Multicentric lesions - stil have lumpectomy?

VinRobMom
VinRobMom Member Posts: 101

My calcifications are 4.5 cm. apart with an 8 mm. mass (doc thinks non-cancerous) in between.  He said I am a candidate for lumpectomy (even though I am small breasted at being a barely B cup).  I'll do a lumpectomy anyway but did anyone else (or is anyone else considering ) a lumpectomy even though you have multicentric lesions?

Comments

  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited November 2009

    That's luck!

    I had DCIS in two places, I think it was "multi-focal", and lumpectomy wasn't ever offered to me as an option. I assume with your situation they can remove it all with one incision? 

  • sweatyspice
    sweatyspice Member Posts: 922
    edited November 2009

    I've been dealing with that choice for over a month now, still haven't made a final decision but want to get this done before the end of the year.....

    I have two areas on opposite sides of a large breast.  (multicentric)   Lumpectomy has been presented as a choice (actually, I think it would be two separate lumpectomies, but am not positive how they'd do it, they won't commit about incision placement 'till they see exactly where the wires are located before surgery).

    They're willing to try, but aren't sure they'll be able to get clean margins and I may end up with a mast anyway.  It's been tough trying to decide if I want them to try.  I really want to save the breast, but I really don't want unnecessary surgery or scars or recurrence if this is a dumbass idea on my part to begin with.

    Lately, I've been thinking that if I can get a plastic surgeon/reconstruction plan I'm comfortable enough with, I'll just go that route.  It's been a long road coming to that place emotionally, and I'm still only 99% there.

    I find the hardest part so far (after all the bad diagnostic news) has been trying to find BOTH a BS and PS I like who work as a team and take my insurance. 

    I wish you an easier journey in making your decision than I've had!  Best wishes to you!!!!!!

  • VinRobMom
    VinRobMom Member Posts: 101
    edited November 2009

    Thanks to both of you.  Rose, yes they will do it in one incision.  Sweatyspice, tough decision.  It's your ultimate decision of course but I think if I were in your shoes, I'd go for the lumpectomy (singular or plural) since it is something they will try and that is what you would prefer.  I'm assuming you'll still have radiation regardless correct?  If the margins aren't ideal, wouldn't they just proceed with rx anyway rather than jump into a mx?  If the lumpectomy (ies) ends up with less than an ideal cosmetic appearance after the radiation is all over, you can have lumpectomy recon. 

    If you proceed with mx, there's no going back.  Breast gone and you may always wonder. 

    Again a tough decision that only you in the end can make.  Best wishes to you too. 

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