Does anyone have any idea on this? Will it always be the case that the original site of the cancer needs to be removed even though the tumour has shrunk and is no longer in that original part?
I ask, as my tumour is shrinking and although I will still need some surgery, I am wondering whether it might be possible for me to keep my reconstruction (recon done Nov 2009). Originally, the whole thing needed to go as the surgery would be so close to the implant - but if it has shrunk away and has therefore left enough margin, I wonder if I may not need to lose it altogether.
I will ask my onc. and surgeon, but would be good to know if anyone has had any experience?
havent had any experience of this but i would expect the original area of the tumour would have to be removed but i think you may get away with a lumpectomy and could they not either keep the implant /recon or do an immediate new one its worth asking youre surgeon about now it has shrunk so small there maybe more options . Great news that the treatment has worked though xxx
Hi Annie,
Glad the treatment is going well. I’m having upfront chemo too, and like you, the lump’s responding really well, which is great. I will still have to have a mx, because I have DCIS’s as well, which do not respond as well to chemo.
That is what I have been told, hope that helps,
Good luck,
Tracey
Thanks Julie and Tracey; will let you know what onc/surgeon says. I know that I can’t have an immediate reconstruction again, as I had that last time and the cancer came back within 6 months of the mx/recon last time.
Best to assume I will lose it all; then I can be pleased if I don’t.
I did have pre-chemo and responded very well. But then also i had a Mastectomy, to make sure the cancer doesn’t revert back. Just keep going with a postive thinking and everything seems to be so simple and easy.All the best