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