Preventive Mastectomy and Diep Flap in 3 day.

Dolls005

Background: Mother has had breast cancer twice, 14 years apart. Sister diagnosed at 37. I am carrying the BRCA 1 gene. Turning 40 in September.

I am having my preventive Mastectomy and Diep Flap in 3 days...and I am so scared. I've had several surgeries in the past, c-sections, gallbladder, joint fushion, etc, but I have never been nervous to this extend. I am so scared of not waking up from the 10 hour surgery. I am doing this so that I have a better chance of being healthy as my children grow up but I'm scared I won't make it through the surgery. I have such high anxiety that I'm having trouble eating, sleeping and even concentrating.

I guess I'm just looking for some support from those that have been through it or are going through it. Any words of encouragement?

Thank You,

TB

mustlovepoodles

I know a lot of people fear surgery, but I hope I can reassure you. I've been a nurse, 40 years, so I've sent plenty of people to surgery. My DH even had a valve replacement 3 years ago--they had to stop his heart to do the repair. Yikes!

My point is that of the thousands of people I've sent to surgery exactly ONE didn't make it, a child with extreme heart defects. He was too sick and they couldnt save him. Anesthesiologists are very skilled at their job. They put hundreds of people to sleep every month without issue--babies to senior citizens. The fact that you are young and in good health is vastly in your favor.

The biggest issue that long surgery might cause is nausea or vomiting, which is no fun. But there are many meds to counteract that and most people respond well to them. While you're recovering make sure you do your deep breathing to expand your lungs nicely and move your legs frequently to prevent blood clots.

Incidentally, I've had 14 surgeries. Never had a problem waking up. Never had breathing trouble or blood clots. Just nausea.

Best of luck to you. I think you're gonna be okay.

Lula73

Dolls005- very common to have anxiety especially since everything is set and squared away and now your mind has the time for anxiety. I have found that if I focus on other things that will occupy my mind I'm pretty good at pushing the anxiety back. You can always call your dr and ask for something for nerves like xanax. Good luck with the surgery! Your DIEP flap sisters will be thinking about you

Dolls005

Thank you so much for the optimistic view points! I actually slept last night after reading these! I am forcing myself to only let the positive thoughts in and reading your replies helps considerably! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Dolls005

One more question for anyone who has been through the surgery...what did you bring to the hospital that you couldn't have done without

mustlovepoodles

Well, good. I'm glad I could help. Just be upfront with the pre-op staff about your fear, so they know how to help you.