My Mom is 80 years old and having surgery for the first time. Can anyone help?

Question

My Mom is having a Lumpectomy on Monday. She is 80 years old. I will be taking her to the hospital by myself, and wonder what to expect. I'm terribly frightened that she won't wake up after the surgery. Can anyone help me understand what I am in for? Thank You.

Answer 1

The physicians examined her health before making the decision for surgery. She'll be alseep and yes, she'll be just fine. Be there for her in the recovery room so she can see your lovely face when she awakes. Support her and love her. :)

Answer 2

hi there. What kind of cancer does she have or is it going to be removed and biopsied at that time? They will be really careful due to her age. I was told a long time ago, that most of the agents they use to put people out are soy based so if she can eat a McDonald's hamburger and she is ok afterwards, she will be ok.

Depending on how she feels after surgery, she may be going home that day later on or the next morning. They will stitch things up. she may sign a form that if they feel it is cancer to take the full breast, they do offer that at the time of the surgery so you would't have to have a 2nd surgery. If she has a masectomy then she'd be in the hospital about 2-3 days. She'll need help after surgery because using that arm will be sore, she'll be a little weak and woozy from the surgery if it is outpatient.

If it's cancer they will send her to an oncologist if she isn't being treated with one now.

It is scary isn't it? When parents age and then have problems and need surgery. My mother had a ductectomy when she was 78 and we were scared too. She did fine.

Answer 3

It is natural for you to be nervous...she is too. So, try to be strong for her. The surgeon, the nurse and the anesthesiologist will com in and talk to you and your mom before her procedure and will tell you the risks that could be associated with her type of procedure and medication. After the surgery is done, they will come out and tell you how things went, and after she wakes up (probably about 1/2 hour later), they should let you go back to see her. Don't be shocked by her appearance when you see her, she will look very drugged, and possibly swollen in face and hands, she may also have bags under her eyes which may appear discolored. These effects wear off quickly usually gone within 4-5 hours. She will continue to be drowsy/tired, and may sleep more than usual through the next day....Your doctor will let you know what signs you should watch for in the event she has side effects (nausea is a common side effect). Keep in mind, that while there are risks with ALL surgery and anesthetics your mom is having this surgery for a reason, and the doctor sees the benefits of the surgery out-way the risks involved. So, try to be strong for you mom & keep your chin up. Good Luck to your mom.

Answer 4

I had surgery for the first time two weeks ago. It is terrifying. But after it was all over, I realized that I'd been worried for nothing! I assume her lumpectomy is in her breast? I had a breast reduction, so not all that different. I was also worried about not waking up from anesthesia, so I researched it. What anesthesia does is basically slow down your body, your blood pressure, etc. They told me that the only reason I should be worried is if I had heart problems. If your mother's heart is good, she'll be fine. They monitor her breathing and blood pressure the whole time she's under, so they keep good watch. They'll put the anesthesia in her IV and she'll be asleep in about 30 seconds. When she wakes up, she'll be groggy, but it'll be like no time went by at all, for her. While she's under and you're sitting around worrying, just remember that they're watching her like hawks and making sure that all of her vitals are good, and she's sleeping happily. I was told there is a 1 in 1000 chance of complications, so chances are, she'll be just fine!

Answer 5

Tell her what I've experienced. You always are scared, but then they inject that stuff into you and you're like, wow! It's really so simple and painless, before you even know it, you've got some stitches all of a sudden. Your mind cannot make the transition smoothly, so it all seems as one blur, you never remember going to sleep or waking up.

She'll wake up, don't worry. If she's never had surgery before, then she's gonna live to be 100.

And do NOT try any holistic remedys without the doctors express orders. The doctors are trained to know exactly what to do and make the calculations based on her condition plus what THEY give her.

Answer 6

I would have her take several nutrients before and after surgery to prevent serious problems, and speed recovery: arnica montana 30c, preferably a week before and after surgery (ask your surgeon, if you like, it is the most popularly recommended homeopathic remedy in the world for surgery), and bromelain (a pineapple extract) to help her recover. It would be advisable to take whole food vitamin c, and whole food b-complex (New Chapter and Mega Food are the sole producers of this sort of natural, safe non-synthetic vitamin).

Answer 7

im sorry but remember that she is 80 yrs old brace urself for whatever lies ahead.but the thing is that that surgery takes a long time so thats y im saying brace yourself im sorry if nything happeneds always be by her side NO matter what.
best of wishes
carlos a doctor in jackson memorial hospital
do me a favor and call me ill put my email address here and say whatever ud like i just need ur email address so i can give it to you i cant post it here becuze of the poeple who might awnser here.its [e-mail] once i get ur email ill be able to see ur email address and ill give you my phone number im doctor so i can tell you what to expect ect. thanks
best of wishes and im very glad to help
Carlos ☻☻☻☻☻☻

Answer 8

The doctors must think she is strong enough for this. Talk to the nurses at the hospital. They usually can ease your mind. Good luck.

Answer 9

if you are acting nervous in front of her about this it could make her nervous and its best if you go into surgery peacful. just relax and dont think about it. so that your mother will be happy and not scared.

Answer 10

Definitely pray.

LC