Rat Lump & Losing Hair & Weight Loss

Question
My husbands 2 yr old rat developed a lump about 2 weeks ago. It grew to the size of a grape in a matter of days. It does not appear to be growing bigger but it has gotten harder (my husband says it moves with the skin). She has lost alot of weight, she's quite skinny. And the last few days she has started losing hair. She is not very active but she is still eating abit, drinking, walking around (although lop sided and she cant stand on her stick anymore without teetering or sometimes falling).  Is she dying? Does this sound like cancer or leukemia? Should we let her die naturally? There is no vet in the area that will take care of her, I have searched. There is one that will put her down for $60. Nice options I've been given.
Her companion, a healthy female, has not been leaving her side lately. It's like she knows something.

Answer
Where is the lump located, for starters?

Also, no, I do not suggest she be put down. I agree to let her go on her own time, unless you notice loss of quality of life such as refusing to eat, drink, severe lethargy such as not wanting to move around much at all, not caring about anything, even treats. Not grooming herself etc.... you will know when its time.

Offer her baby foods, watermelon to help with liquids. Soy milk is good for a rat that is not eating too.  I prefer baby food since the stage 1 carry alot of water as the base. Any flavor is fine.

As for it being cancer or leukemia....rats do not suffer from leukemia and the tumors they get are rarely cancerous.  In fact, they can be removed very easily.

Please read my website about tumors and rats here.

http://www.freewebs.com/crittercity/allabouttumors.htm

Also, chances are my database has a few vets near you that you have not found that will indeed see your rat and help her rather than offer to end her life prematurely.  Let me know your location and I will gladly give you some names. No obligation of course.