Awaiting surgery

Hi Roz55,

So sorry that you find yourself on here with impending surgery, however, having gone through it this week I can honestly say that it is not too bad.

Can I ask what surgery you are having?

I had wire and isotope on Monday and then lumpectomy and lymph biopsy on Tuesday. I think it is fair to say that I was bricking it, my blood pressure was through the roof and I honestly didn't think that I would be able to cope.

Monday was stressful but manageable. The wire was similar to a biopsy and put in with a local anaesthetic. The isotope didn't hurt at all and was really quick.

Tuesday was really boring! I spent 3.5 hours sitting around before being taken down to surgery. The staff were really reassuring, the nurse held my hand as they put me under and I came round and felt ok. I was sick on the way home and so with hindsight shouldn't have been as keen as I was to get out of there, however, as it was I didn't get home until 8 pm. I went straight to bed and slept on and off for about 11 hours. 

Wednesday I took it easy, had breakfast in bed and slept a few times but by Thursday I was up and about and managing without painkillers. Today I've walked 8 miles and feel good.

My heart shaped pillow was a God send, I have slept with it, used it in the car and used it whilst moving around the house or walking. I hope you have one, if not, your breast care nurse may be able to get one for you. My appointment was for 12 so I had a bowl of porridge just before 7 and found that meant I wasn't that hungry. Gentle wet wipes, a soft bra ( I got mine from m&s) and lip balm are the other essentials.

Stay strong, stay positive and good luck Xx

Hi Lovetowalk,

I really appreciate your comments. I’m having something very similar; having the wire put in just prior to the op then a lumpectomy/ wide excision. So far, they’ve said 5 days radiotherapy afterwards but just taking it step by step. Thank you for your suggestions- I hadn’t thought of baby wipes or lip balm but I’ll certainly pop them in my bag.

 Good luck on your journey, too, and continue to make a full recovery. X 

Just remembered something, I wore shorts and sandals to hospital. It was a lovely look leaving with the addition of surgical stockings!

Hi Roz55

I am also having wire guided lumpectomy and lymph node removal on Wednesday and terrified. The last time I had an operation I was crying and asking them to please make sure I wake up as they put me sleep , I don't think it helps knowing I will be walking down and getting myself on the bed in theatre. Good to read of positive experiences though. I just want it over now but am also dreading seeing the results of surgery. As you say, up and down :( hope all goes well for you x

Sounds lovely! I might just copy that look! Thanks for making me smile . X 

Hi Kimlou, 

Both in the same boat, then! I’m busy cleaning like crazy, just in case I don’t wake up from the anaesthetic! Don’t want anyone to think my house is dirty! I know it’s mad really, but it’s giving me something to focus upon. I hope all goes well for you; I’m sure we’ll both be fine and embrace whatever comes. Take care; still got my wardrobe to sort out…! X 

Hi Kimlou and Rozz55

The other thing that I did on the morning of my surgery was tell myself repeatedly that it was day 1 of my recovery from breast cancer and I found that helped. 

The risk of not waking up is tiny, you will be home safe and sound before you know it.

I know each hospital is different but I was put on a trolley bed thing in the room next to the operating theatre, the cannula was out in there before I was wheeled into the theatre, this meant that I didn't see any scary instruments etc. As I say, I was scared but it was fine and I now know if I have to have any more surgery it'll also be fine.

Wishing you both all the best for your first day of recovery.

Jo Xx

Hi Roz55

had mine a month ago lumpectomy and am healing nicely, was worried as my heart beat went over the top but the nurses were so comforting and b/4 I knew it it was over.nothing to worry about you will be alight. I will keep you in my prayers.

Xx

Hi Roz55 and another warm welcome to the forum. All of the emotions you’ve described sound very normal to me. A cancer diagnosis is a real shocker and, although like you I told myself and everyone else that I was ‘lucky’ to have a treatable early cancer, really I didn’t feel lucky at all. Who wants cancer??? It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions, certainly is for me. I’m coming up to 4 years since diagnosis but it’s still a shocker as I’m sure we all hope we’ll be in the ‘didn’t get cancer’ club. But here we are. 
What we can do is manage it all as best we can, try to accept all offers of help and support (if we want them of course), and share stuff on this forum as we all help each other hugely. 
My situation was similar to yours I think (you can click on people’s user names to read their profiles) and I found the op ok really. I’ve had many minor ops and always have the fear of not waking up but I’m still here! Luckily the one bit I do like is the anaesthetic! 
Wishing you well for tomorrow (I think that’s your op day?) and sending love and a big virtual hug your way, HFxx 

Thank you, Hopi. I’m all over the place at the moment  but I find that I can ‘open up’ on the forum because so many individuals here can really understand/ identify with the way I’m feeling, which in itself makes me feel extremely guilty  as I’m lucky to have a really amazing family who are giving me so much support. 

I really appreciate  your comments , and those of everyone else. Keep safe and strong x