My mastectomy with diep flap reconstruction is this Saturday and the fear is really setting in now.
Any hints and tips to get me through the next few days with my sanity.
I’ve never had anything surgical before so am dreading it!!!
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Hi @motherducky,
We’re so sorry to hear you’re feeling anxious for your upcoming surgery - if you’d like to talk things through, have any questions, or just need some support please do remember that you can reach out to our nurses on our helpline 0808 800 6000.
We have some information here about how your reconstruction might look or feel that you might find useful Breast reconstruction using your own tissue | Breast Cancer Now
As well as what to expect after your surgery After breast reconstruction: what to expect | Breast Cancer Now
It’s completely expected that you would be feeling worried during this time, so please do reach out whenever you need to, to us or to your family and friends. We’re here for you.
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@motherducky it is totally understandable feeling anxious whilst waiting. Its a big deal having any operation let alone a mastectomy. Just stay focused on the why that was how I managed and go with your feelings. I remember having a bath the morning of my surgery (I didnt have diep I had SMX with expander implant) anyway I lay in the bath and cried, and mourned the loss of my boob. However when i came around I just felt instant relief that it had gone, the boob that betrayed me was gone and my new implant was there now instead. That relief honestly has never left. I hope you manage the next few days without too much worry and before you know it you will be out the other side xx
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Hey, I’m having my mastectomy on Thursday this week, just a simple mastectomy though. I’m like you, feelings of dread and fear, but then I have sad feelings for loosing a part of me, then I feel keen to get it done so it’s a step closer to hopefully getting rid of the cancer. I keep telling myself it’s life saving surgery and that usually helps my mental state. I’m now feeling more anxious about the 3 week wait for the pathology results. 
Best of luck for Saturday, I hope it all goes well and recovery goes smoothly xx
Best luck to you too. I met my surgeon again yesterday and he said try not to focus on results. Try to focus on healing as whatever the results are they can’t do anything until you have healed enough.
It’s so stressful isn’t it. I am getting my results in the 21st but am going to try and not focus on that. One day at a time needs to be our goal. No matter what the results we have come thus far and we will keep going. Scared, but never alone x
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Hi motherducky,
I just wanted to say I had my surgery yesterday. I felt okay while I was initially there, I was first on the list, 9am so I wasn’t waiting in the hospital too long. When the theatre nurse came to take me down and they were running through their checks for the 10th time, that’s when I cried. The nurses were lovely and reassuring and we chatted about nice things on my walk down to theatre. Anaesthetics were lovely too, so was the surgeon, I felt calm (ish) lying there. I’ve had 8 surgeries previously so know the effects a general has on me so always request an anti sickness. If you’re quite sensitive to meds then maybe ask for one too. (Gas an air while I was on labour made me feel sick also so I didn’t use it)
I woke up in recovering at about 10:40, the nurse said I got there at 10;15. However I’ve just had a simple mastectomy and the SNLB with no reconstruction. I was very cold shivering all over teeth chattering, she put a warming blanket on me which worked quickly. At 11am I went back up to the ward on a drip. They were keen to get me eating and drinking which I was happy to do.
Obviously were having different surgeries, but I just wanted to say that now I’ve had the surgery and I’m hoping with all my fingers and toes crossed that they’ve taken all the cancer away, regardless of what’s next, I still feel a huge sense of relief the tumours have gone. I hated walking around with it, while it’s there doing its evil thing. I think because of this I’m feeling on a bit of a high ( maybe it’s the drugs talking!) but I know it was 100% the right thing to do.
Also, the 8 previous surgeries I’ve had were all abdominal, so I didn’t want to have more surgeries on that area. So do just be very gentle on yourself, don’t push too hard and listen to your body. My mastectomy pain so far feels mostly on the side of my chest and armpit area, just sore muscles when I move around. They gave me a cute little heart cushion for under my arm and that’s helped a lot!
Sending lots of positive vibes your way for tomorrow xx