The next thing I knew, I was conscious, and stoned in a horrible, Demerol sort of way. I really hate opiate highs. I was surprised to find that I felt quite well, the drug induced dizziness notwithstanding. There were two nurses asking me questions, and I started doing breathing exercises to clear my head. All I wanted to do was go home.
There was a blank period, after which I awoke back in my room with the whole family (except my mother who had gone to my house to clean my refrigerator -- don't ask why, I didn't). I was much more awake and ready to leave as soon as possible. What I didn't know until a couple of days later was that the lumpectomy was more extensive than had been previously anticipated and the surgery lasted two hours longer than expected. The hospital staff were sure I would stay the night, but I was up and walking around, conscious, peeing, etc., so they let me go home. I was surprised that I had so little pain.
I got home and settled into bed with ice packs on my tit, pain killer in my bloodstream, and a pile of books and magazines. I have yet to find an analgesic herb as effective as Vicodin, but I'm still searching. Meanwhile, as I said, I'm pragmatic and will use anything that works until I find something better. It works.
I have vague memories of being on the phone a lot, but I can't remember with whom. I know that I felt deeply cared about by many people. Having been an outcast for most of my life, the different one, I am very grateful for being accepted and loved just as myself. It's wonderful to not try to fit in any more, and to just be. Later Chuck told me that just about everyone I knew in Circle of Aradia had called.
I was extremely touched.