I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so scared ahead of your surgery next week. It's understandable that you're experiencing some anxiety and might have concerns about things next week.
We have some information about mastectomy surgery on our website that may be helpful, but I'd really encourage you to talk through your concerns with the specialist breast nurse and the doctors when you go into hospital next week. I'm sure they will be supportive in offering some reassurance about your concerns particulary your worries about any needles.
In the meantime, you're most welcome to give our team of nurses a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can ahead of your operation. They're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.
Keep in touch Mumnancy and let us know how you're managing. We're here for you.
I think that we are all scared of having surgery such as this. I agree with our moderator, Jenn. Do let your specialist nurse and your surgeon know that you are scared of needles before your surgery - the injection is so quick, that you hardly notice it. I had breast cancer 16 years ago & had a lumpectomy. Six months later I discovered a lump in my other breast which my surgeon suspected was another cancer. Fortunately it was caught early and was classed as pre-cancer. However, almost a year to the day of my original surgery, I found another lump in my original breast. This time, I wasn't so lucky and I had a double mastectomy. I was terrified of the operation, but it went like clockwork and I actually found this easier to cope with post-op than I did the lumpectomy.
Are you going to have reconstruction at the same time? Unfortunately, due to previous non-cancer related surgery, I was not a suitable candidate for this, but I manage fairly well with an assortment of prostheses for various activities. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.
