Recently I was having a conversation re needing to have my ‘wide excision’ surgery repeated as ‘the margins were not clear enough’. This was devastating news to receive only 2 weeks after surgery and then having to go through surgery again 30 days after the first operation. There were many problems with trying to heal the wound. However, the lady I was conversing with them explained that she had gone through exactly the same scenario and I am curious as to how common this occurance is. Surely with the technology we have now, there shouldn’t be the need to put individuals through repeated surgeries and I would welcome your thoughts. However, I’m also feeling pretty guilty posting this as, four years on, I’m still here and am very grateful for all the treatment, care and support, including from the wonderful online community here, I received.
Hi Roz55
I am one of the community champions on this forum. I did have a wide excision and fortunately didn’t need further surgery
I read something recently that suggested about 20% of wide excisions for breast cancer don’t get the extent of margin preferred. Whilst the surgeon can see a clearly defined tumour, there are often areas around it that have some cancer cells within them and they can’t be seen during surgery. So I guess it’s not surprising but obviously upsetting when it happens. Some people even need a 3rd surgery for the same reason. Ultimately I think most people who are eligible would prefer to conserve their breast even if they had better knowledge of the revision rate.
It’s good to know you are 4 years on from this without any issues.
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I have metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer, in remission
