Negative, in a positive way

A quick update to let you all know that I have just returned from my sentinel node biopsy. They removed two nodes, and both came back negative, which means that they are fairly confident the cancer has not spread beyond the original tumor. This will not be certain until the nodes are more thoroughly examined microscopically over the next week to ten days, but it is a very encouraging sign.

I was under "conscious sedation" and woke up after the surgery, but while we were still in the operating room waiting for results back from the lab. The anaesthesiologist was saying something like "does she have a beer belly?" and apparently that was enough to rouse me - I could not resist defending myself, and awoke to inform that I most certainly did not. The doctors laughed and assured me they were talking about someone's blind date.

They then went on to talk about weekend plans - I was even able to chime in with some recommendations. I was a bit troubled that I was unable to come up with a decent restaurant in the Theatre District, but that's difficult even when I possess all of my faculties. I did however advise that I would choose The Drowsy Chaperone or The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie over Mamma Mia, if I were buying the tickets.

Michael was there when they wheeled me out. Once they released me, we headed back to the Upper West in a cab, but since I am feeling good, we walked a few blocks home from the Apthorp Pharmacy to enjoy a gorgeously warm and sunny day in the city. I am off for a nap to sleep off the anesthesia, but since so many of you sent your good wishes yesterday and this morning, I wanted to let you know that it looks like they worked.