Forum Discussion

LouiseTurner's avatar
LouiseTurner
Member
13 years ago

Margins not clear after surgery #2

Hello ladies, I have recently had a second operation to try for clear margins after lumpectomy. Results: Margins are still not clear. We have decided to go for an MRI (prior to third surgery) to see what comes up. This might help us with a decision about a third excision or going with a mastectomy instead post chemo. Also met with the oncologist.... She is great. She is throwing the works at me for the usual reasons...age and biology of the tumors. These decisions are so hard....so many of you elect a mastectomy first off. I wonder if this is partly due to the relationship of tumor size to breast size? You are so brave..... I am really struggling with the thought of losing my breasts, seems so violent. They have been well loved, it's not my breasts trying to kill me, it's the cancer in there. Can't help it, it's how I feel, however silly it sounds. Anyway, it will come down to the outcome of the MRI. ( it seems I need a lot of convincing). Cheers Louie

4 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    O you poor thing having to face surgery again.It takes so much to psyche yourself up for it.I had a lumpectomy with clear margins back in 2003 -I was 47 and horrified at the thought of losing my breast.Unfortunately,I was in the unlucky 8% who get cancer back in the same breast.So 7 years later I had a mastectomy.What can I say? It is easier living with some sort of breast rather than none at all.However, mammograms are painful and stressful on the lumpectomy breast,you always have that worry it might come back. If you go on to eventually have a mastectomy then  reconstruction is limited cos radiation damages your skin's elasticity. It is truely one of  the toughest decisions.Hopefully the mri will help you decide.There is no right or wrong so go with how you feel at the moment, none of us can predict the future.

                                         Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    O you poor thing having to face surgery again.It takes so much to psyche yourself up for it.I had a lumpectomy with clear margins back in 2003 -I was 47 and horrified at the thought of losing my breast.Unfortunately,I was in the unlucky 8% who get cancer back in the same breast.So 7 years later I had a mastectomy.What can I say? It is easier living with some sort of breast rather than none at all.However, mammograms are painful and stressful on the lumpectomy breast,you always have that worry it might come back. If you go on to eventually have a mastectomy then  reconstruction is limited cos radiation damages your skin's elasticity. It is truely one of  the toughest decisions.Hopefully the mri will help you decide.There is no right or wrong so go with how you feel at the moment, none of us can predict the future.

                                         Tonya xx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    13 years ago

    O you poor thing having to face surgery again.It takes so much to psyche yourself up for it.I had a lumpectomy with clear margins back in 2003 -I was 47 and horrified at the thought of losing my breast.Unfortunately,I was in the unlucky 8% who get cancer back in the same breast.So 7 years later I had a mastectomy.What can I say? It is easier living with some sort of breast rather than none at all.However, mammograms are painful and stressful on the lumpectomy breast,you always have that worry it might come back. If you go on to eventually have a mastectomy then  reconstruction is limited cos radiation damages your skin's elasticity. It is truely one of  the toughest decisions.Hopefully the mri will help you decide.There is no right or wrong so go with how you feel at the moment, none of us can predict the future.

                                         Tonya xx

  • FD's avatar
    FD
    Member
    13 years ago

    Oh Louie that really sucks. I didn't have an option regarding lumpectomy or mastectomy. I was told I would be left with a severe deformity if I opted for lumpectomy. This was due to the size of the area that needed to be removed compared to breast size as you mentioned. For me it was an easy decision I have never felt happy with the way my breasts looked. I also have had a constant fear of cancer prior to diagnosis so couldn't stand the thought of keeping either of them. This made the decision easier for me. Don't rush yourself we are all different and only you know what is right for you. Best of luck a plan is arranged that you are comfortable with. Take care Lara xx