Mastectomy Coming in February

Bryant - I assume by the title that you've picked a surgeon and have a date? Do you have your hormone status yet? HER2+? Are they recommending chemo &/or rads? Have you met with an oncologist? Have you had any genetic testing yet?

I'm sorry you have to join us, but you'll find lots of support. When you get a minute, go to My Profile and add your diagnosis & proposed treatment. And please keep in touch.

Bryant, so sorry you find yourself here but you have found the place where you will receive a ton of information, wisdom and nurturing.

Please, please, please contact your doctor and get a script for Xanax. You are having severe anxiety which all of us have experienced at the beginning of our diagnosis. Treating your anxiety with medication will help you so much.

Think of it this way...your body is fighting the good fight for you...stress and lack of sleep makes it really difficult...stress and lack of sleep also lowers your immune response which can enhance the cancer.

You are at the worst stage right now..a plan will soon unfold and you will feel more confident.

Be good to yourself...take really good care of you. You are your #1 priority.

(((Hugs)))

Bella201

Hi BryantMarie,

I am sorry you have found yourself here. I had never had a surgery or any major (or minor) medical problems prior to my diagnosis. My bi-lateral mastectomy was my first surgery and first time going under anesthesia. I was terrified. I can tell you that like others, Xanax helped me a great deal (I had never used it before this) during those waiting periods and now that I am on the other side of surgery, results, scans, and the start of a treatment plan I rarely use it. I did fine with general anesthesia- woke up fine, no nausea, no side effects. Yes, there was certainly pain and a long recovery after surgery, but honestly it wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be. I went home the next day from the hospital (due to my reconstruction piece. 4 weeks out I generally feel good and have had no complications. I was even able to go direct to implants for immediate reconstruction. I know how excruciating the waiting for answers period is. In the midst of it I never thought I’d make it through, but had to keep going for my 3 small children. It’s hard not to worry and get ahead of yourself with all of the “what if’s” try to take it one day at a time.

I had a bilateral Mx on 1/23 and it was my first surgery and first general anesthesia. It was not as bad as I thought it would be. I did not have complications, so far, anyway.

Do try to stay ahead of the pain, which can be done. I made the mistake of rationing my pain medication because I was afraid in the current environment they wouldn’t give me more. This led to me almost passing out from pain in the area my one drain, but this was avoidable. They did give me more medication.

Plan on ups and downs in pain, mood and energy. And don’t expect the waiting game to be over, I don’t think it ever is!

Goid luck, you will deal with it