surgery finally arriving

wallycat

Hi gals,
my surgeon's office called this morning.
They are scheduling me for Wed, 13th.
Time to be phoned to me some time today (they are dealing with insurance and lab stuff).

I am TERRIFIED.
Any words of wisdom for waking up with no boobs is greatly appreciated.

hugs to you all and for all the stories you have shared!!

caaclark

I had a single mast. and was worried too about waking up. For me, I was bandaged pretty tightly and they told me to just leave it until I saw the doc several days later. I think that made it a little easier. I really thought it would be bad when I looked the first time but it ended up being ok. Looks even better now since it has been 11 months. I think what we imagine is oftentimes way worse than the reality. I know...hard to see that now when you are thinking about surgery in two days.

So, no real words of wisdom for you but we have all been where you are now and we all got through it. Just try to take it one step at a time and know that lots of us will be thinking of you on Wed.

Anonymous

Wallycat,
Just want to send positive vibes your way and let you know I'll be thinking of you. Don't know about words of wisdom other than to allow yourself whatever it is you're feeling. It's a TOUGH thing to have to lose a part of oneself to this ugly disease. I had a sense of empowerment though and would remind myself that my life was so much more important than my boobs. Remember to allow yourself grieving time if you need it. I certainly did and still am going through it. My SO and I looked at mine together the first time which I felt made it easier. It was very natural .. I was going to take my first shower and he was going to help me with my drains so I just disrobed in front of him (and a mirror so I could see too). It was as I expected having looked at pictures of other women with BLM's prior. Not bad, and I believe I even smiled. In spite of what our society wants us to believe is important it's true what they say .. it's what's on the inside that really matters! Stay true to yourself and hang in there! Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Charlene

Erica3681

I can't add much to what Charlene and Carol already said so well. But I want to send my best wishes for a fast and easy surgery and recovery.

I really didn't find looking at my chest difficult. As Charlene said, looking at pictures beforehand was very helpful, so I wasn't shocked. I even (honestly) kind of liked how petite I suddenly looked. And I was so happy to be rid of my breasts, after cancer in each one, that I felt mostly relieved.

A good thing to remember is that if you find losing your breasts too hard, reconstruction is always an option down the road. Knowing that helped me relax about the surgery.

Please let us know how it goes. I'll be thinking of you.

tos

Walleycat I'll be thinking of you on Wednesday and hope everything goes smoothly and I wish you a very speedy recovery.
I had my bilateral this last April and I clearly remember how terrified I was too so I understand even though we've made our decision it is still scary. My sister flew in from out of state so I had her/her hubby plus my hubby for extra support, that helped me alot.
I too was tightly wrapped after the surgery and didn't look until I was ready which was some time afterwards.
Try dealing with it however is best for you and you might consider taking a xanax or something to calm you while you wait thru ths anxious time.
I'll look forward to hearing from you when you get back on the board to see how you're doing.
Huggs,

Anonymous

wallycat -
I responded to you at our ILC forum...but will remind you...
You will be fine. You've come this far, and you'll complete this journey so you can get on with your life. You can always consider reconstruction "down the road". Take it one step at a time...best wishes to you! (You know I'll continue to give you advice re: Prosths, etc.)

Anonymous

Wallycat-just wanted you to know that your in my thoughts today.....post when you feel up to it...

Hugs
Jule

caaclark

Wallycat,

Just thinking about how you are doing today. Hopefully your surgery is finished and you are resting well.

wallycat

Hi Gals,
I'm back home! Surgery was yesterday....
I have taken zero for pain...a bit tender but virtually nothing. I've even looked at the scars! Looking down isn't bad, but, looking in the mirror face on is a bit unnerving. I have to remind myself I am not a starvation victim, just will look leaner than when the 34Ds were hanging there

Thank you alll sooooooooooooooooooooooo much for your encouragement and assistance.
I'll copy and post this in the Lobular area too

THank you gals,
you are all such a blessing to have here!

tos

Wallycat it is so good to hear from you and you sound great!
Good to hear the pain was not too bad,