More surgery--close margins

speech529

I had a lumpectomy on June 2 and last night my BS called to tell me that margins were close on the lump removed.  She recommended more surgery and radiation.  Going in to surgery she thought my lesion was small, that she would have wide margins and I would need no radiation.  She said that she would not be satisfied aboutr reducing my risk for recurrence until I had more surgery and radiation.

I asked her about the mastectomy option and she told me that it was my decision.  So I am going forward with a mastectomy and reconstruction (implants).  This has been a roller coaster for me since January--I went through so much confusion about what to do.  Now it all seems very clear to me. 

I am also recovering from a total vaginal hysterectomy with removal of ovaries and tubes.  I am recovering very well--I have minimal pain from  both lumpectomy and TVH.

3monstmama

Sorry you did not get the margins you hoped for.  I also had to have a re-do on my lumpectomy but the margins the second time were good.  One question since I noticed you were going for implants:  did you find out for sure that by doing a mastectomy you would not need radiation?  In some cases, women who have mastectomies still need radiation and many plastic surgeons will not do implants on a radiated breast.  Even if they will, it is far trickier, as I understand it.

good luck!

catherine1028

Dear 3monstmama,

What occasions would require radiation on someone who had a masectomy? I had one and am waiting to meet with more doctors on Monday...Thanks 

mom3band1g

caatherine1028- I had a mast and am now having radiation.  It's not the 1st choice for anyone but typically if you have a mast for DCIS you don't need radiation.  I just didn't get very good margins with my mast.  I am hoping it doesn't harm my TE's.

speech529 - I had a lump and then a mast.  If I could have gotten away with a reexcision I would have jumped.  It wasn't an option for me.  A mast is major surgery....it's just a lot to deal with.  Think long and hard on if this is the right decision for you.  I wish I could have my breasts back every day.

3monstmama

catherine1028, I have bumped the thread on this for you.

good luck......