When I started writing it was dark and quiet outside. The town was covered in fresh powdery snow and most students were, and are still, away for holidays. There seems to be no one in this big old house, but me.

This holiday season has been something else. Reconnecting with family and friends has emotionally grounded and nourished me while rest, delicious food, excellent exercise and massage have helped to physically re-enforce that soothing sense of belonging.

On reflection, the experience of last month's lumpectomy & sentinel node biopsy give me confidence in the treatments that lie ahead... The tumor removed in December was roughly 2cm in size, which is big enough to be considered potentially dangerous. Cancer cells were found in one of the three lymph nodes taken. There were only millimeters of cancer in the node, but the fact that there were cancer cells there at all seems to indicate risk of cancer spreading to other organs and tissues. ...The next surgery will see the armpit incision re-opened and elongated, the fat tissue and remaining lymph nodes will be removed. Hopefully no more cancer will be found in that pile of muck. Though, whatever is found will help determine the risk of cancer recurring, the dosage for chemotherapy, and the location for radiation therapy.

One of the drawbacks of having lymph nodes removed is the increased possibility of developing lymphedema (swelling because of fluids) in the affected arm. Thankfully there are agreeable ways of controlling that condition. Because the lymphatic system acts like a sewer system, taking away gross fluids, the arm will always have a harder time healing cuts and fighting off infection. This will require some simple preventative care and special attention. There likely will be more numb areas in the arm after surgery, and certainly there will be a period of regaining mobility and strength.

It's a dazzling day here. I should get a move on. I'd like to go swimming, and I need to prepare some paperwork for my application to the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Happy New Year!