Surgery is tomorrow....

Pamjenn - Sorry to meet you under these circumstances, but welcome to BCO! The answer to your question isn't as black and white as one would think. First, you need to take a deep breath. We've all been right where you are; and yes, waiting IS the worst part of all of this... Once they have your pathology report and you've agreed upon a plan, things get a little easier.

Generally, you'll have a follow up with your surgeon a few days after your surgery and the pathology report should be ready by then. However, I have read where some women were able to access theirs within 24 hours; so it all depends on the facility and your doctor. Just be sure to request a copy for yourself and start a book / or box for all of your medical records. Take someone with you to your appointments if at all possible, because they'll be throwing a lot of information at you hard and fast. It really helps to have someone else in the room either taking notes or listening intently. Because believe me, you won't remember half of what you're being told. None of us did.

Good luck tomorrow and I'll keep a good thought for you!

Pamjenn,

Sending lots of positive thoughts and hugs your way. I am three and a half weeks post surgery and know that the part of the journey that you are in mown seemed the longest for me.

Rest and breathe and take help when you need it. Best of luck tomorrow.

Yes, you will know more after you're done with surgery. If you can access your pathology before a doc goes over it with you, don't read it and jump to conclusions, because our minds often go to the dark place during these first terrifying days. Stay away from Dr. Google and let the members on these boards help you interpret if that's what you want to do.

When you wake up from surgery, tell yourself what I told myself: "well, I have a lot less cancer in me than I did before, and maybe NO cancer in me, now, and that's a good thing!". For some reason that mindset helped a lot.

If you go to the doc to have you pathology interpreted, be sure to ask them to slow down and speak to you in layperson's terms, not medical jargon. Have a friend who can take good notes and isn't afraid to ask the doc to repeat what they said, or spell a word, while they do take notes.

You will get through this and be okay on the other side!

Claire in AZ

HI there, I am sorry you are facing this. I can remember the day of my surgery when I was 45 and it is scary. I can say there was not much pain and I used tylenol not the pain meds they gave me.  Immediately after my doctors were able to advise if my nodes were effected and the size of the invasive tumor. Dont be surprised if you need a reexicison to get clear margins. Mine was done immediately while I was still on the operating table. Sometimes people have to come back. This occurs about 25% of the time according to my surgeon.

Once you have your follow-up appointment, please make sure that you bring someone with you to take notes while you ask questions and receive information. Same with your oncology appointment.

Wishing you the best and a good recovery.  Keep us posted.