Surgery

Hi Shax, bear in mind that the surgeons have to “warn” you of all the risks; years ago before I was diagnosed with BC I had an ovarian cyst that had to be removed and they told me all sorts of horror stories about risks of bowel punctures etc.  etc., but I had to have it done, so I did and it was fine! Then in 2012 I had spinal surgery (I was bent double like an old shrew), again, this risk that risk, wheelchairs.. blah blah! But I had no choice, again, I was 100% better, so glad I did it,  I couldn’t continue as I was. Similarly when I was diagnosed with BC 8 months ago, after my surgery, prior to my chemo the pre assessment nurse “warned” me about loads of nightmare scenarios which almost made me decide to run away and take my chances; again I’m fine and the picture were nowhere near as bad as she’d painted! Thing is, you need to weigh up the risks against the benefits. Is the cancer going to progress? Is it worth the risk? I would think your chances are pretty good! But remember, they’re covering themselves, they have to! It’s up to you, best of luck xxxx

Thank you Mazz .. I'm sorry to hear of all your problems you've had to endure along the way..and yes quite honestly it did put me off having the surgery and I get that they have to tell you the risks as any surgery carries risks.. its just the fact that my heart is weak to start with and that really concerns me..I am so glad that you got through it all..I guess your right..it is down to the pros and cons isn't it.. 

My niece has congenital heart disease and has had multiple surgeries to keep her going, she’s only 36! But doing well after her most recent valve repair. However, how does it work if you need surgery for other things….. they can’t just not do it, can they! If I were you I’d speak to the surgeon and weigh up the risks on a personal level, not a textbook assessment! Ask them about your chances if you DONT have surgery! A hard question to ask from your point of view, I know, but I feel that there’s a “script” sometimes where BC is concerned. My treatment was a bit “conveyor belt”, there was no personal consultation. In a way, good for me because my case was quite straightforward, but you need more information I think! Best of luck, shout out, don’t be fobbed off xxxxx

I spoke to my nurse today to ask questions she sed if I don't have surgery it will spread within a year then she sed it will harder to treat as I can't have chemo or radiotherapy..I'm sorry I'm droning on about my problems and your niece has got more important  problems to be dealing with.. makes mine seem trivial.. How do I get to speak to the surgeon ? Is it not too late now as the surgery is all planned?  And its the anesthesia that will cause me the most problems on the heart..

My niece is absolutely fine! That wasn’t the point of my mentioning her, it was just to say, she’s had multiple surgeries and been fine! Please don’t feel like you’re “droning” on, of course you’re not! Please keep talking! When I was in waiting for my surgery, there was a lady there who was a heavy smoker and an alcoholic (bless her, she was a bit of a character). Anyway, she was apparently “high risk” and had a sedative and a local anaesthetic, but not sure if she’d had a lumpectomy or mastectomy! Please keep posting and explore your options. You’re right, it is the anaesthetic that causes the biggest risk, but those guys are very skilled at what they do. Give it some thought, do you have a partner or family that have an opinion? My heart goes out to you, it’s such a difficult decision. Please keep in touch! Lots of love xxx

is not too late to communicate with your surgeon, call the breast care nurse who’ll sort it for you xx

Sorry for the delay in replying.. yes I have 3 older kids.. they support me in whatever I choose to do..we've just been through a hell of alot as a family these past 6 years..I lost my nephew to suicide in Jan 2018, then I lost my brother to suicide in July 2020, and very recently June 2022 I've lost my older brother to cancer , he had lung and bowl cancer that spread to the brain, He battled it for 2 years before it got the better of him.. miss them all soo much..I was diagnosed in May this year and never told my brother that was dying I just didn't think it was fair to put that on him..and now my parents and kids have to deal with me having cancer..I had to watch my brother suffer more and more each day from the treatment, and I did everything I could for him whilst he was with us..but I couldn't save any of them..So if I go for surgery and I get thru this..then the question will always remain in my head why did I survive and he had to die.. but I will stay strong for my family as always pick them up when they fall..

Oh no, that’s so so sad! I’m so sorry for your losses! What a time you’ve endured. I really hope you’ll be able to come to terms with the loss of your brother and can manage to take time to grieve even though you’re going through this terrible time. You say you couldn’t save them; of course you couldn’t, that’s a huge responsibility for you to bear. Try and be a bit easier on yourself, you deserve the best chance to get well. I’m sure your parents will be relieved to see you beat this. Take care and keep posting on here with your progress. Lots of love and hugs to you xxxxx