I too had never had an op before and was diagnosed with breast cancer in July. I had a long wait 6 weeks and it was a horrible time as it was playing on my mind and was terrified of the treatment and being put under.  Accepting there was no way out helped on the lead up. The day itself was overwhelming but the good thoughts that it will be out and I can get on with my life helped. I found the whole walking to the anaesthetic room and waiting to be put under awful but it was a temporary situation. Next I heard a voice saying it’s all over , as I started to become aware and there was no memory of anything and you are back to the recovery room. That all went well and on results day 2 weeks later, had good news - lump is out, single node clear BUT we didn’t get enough of a margin on one little bit! I felt sick to the pit of my stomach as that meant another Op. I just couldn’t believe my ears esp as I hadn’t expected that so sadly back again through the process a month later but it was shorter. It was easier second time as you know what to expect- the fear of the unknown is the worst thing. Please don’t worry too much as it’s an everyday thing for the experts and almost like a conveyor belt with multiple surgeries each week.  You will be fine and cancer free. Wishing you well soon.

Hi Burse

I think everyone has these feelings due to apprehension of having a general anesthetic, whether first time round or multiple times.
My great fear is that you may not "wake up" again, I'm sure you have had lots of tests to make sure that you are fit enough for the operation. So heart, lungs, kidney, blood pressure, weight, height and so on are tested.
On the day you will be admitted to a ward where you will put on a surgical gown, you can have a dressing gown on top of this to keep warm and your slippers. You will have visits from a nurse who will take your temperature, blood pressure and ask about any medicine you are currently taking. They may give you a couple of paracetamol to take. You will be visited by the surgeon and the anaesthetist for a chat.
Usually you walk to the operating theater, they put you at ease, fit a cannula in the back of your hand and attach it to a bag suspended above. Know that you will be in good hands by an experienced surgeon and team and the anaesthetist will be present throughout the operation monitoring you. You will be asleep within 10 seconds and be aware of nothing until you wake up in the recovery ward where you started out. As you come to you will be offered a hot drink and be monitored for a while before they either send you home or admit you to a ward to continue your recovery.

I hope that this can help a bit to dispel the fear of the unknown. I recently went through this and although I like you was dreading it, it was not too bad after all.

Best wishes

Ed

Hi Burse,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you find yourself in this position. The anaesthetic is always a worry for anyone contemplating surgery of any type. I am 74 and have previously stopped breathing under general anaesthetic, while undergoing a full open cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal, 27 years ago). This makes any surgery a big challenge for me, but despite this, I have had another 4 operations since this happened. I always make the anaesthetist aware of my previous problems and have to have fibro-optic intubation, as well as to swallow the camera (if needed), while I am awake and conscious, without coughing (not easy!)

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer and had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy. Both operations went without a hitch. Since then I have had 2 knee replacements, which were also very straightforward. As Neda and Farmer_Ed have said, you will get a pre-med before you undergo your operation. This will assess whether or not it is safe for you to undertake a general anaesthetic. You do not say what type of surgery you need - lumpectomy or mastectomy, with /without reconstruction. The time needed to carry out some of these procedures varies considerably. 

Please put your faith in your care team. This is something which they do, day and daily and they wouldn't place you at any unnecessary risk.

I sincerely hope that it all goes well for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. I am now 14 years down the line from diagnosis and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life and I hope that you will too. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I too was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed op. Never had a general anaesthetic before either. Was really anxious about op.  Im 57 yrs old. All was fine on the day even  though I had to get a second general anesthetic on same day as there was an issue with my drain. My ward neighbour was a lovely lady who was 78 and she got same op as me and sailed through her op.

Easier said than done, but honestly try not to stress too much about the op, they will take good care of you.

Wishing you all the best and for a full and speedy recovery, take care x