Overwhelmed with pending BMX

PatTheArtist

My BMX is (tentatively) scheduled for Oct. 9 (appt. with Plastic Surgeon on Sept. 27 and Oct. 9 is the ONLY available date he has for the reconstruction part for the rest of the year...fingers crossed my surgeon can do it then).

As I read these boards I am even more overwhelmed. Fear.

I am reading tightness that never seems to go away. PT ordered. Dying skin. Implants that need to be removed.

This is my second breast cancer. This time I have 2 different types in the opposite breast as the first. I could just do a lumpectomy, but my surgeon and onco recommend the BMX due to my personal and family history. I am just overwhelmed.

dtad

So sorry you are going through this. I had a BMX and understand everything you are going through. I won't pretend it was a picnic. However, you do eventually find your new normal. Time does heal. Good luck and keep us posted.

NotVeryBrave

Pat - I'm so sorry that BC has shown up in your life again. And that you're faced with these difficult decisions.

Please keep in mind that most of the people who post on these boards do so because they have a question or a problem. That can tend to make everything seem much worse.

Ask lots of questions and pay attention to your body. You've got this!

PS - PT is a good thing! I felt that my BS was ahead of the game in recommending a PT that was qualified to evaluate for lymphedema (which I do not have) as well as experienced in regaining full range of motion safely.

tasothi

What if everything goes exactly as it should? Why do our brains not spend more time there than the scary what if's?

If your plastic surgeon is that busy and has a good reputation, then you may in fact have a way better experience than your fear allows you to consider.

Plastic surgeons are ALL about outcome. I have my BMX this Friday. I fight the fear by reminding myself things can actually go right, and do, a lot of the time.

Its ok to be fearful, but push yourself out of that zone by reminding yourself that alot of times things do go right. I know its hard to think that now because you have had a recurrence. But that has nothing at all to do with the success of the surgery.

STAY OFF THIS BOARD when you get scared. That is what I am doing. Its the right decision for me. I cant even take looking at people's stats at the bottom of their messages! Freaks me out totally! I get it!

Stepping away from the computer is good medicine. Hugs to you. Read up about your surgeon- it may help you focus more on what they will actually be doing.