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Anxiety is through the roof. Due to have breast cancer surgery and really don't know what to expect

Babyroo
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Hi, I'm Emma.

Have just been diagnosed with breast cancer, operation is on 9th Sep. My anxiety is through the roof, don't know really what to expect. With my anxiety, will they allow me to take a sedative before I go to surgery? 

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    Hi Emma,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. 

    Most of us find our emotions all over the place when we get a cancer diagnosis. It is good to see that you don't have much longer to wait for your surgery. Don't be afraid to tell your consultant or breast care nurse about your anxiety, as I'm sure that they can give you something to help with it. Don't take anything without discussing this with your care team first, just in case anything reacts with your anaesthetic that they don't know about.

    I had a lumpectomy 15 years ago, then had another bout of breast cancer and 1 of pre-cancer the same year. I had a double mastectomy for the second bout. Like you, I was really worried about the surgeries, but on both occasions, they were much more straightforward than I ever imagined

    I sincerely hope that all goes well for you. 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

    Dear Jolamine,

    Thankyou for replying. I have suffered with anxiety for many many years. And bring diagnosed with this has just tipped me over the edge. I have contacted the breast nurses, and they have taken on my worries and are going to phone me again over the next couple of days to let me know if I can have something before surgery and that my husband can sit with me until I go in. But thank you again. I just have to put my big girl pants on x

    Emma

  • Offline in reply to Babyroo

    Hello, I had a lumpectomy and lymph nodes removal, 3 weeks ago, I know every hospital is different, but it was all very relaxed and they sent many different members of staff to check on me ask questions. I walked to the theatre, which just looked like a normal examination room, they chatted to me and then put something nice n relaxing through my vains n next thing I'm waking from surgery. Just tell them how you are feeling, they let me husband stay for ages. 

    You are going to be just fine, you will be well taken care of. 

    My advice is, take control of your breathing, once you do you will calm down straight away.

    Sending  hugs

  • Offline in reply to Babyroo

    Hi Emma,

    I am glad to hear that you have already contacted the breast nurses and hope that you hear back from them soon.. A cancer diagnosis tips many of us over the edge and it is really hard to deal with so many "unknowns" to start with. 

    As you say you just have to put your big girl's pants on and get on with it - I'm sure that you'll be fine.

    Please let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards.

    Jolamine xx

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