Details, Part 2
I awoke in the PACU some undetermined time later with a nurse next to me keeping an eye on me. Admittedly, I clearly don't remember what I don't remember, but once I started to come out of it, I felt like I came out of it reasonably fast. They said they had to observe me for a minimum of an hour and I really just wanted to get out of there because while *I* felt fine, I know a lot of other people do NOT as they come out of it, and I didn't want to be there if that was the case. I spent a fair bit of time covering my ears, though my movement was a little constrained. Still, it was early and the room was reasonably empty so all was fine.
Awesome surgeon popped in and gave me the good news about the lymph nodes being negative. I adore her and I told her so, though I suspect she thought I was just high on meds because she just stared at me awkwardly (doesn't she know that awkward is MY brand?). I was trying to communicate that I was really happy with how everything had gone so far: after seeing stories of surgeons ignoring women's wishes, and stories of pain and horrible outcomes, I was feeling good (Anna was not kidding that I was joking with her about doing cartwheels a mere few hours after this).
I got a room assignment quickly and while I am pretty sure there was some pain medication given during surgery, all I needed even that day was Tylenol. My surgeon had said it would be okay and I was skeptical...but it turned out she knows what she's talking about! I've had a few people ask why I didn't have pain killers prescribed, and the answer is I flat (heh) out did not need them. I had the option to call in if I did, but I was barely taking Tylenol, and when I did, half the time, it was mainly out of habit. The only truly uncomfortable thing was my throat from the breathing tube/anesthesia. I was a bit hoarse but that was fine by Saturday.
Surgeon popped in the next morning to reiterate the things she'd said the day before in case I didn't remember, and I informed her that she must be magical if she can perform surgery without leaving me in pain. I stand by this. Then Stephen came to get me shortly after that. I had a freezer stocked with ice cream and popsicles (and actual nutritious food, obviously), but my main challenge has been to not overdo it with activity, since I have felt pretty good.
Next up: Days of aggressive rest.