Hello, I had the same op as you're having -  a lumpectomy with a sentinal node biopsy - in May. The GA was given so well that I don't recall going under and next thing I knew I was waking up a couple of  hours later feeling ok.  Before the op you should get an apportunity to speak to both the surgeon and the anaesthetist so you will have a chance to raise your concerns with them, but if you need to speak to someone before then I'd suggest talking to your breast cancer nurse. They will be able to explain the process and hopsefuuly put your mind at rest. Hope everything goes well for you and please try not to worry about not waking up as the medical staff know exactly what they are doing and the GA will be given at a dose which is tailored to you personally x 

Thanks so much for ur reply it's the fear of being totally out of it and a machine breathing for u. Its worse cos my husband can only drop me off at door and I'm a worrier by nature I always panic about things. Yes I have to have a wire put in first did u? Hiw r u now were ur results all clear? R u having radiotherapy? X

Hi

You'll get to meet surgeon and anaesthetist before you go down for surgery. When you go down the anaesthetic team will chat to you and put your mind at ease. I had 4 people prep me and we talked about allsorts. So just explain your fears to them they will be used to it. 

I had the same done and was in recovery before I knew it then back on ward and all.the staff were lovely.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Louise xx

Hi Lou_J,

A very warm welcome to our forum. It is only natural to feel afraid of going unter a general anaesthetic. However, if you think about this rationally, far more people get killed crossing the road than die under anaesthesia. Your care team are experts at what they do and they do this procedure day in day out. You will be monitored continually throughout your procedure and, as the others have said, will wake up to find that it's all over and done with.

It is normal to have a wire inserted in your breast, so that they can trace the lump at a later date. I realise that you are having your lumpectomy today, so it may already be behind you. I sincerely hope that all goes well. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx