Forum Discussion

Kat09's avatar
Kat09
Member
8 years ago

Surgery

Well, after 6 months of Chemo and 5 weeks of radiation it is almost my turn for surgery. To say that I am feeling a tad anxious is an understatement but I do know that it's completely normal to feel this way. I am scheduled to have a total mastectomy ( left ) and aux clearance next week but am still to have it confirmed by my surgeon on Friday. Given that I only finished Rads not quite 4 weeks ago they are waiting to make certain my skin has settled enough for the surgery, that in itself has me worried. I trust in the team of specialists looking after me  ( they are amazing ) but in the back of my 'overthinking over analytical ' mind all the whatif's creep in. Surgery is a big enough worry at the best of times , my skin has added an extra worry to the mix for me. It has healed really well and I am doing all the right things to look after it and help it repair but am still overthinking all the possibilities. I am really glad that my Drs have got me to a place where surgery is viable for me as initially it wasn't due to my tumour size and skin involvement so that in itself is a major plus. It is still a daunting thing for any of us though.

10 Replies

  • Kat09's avatar
    Kat09
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thanks girls, i saw my rads oncologist today and surgery has been pushed back til the end of next week now. They want to give my skin a little more time. It will be great to get to the place that you're at now Lisa @LMK74 and even better to get a few years down the track...not that I wish anytime away :)
  • melclarity's avatar
    melclarity
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hey @Kat09 it's so natural to feel the trepidation leading into your surgery, once you have it, I really think you will settle to have another thing done and dusted. Keep looking at how far you've come and the rest will come easy enough. You can do it, and you'll be ok! Hugs Melinda
  • LMK74's avatar
    LMK74
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Kat09, just to let you know I'm thinking of you. I was so petrified of surgery because I'd never had an operation before. All that fear and worry for nothing. I'm 10 days post mastectomy and have to say so far I haven't even needed pain killers. Sore and stiff but feeling good. You'll breeze it.
    Lisa x
  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    8 years ago
    Won't be too long and you'll have been through the surgery and onto recovery!  Good luck and thinking of you!
  • Hopes_and_Dream's avatar
    Hopes_and_Dream
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @Kat09,  look how far you've come and how much you have gone through already!  Surgery is always frightening, we all understand exactly how you are feeling.  But remember the amazing team you have looking after you.  And how good will it be to have the cancer gone  - one step closer to being cancer free. 
    You've got this Kat - and remember you have all of us sending good wishes.   Jane xx
  • Kat09's avatar
    Kat09
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thanks @nikkid, I know in 4 weeks it'll all be behind me and that is a pleasant thought. Might even have to have a glass or 3 to celebrate..
    x
  • nikkid's avatar
    nikkid
    Member
    8 years ago
    Take it one day (or one hour) at a time @Kat09 ......it is scary and it can be overwhelming, but you'll get there. I used to imagine myself one month AHEAD and how I would be feeling then....helped to get me through.

    Keep us posted on your progress and we will all be sending loving, healing thoughts your way

    Nikki xxxx
  • Kat09's avatar
    Kat09
    Member
    8 years ago
    Thanks so much Summer. All the advice and support from this forum has been a massive help all the way through my treatment.
    Kat x
  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hello @Kat09
    Yes, you are doing the same overthinking that we all do.  You have been through a lot and have more to come but as you say, you trust your medical team and that is a big plus.  It will be a long few days for you but it will soon be over and you will be on your way to a good recovery.  Melbourne has the best !
    I miss my Miss Rightie but three years on I am still here.
    I wish you all the best and I will be keeping track of your recovery.
    Summer  :-)