When I had my double mastectomy it was under general anesthesia. It was quite different from the twilight option as I was completely knocked out within about 4 seconds. But the doc used an IV, not a mask. It wasn't frightening at all.

Best wishes. You will be in recovery before you know it.

I had a mastectomy 11 days ago. I met the Anesthesiologist and he told me he wanted to give me an injection to just relax me before he administered the anesthesia. I remember wanting to pay attention to everything around me, see the OR, see the OR staff....I don't remember anything past that first injection to relax me...I don't remember being wheeled away. I remember the injection and then I was waking up in the recovery room.
I don't know if that's what u were looking for, but that was my experience.

i had an emergency removal of my falopian tube due to the egg gestating there.
i was awake the whole time until they got me hooked up to the iv, then put the mask on me and told me to breath and count back from 100 dont know what happened.
just woke up in recovery none the wiser.
hope it makes you feel better.
praying for the best.

Thank You to all, that makes me feel much better. :) I will let you know what happens. :)

My Dear, I had a bilateral mastectomy with general anesthesia and the anesthesiologist starts an IV and gives you a drug to relax you. The next thing you now you will wake up in recovery. Don't worry, it will be over before you know it. My prayers are with you. Let us know how you are doing.

Do not worry - they will give you some valium before you go into surgery. That will help you relax. I was real glad for that! I felt really "loopy" just before I went under. They will explain this to you at your anesthesiology post-op meeting (did they give you one? I had one.) They were done before I knew it and 90 minutes later, I was in recovery. You will be just fine.

Sadly No, I was never given a "pre-op" consultation with an Anesthesiologist. When I had my twilight, I met the anesthesiologist in the surgery unit before surgery. It was then that he asked me questions. Thanks to all of you for your answers. I will definetly post back with my experience. :) (((HUGS)))

General ana\esthesia is done via IV. If they put a mask on you, it will probably be after you are already 'out' and only to aid in breathing (provide oxygen).

I just had surgery a few weeks ago (again) and I do not remember the mask from any of my surgeries. That might be an indication of my faulty menmory, but I wouldn't worry.

I wish you a short surgery and a speedy and full recovery.

- Diane

I've had 2 surgeries in the last 6 weeks both with general anethesia. I don't remember anything after they started my IV. There is no mask involved. They also give you something to help you relax before they wheel you to the OR. In all only my nerves caused me any trouble. It was far more scare in my mind than in reality. You will do fine.

HELLLO!! I am HOME! Whoo Hoo!!! Thanks so much to all of you. I had told the anesthesiologist in the OR that I didn't mind the IV drugs but couldn't handle the mask. She said "Don't worry, we'll put the gas mask on you, after you are knocked out." so I was VERY Happy about that. I had a wonderful OR Team, and the sweetest nurse by my side. What was supposed to be 1 1/2 hours turned into 3 hours. But they did get it all, and about the size of a plum including two lymph nodes. I now play the waiting game, and need to see him on Friday or Monday. I woke up in Recovery with coughing fits, and a sore throat, and lightheadness. Thankfully no vomiting. It feels good to be home for my Birthday. :) Thanks for all your help guys, you are all wonderful, and really eased my mind. Talk to you soon.

I'm so glad you are home for your birthday. Thanks for letting us know how it went. I logged on today just hoping you might give us an update. Take good care of yourself and I look forward to you keeping us updated. Blessings to you.

thats so wonderful respectful! Everything worked out fine. Glad to hear that they gave you valium in your IV to help relax you. Doesn't it make you real relaxed. I actually liked it and was grateful for that extra med for my surgery. If I remember correctly, there was about 4 people in the OR room with me during my lumpectomy. Everyone was great during surgery. I can't believe its been 90 days since my surgery - it went fast. Tomorrow is my 3 month checkup. 3 more months before my 1st mammo since getting diagnosed.

Wow! That is so wonderful that you have been past the 90 day mark! I am not sure how my lymph nodes have turned out, but I need to see him on Friday, now. So I will be sure to update when I come back. Yes, my surgery staff was wonderful...even the doctor who did my sentinel node mapping was wonderful...although I think I squeezed the hand off of my nurse LOL Between that, and the Wire Localization, two "Medieval" Tests in the same day..I feel like I got run over by a truck! It is starting to itch now, hope it's healing. TTYS...

wasn't that wire long and thin. I was kinda surprised. It only pinched when they put it in, taped me up (so it wouldn't get in the way) and sent me to surgery thereafter. yes, it does itch, a lot. It means its healing inside. I now itch again - this tims its radiation itch, but its inside my breast (something else to look forward to). I also have the shooting pains associated with the radiation and it hasn't stopped since early last week.

Yes. :) I thought if I looked down I'd poke my eye out. LOL Thank God they taped it, eh? Oh, I see I have more to look forward to with Radiation. LOL...I took the bandages off today, My I look like the Bride of Frankenstein! Ha! The one under my arm looks better as it is taped with steri-strips, and are disolvable stitches. I hope they stay closed! :) TTYS...