2 lumps now MX...thinking of backing out of planned surgery

There is good news and bad news in your report above. GREAT news is they did not find any invasive cancer and they found no necrosis. Bad news is that you have not one, but two margins that still came back positive for cancerous cells. I would not leave that in my breast. I know it is a very difficult decision and the only person who can make it is you. I would try to get a second opinion if it makes you feel better before you have your surgery. 5mm is not a huge amount but it is substantial enough to warrant taking it out and not just relying on radiation of the area to get it. I am sorry you are faced with this. I had two lumpectomies but was lucky that my margins were clean. If you have very large breasts, you can ask another BS if they would do a third lumpectomy but if your breasts are not large, most would likely recommend MX. Hugs and let us know how you make out.

I can only speak from my experience. There is so much new information regarding DCIS. I was diagnosed with DCIS and a small tubular cancer in right breast in 1994. Had a lumpectomy. The margins were not clear. The surgeons at the time were pressuring me to have a bi lateral MX and reconstruction because they were convinced the LCIS (lobular carcinoma insitu was also found) would show up in left breast. I refused surgery, had mammograms and follow up by a new surgeon. New research shows LCIS is no longer an issue with BC. No longer a threat. I also did not have surgery, chemo or radiation for 17 years.

In March 2011, a very small (1mm) invasive cancer was found with small DCIS in another area of the right breast. I did agree to a unilateral mast. no reconstruction. Before they knew the cancer was so tiny, my surgeon felt there must be much more there because of my experience in 1994. Guess what, 1mm, that is all! There is no way to tell how much cancer without surgery. I was kind of upset but grateful I did not have to have chemo or radiation, not that I would have. I am a skeptic. It is May 2016 and no recurrence.

Every experience is different, but my suggestion to you is to get as many opinions as you possibly can. Research everywhere! The controversy is huge about DCIS. Contact specialists in other areas of the country. I had my pathology analyzed at Loyola Univ Med Center in Maywood, IL and Johns Hopkins as well as my local surgeon in Kalamazoo, MI. It is your body, it is your life. Ask questions and demand knowledge of the studies that back it up. My the way, my DCIS was grade 3.

My heart goes out to you and hope you find the answers you seek.