Scared And Nervous

[Scutles 12]

I am scared!! My surgery is set for 12/3 .... I am 41 years old and I have had many surgeries (gallbladder, 2 csection, double mastectomy, tram flap reconstruction, craniotomy to remove brain tumor) I have went through chemo and over 120+ treatments of radiation and I am still scared... But I know if I don't lose this weight my chances of my cancers coming back are more than 80% higher... And I have an amazing husband and 3 wonderful children I need to be here for. My husband is really concerned with me doing this, but after both my breast cancer oncologist and brain cancer oncologist approved it and advised him it would lessen my chance of recurrence that I think he is feeling a little bit better I just hope I can get through this!

[icon23 273]

I am still pre-op, but from everything I've read here it's very normal to be nervous as your surgery date gets closer. Try your best to stay focused on why you're doing it and think of all that you've survived so far. You can also always come here for reassurance. Best of luck to you!

[Jen35 283]

I'm pre-op and scared as well. I think it's normal and part of the process. This is a huge, life-changing surgery, so it's to be expected. I'm afraid of the risks, but I feel the benefits outweight them for me. I'm 35 and my mom died of breast cancer at 39. I'm more afraid of the health risks I'm facing at this point than the surgery. This site is a great resource. Best wishes and keep us posted.

[lizv123 389]

I was TERRIFIED!

I knew I was gonna die on the table. Just knew it.

The morning of surgery everything moved so fast and my family was there I was back in the OR before I could think about panicking. Before they put my mask on I asked my nurse, Will, if he'd tell my family I loved them then I woke up in recovery making fun of my dad's age so they say.

Don't be too nervous! It's pretty easy.

[iegal 460]

Normal to be scared. Can I recommend that you write down 10 reasons you want this surgery? Take list with you to pre op appt and then with you for day of surgery. You can reread these reasons when having those doubts. Here are/were some of mine, but make your own list.

1. I want to be a healthier me

2. I want to wear normal size clothes..and cute ones including a bathing suit upon occasion

3. I no longer want to battle my weight every single day, only to fail repeatedly...I want a chance

4. I don't want my thighs to rub together where I get a rash

5. I want to be seen for me, not my size. (yes, sadly you are treated differently when smaller)

6. I want to hike with my husband

7. I want to play with my kids freely

8. I want to be able to go up stairs without huffing

9. I want people to stop staring at me when I eat a bite or two of dessert

10. I want to reduce risks of being overweight, mostly my knees hurt a lot

Hugs to all of you. We are here cheering you on to success!

[Lisa's Hope 421]

I was also very scared but after reading everything you have been through, I just know you will do fine with this surgery. It does change your life. The first few weeks, months can be hard but it isn't much worse than gallbladder surgery as far as pain goes. The recovery takes awhile but you will be so happy a few months down the road! God bless you. You are a real trooper!