Im actually the husband, my wife is 61 and was diagnosed in January of 2011 with DCIS non invasive, small calcified spots against the cavity right side only. Lot of info right there.
We were never so scared! no clear information anywhere, all kinds of advice, surgeons would not say what we should do. My wife had said she would just have double masectomy if she ever had cancer, but now she couldnt do it. After much reading and soul searching we went for the lumpectomy, first time not enough margin, second time was suppose to be easy, no margins, third time, definetly got it… not!!
Why did we go three times? her fear of major surgery, the lumpectomies were easy, out patient, one morning, two days of rest and back to work the third day. Seemed like the way to go and we dont regret it. contrary to poplular opinion.
Now I have to tell her tonight that we didnt get clear margins. I think the opening is about 6cm. she has large breasts, 40C and right now you cant tell there is so much missing. This will be devistating to the both of us, but the message is not to give in if you want to do something, there is no right or wrong. If we would have gotten clear margins, everyone would have been amaized, now the “I told you so” are all around.
So to my question: One: has anyone ever gone 4 times for a lumpectomy? I know of one person.
Two: has anyone had the relativley new “stem cell fat grafting”?
(fat cells are removed from the abdomon, centrifuged and the stem cells are injected into the breast cavity where they link up and form blood source for the fat cells to live.)
Thanks to all of you, your amazing, and God be with you in your journey!!
I am sorry, Bob, that your wife is facing further surgery. I had a WLE and one re-excision but was then told I needed a mastectomy. I was told it wasn’t common to not get clear margins second time round but so many people on here haven’t.
I haven’t heard of anyone having 4 lumpectomies but maybe someone else can helpm your more.
Hope you find the answers you are looking for, take care x
Hi Bob. I had one re-excision, but in that the surgeon took three times what she would normally take, so I suppose I’ve had the equivalent of four lots, just in two operations. I was lucky to get clear margins eventually, but after my original IDC tumour was removed they found DCIS in the first sample, and then more DCIS and some LCIS in the other samples, finally achieving clear margins.
There are several ladies on here who are having lipofill, don’t know if that’s the same technique. I’m sure someone will be along shortly to give you more info.
You might also want to speak to the helpline, they’re really good.
Hi Bob I had what was called a quandrenctomy by some surgeons But was called a very generous WLE by my surgeon,and then another very generous WLE to get better margins and that did it.
I think it depends on the sort of tumour. I started off with IDC and multi-focal areas and satellites and ended with those and DCIS
Perhaps you need to look at the exact pathology report with your consultant/BCN/help line GoodLuck J xx
Thanks for asking this question. I had a WLE and needed a re-excision. Currently waiting for results and hoping for clear margins. No one has told me what happens next if I don’t have clear margins. Mastectomy has not yet been mentioned. I had a relatively small bc and the margin which was not clear is towards the outer edge of the breast. I am assuming that I could have another re-excision if I still do not have clear margins. No one has told me this for sure but I assume it is a question of how much is taken away and what is left.
So far my scar is neat and the difference in size barely noticeable. Lipofill to rebalance size if the final result is too great has already been mentioned to me as a possibility. I would certainly go for a second re-ex if I need it and it is offered. Would I keep going? Yes,surely better to top up what is there, keep the nipple than to reconstruct. As you say a re-ex is not a big surgery.
Is it possible? That I don’t know but I would love to know the answer.
If it is relevant I was told that I would be more likely to get an infection after a second surgery, so whether there are other implications of going for a fourth WLE I don’t know. In my case I rationalise that I will eventually reach outer skin and have been told that only DCIS remains. Surely eventually there will be no more tissue left to take on that margin?
Sorry not to be able to give you an answer, but just a perspective which says I would certainly give it a go in similar circumstances if I were allowed x
I am new to this site and this is my first posting. I am 56 and was dx with 7mm high grade DCIS in May. I had a WLE two weeks ago and went for results today to be told that I will need a re-excision for clear margins. I did emphasise at the time that I didn’t care how much they took first time around. Is ther some guideline that means they can’t take too much first time? Also. it turned out to be abit bigger thatn 7mm. Thanks anybody
hi fresia, i too had to go back for a second operation to get clear margins, i also told my surgeon, take more than you need id rather you took too much than not enough , i think this happens in about 20/100 patients, i was worried because my first cut was healing nicely and she wanted to re-open it, i was thinking , bloody hell it hurts enough now without you opening it back up, pluss your going to spoil the scar, that was looking ok, but dont worry, my scar was re opened and has healed lovely again , a little larger and a bit of a dent, but this time she managed to get all she needed, so try not to worry too much, the 2nd operation seemed to heal faster, perhaps thats because i had some glands removed the first time, good luck and hope my comments helped x angie
I’ve just had my second op, still no clear margin. Now I have to decide if I want another re-excision plus radiotherapy or mastectomy and no radio.It’s a harder decision then I thought it would be but am now thinking for my own peace of mind I will have the mastectomy
Jane
Hi, I’ve just had my second wle because didn’t have a clear margin. have been told if i dont get a clear margin this time its a mastectomy so I am desperate for a clear margin. At least you have an option for a 3rd WLE. If I get a clear margin I will have rads for grade 3 DCIS.
Sorry the post is a bit muddled. A bit like I’m feeling at the moment.