My surgery went about as expected. The whole process took about 8 hours, from the time I arrived at the hospital and the time they sent me home.
Although, I expected to be in a total panic before surgery, Valium and some meditation kept that at bay.
The only unexpected turn of events was that the surgeon removed many more lymph nodes than she was expecting to, because the sentinel node biopsy done during surgery indicated some abnormal cells. Everything has been sent to the lab and the complete pathology report should be back later this week. Of course, I am hoping that it won't show anything that will require more surgery!
I am experiencing some pain at the incision sites, but I'm taking pain medication and using ice packs, so it's all manageable. No nausea or headache from the anesthesia. Yay!
Next week I have follow-up appointments with the surgeon, the oncologist, and the naturopath. (Too bad no one gives "frequent flyer" awards.)
Then I have a break until I go back to the radiation oncologist in July to determine the exact course of treatment based on the pathology results. (It will probably be six weeks of treatment, five days a week)
All in all, it's just a huge relief to be through this latest "medical adventure."
Thanks for all the good wishes, prayer, or whatever good juju you send my way!
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