 miles away from me which I am prepared to go to and money, well I can find it from somewhere even though I'll have to take out a loan probably. Maybe I should cancel my holiday? I just don't know what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Nicola

Answer
For starters, there is absolutely no need to even think about putting your rat to sleep. Please dont even consider it. I only suggest it when the animal has lost her will to live. Severe lethargy, not eating at all, no interest in life in general, and losing that certain sparkle they have in their eyes. Only a rat lover knows that spark and I am sure you will know it while your father in law wont. I would never allow anyone to make the decision to euthanize, not even the Vet to be honest. They dont know what your rat is like at home. Some rats are on deaths door at the Vets but perk right up when they get home and it was all due to the fact they were not used to the surroundings that Vets clinic and became stressed out.

Truth is, I have seen rats live comfortably with tumors the size of lemons.  Please refer to my website and the page on tumors.  My website is Sandyscrittercity.com.  It will make you feel alot better about the situation, I promise.   Where are you located? I can possibly find you a vet closer...no promises since a good vet for rats are few.  
Even if your in the UK  I can still locate the better Vets for rats....most of the time.