Gayle, my mom went through this when she was 81. Age doesn't matter, but in our experience the whole process went so quickly it was almost a blur.

I hope your surgeon is Lafreniere. He is excellent and has a wonderful "bedside" manner. But there are other wonderful surgeons here.

Do ask for some home care for your first few days home.

A couple of days before Mom's surgery they marked the sentinel lymph nodes. During surgery several of those nodes were excised, sent to pathology. If they are negative for cancer then they are not removed. If they are, then a bunch of lymph nodes go. This saves a second possible surgery.

Please message me if you want me there to hold your hand, bring you Popsicles, buy cat food, bring something to the hospital that you forgot to buy.

Most important: buy a pair of comfy and effective ear plugs. You'll sleep much better in the hospital if you do!

Hugs.