Thanks Christine. You did spell it right and what's more it has the same name in NZ. We don't think my pain is nerve pain because it's more of an ache but Gabapentin sounds like a good one to have up my sleeve. And I'm having a good day today. Pain is being kept at bay and swelling is going down, albeit very slowly. I ventured out to the local shops on foot and weathered the questions and sympathy.

Yes, the recovery has been rapid apart from the swelling and pain. I have lots of energy ... Still don't have the pathology results. Might have to wait a week or two which suits me. I need to be in a good state to face them and the radiotherapy.

Haven't got a definitive answer on the size of the tumour yet - have to have that discussion. Can say that the arm flap/scar is no bigger than last time (tongue) in spite of what surgeon said. Told him I was in no hurry to talk about pathology and RT. From somewhere I have gleaned the philosophy that I'm on the recovery train at the moment and don't want to get off it till I've reached my destination in a couple of weeks.

I was warned that they might not have clear margins (they think they do), there might need to be a little bit more surgery or just radiotherapy. But somehow I didn't fret about that, just thought that I need to get through this step first. And the surgeon seemed very happy with my progress so I'll bask in that for a while:)