Third surgery recommended!!! What to do?

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Anonymous
Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
edited August 2019 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

My sister had a lumpectomy on November 7th. They did a second surgery this past Tuesday, January 8th. Her pathology report came back today and now they are recommending a third surgery....or possible mastectomy.

So confusing and upsetting.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

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  • Jenkins00
    Jenkins00 Member Posts: 144
    edited January 2019

    I’m assuming more surgery because they isn’t clear clean margins. How does she feel about a mastectomy? I had a BMX and the two more revisions after. I admit it was frustrating, emotionally and physically draining. I knew it had to done in order to proceed with treatment and future reconstruction

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    Thanks for your response, Jenkins00!

    I, too, am assuming more surgery is being recommend because the margins still aren't clear. She sent me a copy of her pathology report but it's way over my head and contains no written recommendations.

    I don't know yet about how she feels about a mastectomy. I'm sure her head is swirling right now, as is mine. She is triple negative.

    You mean even with a bilateral mastectomy, there is the possibility of revisions after the surgery?

    Why did you decide not to have a lumpectomy?

    Thanks again.

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  • Leatherette
    Leatherette Member Posts: 448
    edited January 2019

    I had a mastectomy because my lump was big and I was afraid about the possibility of not getting clean margins and docs having to go back in to get them. I’m in Seattle, and got great care through Kaiser Permanente.



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    Leatherette my sister is also in Seattle. She's going to Virginia Mason. I've read pros and cons, but you can find mixed reviews for most any place. Wonder if she should change? I think you have to be a member of Kaiser Permanente; have your insurance through them. My sister is on Medicare.

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  • edwards750
    edwards750 Member Posts: 3,761
    edited January 2019

    I had a lumpectomy and had to have a second surgery because the margins weren’t clear. My BS said it’s very common.

    Diane

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  • Denise-G
    Denise-G Member Posts: 1,777
    edited January 2019

    I had a UMX, but mom and sister had lumpectomies. At our large University hospital, they had the technology to check the margins

    while the patient is in surgery. It eliminates the need for repeat surgeries. For both my sister and mom, they had to take more than they had initially, but as I said, it was all done at the same time.

    I would recommend your sister consult an NCI Designated Cancer Center for a second opinion at this point.

    https://www.cancer.gov/research/nci-role/cancer-centers/find



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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    Thank you Denise-G for the information. It's a shame that the techology you mention isn't available for every cancer patient.

    I will tell my sister about the designated NCI Designated Cancer Centers. There happens to be one in the city where my sister lives: Fred Hutchinson/University of Washington Cancer Consortium. I will tell her about it. Thanks again!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2019

    Denise-G, Before I even had a chance to tell my sister, she changed her cancer team based on many recommendations from others. She has her first appointments next Wednesday at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, associated with Fred Hutch and the National Cancer Institute.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2019

    Two weeks ago my sister had a double mastectomy and her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed (she has the BRCA1 gene mutation ). She's doing well and in very good spirits. I'm visiting her now and so happy that she's progressing so nicely that everyone has to remind her to rest. 😁

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited August 2019

    Viewfinder I stumbled upon your post and am so happy for you and your sister! I'm sure you'll have a great visit.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2019

    Hi Georgia1,

    Glad you stumbled up my post. Having a wonderful time with my sister, who is recovering remarkably well. I'm sure her very positive attitude is aiding the healing process.

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