Found more cancer right AFTER lumpectomy

Do they mean that the surgical margins weren't sufficient? That's information that comes about a week after surgery, once the surgical pathology comes back. I know my surgeon warned me prior to my lumpectomy that if the margins weren't good (meaning cancer cells found too close to the edge where they cut), there would have to be a second surgery. I think they do the best they can, but since cells are microscopic sometimes it doesn't work out on the first try.

She had a right to talk with a doctor for explanation, not a tech. If this office is so backed up that it's not possible to do so, then now is the time to get out and get another opinion. This is unacceptable. Finding margins that are not clear isn't my issue here (though it is always frustrating to hear that); it is the under staffing and lack of clear communication by the doctor.

The surgeon also should never be telling a patient that they will not need chemotherapy. That is for the medical oncologist to determine. He/she is the expert there. I have seen many people with small, node negative tumors turn out to have a high oncotype and need chemo. She definitely deserves answers and explanations.

If you and your sister are not already at one, get an opinion from an NCI designated cancer center.

Long story, but this kind of situation can get tricky. Not getting clear margins can happen, but I'm concerned that they aren't being thorough.

I know many people who have had very positive experiences at SCCA. No place will be perfect, and online reviews tend to emphasize bad experiences. The best strategy is probably to meet with them yourself to evaluate whether it's a good fit.

I had to go for reexcission, they said there were too close margins, under 1mm. It happens fairly often here too.

Chemotherapy or not - that is somethimg to discuss with an oncologist, not the surgeon...

As KBeee said, My surgeon made the mistake of telling me I would not have to have Chemo! Also, had I not been on this forum reading experiences my oncologist would not have ordered an Oncotype test.

I had to ask him to order it. He told me that I was node negative and my tumor was small that he would if I insisted order the test. So, I insisted. And he was Shocked that Onco came back 26. 

He then said he would order Mamaprint as he was sure it would be Low Risk. Once again he was Shocked that it came back High Risk Luminal B.-------I then had 2 other opinions and went elsewhere for treatment.

oncotype is not used with triple negative because triple negative is almost always treated with Chemotherapy since hormonal therapy is not an option for systemic control. Oncotype, andvthe other tests are for ER+, HER2 - tumor

viewfinder, do you know where your sister went for her surgery? I went to Swedish and they treated me very well. You can pm me and I'll give you the name of my dr.

Lucky