Dcis 2 nd operation

I'm now post op for the second time for DCIS, I've asked for a face to face results appointment as I find telephone results very tough , I'd like to ask has anyone asked for a mastectomy if faced with a third op ? I'm finding the process more and more difficult and the thought of a third time, for me , is too hard on not only me but my loved ones too , I'm not convinced the surgeon fully appreciates the mental stress involved, I'd be grateful for experiences and or opinions please , many thanks  

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  • Hiya

    Sorry to hear you are here and had to have second op.

    I had grade 3 invasive ductal cancer with high grade dcis. I had a total of 3 ops to get clear margins. After second op I considered having a masectomy but after discussions with family and the breast care team I had a therapeutic reduction instead of the masectomy. I do know that this was only an option because I was large breasted 36H cup. I was lucky that previous surgeries didn't bother me at all I had no pain from any of them. I think that also helped when making my decision. What ever decision u choose will be right for you. Thankfully my 3rd op worked so looking back it was the right decision for me. It is a knock back when you are told you need another op but I have been very positive throughout and guided by the medical team. I wasn't phased by the possibility of having a 4th op if the last one hadn't worked as I knew further down the line I would need surgery to the other breast. I knew if I had the masectomy there would be further surgery at some point to reduce other side and then possibly after radiotherapy too as I woukd have had an implant which can need replacing after radio.

    Hope that helps a little, talk it over with family, and friends nd your breast care team.

    Take care

    Sue 

  • Thankyou for your reply , I think in my case it's the lack of support from anyone that has impacted me the most and , this op has been harder to recover from so I'm struggling to contemplate yet another , I'm way ahead of myself I think ! Results this week so everything crossed for a good outcome! X

  •  

    Hi Beachams,

    I am so sorry to hear that you have had difficulty in getting clear margins. I sincerely hope that you will never have to face a third op. It is quite common for people to have to undergo additional surgery to achieve clear margins. There is always a fear of recurrence, but we cannot let that ruin our life.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years.The first time I had a lumpectomy. Six months later I found a larger lump in my other breast. Fortunately, this was benign. Almost a year to the date of my first operation, I discovered a smaller lump in my original breast. I was fortunate in that my surgeon was willing to carry out a double mastectomy - a decision I have never regretted.

    I sincerely hope that your results this week will be clear. Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Reply
  •  

    Hi Beachams,

    I am so sorry to hear that you have had difficulty in getting clear margins. I sincerely hope that you will never have to face a third op. It is quite common for people to have to undergo additional surgery to achieve clear margins. There is always a fear of recurrence, but we cannot let that ruin our life.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years.The first time I had a lumpectomy. Six months later I found a larger lump in my other breast. Fortunately, this was benign. Almost a year to the date of my first operation, I discovered a smaller lump in my original breast. I was fortunate in that my surgeon was willing to carry out a double mastectomy - a decision I have never regretted.

    I sincerely hope that your results this week will be clear. Please keep in touch and let us know the outcome. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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