Ford Escape 2001 3.0 Catalytic Converter

Drilling Holes into Catalytic Converter? Pro's and
Con's? I can't afford a new one right now... but I
need a quick fiz to drive 4 hours home friday night.  
I had cylinder 4 and 5 misfiring. I drove on that for
a few days not knowing the problems that could
come from that. I replace the ignition coils and
spark plugs. After I did that I drove and it wouldn't
reach over 20 Mph, the 40, then 59, then back
down.. Transmission wont go at full power and I
have been told its because of raw full being
pumped into the Catalytic converter. Please give
me simple answers. I cannot afford to have it done
in a shop but I have a friend with plenty of tools to
get the Job done. Thank you.