Most of us here lean pretty heavily towards the "don't leave them alone" side of the equation. The main reasons are pain management and unforeseen events. 

Since you asked for advice, this is my own personal take. I would ask the vet if they plan to do any overnight check-ins. Will someone go check on Athena during the night? They may say they don't do overnight care but in fact they have someone go and look in and deal with issues. Sally makes a good point about seeing if the vet will let you pay a tech to either stay or stop in. It isn't essential that someone sit staring at Athena all night, but it is important that she be looked in on. 

If the clinic opens at 7:30, find out what time the first person shows up. It's earlier than that, I imagine. And what time is the last person out the door at night? Then see if they will let you pay for an overnight nurse.

If that didn't work, I would find out how much the emergency vet would cost. Without knowing for sure, it's too easy to discard the option. They may have some kind of deal with your vet that you don't know about. Don't say no to it till you know how much. If you do the transport between, you will have vets on each side loading and unloading. They have gurneys they can use. It won't be difficult or traumatic and she'll be zonked anyway. 

If it was prohibitively expensive, I would bring my dog home. Every dog is so different in terms of recovery. It's impossible to know if Athena will be a breeze the first few days or not. Dharma's Kermit had some difficult days and nights even after 2 days in the hospital. My dog stayed one night and didn't have any trouble till he'd been home for about 4 days...and even then nights were nothing. I would have had zero problem caring for Dakota overnight because he slept and he slept like a log. I am not squeamish, I am capable of looking at blood and stitches and whatever, and I can get up to my elbows in whatever I need to.

It may be that telling your vet that you need to bring Athena home will inspire him to get someone to stay overnight. However, many vets release these dogs same day. We have a ton of folks here who brought their groggy dogs home same day and did just fine. I think the first night would be the easier night anyway since her anesthesia will still be in her body. And your vet will tell you that's why you should leave her there and not worry! But I still would bring mine home. We are the crazy dog people around here. I can't deny that. And you will make the best decision, based on your talk with your vet. You really will. Listen to people here, talk to your vet, then decide based on what you think is best. (If you decide to bring her home same day, make sure you have at least one other person at home to help when you get back with her.)

Shari

I'm sorry, Jessica. I know how that must have made your stomach drop. You have chosen a good vet, though, one who wants to make the best decisions armed with as much knowledge as possible. Having another pair of eyes on the films will at least help you feel that all that's possible is being done. It doesn't make this any easier, though. I'm sorry.

We will cross all finger, toes and paws that the radiologist says this is not bad news and you can proceed. Hang in there.

Shari

Wooooooo hoooooo! Whew. No need for that scare Jeesh! But seriously good for your vet for checking sounds like Athena is in great hands!

Athena and family,
Welcome to Tripawds. I finally had a chance to read through this posting and your blog. It has already been a rollercoaster ride so far but hopefully things will settle down for a bit soon. Funny enough, one of my recent blog entries is entitled "the ride"'as I describe the experience one goes through with their Tripawd as they also wage the battle against cancer. You are strong and are Athena's number one advocate. Always trust your gut, never be afraid or hesitant to doubt or question or ask for second and third opinions, and know that we are all here for the both of you. We can't wait to hear more and wish you the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Best wishes
Maricela and Spirit Bruno