DCIS following a lumpectomy & subsequent cavity shave 3 weeks later

Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community. The Community is split into groups covering the different cancers so I'm going to suggest you join our supportive Breast cancer group where you'll be able to chat to members going through the same journey. Just click on the link I've created and join. Copy and paste your post to  introduce yourself. I've tagged some of the Community Champs of the group to welcome you lesleyhelen GodWilling.

It’s always helpful to others if you write a little something (or a lot) about yourself and your journey to date. You can enter it into your profile (click on your username and select “Profile”) It’s helpful to other members with a similar diagnosis who can then hopefully answer your questions. It also means that you don't have to keep writing the same thing over and over. You can amend or update it at any time. 

To find more information covering diagnosis and treatments there are pages covering most types of cancers which can be found on our Online Information and Support Section. 

Macmillan Support Services also offer lots of information, support, financial guidance or just someone to listen. It’s free to call 0808 808 0000. Most services are available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. Have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two to three working days for replies from our expert team.

Sending you welcoming hugs B xx

Hi and so sorry you find yourself here.  

It does seem to be quiet common that clear margins are not achieved first time around.  From the posts I've read second time round usually does the job although there are no guaranties.

What has your surgeon advised you to do as I would be guided by them.  If the advice is that it's up to you then in your place I would opt for trying for clear margins second time around.  Having a mastectomy doesn't guarantee that the cancer won't return in that breast any more than a lumpectomy with clear margins.  That was the advice I was given when asked to choose between lumpectomy or mastectomy.  My surgeon was clear that his preference if I was his mother/daughter (I always ask them what they would advise their mother or daughter if they were in my position) would be a lumpectomy.  Then if cancer did come back I could always have a mastectomy then.

I also like the idea of allowing it the possibility to come back (if it ever comes back) away from my chest cavity which a mastectomy doesn't allow for. 

As I said the best person to advise you is your surgeon but the above should give you some questions to ask him to help you decide.

Wishing you all the best in what comes next in your treatment x