Repeat lumpectomy of radiation w/boost?

Nursecupcake

Hi all,

 My mom was recently dx'd with DCIS stage 0 and went through a lumpectomy. When the path results came back, unfortunately it still showed there were still some abnormal cells left behind close to the margin. I guess the surgeon didn't take enough. Now, her surgeon gave an option to re-excise or continue with radiation treatment but with a boost. I understand that regardless, my mom will have to get radiation treatmet and hormonal therapy. My concern is whether it's worth my mom having a repeat lumpectomy or just follow through with radiation treatment since that is next in the treatment plan. The surgeon set us up with an appt to speak with the radiation oncologist this coming Friday, but if we decide to have my mom continue to get the repeat lumpectomy she wants it done ASAP. My mom already has a phobia with mammograms since the most recent technician for the wire guided lumpectomy didn't release the plate but made it squish my moms boob more to the point of tears and having PTSD. Fortunately the repeat lumpectomy doesn't require the wire guided procedure and the surgeon said she'll go straight in of course under anesthesia to excise more tissue. What would you recommend? Would love to hear back! Thank you in advance!

Concerned daughter 

Moderators

Hello nursecupcake, sorry to hear that you and your mom is going through all this.

Sometimes the responses can be slow so hang tight. 

There is a forum for caregivers and family members also which you might like to post in for some help and support. Family support

The Surgery: Before, During, and After forum may give you additional help too.

Please let us know how your mom gets on Friday with the oncologist.

Kind thoughts to you and your mom,

The Mods

Infobabe

Cupcake, we aren't ignoring you, it is hard to recommend anything.  I am not a medical person so I can only speak from my own experience.

Your mother has DCIS, non invasive.  Do you know what size?  It seems to be long as it follows the milk duct and therefore the surgeon could not get clean margins.  DCIS does not form a lump.  

Your mother has already suffered quit a bit and she has radiation to go.  I am not necessarily suggesting mastectomy but has it been discussed?   Does the idea frighten your mother?  Her age could have a bearing.  Older women are not so attached to their breasts as younger.  Though it sounds drastic, it could be an easier  path.  Another lumpectomy is not a bad alternative as they are pretty easy to endure.  It least then you would have more information to base a decision.