The recovery is going well! Although I seem to always be dizzy, I have managed to get by with only half an oxycocet today!

The skin, at the incision, is taped together with 'steri-strips' which will undoubtedly slough off in a couple of days. Below the skin, there are stitches which are meant to dissolve into nothing. Sounds like there should be little to no scarring. My boob looks just as it used to. The back of my arm feels like your mouth does when it's been frozen, but I'm told that won't last.

The surgery went well, I hear. I came out of it feeling pretty bad and curious about my fat lip. It was a long day leading into the operating room. The radio-isotope injection was some painful and the doctor performing the procedure was not sociable. Going without food or drink was not fun. Surgery was delayed by two hours. By the time the anesthesiologist came to check that I was ready to go in, I had a caffine withdrawl headache, hunger pains and my period.

The anesthesiologist was someone I recognized from around town. He was much kinder than I'd ever imagined he could be, and I have to admit, I fell a little bit in love with him. He was young, cute and took all pain away! He explained that the drugs he'd be giving me would relax my muscles so completely that my breathing might stop (just like Michael Jackson's) and so tubes would be inserted in my throat. That explains the fat lip. I'll probably never see him again.

The surgeon, Dr Engel, held onto me firmly as I went under. There was some soulful guitar playing on the stereo, and a nurse wiped away my tears while encouraging me into unconsciousness. I felt well taken care of.

It was nice to stay out at Gramma's farm for the first couple of days after surgery. The walks, having so many sweet people around, so many painkillers... ideal comforts! Now I'm staying at my Grandma Iris and step-Grandpa Ken's apartment in Kingston. They're taking great care of me. I drank alcohol tonight for the first time since Thursday! I love getting drunk with 80-somethings.

Mom and I will be seeing Dr Engel in a little over a week to discuss the pathology of the Lump and next steps for treatment.

Go on, and do whatever it is that makes you happy! I'll keep you posted.