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swisha's avatar
swisha
Member
22 hours ago

Another Re-Excision or Mastectomy?

Well, here I go again.  

I was diagnosed with DCIS in December.  It has been a long path, but I eventually had a double lumpectomy on my right breast on 26 March 2026.  A week later I was told that although they got clear margins, three of the margins on my largest lesion (4 cm) were less than 1mm.  So, I had a re-excision on 15 April to get wider margins.

I saw the surgeon this morning, who told me they found more disease and the new margins are still less than 1mm in two places.  I have to have more surgery next Wednesday but have to decide (by Friday) whether to have another re-excision (and my breast will be starting to look a bit sad after that) or go straight to a mastectomy.

She said it was quite feasible to try a re-excision again, to preserve the breast if I want to, but if they still find disease or don't get good clearances, then I have no choice but to have a mastectomy.

If I have the re-excision, I have to have radiation treatment for 3 weeks, 5 days a week afterwards.  If I have a mastectomy, then it's all done.  No radiation and no lymph node involvement.

Does anyone have any advice on what I should do / or want to share your story if you've had a similar experience?  I know it's my decision, but your advice is appreciated,  thank you.

dcis
lumpectomy
mastectomy

1 Reply

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 hours ago

    So sorry you are going thru this added stress & further surgery swisha​  You've been thru a lot already.   I was lucky & only needed the original surgery.

    It is a difficult decision to make and I do not envy you having to make it.  There is a possibility of more disease being discovered in another excision, as the lesions appear to be 'long' instead of 'round' (given the latest lack of clearance.) ... Is your breast 'large enough' to have another bit taken out (without the need for building up again?)

    How comfortable are you with the thought of having a mastectomy?   When I was first diagnosed, I was happy to go the whole way, if the surgeon deemed it necessary.  Luckily, that wasn't the case.  

    Maybe give our helpline a call for a confidential chat?  Just talking it out with someone else might help with your decision making xx 1800 500 258

    Take care & all the best