Dotsie,
Just a thought about your sister.
I'm glad to hear she's keeping a positive outlook. But you and she should both be aware that after a surgery to remove a part of one's body, even a very small diseased part, the body grieves the loss of that part.
It's a normal part of healing, but it can adversely affect one's mental outlook which can lengthen the healing process.
Post op patient's almost always go through a full cycle of grief including denial, guilt, regret, anger, bargaining sadness, and resolution. Sometimes much of that process occurs before the actual surgery and each individual experiences it differently. If the patient and those around her are aware of it, the symptoms are lessened by acceptance.
Sigmund Freud said emotions in themselves are not painful, but our fear of them and our fight against them can be unbearable.
Being aware of what to expect can help your sister lean into the emotions which will lessen the pain and speed recovery.

Just some thoughts. You and your sister are in my prayers.
smile

[ May 17, 2004, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: smilinize ]