I'm still alive! I can now go up and down stairs and walk more than five steps without needing to sit down because of the pain, which I take to be a very good sign. My appointment is tomorrow at 1:00 to get the results of the pathology work. As a best-case scenario the tumor didn't spread and I will only need radiation, as a safety precaution. As a worst-case scenario, the tumor has spread to my lymph nodes and/or lungs and/or other organs, requiring more surgery as well as chemotherapy and/or radiation. From what the doctor said, the former is a lot more likely, so I'm trying not to worry about it... but the fact that it's a possibility still keeps me a little anxious. I guess I'll get my answer tomorrow, either way.

Since the surgery, I've had a really hard time adjusting to the changes. The area on the lower right side of my abdomen sporting a 2.5-inch incision covered only by some kind of clear tape is not particularly lovely, as you can imagine. But beyond that, there's the fact that a chunk of my groin is suddenly no longer there. And I want it back. It's possible to get an artificial replacement-- and from what I've heard second-hand from people who've had it done, it's a much simpler process than the removal-- but I know I won't be able to get that until I'm fully healed from this surgery and all the cancer treatments are done with. That's going to be weeks or more. I hope I get used to this somehow, because as it stands I feel like a freak and it's not a great way to be.

On a much brighter note, check out the t-shirt Bec and Mone made for me featuring D.K of the Seeker, one of our favorite bands! I love it so much.