Lumpectomy tomorrow, embarrassment making me nervous

Welcome but don't feel embarrassed.  Its your body and the doctors and nurses have seen all shapes and sizes before. It was a very hot day when I had my surgery. I kept my pants on and they gave me 2 gowns one with arms in first and the second to wear as a dressing gown as due to restrictions you get changed then they walk you to theatre. I had my fetching compression stockings on and my own slippers which made their way back to me afterwards. I'm sure if you mention you have your period they will be fine and aware. You'll be asleep before they take gown off and you wake up with it on. I've found nurses and porters to be very respectful.  The hospital will give you a list of what to take and some of it is for a just in case you need to stay in. I think I'm fairly similar to you - click my name to read profile. I got a bit blase on day of surgery as just about everyone I saw (surgeon, anaesthetist, radiographer nurse etc) got to see my boobs so I was more concerned with just getting the surgery over with. These are all natural fears. Everyone is different.  Maybe write some down  fears or some of the questions you have so you can ask nurses. Good luck x

Hey there,

Had my lumpectomy and SNB a few months ago. I also felt vulnerable but there were a few things that gave me comfort:

Firstly, everyone who had been around me while I was undressing or partially dressed up to that point had been very very kind and considerate. Always knocking on the door, always giving me space, always kind and professional. They will be exactly the same when you go in for the operation - it's the same team.

They do this every day and see people from every walk of life. It is quite natural to feel uncomfortable but even if you aren't used to it, the people around you really ARE used to it and it's their job - literally their job - to take care of you. So ask them for anything you need.

Before the op you will speak to the anaesthetist, and if you are feeling very wobbly at that point do tell them and they may be able to give you something to calm down.

I wore my own underwear underneath the hospital gown and it was never mentioned. All I wore for the op was the underwear, gown and compression stockings. In this garb I walked down the corridor to the anaesthesia room, lay on the table, and removed my arms from the gown while still covered up. Woke up 2 hours later fully clad in the gown and completely covered.

GOOD LUCK but you won't need it - most likely everything will go smoothly. Breathe, breathe, huge hugs, and we are here for you :) <3

I also had my period the day of the surgery - curses! The last thing I needed

However nothing untoward happened!

Waterspirit and breathe.  Covid does make this harder as you have to go in alone but everyone in same boat as you so you should have other nervous patients waiting for surgery to chat to.  None of your questions are stupid and how they handle underwear - I had to wear paper hospital knickers if mine weren't 100% cotton!!!  I was in no mood to check my knickers.  I was given gown to change into about 1 hour before surgery as they don't want to waste laundry so need to make sure you definitely going.  Take a dressing gown with you as you usually walk to theatre.  I did for me but when my hubby had to go in for day surgery on his thumb forgot to tell him that so he had to walk to theatre in two gowns to cover front and back modesty!!! Oops.

I was collected by the loveliest nurse who said bring your pillow with you.  That was like my comfort blanket, teddy bear rolled in one.  I hugged my pillow close on short walk then she took me into a room to check I was me and what side they were operating on.  She seemed to sense I was starting to wobble and said "lets go".  Walked into theatre and they were all busy, greeted me but this nurse kept my focus.  I sat on bed, my gown was still on they must have untied it while attaching monitors.  The anaesthetist was chatting to me saying he was going to put a needle in my hand - nurse still chatting to me about did I have a job etc.  Didn't feel the needle go in.  Last thing I remember is being told to sit back and then waking up.  So they didn't remove my gown before I was asleep.  Woke up in a gown, all covered.  It's quite a short operation - I went down at 3pm, in recovery at 5pm, home by 8pm.  They deal with women and periods all the time so won't be fazed by your question at all.  In fact if I remember correctly they have a list of questions as one of the ones I was asked is if I was pregnant - I was 51 and I'm sure there was a question about periods.  

Might be an idea to write bullet point questions tonight or take pen and paper with you tomorrow to save you fumbling with your phone looking for list - though I tend to text myself things I want to remember. 

Good luck and let us know how you get on tomorrow xx

Cheers, I know from past experiences just saying things, writing it down helps,  just gets it out.  My husband is already quite worried so thought this was a good place to just have a little vent.  Your reply was very reassuring.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience, helps give an idea of what to expect.

So as I already know I wont be the first or last.  Cheers for reminding me and centring me again.

Thanks for your reply, I will have a look at your profile thanks for letting me share your experiences and offering support.

Having read your profile your we are pretty similar in diagnosis, age and location in the country. I hope a few months down the journey things are looking up and your emotions are settling. Your right that after last year we were hoping for a better year this time but got handed a cancer diagnosis instead.  

Hello Waterspirit,

Don't be embarrassed The doctors and nurses are very kind and they have seen it all before, we all come in different shapes and sizes

most hospitals now give you two gowns to cover front and back and you can wear your own dressing gown and slippers  to the  theatre.

I was where you are now seven weeks ago,  Although I am 70 years old I have never been in a hospital as an in patient before I was more anxious than embarrassed. I was wheeled to the theatre in a chair as it was much too far to walk. I found  everyone kind and respectful

from the Surgeon to the porter. you will be asleep, you will be well looked after by the team and depending on which hospital trust you come under. you will wake up in your room on the ward. just ask the nurses for whatever you need.

Good luck x