Today, my wife and I met with our surgical oncologist. He examined the area where he performed the surgery. Overall, the left side of my chest is healing quite well. Although there is a persistent state of numbness where the tumor was removed, I can live with it. Also, since they removed 33 lymph nodes, I will have to monitor my left arm for any signs of lymphedema and neuropathy for the rest of my life. However, the risk of cancer spreading to vital organs definitely outweighs any life-long discomfort.

ajh