Need Some Reassurance

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Pure
Pure Member Posts: 1,796
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Next week I have surgery and honestly I am so scared. I am  scared of the anathesia and falling asleep. I am scared of waking up and being in intense pain. I am scared of how bad recovery might be. I am scared of getting sick from the anatehsia. I am just plain old scared....

I am confident they wont find anything..I do have a sense of piece about that but I am very scared of the surgery itself and for some reason that whole falling asleep into a dark hole really scares me:) 

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

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  • karen1956
    karen1956 Member Posts: 6,503
    edited August 2011

    (((((((((((((((((((JENN)))))))))))))))))...I had bilat with immediate recon with tissue expanders....I don't remember being in significant pain.....I stayed in the hospital 2 nights.....I don't remember when I started feeling better, but I do remember than 2 /1 weeks post surgery, I felt pretty darn good and went out to eat with my gf....I took a month of work for bilat, but that was because I was starting chemo and then I was on spring break....my PS told me to be off for 2 -3 weeks......I started chemo 3 weeks to the day post surgery...I had a weight lifting restriction but for some reason 25# comes to mind, but I'm sure it was less the first couple weeks.....I know in another post you were worried about not being able to hold Killian.....you might not be able to lift him up right away, but he can always sit in your lap....Honor your feelings of being afraid.....you've been through a lot and you will make it through this as well, but its only normal to be scared....Hugs, Karen

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  • Gitane
    Gitane Member Posts: 1,885
    edited August 2011

    I'm sorry you are so afraid.  I remember being in "stunned" mode.  I had a feeling that it was all kind of unreal.  I had to just let go and trust my surgeon.  It helped that I had confidence in her so the trust was genuine.  I had expanders put in at the time of the mast.  I can say the surgery was not, in fact, traumatic or painful.  I recovered quickly.  Please know we are thinking of you and supporting you.  G.  

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  • jennyboog
    jennyboog Member Posts: 1,322
    edited August 2011

    You have an expert in his field BS & going to a great hospital (I use to live near Nashville), a month from now you're going to be loving you're new body & have no regrets.  Bc has taken so much from us....don't let it steal your joy in this.  Hugs and prayers going your way sweetie. 

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited August 2011

    (((((((jen)))))))))))

    as jennyboog said, you have a great surgeon. you're in good hands. and it's natural to feel scared, and worn out - as sherri said, you've been through so much already.

    i did immediate recon. it really isn't that hard - as i posted somewhere else today (and my chemo brain isn't clueing me in to exactly where), the emotional part was harder. the drains are a bit of a drag, but other than that, smooth sailing. anesthesia was pretty easy - one minute, someone is holding your hand, and the next, you're awake in post-recovery. but i know the fear of it - it is trippy, when one really considers it.

    i don't know if you get sick from anesthesia - if you do, be sure to tell the nurses and docs, repeatedly. they can give patients anti-nausea meds while the patient is still sedated, so waking up isn't as horrible.

    try to think of it as moving away from cancer and to a new future. it's hard, but if you have to take in 5 minute increments, ok.

    sending you hugs and prayers. you can do it! we're all behind you.

    xo

    janyce

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2011

    Jen,  I totally get all that you are feeling.  Everything you mentioned is what I was feeling before my surgery. If I had to go thru it again for my other breast OMG,  I would be ever more anxious."A Hug From Pooh" Print

    image

    Barb

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  • JacquelineG
    JacquelineG Member Posts: 282
    edited August 2011

    I have now had 4 surgeries involving reconstruction (had 2 single mastectomies w/ immediate recon and tissue expanders, nipple reconstruction plus contouring, and another surgery due to injury/hematoma) so I've been through it a lot but always get nervous right before surgery. It's always better than I think it's gonna be! Definitely ask for anti-nausea meds in your IV before you wake up -- you'll feel much better. Ditto what everyone else said, your surgeon is so experienced and you will be waking up before you know it!!

    best of luck!

    jackie

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  • Romansma
    Romansma Member Posts: 1,515
    edited August 2011

    Hi Jen.  Surgery scared the crap out of me too.  I hate hospitals and especially that out of control feeling that being put under gives me.  It was ok.  Really.  I had a bmx.  I didn't wake up in pain.  It was uncomfortable for a while, but very managable.  Please don't stress too much, it's really not that awful.  Let everyone around you take care of you.  Huge hugs to you Jen.

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  • nowords
    nowords Member Posts: 423
    edited August 2011

    I read on one of the DIEP threads that some listened to calming cd's in prep for it. I was anxious the last two weeks prior to my surgery, but the closer it got to the date, the calmer I became. I did my research and was confident in the Drs. that I chose. There is no reason to be in pain...I was prepared for the worst and I really had an easy time...pain pumps and pain balls and pills...

    Rest and don't push it. Healing takes rest, protein and Vitamin C. I am 52 and healed great...I echo the suggestion to let others take care of you and the housework etc.

    Thinking of you and wishing you a smooth recovery.

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  • Racy
    Racy Member Posts: 2,651
    edited March 2012

    I had 4 anaesthesias last year after none during my life till then. I thought I would be scared going under but in the circumstances had little choice.

    One thing I found helpful was to ask the anaesthetist to introduce the sedation more slowly rather than in just a second or two. I felt less anxious with this approach as it was more gradual.

    And a lot of prayers beforehand and trust in my doctors. Now that I have learned relaxation techniques, I would use those too if had to do it again.

    Good luck to you.

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  • sugarplum
    sugarplum Member Posts: 318
    edited August 2011

    Hi Pure - my bmx was 6/6/06 (don't you love that date!) and my memory of it was - they kept me out of pain, gave me enough anti-nausea meds so I didn't ever feel sick, and gave me specific instructions/exercises before I left the hospital so I wouldn't overdo it but would stay limber. I had chemo after surgery, and found that to be WAY worse! I had expanders put in during surgery, which is kind of cool because you don't wake up totally FLAT. I absolutely love my recon job - they look so much better than the 50-year-old breasts they replaced! One of the few "perks" (ha,ha!) of this disease....

     All my best to you - Julie

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  • cakeisgreat
    cakeisgreat Member Posts: 660
    edited August 2011

    When I went thru my DIEP recon last March, that was the think I was most scared of...going under anasthesia...and being under so long!  But it was like one minute, the doc is talking to me about where I live, and the next second, I'm awake....it was over.

    I was on so many drugs, I know I felt pain, but I dont remember it.  I also remember the doc saying, dont try to be a hero...if it hurts, use the pain pump!  And I sure did.

    Now...a year and a half later...I am so happy I did it...I'd do it all over again!

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  • SharonMH
    SharonMH Member Posts: 353
    edited August 2011

    Hi Pure ,Just thinking of you . I wish you the best for your surgery. Both you and I are almost 2 years out. SharonH

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited August 2011

    Just want to send my support too. Haven't had recon surgery, but I know the stress and worry of any Surgery.

    Remember you have chosen an amazing surgeon, you will be in good hands.

    Just focus on how you will feel in a couple of weeks, you know you can get through anything.

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  • pupfoster1
    pupfoster1 Member Posts: 1,484
    edited August 2011

    Jen! 

    It's me again.  YOU WILL MAKE IT THROUGH THIS and YOU WILL BE FINE!!!!  I know you are scared, but I truly don't think they are going to find anything else.  Try to think of your recovery after and enjoy the pampering.  You'll have a couple tough days then you will feel so much better.  AND the pain meds aren't bad either (did I just say that??::)),  just be sure to try to wean yourself off the pain pump to oral meds if you get sick from that.  I did around day 3 and didn't know what the heck was going on.  Once they got me on oral meds I was fine.  PM me if you have ANY questions or just to vent!!!

    (((Hugs)))

    Sharon

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  • apple
    apple Member Posts: 7,799
    edited August 2011

    Jen V Pure ...I like that.

    you'll be fine Jen - you always are. 

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  • elmcity69
    elmcity69 Member Posts: 998
    edited August 2011

    hey Jen - you are in the home stretch, girlfriend. this is a huge step, and you have a great surgeon.

    we're all sending our thoughts,prayers, vibes to you.

    (((((hugs)))))

    janyce

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited August 2011

    Pure,

    You will be so glad you did this.  You are going to do great!  Sending thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery for you.

    Hugs

    Bobbie

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