Multiple excisions

Hi AEMac, I was also diagnosed with DCIS / IDC. I was told all invasive tumours were removed but there weren’t clear margins on 3 sides after op1 and needed a further op. The type of op is dependent on breast size and location of disease I think. We discussed mastectomy at this point but in the end my surgeon recommended a lateral mammoplasty - I lost over half of my breast at that point. At that surgery both DCIS and a further 9mm invasive tumour were removed - I was quite shocked about the additional IDC. Margins only 2mm on closest side too but surgeon happy with that. 
I think all your feelings are legitimate - they are how you feel.
I have several concerns post surgery (no further checks to see if spread to lymph nodes or that they actually did get all disease now) but I am adjusting to trusting the medical team. In some ways it is really great your team are being so thorough with you and making sure they get all disease. The multiple surgeries are really tough, and surgery with only LA sounds awful - am so sorry. For me I have one very long scar from armpit to nipple, scar from lymphs removal and also my nipple was moved so stitched all the way round - it’s a lot to adjust to but what choices do we have. 
I would talk everything through with a BCN. You need to feel listened to by your medical team. See what all your options are, take a breath. This is all such a whirlwind for us - so many decisions in such a short time and the shock, pain, adjustments - it is tough. So be kind to yourself and go with how you feel.

Will stop rambling but sending a hug xx

2mm is enough of a margin so that is good.  Surgeries are hard for sure but we get healed and then work on everything else.  Take care

1. Thank you so much for sharing your experience/ good information and v reassuring. Wishing you all the very best with your onward journey x

Hi x so sorry you are on this journey, they offered me lumpectomy but were quite honest and said due to the size of the cancer they may not have clear margins and would have to go back in and do mastectomy. I’m not a good patient so opted for mastectomy, still a possibility I may need node clearance but have everything crossed, he told me after the op he was sure I made the right decision. 
I can understand your upset especially with the problem with anaesthetic. 
the only people with the answers are your cancer team. 
it may be worth going through pals and complaint process with the hospital in question. 
the other side is perhaps they were hoping they could save your breast for you, to prevent the upset. 
I am still just a week after my op , the pain not as bad as I thought it was going to be. 
I hope all goes well for you what ever you decide x take care x

Thank you so much Jayne MS, that’s a very positive and reassuring message. I hope you continue to be pain free and wishing you all the very best with your onward journey xx

I hope you’re doing okay x 

Thanks Jayne, 4th op under General a week today. Hoping they get it all out this time!