I’ve been back for the results of 2nd breast conserving surgery today and been told I still haven’t got clear margins. I had decided a few days after my 2nd surgery that if I didn’t have clear margins again this time that I would opt for a mastectomy. Things are so different when it comes to it tho eh! Now I have the decision to make I am so not decided!! I know everyone has to make the right decisions for themselves but I am so head wrecked! I know that no one else can make this decision for me or tell me the right thing to do I just need to talk to people that understand.
Hi Bev - sorry you are having to make this decision yourself. I had initial dx 2009 and had WLE and ANC as well as chemo etc. In December 2014 had a recurrence and was told I would have to have mastectomy so it was easier for me. Perhaps you need to speak to surgeon, on or BCN for more information about the chances of it working because if there is any chance of it not - do you really want to put yourself through that.
My mastectomy was not as bad as I imagined and I could not have immediate reconstruction because of heart problems due to Herceptin. I have now decided NOT to have reconstruction bu will have revision/reduction surgery later this year.
It is a horrible decision to have to make and I think you need more information. Good luck. Marli x
Hi Bev. Same thing happened to me last year. Had breast concerving surgery (and reduction on good side which proved to be a total waste of time!!), then they had to go back because they hadn’t got clear margins. When I went back for the next results, they recommended mastectomy.
i am glad I had mastectomy now - I think it’s best to get rid off all the tissue if it isn’t just one lump.
Mastectomy was nowhere near as tough as I expected it to be. Sure I had a couple of wobbles in the first few days but I amazed myself at how quickly I accepted my body etc.
Whatever you decide, good luck. I will be thinking of you
I had a mastectomy in March. Even though my cancer was caught early, it was in various parts of my boob so suggested immediately that I have a mastectomy with the nipple removed. It gave me a chance to get my head around it, and I was able to have an immediate reconstruction which hopefully has got all surgery out of the way at once. I was so worried about pain, and didn’t listen properly when my surgeon told me about the nerves being cut under my breast, so although I did feel uncomfortable afterwards, it wasn’t exactly painful.
I had clear margins except against the chest wall, so I’m having radiotherapy, which might affect the implant (it’s OK so far).
It’s different for you - we’re all different - but having a mastectomy really wasn’t too traumatic for me.
Hi, I’m a bit late to this but… I was in your position second surgery still no clear margins! My surgeon put masectomy on the table as an option, as a third surgery is a lot to put yourself through, in my case 3 surgeries in 7 weeks… but I wasn’t ready to give up and lose my breast. Turns out third time lucky! I won’t lie recovery was tough that time but it was the best decision and I am so glad I went for it, even though people thought I was mad and should ‘just have it off’ - roll eyes!
I hope you get the outcome you are wanting, good luck xx