mastectomy

[ummmm]

My Nan is due to have a mastectomy in a few weeks time. She's 80, active, in good spirits but suffers from dementia.

She had a pre op yesterday and everything came back fine.

How risky is this at her age? I'm worried :-(

[albaqwerty]

oohh ummmm I've no idea just wanted to give you a {hug} x

[ummmm]

Thanks...

She's been prescribed TLC...seriously. We've been told that after the op she's going to need lots of cuddles. That's not a problem...

[albaqwerty]

my mum had a triple heart bypass whilst in the early stages of dementia, and I swear blind that brought on alzheimer's (sp) sooner, she was 73 when she had the op.

Don't hug her too hard after the op tho xx

[ummmm]

I'm worried that it will make her worse. I'm also worried about how confused she's going to be everytime she gets dressed.

I bet it won't stop her flashing her tits at Grandad :-)

[albaqwerty]

try and catch her before she does that and give her a hug :) remind her it's doctor's orders :D Seriously, I hope all goes well x

[Sqad]

The operation.....no big deal.

The problem will be the anaesthetic and post operative recovery which will be slow and protracted.She will recover like every old person from anaesthesia.

[ummmm]

Will the dementia make it worse?

I think that's why they wanted to avoid surgery.

[Sqad]

ummmm.....I think you mean will the operation make the dementia worse.........all evidence seems to indicate that it might well do.

[ummmm]

Yes...just been talking to my Aunt who was at the pre op appointment yesterday.

They really don't want to operate because she has an unsteady heartbeat. I forgot about that. Her twin brother had a pacemaker fitted years back. They would have done the same for her except for the dementia. They said they'd wait until she started fainting and do it as a needs must. Now she has to have a mastectomy...with a dodgy heart. Not good :-(

[Sqad]

ummmm.....she´s 80.

[ummmm]

I know....

Doesn't make it easier though :-(

[Sqad]

ummmm....I know.

[jackthehat]

Morning, ummmm.
My Grandma was already 'very confused' (no diagnosis of dementia) when she underwent surgery on a broken thigh-bone.
She never really 'recovered' from the operation, I'm afraid.
We felt that she didn't ever really come round from the anesthetic.

Sorry. :o( xxxxxxxxxx

[ummmm]

That's my concern Jack. I think if anything happens to her it will kill Grandad as well.

She's such a lovely person...you remember her.

[jackthehat]

Of course I do. :o)
The only saving grace may be that her mental condition is protecting her from the anxieties that the rest of you are feeling.........

You and the rest of the 'ummmms' will have to deal with things as best you can, but let's hope that Nancy is protected from the worst of the knowledge.

xxxxx

[Greedyfly]

Our thoughts are with you Ummmm...

[zzxxee]

i have looked after elderly ladies who have had mastectomys ummmm, its good your nan is active at 80 as this will help in her recovery xxx
i wish her all the best and hope you will be ok during this difficult time xx

[sara3]

ummmm, I have nothing useful to offer but wish your nan all the very best x

[whiskeysheri]

My nan is the same age, ummmm, and wasn't with it at all after her op a fortnight ago. Even today she's more confused than usual, but is getting a bit better. I hope everything goes well for your nan. Thinking of you. Xx

[ummmm]

Thanks everyone...

She's a strong woman. She threw a table at my Grandad last week (hehe)

I'll bribe her to get better....I'll show her cans of lager and promise to take her to the pub :-)