Positive margins after three surgeries-mastectomy next?

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TheBeaches
TheBeaches Member Posts: 1
edited August 2021 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

Update: I had appointments with my surgeon and radiation oncologist yesterday. Although my margins are not completely clear, they said it's close enough to move on to radiation. Just wanted to share my story in case others are following. Thanks!

I've had three lumpectomies/re-excisions to try and obtain clear margins. Still showing cancer too close to the margins. I believe my surgeon will recommend mastectomy next. I don't feel ready for that step and am wondering if others have been in this situation and gone a different treatment route.

Thanjs

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2021

    Hello TheBeaches, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! We're sorry that you have to be here for this reason, but glad you found us!

    Understanding breast cancer and making treatment decisions can be difficult. We hope the article Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomyfrom our main site and the support and great advice from our members here will help you in the course of treatment you and your medical team choose.

    We hope this helps and that you get some answers and advice soon. We look forward to hearing more from you.

    Bets,

    The Mods

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  • LivinLife
    LivinLife Member Posts: 1,332
    edited August 2021

    I've not been in your situation The Beaches. I want to send support and wish you the best as you proceed though.... I can't imagine going through 3 excisions and still not having clear margins.... Has to be frustrating for you and the surgeon....

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited August 2021

    Hi TheBeaches,

    I have been there almost. I did lumpectomy and then after not clear margins there was re-excision they called it to get more and try again and took more. The second time around after not clear margins my surgeon told me it needed it go. For me there was not much left for them to take out otherwise to try to get it since I was very large to begin with. Recovery was not horrible and they did give me pain meds to take at home so I slept quite a bit since they made me sleep. Best wishes for a quick recovery.

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  • Jsniffs
    Jsniffs Member Posts: 65
    edited August 2021

    Hi The Beaches - So sorry you are going through this! You might want to investigate this clinical trial if lumpectomy is still an option:

    https://www.cairnsurgical.com/u-s-clinical-trial/

    Best wishes!

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