You all are so smart and helpful! — it apparently ARE those icky knots at the ends of the incision. The doctor was unconcerned and in fact said things might feel worse before they feel better. (?) And right on cue, this weekend the area in the groin where they took out the lymph node swelled up like a lemon. It does make it difficult to walk, but I'm feeling optimistic, as the pathology report for cancer cells in the lymph node came back negative! Thanks for all the support — it's a godsend. I get my stitches out (and hopefully the ok to start exercising again) in two weeks and will keep you posted.