Lumpectomy and results update

Hi Buzzz, sorry you have to have re excision. Sending you positive thoughts.

I had an allergic reaction to the tape and dressings they used on biopsy sites (at least 5 areas). I know how horrible that is. Have they left markers in the biopsy sites? I found mine improved after they were removed during surgery.

I’ve been in similar situation twice left breast 2013, no clear margin were suggesting mastectomy, but I got 2nd opinion and re excision instead and successful 5cm and radiotherapy. Now this year right breast, multi focal DCIS first operation 9-10cm removed, no clear margin on two edges. They really thought mastectomy as such a big area, but decided to give it a go. My Surgeon did say he was concerned about the cosmetic outcome, but I’m pleased with results. I’ve just finished radiotherapy, so now back to annual mammograms etc.

I was very close to going down the mastectomy route with DIEP reconstruction, I’d actually got a date for surgery. But once I got negative genetic test, I thought trying again for clear margins would be quicker recovery time.

It’s normal to have up and down, positive and negative emotions. I’d say keep sharing how you feel, and enjoy life.

Everyone is different, and I do think your Team will recommend what’s best for you treatment wise. 

Have you got a date for re excision? 

Sorry that’s a rambling reply. I wish you all the best for your treatment. Best wishes Karen x

Hi Karen22 thanks for your reply.

It's strange as I saw my surgeon yesterday and he said that in his experience, going back for clear margins was very unusual; yet I read alot on here that people didn't get them first time round and often go back.

Unfortunately what was a 6mm and 8mm area, which he had to take out as one wide strip, and which equated to 7cm, and which all contained high grade DCIS, didn't have a clear enough margin on three edges. 

Although I have small'ish breasts (34B), he was able to move tissue around so I have no dents. 

He's been absolutely fine to go in again and agrees we should try and he's going to take as much as he can, which may leave a dent, but without disfiguring the breast, this is next week.

His concerns is where the analysis showed that all 7cm of the tissue had DCIS spread throughout it, and not just the original 6mm & 8mm, it is likely there is an even bigger area and i simply won't get the clear margin without severely disfiguring the breast, and a feeling that i'll end up with a mastectomy. But first things first!

He has left 'markers' in, which I think are to help note the sight for targeted radiation, so these won't be removed and i'm not sure will have any bearing on feeling better.

Hi Buzzz in glad to hear you aren't feeling too emotional. I hope that feeling has lasted?

Its good you got results a week after the op, I'm sure my hospital has said it'll be 4 weeks for pathology after an op which is just crazy! 

You'll have to let us know how you are doing after the next op. I do hope it's more successful. It's amazing really how much they can take out and still leave a breast there!

Are you expecting to have radiotherapy too? If so has this second op delayed that? 

I've got a 5.5cm area of DCIS high grade and I'm kind of dreading them telling me they didn't get margins after my surgery. I know it's hard for them with DCIS as they can't actually see it! 

I've still got a long wait before surgery, and its still not confirmed 100% what they are doing yet as I have an MRI first. I'm just hoping I can stay as positive as you are!

Hi Buzzz

Sounds like you’re calm and settled and that’s a good thing. I think we see so much around us and on TV that we think we should be behaving like that as well.

Emotions can be up/down/stable.and come in waves from calm waters to stormy seas

Thanks Daisy. I will have radiotherapy, but it doesn't start immediately after anyway, so no delay. 

To be honest, I was more relieved they didn't find any invasive cells. I really don't want a mastectomy, mainly as it's a bigger operation and the decisions I would have  to make, but one step at a time....

I didn't have an MRI, I'm not sure why, maybe they didnt think I needed to. I did mention it after the first surgery, but I'd have to wait a while for it to heal and he didn't seem bothered about it - anyone know why you would or wouldn't have one? Maybe I should have persisted if it would show the truer extent of things. 

I'm amazed at how quickly my body has healed in just a weak (new respect), although it won't be happy next week when I go in again! 

Keep your chin up, always happy to chat privately as sharing amongst those who are in the same boat I found to be really helpful 

Buzzz the reason why some people have MRIs and some people don't isn't too clear. Maybe it's a difference between hospitals? Maybe it's just to do with what they find and where!

It's like the whole decision between mammoplastys, flap procedures and mastectomys... it seems to depend on the size, location and distribution of things, rather than just say the size of things and breast size! You'd think people with similar breast sizes and 'lump' sizes would be offered similar procedures, but it doesn't seem to be the case!

I'm so happy for you they didn't find invasive cells, and I've got everything crossed your next procedure is successful