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Breast cancer op postponed - heart issues

StElizabeth
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Hi, I've just joined and wanted to say hello. I'm 70 next month and 2 months ago found a breast lump. The 'fast pathway' has got me to where I am now : after all the usual tests, I was admitted for a mastectomy and lymph node removal last Saturday as a day-care patient but the op was postponed just as I was due to go down. The anaesthetist had spotted worrying abnormalities in my ECG and I'm now in limbo land. The wait for a Cardiology appt is long (and I'm no more deserving than anyone else so not suggesting I should jump the queue) but my excellent surgeon won't go ahead until he's given the all clear.

I came home to a house full of get-well cards and flowers with a Picasso sharpied all over my chest and a huge feeling of anti-climax! I've been given endocrine medication and a suggestion that I might have a marker inserted by radiology to keep track of what's going on. Does anyone know how this is inserted when it's not during a biopsy? I found the Nuclear Injection very painful... is it worse?!

I've been told the surgery looks more like mid August now which I'm trying to get my head round (and I'll need a Primark visit to buy some bras as I'd binned all my pre-mastectomy ones!) - I love my boob but know it's got to go.

Thank you for reading this and I'm going to have a browse at what's on here and get more familiar with the site.

Hope today's a good day for you all x

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    Hi StElizabeth,

    I am so sorry to hear that your surgery had to be cancelled at the last moment. I can understand your disappointment, but, as someone who has stopped breathing on the operating previously, can I congratulate your anaesthetist for being so vigilant. It is so frustrating for you, but your well being is paramount in these situations. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and my marker was inserted during biopsy. I really didn't feel that there was anything painful about this procedure.

    I don't know what the procedure is when it is inserted without a biopsy, but I would imagine that the procedure is very similar. Why not ask one of the nurses on this forum (0802 800 4040)? If you are going to have a mastectomy, would you not be better to buy some post-surgery bras, which you could use post-surgery, or are you planning immediate reconstruction?

    I do hope that you get this all resolved soon. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine and thanks for the reply. Yes, I am extremely grateful to my vigilant anaesthetist but a bit frustrated that I wasn't 'fit to operate on'. I decided against a reconstruction for various reasons and have a couple of post-surgery bras in the drawer but they feel a bit hot and heavy for this weather, perhaps I'll find something all cotton to tide me over. I'm sorry you've had breast cancer twice - a second diagnosis was perhaps even more of a blow. Hopefully you are doing well now. 

  • Offline in reply to StElizabeth

     

    Hi StElizabeth,

    I had a lumpectomy the first time, then had a scare 6 motths later and another bout almost a year to the anniversary of my first operation. I then had a double mastectomy without reconstruction and I manage fairly well with an assortment of prostheses for various activities. That was 13 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilled life - I hope that you do likewise.

    I agree that the post-mastectomy bras are a bit cumbersome and hot.

    Do please keep in touch andlet us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    It must have been a grim experience for you. Thank you for the kind words, Jolamine x

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    I've had lots of breast surgery and I find the M&S post op bras are really good they are soft and have wider sides, you will be able to wear them post op as they have pockets for a prosthesis or soft boob to slot onto. I can't wear underwired bras due to surgery, you also get the vat back making them cheaper. 
    My gynaecology op was cancelled due to running out of surgery time. 
    the repeat of the Covid isolation ect was a pain as l also had injections to avoid clots lm sorry to hear that you were cancelled my neighbour had the same with cardiac problems preop, he's waiting to be seen. Better to have all tests needed pre op than have a problem during surgery. 
    Quite a few patients are cancelled on the day as it's down to the anaesthetist if they are happy to proceed. They don't see you until they are about to anaesthetise you, unless you have been to the anaesthetic clinic for pre op review. 
    Do take care l hope your cardiac appointment is soon. 
    susie

  • Offline in reply to Alfieisastar

    Hi Susie, I'm sorry your op was cancelled last minute too - it's the gearing yourself up, the endless wait and then the realisation that it's not your day! I'll look at the m&s bras when I go next week - I know my op won't be for at least 8 weeks now but I'm a bit of an over thinker and it calms me to be organised. Enjoy the heat wave! X

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