The Night Before

27th July 2025

Tomorrow is the day of my op, I’m scheduled to go in to The Lister Hospital at 12:30pm.

I’ve no idea where I am on the surgeon’s list but I do now know that my surgery is expected to take about 3 hours. 

I have to admit I’ve not been sleeping great the last few days - I fall asleep ok, but I’ve been waking up in the early hours with a busy brain - partly thinking of things I need to get done for work and at home before I am limited in my capacity, and partly thinking about how I’m going to feel after the surgery. 

This morning was no different, I had no alarm set but woke at 7am, I did manage to drift back to a restless sleep for a little bit but by 8am I gave up.

I’m not sure if I’ll feel differently tomorrow, but right now - at 6:30pm the night before I feel ok, I’m a bit nervous about how much pain I’ll be in when I get home tomorrow afternoon/evening, and there are still question marks over when exactly the drugs to induce the menopause will begin - will it be before I get sent home or will they give me a few days grace to get over the initial operation I wonder?

I have treated myself to a new super soft dressing gown for the hospital and button-up PJs for when I’m at home and struggle to put clothes over my head, I’ve also spent a ridiculous amount on post surgery bras as I need to wear them 24/7 for the next couple of months. 

The hospital/breast care team supplied me with one but recommended I get at least one more so I have one to wear while the other is in the wash. I bought the ones from the Cancer Research UK as I’m sure some of the cost will go back to the charity. I’m also guessing these are a pretty safe bet for their quality and comfort. 

I’ve sat and read all the leaflets given to me in my Post Op Assessment appointment over a week ago (I just haven’t found the time until now to sit and absorb everything).

As I’m not going in until 12:30 I’m allowed a light breakfast before 7am tomorrow then I’m not sure what I’m going to do to pass the time before going in. I am watching the latest Dexter series on Paramount Plus so maybe that will be good for passing the time tomorrow. 

I have a good book on the go - The Switch by Beth O’Leary, it’s light hearted and cheerful and I’m already about half way through, so this should be a good distraction if I end up with a wait at the hospital before I go down to Theatre. 

I want to say a big thank you for all the kind messages, cards and gifts I’ve been receiving this weekend. Sorry if I’ve not replied, there have been so many, I’ve lost track and I’m sure there will be some that I’ve missed replying to although I have read them all.

I don’t expect to be up to posting in the next couple of days, but I’ll make some notes to help me remember as much as I can once I’m out of surgery. 

There’s nothing more to add really, I’ll see you on the other side!