Mastectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy on Tues found myself crying unexpectedly

Hi Log fire

Welcome to the forum and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.. it’s perfectly understandable that  your emotions are all over the place at the moment with what you are facing. Just keep busy and maybe try some meditation to help take your mind off things.  There are some good meditation apps out there like Headspace and Calm Radio which are free to download.

Wishing you the best of luck with your operation.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Log Fire, being emotional and worried before your operation is very normal.  I had a complete wobble the afternoon before my op, going through every emotion imaginable, but  got it out of my system.  Do your best to keep busy when you can and do things you find relaxing as well - for me its relaxing music, especially when my mind begins to race.  What got me into the hospital, was the thought of what could happen if I didn't go. 

Good luck with your operation  x

Hi, I had my op three weeks ago and was also anxious about being alone. It wasn’t as bad as I thought as there is so much going on, nurses to talk to, check ups, meeting anaesthetist, you don’t have as much time as you think. I was with four other ladies and spotted one I thought looked like could do with a chat so I just went over and asked if she wanted to chat, which she did and we shared stories and even managed a few laughs which were therapeutic. Take extra food in as you will be hungry after your op and I shared mine with the other ladies, a bonding moment with strangers. If you have an iPad and headphones, you can shut out the noise. A warm zip up hoodie or jumper or poncho was also good as it can be cold.

Even though hospital is scary you will be very well looked after and a lot of people actually want to stay in as they feel safe and cocooned. 

I had a friend briefed who wasn’t working and was able to text and chat to me that way which really helped. Knowing she was there meant I didn’t need her as much as I thought.

Wishing you a speedy recovery and sending healing.

once it’s over it is a relief as the waiting is horrible.

It is normal to be emotional and in a way it is a good thing because it means that you are processing this huge thing that just happened unexpectedly to you. Have a good cry when you need to. Its OK to be how you are and to feel like there are 2 of you with different reactions. I found talking to the Macmillan helpline really useful for saying all that was on my mind.

I found the best thing to help me was lots of distraction in company as much as possible. For me that meant being outside, with a good friend and walking. I remember the days dragging before surgery and then suddenly it had happened and the sense of huge relief at having surgery and my cancer removed was incredible. I was worried about the mastectomy but my relief at my cancer being removed was greater than my upset at losing a breast. 

Thinking of you and wishing you all the very best for your surgery. xx

Thank you for all your responses. Your right - the actual day of going in, was full of sorting things, being on-time etc, so wasn’t as bad as I’d imagined and yes once in - you seem to be seeing a zillion people who all have your best interests and are there to help. It all went past in a blur really and was out the next day before I knew it! 

I’ve also had the wonderful recent weather to relax in the garden and rest - so that has been wonderful. I am hoping my drain might come out tomorrow when they change the dressings, so fingers crossed for that now. Thanks all - wonderful community here and I am very grateful to you all for taking the time to post something.