Breast Cancer Diaries: Pre-Op Decisions

I have a large airway! Woo hoo! During a pre-op appointment at Desert Regional Hospital, I met with an anesthesia nurse who told me the good news. It is welcome news because it may mean fewer complications when I am under anesthesia when I undergo surgery to remove a tumor in my breast next Tuesday.   

The pre-op included a blood, urine, and EKG test, and a chest X-ray. I also met with a nurse to go over the surgical procedure: segmental mastectomy, breast advancement flaps, sentinel lymph node biopsy, auxiliary; possible auxiliary dissection.

Apparently the breast advancement flaps are in case I want some sort of implant later. I don’t really see myself as the implant type. I am more like the “put a sock in my bra” type. 

I was also given a set of instructions for the night before the surgery. No eating or drinking after midnight, take a shower with antibacterial soap, and a list of my medications that are OK to take in the morning. 

I still vacillate between fear and comfort in anticipating the surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 15. The pre-op appointment has made me feel that there are people in the hospital that know what they are doing and will do their best for me. But even more so, I have been immensely comforted and touched by the prayers, encouragement and positive thoughts by readers of . My words do little justice to the depth of my feelings and appreciation.

But as the surgery day draws nearer I feel scared. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. And  I want to hear more from you. Share with me how you have faced this part of the breast cancer recovery process, or have helped a family member through it.