Hi I am 59 and was diagnosed with two tumours in one breast following a routine mammogram back in January, thank goodness for testing as I had no symptoms at all. I had a savi-scout inserted a couple of weeks ago for the tumour at the back of my breast which still feels a bit sore to be honest. I am going to have a lot of tissue removed and lose the nipple completely from the right breast, on the left side I am having a breast reduction. During my pre-op checks I was found to have a previously undiagnosed heart condition so that’s added to my stress levels. My surgeon said I will probably be in theatre for about 6 hours and just today I have started panicking about dying during the operation because of my heart. I know this is very very unlikely and I will discuss it with the anaesthetists before my operation, I have already had an echo done as a matter of urgency, so I know the team will have all the info they need to look after me during the surgery. I just need to focus on thinking positively and looking forwards, so I am looking for any tips to help me recover well after the operation. Thank you if you have read so far, and positive vibes and love to everyone on this journey X
Hello bettybetty
Surgery can be a scary time but actually it’s the waiting and thinking about it that’s the worst part I found. Your surgical team will monitor you closely throughout and make sure you and your heart are well looked after while you are under your GA. I have high blood pressure and mentioned this during my pre op checks and it wasn’t a problem. I could even take my usual medication as normal that same morning. They’ll do regular close checks on you during your surgery and you will be in safe hands.
When is your surgery, I’ll be thinking of you. Do let us know how you get on x 
Thank you, your reassurance has made me feel much calmer, my surgery is on Monday. I think as its almost here I am overthinking and panicking a bit which wont help my heart!
Thank you again X
Hi bettybetty
It’s good news that your surgery is on Monday - not long to go now until you are on the other side.
Hopefully you can enjoy your weekend with some distractions in the sunny weather and after Monday you’ll be able to focus on your recovery x
Hi I was the same absolutely scared as I had
never had any surgery or anaesthetic before and was scared of not waking up. I suffer from asthma high blood pressure and on top of that a week before my surgery I was walking the dog in the woods and trod on stick which cut my leg quite badly. I was panicking as the nurse had gone through what would happen on the day of surgery and said no open wounds. I was worried they would cancel my operation but I spoke to the cns on the phone and she assured me it would go ahead and they would put extra precautions in place. On the day of my surgery the surgical and anaesthetic team were brilliant they put my mind at rest. They will address any worries you have when they are going through the forms. The anaesthetist asked if I had any worries or concerns and I said about not waking up and she jokingly said it’s Friday and I want to leave early so do not worry about that because that is not going to happen. The team were aware of all my past medical history and made sure things were put in place.
Thank you for your reply, I am glad your surgery went well and I am reassured the anaesthetic team put your mind at rest, I am hopefull I will feel the same way after my chat with them in the morning.
Thank you again for taking the time to reply, its really appreciated X
Good luck for tomorrow
I was 58 when mine was picked up at a routine mammogram, my anaesthetist was lovely, so much so that when I had to go back for a second op I asked my consultant if I could have the same one again.
Make sure you tell them how you are feeling in the morning and let them reassure you
You’ve got this
Xx
@bettybetty59 good luck for tomorrow! Trust your team, they know what they are doing and will take care of you. Hugs xx
Dear bettybetty59,
Thinking of you, wishing you health and happiness going forward.
Remember to be kind to yourself, take all the help offered, lots of good food, and don’t forgetting your exercises. Take one day at a time do as much or as little as you can.
Please let us know how you are getting on when you feeling up to it.
Biggest hugs Tili 
Today didn’t go to plan!
I was seen by the anaesthetist when i arrived at the hospital, had my observations done, all was well. I got marked up for surgery, had my cannula fitted and then it all went wrong. My heart rate went very erratic and was 200 beats a minute and despite waiting over 20 mins for it to calm down, it didn’t. Consequently the decision was made to postpone my surgery. I now have an urgent referral to the cardiologist, my consultant said that a wait will not affect my cancer, in that I am on Letrozole and can continue with that, my savi-scan marker is fine and can remain in place, but now I am back to the waiting game.
I totally get it, the anaesthetist said that to operate today was dangerous and my surgeon agreed, but I feel like I have gone from having a treatment plan to now being back in the unknown, with a heart problem to contend with on top of the cancer. I know it will all get sorted in the end, and at least they didn’t start the operation and something happen, the theatre nurse told me she has been in the job for a long time and today was the first time she has seen a surgery pulled at this last moment.
So thanks for your positivity everyone and I will keep putting one foot in front of the other until I am sorted, in the meantime anyone know how to remove the marker pen? I am covered!
Love to all X
@bettybetty59 I’m so sorry it’s all gone pear shaped,.but you are ok, and they need to check your heart. The alternative doesn’t bear thinking about. Hugs xx
Dear bettybetty69,
My heart goes out to you, you have had a terrible experience today, but I feel your team are really looking after you. which is so important
I know this is a shock, hopefully they will get you sorted out very soon, take good care,
Much love Tili
Morning bettybetty
What a day you had yesterday! Poor you and your heart!
It’s good that as you say it didn’t happen mid surgery and the team always have your best interests in mind.
As you say the further waiting isn’t going to affect the cancer element but just now so incredibly frustrating as you feel you’ve gone back into the system and feel it’s all a bit unknown.
As for trying to remove the marker pen?! Oh no … I guess they usually remove this while you’re still under the anaesthetic …. And every time you see it it’s probably a reminder for you … I’ll try to see if I can find any tips on how best to get rid of this and let you know!
Keep your spirits up and good luck for the appointment with your cardiologist… one step at a time x
Hi again
Apparently using hand sanitizer is effective in removing surgical marker pen! Might be worth a go. I’ve also heard that nail polish remover helps too - good luck. 
x