Absess vs Bee Sting - Please help

My daughters cat came home 1 1/2 days ago with a swollen check. No other symptoms, she's still eating and drinking water but it's still swollen. At first it was hard now it's less hard. Last night we gave her baby benadryl which was recommended by a vet. I can't tell if she's lethargic, because she's in indoor/outdoor cat. She went out this morning and returned for feeding at the usual time. She is now locked in because I don't know how to treat this. There isn't any indication of injury, it's not red, not feverish and obviously not going away. I can't tell if it's an Absess or a bee sting. I can afford an office visit and even antibiotics, but cannot afford the operation if it's an absess; I was quoted $500-$1,000 and my luck I did not qualify for care credit. I'm on unemployment, and have called several vets for a barter or payment plan with what we do have as a down payment, post dated check and nothing. I set up a gofundme account based on a friends suggestion and have a few donations but not nearly enough if she needs an operation.View media item 287746

So my question is has any cat owner successfully cured this at home and how? I don't want my daughters cat to die. My daughter has a rare disorder and her baby has been with her through all of it.

One way or another, she does need medical treatment. Are there any shelters that have a vet who could help you out for a donation?
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I've read her article, I've clicked on all possible sites. Found one grant called Angels, however every clinic they had listed doesn't participate. I would have to call tomorrow to the vet schools and shelters to see if they could do something like that. I did set up a gofundme account and getting a little bit of donations from fb friends but I think so far $70 out of what I need, that I am grateful for.

Post 78 in this thread has a list of financial assistance programmes that might be work checking out. I'm really sorry I can't be more help. 
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Thank you! I actually found a place non profit that works especially with people in a financial crunch. They do it for the animals and not to make a huge amount of money. There are places like this to far and few between, but I was blessed to find one and fix my cat for only $70. Thank you for your response to my issue, I appreciate it!

That's great news!  I'm so glad you  were able to find affordable treatment for your little girl