The operation went off without a hitch and without any surprises. The doctor was pleased and saw no obviously cancerous lymph nodes.

He was taken to the operating room at 7:30 and returned to the recovery room at 1:30.

By 2:30 he was settled in his room, propped up against pillows and sipping ice water.

An hour later he was in a recliner, blankets tucked around him, checking the stock market on his cell phone while I ordered broth and Jello for his dinner.

The nurses cannot believe it.

Recovery time is usually 3-4 weeks. Radiation, if needed, wouldn’t happen for at least six months.

I left him to his dinner at 6 and called for a shuttle back to the hotel. This place was built for patients and families and it is heaven. By 7:30 I was eating Chinese takeout (delivered to the door) and by 9 had crashed.

I slept for nine hours. I hope Banjo Man did, too. He’ll call me when he wakes up and let me know how he’s feeling. I’m going to pack up the car and check out before taking the shuttle to the hospital. We’ll head home this afternoon if permitted.

There was a storm here overnight and I am happy to wait until most of it has blown across Connecticut before we set out.

Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers. I believe we felt them all.