Dillema with stray cats health

I've been caring for a stray for 8 years, he was dumped and is fairly social and friendly. I noticed pus coming from his mouth and I'm not sure if it's a dental issue or abcess. It's affecting his eating. He needs to see a vet but that's where the problem begins. If he requires and surgery, painkillers, or antibiotics (any of those very likely), I cannot bring him home and care for him outside in the middle of winter, so he needs to stay somewhere and be cared for I cannot house him in my house. My first thought was boarding him at the vet as they can properly give meds and moniter his health, but some medicines need to be given 1-2 weeks and I don't know how he will handle the stress with dogs and cats around all the time. Not to mention I've had my pet cat boarded at this vet and they never let me see my cats cage and my cat hadn't defecated in a week and they hid it from me. Another option is find a foster (or ask if someone at the vet office can bring home and foster), but so far I'm not having luck finding a good foster and if they can't handle him and give him meds then that's no good. My vet also doesn't bathe cats and I can't afford a groomer so I need to find someone to bathe him he is long haired and this gunk is all in his fur and smells bad!
I don't know what is the best option. Last time I brought a stray to the vet it ended me PTS the cat from leukemia and I have severe anxiety now and either way im getting upset over the whole situation and I'm stressing more than I should. I'm afraid of how the cat will do and if he is very sick and if he can handle all this vet care.

A few ideas to find a foster volunteer:

- Check with the local shelter if they could "loan" you a volunteer

- Ad on Craigslist or local paper to find a foster home

- Flyer at vet offices and/or local pet stores

- Alley Cat Allies "Feral Friends" network

- FB pages (f.e. look for the name of your county plus "pets" or "animals")

- If there is a college with a vet tech program, ask there.

Wingwalker said:

A few ideas to find a foster volunteer:
- Check with the local shelter if they could "loan" you a volunteer
- Ad on Craigslist or local paper to find a foster home
- Flyer at vet offices and/or local pet stores
- Alley Cat Allies "Feral Friends" network
- FB pages (f.e. look for the name of your county plus "pets" or "animals")
- If there is a college with a vet tech program, ask there.

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So your saying boarding at the vet doesn't seem like a good idea?

Of courseit´s a good idea! But I thought you were looking for alternatives. If you can afford it, board the cat at the vet!