Re-Excision lumpectomy Advice

Hi SJM ,  

I’m 2 months post op and finding the heat has set me back in regards to fatigue! 
It’s fairly common to have the second op as I did for the same reasons. When they take out the original tumour there needs to be a clear rim around it ( margin). If they find the margin isn’t completely clear or DCIS, (abnormal  cells which may develop) they go back in and remove until it’s all clear. In my case my margin was clear but DCIS found deeper instead of around the rim. 
I hope that helps ? Good luck with the rest of your treatment and recovery 

Hay there, love being a nan, I'm just waiting for my date for 2nd op. Pretty bloody scared if I'm honest, they are taking out all lymph nodes to level 3 as well, how was you after your 2nd op. T

Thank you for replying, that’s helped.. Need to take more notice, when things are being explained!!  X

Total removal of lymph nodes was standard a number of years ago. They said it was better than having to have a second surgery! However that caused issues so they had another think. 

My GO asked this time of I had any swollen lymph nodes. I was back in the car before I realised they'd taken them all out the first time??

Hi Louise,

Everyone’s situation is different but my second op didn’t involve the lymph nodes and only had 4 removed in first op. My second op was to remove DCIS at a deeper level. What did you have done in first op? 
My experience was that the lymph nodes removal was not pleasant and quite sore for couple of weeks but the lumpectomy not bad in my case as my tumour was very small. In saying that I found the lumpectomy very painful in waking up but it was short lived. The lymph nodes removal was fine on leaving hospital but found soreness over the following weeks. Please don’t be scared as the treatments are brilliant now and it’s all a small price to pay for the alternative. 
My daughter brought me a special pillow ( from Etsy) which was brilliant and really helped! It’s heart shaped and goes under your arm and ties over the shoulder. I used it for weeks, really recommend as helped me sleep too. Good luck, you got this X

Thank for your reply, I had lump removed but they need to get more clearance but it has also spread to my lymph nodes so they are going back in to remove the rest a full clearance. It just feels like you are just getting back on your feet and now you got to go back to the start. I am trying so hard to trust the process but had a big meltdown yesterday. Not like me at all but nothing is like what it used to be. That pillow sounds great, I've been putting different ones under my shoulder and arm but they move. Sound great. Thanks again for your help. 

  Love being a Nan

I'm having a few problems with the one lymph node I had removed. On leaving the hospital I wasn't to bad, I am now 8 days in from my op and the soreness is getting worse, I would have thought it would have got better instead of worse. I also had a lumpsectomy. Due to too much swelling I had 50ml of hemotoma removed and my breast is absolutely fine no pain what so ever, don't understand it 

Ahh Louise I know as also used to feel like that but you’re not going back to the start they are just being very thorough and minimising the risk of it coming back so think of it that way! 
I really struggled and tbh still struggling with the time frame. They prepare you for treatments ect.,but not the after affects but I suppose everyone is different. I discovered my lump mid Jan and everything was quick. Treatment finished mid May ( 10 sessions radiotherapy) and my plan was to go back to work June but due to fatigue it’s been difficult but just had to accept in the end. I’m hoping to be back part time by Aug and feel like this year has just passed me by. That said I keep reminding myself that I’m very lucky and due to the treatment hope to have many years ahead to catch up. It will take as long as it takes but the main thing is that you are well at the end of it ! X

This process is hard to get your head around. I felt completely well when I went to the GP with a small lump in Jan ( but of course I wasn’t). Subsequently each treatment makes you feel worse, the exact opposite of what normally happens. I’ve had no probs with my breast also. My daughter couldn’t believe I came out carrying my bag but like you it became sore after and my arm still not quite back to full usage as feels a bit weak but going in the right direction. I don’t think they prepare you for the time it all takes to heal . Sounds like you’re getting there. Are you having radiotherapy ? X

Hi SJM,

I had a lumpectomy in 2012. They did have to do a 2nd re-excision as there was not enough margin. It is better to be certain it has all been removed. All the best to you in your recovery xx