Lucy,
As Roman said, a really touching story. I can only imagine how you feel for loosing your kitty.
All our pets have shorter life than ours and everyone who love their pets have to face this. Its sad that we don't have so many medical advancements for vet as we have for humans. We can only pray god that the vet science is improved to treat such diseases.
And you did the right thing. Giving her the right facilities at the right moment.