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

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. 

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

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

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