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Reggie3's avatar
Reggie3
Member
5 years ago

DCIS - Breast marker missed in initial surgery

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.

53 Replies

  • @Reggie3, hope you are feeling ok and  healing well.
    Caz xxx
  • Just wanted to update you all on this one. I made a complaint to Ahpra about the Doctor involved, the medical board has taken regulatory action against this practitioner. Unfortunately the outcome of the notification I made is not available publicly so cannot name him in this forum.

    I made the complaint to ensure no other women would suffer the same outcome as I did.

    Thank you to all those who commented and encouraged me to speak up.
  • Well done YOU, @Reggie3 xx.  

    Terrific that it is now 'on record' and that some form of regulatory action taken against him - who knows, that may mean that any surgery he performs may need to be 'observed' - or even that he is not allowed to operate any more!

     I hope you are going well xx. take care xx