I'm afraid of needles & need a masectomy!

First don`t look when you are receiving the needle.  Ask that you are told exactly what is happening and when.  Hold a small rubber ball or "stress ball" in your other hand that you can squeeze tightly and focus all your attention into squeezing. Take a deep breath and breath out when the needle goes in. It will not be as scary if you are focusing on other things. Think mind over matter! I know this helps me. Good luck and I say it`s ok to keep up with the happy hours!

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Hi Jacqui,

I've been through a lot of surgeries and procedures, even before getting breast cancer.  Needles are tough, even for the "pros" like me.  Some doctors and nurses will tell you that they can't use a numbing solution, but they can.  The best IV I've ever had (and I've had a couple hundred!) was numbed first with a little injection of lidocaine.

If I were you, I would first tell them that you are sensitive to needles and pain (everyone has varying pain tolerance). State it clearly, without whining or tears.  Ask for a topical numbing solution (they rub it on).  Then request an injection of lidocaine before the IV is put in.  The nurses will say that it makes it harder, because it restricts the blood vessels, but they can do it.  If you are at the hospital, you can also request the IV specialist. The nurses also might balk at this, because it slows the schedule down.

If you feel very fearful, ask your dr if you can take a sedative orally, and have someone drive you to and from the tests.

Especially request a topical anesthesia before the sentinel node biopsy injections the day before your surgery.

You will find that you're tougher than you think.

sally 

Hi Jacqui,

I'm not needle-phobic, but I was definitely surgery-phobic and anesthesia-phobic.  But I just had to do it.  Each time I woke up and realized that I'd survived the surgery & anesthesia, I was a little less panicky for the next one...

I do think I'm extra-sensitive bordering on jumpy.  Or maybe everybody is this sensitive but the people with needles like to act like I'm crazy!?  I had an MRI-guided biopsy, and the doctor told me not to move and then injected my breast with a needle that I didn't see coming -- and my body involuntarily jerked 2 inches off the MRI table -- the doc was furious!  I thought that was nuts of her.  No one ever told me about numbing cream, but for every breast injection after that MRI (including injection of the dye for the sentinel node biopsy or SNB) I asked the person with the needle to lay the point of the needle on my skin and then wait for me to say "okay" before pushing it in.  This way my body was prepared and didn't fly off the chair, bed or table.  I don't know if this would help you -- but it has helped me a lot, since for me it's not my brain but my body that goes nuts when hit by an intense sensation (er, pain!) that it was unprepared for.

I would echo what Sally and Deb said: tell all your doctors and their nurses/assistants how you feel about needles and procedures.  Maybe one of them might even refer you to a behavioral therapist -- the kind who help people through other phobias, using desensitizing techniques?  Maybe you won't have the time for this, but some medical centers now have "prepare for surgery -- heal faster" relaxation and stress-reduction classes, and might be enlightened enough to have someone on staff who knows techniques to help desensitize people to their phobias.

About people bursting into tears -- that is a tough one.  I only had two of those (one of my sisters, one of my best friends), but two was enough -- made me wary about when and how I told people, and who I told -- I didn't want to have to worry about drying any MORE tears. 

I hope you have one person around you who is saying "I won't let anything bad happen to you, I'll make sure you're okay" -- my boyfriend said that and it was wonderful.  We both knew it was kind of "magical thinking" -- but it worked its magic!  I love him for not letting on that he was scared.  I know he WAS scared, but he really knew to keep it under wraps and just tell me everything would be okay.

If you don't have someone saying that -- maybe there is someone who will "obey" you and say it once you tell them to say it!  And then they can help you with the others who are crying.  You need someone to say "we'll get through this."  Because you will.

You will.

(P.S. Oh yes, we had some drinks -- me & my boyfriend and a bottle of tequila...)

Ok It is called Zanex or Valium. I am terrified of IV needles. All else I can deal with. I also had them call in a certified Phlobomist and she knew what she was doing. I was in very good hands. I understand. I had the fight or flight mode going on. I thought too of all the little ones who fight so bravely and thought come on you can do this. You can do it. Good luck.

Jacqui,

You'll find that you can get through whatever it is that you have to get through.  You'll be able to handle it. 

But, before getting to all that, I agree with SLH.  You need to know more before you do anything.  First you need a diagnosis.  As sure as your doctor may be, the only way to know for sure that you have breast cancer is with a biopsy.  There are women here who've been told by their doctors that they were certain to have cancer, and then their biopsies came out benign.  The odds may not be in your favor, but anything is possible.

And if it is cancer, then definitely see a breast cancer specialist before deciding on surgery or anything else.  If you do have a large tumor, one option might be neo-adjuvent chemo.  This is chemo given before surgery to shrink the tumor.  That might make a lumpectomy a possibility.  This approach might not be appropriate for you, but the important thing is to talk to an expert so that you understand all your options before you decide on anything.

Good luck!

I can sympathize.

I used to have a thing about flying. For someone who flew 3-4 times a year I was a basket case, but I had to. I'd get so anxious, I was in the bathroom the whole time before the flight took off.

For me it's guided imagery. I watch my breathing, I think of other things, I repeat the serenity prayer. I get so anxious I can't remember all the words so I just repeat - like a mantra - courage, acceptance, wisdom.

I also never sit next to the window - even the thought of looking down is too much for me.

Getting this lump fixed up is REALLY important. Think of your children, ask for Xanax and don't give up. 

Hi again Jacqui,

The "mum" was a giveaway!  You live in a beautiful area, but it might be best for you to go to a breast center in a larger city for the biopsy and diagnosis.  My mom lives in a little town on the Oregon coast (where I grew up) that is very much like parts of England.  She has had ovarian cancer for the past 6 years, and her initial diagnosis and surgery was in the town's little local hospital.  It would have been better if she would have been at a larger facility.

Small hospitals are fine for getting your chemo treatments and radiation, but they may not have the best and most current diagnostic tools. The tests they use now are very sophisticated. They can tell by testing the tumor whether the cancer will respond to hormone drugs alone, or whether you require chemo.  That is a HUGE deal.  Chemo is a very harsh treatment, and if there is a chance you don't need it, then you don't want it!

Your family needs you.  One hard thing about cancer is that you feel better before treatment begins.  It's deceptive, but you can't ignore it.

Go for it, Jacqui!  Take a trip to London, (or France?) and get this beast under control!

sally 

Jacquibutterfly,

I sometimes have trouble with my port not giving blood.

A very smart nurse told me to cough and the blood appeared.

Have you tried coughing?

Anyone suffering from breast cancer must know that there are many other things they can do to beat the battle of breast cancer. I have had bone cancer and I must tell you natural treatments work more effectively than chemotherapy. The doctors told me they couldn't do anymore for me, so I followed the advice of Phillip Day and I am still here today. There is hope for everyone please just read what I have to say!

I have beaten cancer without so much as a doctors help, and so have eight other I know of whom are willing to prove it. That's right the cure is through natural supplements. Has anyone heard of Phillip Day? I wouldn't have expected you to. The battle in defeating cancer is over, it has been won, already. There are many natural treatments available which can allow one to beat the disease. In fact I am one of them, I beat it when the doctors could do no more. There have been tens of thousands many of which were told hey could do no more they were terminal and through these natural good health ways they are still alive. Phillip Day and his books show that many scientists and researchers have found natural ways to beat cancer itself. The books are a collection of many studies conducted my world renown scientists and doctors. For further information I found this site yesterday- not as well versed as it could be but  good site http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/ Further information is on Linus Pauling the multiple Nobel prize winner for science said in 1994 " All people should know that cancer in our society today is basically a fraud." It is known that the reason for cancer is the pollutants and chemicals in our environments foods, shampoos, etc. There are natural ways to cleanse the body of these. Things such as vitamin B17 found to be absent on all cancer sufferers is to be taken- it is found in apricot kernels. What is interesting is that the selling of apricot kernels has been made illegal by the government in the USA. Why may you ask- that's the very question we are all asking, why would they ban apricot kernels- the only true source of B17 vitamins? This one factor amoung others shows that one can rid of cancer, like me who is living three years after I shouldn't be am here to show it is proof it works. I was shown this when my cousin's friend had turned to natural supplements against the doctors wishes and is alive and well today. Phillip Day's books must be bought, you can find them on websites. The real reason why we have chemotherapy is that it is such a successful market for business a multi billion dollar industry in western countries like here in Australia.  Doctors go to school and are taught about the drugs that are available, not natural treatments. I promise with all my heart this is true, I know that you all have a chance- Please find out more about these things it has saved me and can change anyone's lives.

Faithfully Michelle- free of cancer.

P.S Just try it its natural - it wont hurt.

Hi Lolotte19,

I'm afraid of needles too, but I've gotten braver with time. When I was a child I was once restrained by a Velcro straight-jacket, plus held down by 2 assistants because I fought so hard against getting the doctor's needle. I was absolutely terrified of it.

As an adult, I've submitted to many blood draws since I know it's a small price to pay for feeling better in the long run. When you're sick enough, you'll do anything to be healthy. Pretend you're getting the world's smallest tattoo. Look away, and if you wear glasses, remove them. I find it helps to talk. Ask the doctor/nurse/tech where they went for holidays, and where you'd like to go.

If you have a procedure coming up, ask your GP for a mild sedative to take. Some dissolve under your tongue, and work in a few minutes and last about 1/2 hr. Have a friend drive you there and back.

MRI by themselves are easy; they're just taking your picture. ; )

These are all things that help me. You can do it!

lolotte- on the snb: you can opt to have that done at time of surgery...

Hello Briannadown,

I have also thought about holistic approach but too much needles there as well.

I still don't know the stage of my cancer although I saw an oncologist yesterday. I know that cancer has spread to my lymph node (one is enlarged). But I have also a lot of mental issue with my husband wanting to leave me and some suicide thought. I guess they didn't like my saying that the cancer was a good way to end my life without too much involvement on my part.

Oncologist was very caring and took my needle phobia at heart. He suggested that I have a catheter place on my chest and then all medicine and blood work could go through the catheter. No needle after that. Still I am really scared about the placement of this catheter and the IV accompanying it!!!!!

He said that usually surgery comes first but in my case, he recommends chemo first. It seems that my cancer is aggressive and fast growing. I am not yet ready to lose my hair on my head. I am afraid I will feel the drugs coming through my vein. I wanted to wait longer before starting anything. Is this suffering really worth it?

I will keep you posted!

I am horribly needle-phobic. Before cancer I always broke down in tears after a simple blood test, as soon as I was out of there. I managed somehow. Being dead is worse than dealing with a needle, to put it bluntly.