Hello everyone, im having surgery in 15 days. Obviously im getting a bit more anxious. I asked my Dr do i need scans or bloods before my bilateral mastectomy he said no. My sister said that is strange and not right. She made me worry and stress more. I just want to get thru this and hopefully be all clear and not require further treatment. Can I ask what others have had to do prior to surgery..eg bloods and such. Thank u xxx
Hi Shanny63, what examinations were done to diagnose the cancer? That may determine what you need or not.
To diagnose I had a mammograph then ultrasound and ultrasound biopsy all on the same day, and was booked into a MRI as well as my breasts were dense.
After getting the results, I then went for a MRI Biopsy as they found something on the non cancer breast during the MRI, that turned out to be cancer free.
I had a CT Scan which was for the DIEP part of my surgery. Day prior I had the dye in breast, as at that stage they didn't know if it was in my lymph nodes or not and the dye shows them which lymph nodes to take to test.
Post Surgery I had a PET Scan just to ensure nothing spread elsewhere in my body. They did do blood tests for Anaesthetist. Then everyday while in hospital recovering they did blood tests
Hope that helps, and all goes well for you
Thank u, I had stereotatic biopsies, mammogram and ultrasound. They found the dcis on the lumpectomy. Im having the bilateral mastectomy in 2 days. Hoping its all clear and no more treatment required. Thanks for your reply x
Hi shanny63 Waiting for surgery is the worst! I had my annual breast screening that picked up the potential breast cancer. Breastscreen then had me back in for another mammogram, ultrasound followed by biopsy which confirmed the cancer and the type. The day before my bilateral mastectomy my surgeon sent me for a nuclear scan. The day of surgey when I was in pre-op, I think i had some blood taken, but I'm not 100% sure. I did have quite a few blood tests while I was in hospital after surgery. All the best for your upcoming surgery!
Dear shanny63
I only had three day between diagnosis and surgery so I may have forgotten something, but my experience was very much like that of May2024. Mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy of breast mass and one lymph node confirmed the diagnosis. I had a number of very enlarged lymph nodes, so no dye required to identify one to test (they picked the only malignant one, well done!). I was sent for a nuclear scan the morning of surgery but as the start was delayed, the scan was deferred until after surgery. My surgeon was reassuring that there was no problem in doing so. I don't know what blood samples may have been taken during surgery (single mastectomy and axillary clearance) but I don't recall any for the few days I remained in hospital. My surgeon walked me through a very full report on the surgery and post-operative pathology abut a week or so later, which I found very useful. As May2024 says, the welter of blood tests come after the surgery. Best wishes.
Thank you for replying. Im a really anxious person so this waiting is very hard for me. My drs ordered bloods now so that's made me even more anxious. I need to stop overthinking everything I think. Xx
Try not to beat yourself up shanny63 , I think it must be pretty normal to be anxious. I was diagnosed with pleomorphic LCIS about 6 weeks ago. Had a heap of appointments at RPH last week, including with plastics team; and now awaiting notification of my surgery date and confirmation that I will have a VUG flap reconstruction, since I'm too slim for DIEP (my preferred option). I'm finding the waiting the hardest part!
Hi christy, 2 days to go for me now till my bilateral mastectomy. Yes the waiting is the worst part. I've cleaned my house so much its insanity.. haha. I am going flat. I want one and done. Xx
Hi Shanny
I totally hear you. Between Dr Google and helpful “advice” I nearly drove myself demented after my diagnosis.
I also had no tests or bloods done before surgery so think this is pretty normal. Unless your sister is a surgical nurse I would ignore her.
It’s hard but the best advice I can give you right now is to surrender. If you have a surgeon you trust just follow their directions.
Good luck! I’m sorry you’ve had to join this awful club. x
