Hello,I was recently diagnosed with intermediate grade DCIS left breast presenting as a stellate lesion (1.4cm), apparently the usual presentation is calcifications. I had a wide local incision just before Christmas to have it removed. The surgery went well and I was very happy with the incision/surgery (done by a private breast cancer specialist). The scans I had before surgery were mammogram, ultrasound and an MRI. A breast marker was implanted at the time of the biopsy with Breast Screen.I went back to see the specialist last week and the pathology was showing that there was no breast marker in the tissue removed and also no DCIS in the pathology sample. He sent me for another mammogram, that was very uncomfortable I must say on a breast that has just had surgery! Long story short the recent mammogram showed that the breast marker and DCIS wasn't removed at surgery it had been missed, I'm booked in for the exact same procedure all over again this Thursday.I'm so upset that I have to go through another general and have the surgery all over again, plus I've been a mess just waiting for the results the first time around. That's been the worst part of this whole journey so far. I've spoken to the specialist about my concerns but I'm not really satisfied with his explanation.Also this is my second time dealing with cancer 23 years ago I went through surgery/chemotherapy and had to have an emergency hysterectomy. Going through this journey all over again is bringing up a lot of bad memories.Has anyone else been in this situation? I'm just feeling so deflated atm.

Yes - the whole situation totally sucks. :( OMG - you've been thru the mill, @Reggie3 I hope that your surgery goes well today and that you make a good recovery. I also hope the waiting for THIS lot of pathology isn't too bad for you, as the waiting really sucks too. xxThe ladies have pretty well covered all aspects of what should happen from here (even with humour - good to see you got a laugh out of some of the comments too!) His behaviour and the outcome of the initial surgery is totally unacceptable.When you feel up to it, I also believe you should put in a formal complaint to the appropriate authority in Canberra, so that it is 'on record' and is reviewed by an independent group - https://hrc.act.gov.au/health/https://hrc.act.gov.au/complaints/make-a-complaint-about-a-service/?Service=healthAll the best for today xx big hugs coming from me xx

Update - so I went and saw my GP this afternoon, he could not understand either why the DCIS and marker were missed, in his words 'highly unusual'. He did say that I should have surgery on Thursday with the same surgeon, given that I was diagnosed in late November time is ticking by and it is best to have it removed ASAP. My GP has recommended a lot of women to this surgeon and none have had any issues. If I go with another surgeon it could be another month away before I have the surgery and I would need to start the process all over again :-( Financially I can not afford to go private with someone else and pay another gap fee.I have spoken with a BCNA nurse, ACT Breast care nurse and also a cancer psychologist this morning. All are saying to me that it is a very unusual occurrence and agree that something is not right with the situation. I will be asking some serious questions after the surgery is completed of the surgeon, but at this point in time the most important thing to do is to have it removed. Thank you everyone for your advice and support.

UpdateSo it got a bit more serious 😥 the 2nd biospsy showed high grade DCIS at 6 o'clock. Because it was multifocal I uderwent a nipple sparing mastectomy and reconstruction on 10 Feb. There was a positive margin from the mastectomy so I'll require close monitoring but will not need any further treatment.I'm doing OK but the whole situation could have been handled so differently which would have avoided the major stress and anxiety I have suffered.My advice to anyone out there that is not happy or has concerns regarding their proposed treatment or diagnosis is to please seek a second opinion. Go with your gut instinct if it doesn't feel right then it probably isn't.A second opinion may save your life!

Dear AllyJay Thank you for your understanding, I don't get it either - I had all the correct scans and it was still missed! I thought that's why they put the marker to help the surgeon find the correct area of the breast. I could understand if he got the correct spot but the margins weren't clear and he needed to go in again but this is not the case with me.I'm going to contact my GP tomorrow and have a chat with him. I have a good relationship with my GP and hopefully he will tell me straight out if he thinks I should find another surgeon.

Hi @Reggie3 I feel awful for you as this is completely unacceptable. I totally agree with all of the suggestions given and I am so happy you have touched base with your more reliable medical team. I know you will be feeling hesitant about having this surgeon again, but I agree that you need to get the procedure done without any more cost or waiting involved. Remember that the pathology is going to put your mind at ease - there are other checks and balances going on to ensure your surgery is a success. On Thursday night it will all be done and then you can take up the fight in relation to any money he may want to charge. I would like to think that there is absolutely not a single cent that leaves your pocket. Take care M x

DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery

53 Replies

Dory65
Member
5 years ago
Wow! You have every right to feel deflated, let alone seriously pissed off @Reggie3. I hope they are not charging you for the second procedure.
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
Dear @Reggie3

I appreciate that the first thing you will want is to get the surgery successfully completed but I am wondering what your specialist said about what appears to be a major failure. How was the problem explained? I’d be pretty distressed too. Best wishes for Thursday.
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago
He said that they are sometimes hard to locate and that he was about 1cm away from it. Apparently it does happen sometimes according to him! I actually think maybe that there is more to it.

I didn't want to ask to many questions as I really want it removed asap.

Thank you for your concern.
AllyJay
Member
5 years ago
I reckon 1cm in relation to however large your breast is, would equate to an airline pilot flying from London to Sydney and landing in Brisbane. "Well I got close...considering I flew so many thousands of miles....at least I hit the right continent...the right side of the continent at that. Please fly XYZ Airlines next time you wish to travel...." Personally, I would get a second opinion. For goodness sake, he had a marker to aim for...more than just a... texta X... marks the spot.
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago
Dear AllyJay

Thank you for your understanding, I don't get it either - I had all the correct scans and it was still missed! I thought that's why they put the marker to help the surgeon find the correct area of the breast. I could understand if he got the correct spot but the margins weren't clear and he needed to go in again but this is not the case with me.

I'm going to contact my GP tomorrow and have a chat with him. I have a good relationship with my GP and hopefully he will tell me straight out if he thinks I should find another surgeon.
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago
Dear Dory65

Yes you are correct I am more than pissed off!! I've been in tears for days since getting the news. I'm so glad that I have some other people on my side, I was wondering if I was being over dramatic about it but now I don't think so.

Cheers
noosa_blue150
Member
5 years ago
Can understand why you’re feeling upset about the outcome. I recently had a lumpectomy and excision lymph nodes which was successful. I had a marker/clip put in at time of original biopsy six months ago . At this surgery , on day of surgery, (after months of chemo) I had to go to,imaging dept first and have dye injection (which you may not have needed?) and also have a fine wire inserted to localise the lump for the surgeon prior to surgery. I did ask why a fine wire needed as well as clip and was told that clip can migrate and a wire is used to go through the lump and help,the surgeon localise his/her excision and get clear margins. Normally fine wire done under u/s but they did have to revert to mammogram in the end as they had difficulty visualising the lump,well on u/s. Perhaps this may be relevant to your care as well? Ask the surgeon .
AllyJay
Member
5 years ago
Whatever "technical confetti" this ....um specialist surgeon...might throw at you, there is no excuse in my opinion. He claims to be a professional, highly qualified person, and yet misses the whole shebang!!! Outrageous. I mean, if he is so enamoured with his own knife and fork skills, that he felt no need to at least check whatever it is that he removed for the all essential marker, then why have it in the first place? If a surgeon does their snippity snip thing, then fossicks around in the blob in the stainless steel bowl, and finds zero marker...what do they do? Do they say..."Oh well close enough is good enough...at least I took some shit out....and look...I sewed it up soooo nicely too.....What's that?....I missed it (a week later)...well never mind, put your hand in your wallet and I'll have another crack at it..." "Now now Reggie...no need for tears...just a little whoopsie there". Seriously...speak to your GP and get another referral. I'd also ask the "surgeon" for a written "Pauline Hanson"....please explain... and drop the words..."for my attorney"..into the sentence and watch him flinch.
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago
So you did make me smile AllJay :-) thanks for the advice about getting a 'please explain' ha ha. And also for your supporting words nice to know that I'm not alone on this one.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my GP let's see what happens.
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago
Dear noosa_blue150

No I didn’t need to have the dye injection (sorry you did I’ve heard they aren’t that nice), I did ask at the initial consult if he would be using the fine wire to locate the lump and he said that he used other methods u/s. When he told me that I needed surgery again because the clip and lesion where missed I did ask again if he would this time be using the fine needle to locate and he said no it wasn’t necessary! Like OMG you missed it the first time! My DCIS is presenting as a 1cm mass so I don’t know why it was missed. Anyway I will be asking those questions tomorrow when I visit my GP.

I’m feeling that I should change surgeons but I’m already $2,500 out of pocket, he isn’t charging for anything for my scheduled surgery on Thursday but that’s not much consolation, two generals anesthetics in three weeks is not great.

Cheers