Thank you, (((((one and all)))))) for your prayers and good wishes.
I made it out of surgery, and it went pretty well. Unfortunately, it looks like I'll need chemotherapy after all, because the cancer was in at least two of my lymph nodes (and we're awaiting the pathology reports on the rest of them). I'm not sure how I feel about all this. It seemed at first that lumpectomy and radiation would be enough, and I already had misgivings about the radiation. Chemotherapy and my family history don't go well together, either. So I've got lots of reading and weighing of options to do.
Then, too, this screws up my school plans. I had already dropped out of one spring course. So depending on when chemotherapy starts, I may have to skip my summer class as well, and just keep the one I need to complete requirements for my Associates Degree, so I can graduate on June 17. And what it will mean for Fall, I have no idea. I'm feeling very stuck. Just when I think I'm getting unstuck (for example, my mother's estate is progressing and my divorce finally happened), something new comes up that reminds me that I can't always be in control. I think my lesson must be "patience."
So I'll be trying to be patient gracefully instead of railing against Fate.
Thanks again for your support, everyone. It is greatly appreciated!
outnfree