3rd Lumpectomy anyone?

KMo1975

I have had 2 lumpectomies. The 2nd lumpectomy appears to have cleared the margins for the pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma, however, I still have 3 close under 1mm margins for the pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ.

Has only else ever tried or achieved clear margins on a 3rd attempt? What did you define as a clear margin? Over 2mm?

Thanks,

Kim

Moderators

BUMP for KMo1975 -- can anyone weigh in?

Ingerp

The breast surgeons have their own definition of a clear margin. When I was going through this last year, I told my BS to "go big". I wasn't at all concerned with preserving tissue--I was just hoping not to have to go back in (which he had to in 2016).

Racy

Is a third lumpectomy your preferred option? Are you deciding between no action, lumpectomy and mastectomy? What is your surgeon advising? Is there a role for radiation to deal with any remaining cells? Will the in situ cancer become invasive?

Sorry about all the questions. I'm trying to understand what is behind your question.

Advocate for yourself and get other opinions if unsure.

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KMo1975

Racy, as far as my preferred option, no cancer and no surgery. A little unrealistic. I have been at this for 15 months since my biopsy in Nov. 2017. Even though I am pretty tired, I do not feel that being tired is a good reason for a BMX. Do nothing is not an option. I did 8 months of neoadjuvant endocrine therapy to shrink the area before my 1st surgery in Sept. 2018. 2nd revision surgery Dec. 2018. Now looking at third option for 2019. Not done yet. My surgeon is recommending another surgery for better margins for the remaining PLCIS. At this point, we feel we have adequate margins for the pleomorphic invasive cancer, now it is just margins for the pleomorphic in situ. We are looking for margins greater than 2mm. Then radiation.

I was just hoping to hear of other's experiences when attempting margins for a 3rd time. I had posted a more detailed timeline with no response. I shorted this question hoping it garner a larger audience. I take it not many people have 3 lumpectomies over a 15 month period.

Thanks,

jessie123

KMO1975 I wonder if you should post this question on the surgery section rather than the lobular section. Not many people have lobular and probably don't look at this section much. I'm currently deciding between a lumpectomy and single mx. I know with a lumpectomy I may have to have a second or even third. It is the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. I'm actually looking to post the same question in order to help me make the decision.

Racy

jessie123, search for Beesie's post on how to make this decision.