Unsuccessful lumpectomy excision

Going through breast cancer treatment Top tips and practical support
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Hi Everyone,

I am Bellel this is my second post here. I was diagnosed of Invasive ductal carcinoma about four months ago.After all the delayed check ups I reached the date of my operation January 20th.But, Unfortunately w/out a luck my operation wasn’t successful.My surgeon said that I need to do another surgery (excision)  because my margin still not clear. My surgeon said,it happens especially if the cancer cell  is too  small that can hardly seen it in mamogram or scan…I am very confused keep asking how it happens to me,I felt like to blame my doctor but for my second thoughts does it helps me?I am very doubtful if to trust my surgeon again though he has high rating report. The worse & am  felt so worry, about my new pathology result.They found 2.5 mm tumor fr.one out of four  lymp nodes during sentinel core.The 3 lymp nodes was clear except the fourth one carrying the same tumor of 2.5 mm.Which mean these might be the reason to change my  treatment . During my last oncologist visit she said to me that I don’t need chemo treatmen.Perhaps Radiotherapy would be enough + hormonal treatment because of my ER+PR+(HER2-). I was relieved with my immuno receptor result.But now all the plan for my treatment would be change for sure I hope not .I am devastated, very  sad when I heard it.My surgeon advice me to speak  with my oncologist again. I felt like in a ping pong game holding my breath feeling helpless.Asking dr. appointment is more than diffecult   during  these pandemic.I don’t have breast cancer nurse yet to talk too.The only thing that I do most is  reading information about my situation through on line or right here.It’s a pity to accept the fact that I am going to suffer all over again .My 1 week recovery process after my lumpectomy excision was indeed good.Without pain reliever and side effect. I am sharing my experienced hoping that might be 1,2,3 of you out there can help me out to clear up my confusing  mine.sharing your experiences  and advice is a great help .Please I really appreciate your time to read my post and your kindness :heart:

May god will continue to guide us,& sent forth us the strength that we need to face the most diffecult time and trials in our lives.

With Love,

Bellel

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@Bellel  

Hi Bellel

My team told me right at the beginning the plan can keep changing they are never sure about lymph nodes until surgery.   This is quite common  to go back for more surgery I don think it is a reflection on your surgeon,  breast surgery is so specilsed and that is why they test the margins in case they can t see the cancer and some may  not be seen on the scans. So really the approach has worked as they will take you back make sure they get it all.

You still have a small tumour and one lymph is still early primary breast.  Hopefully you will feel better when you talk to your oncologist Hope this helps.

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Bellel

I had a lumpectomy and sensory node biopsy at the end of December unfortunately I needed a second operation to clear the margin around the lump area. And also had more nodes removed. Informed that of course my treatment might change as I went along.

I had this second operation 26th January and last Friday 5th February I was informed that they had got all the pre cancerous cells in my boob. Over both operations they removed 30 lymph nodes and 4 of these had cancer.

The reason I was given for the second operation was because the lump was small it was not clear until tested that they had removed all the cancer.

On Friday I was told that I am cancer free but need chemo, radiotherapy and hormone tablets to hopefully make sure it doesn’t come back.

Good luck with your treatment. Why don’t you phone the consultants secretary and ask for a number for the breast care team, it’s poor if you haven’t been able to speak to someone.

Wolfiesmate x