DCIS lumpectomy - 3 surgeries needed

Hello,
We have similar situations...Breast cancer is like a snow storm with the fluffy snowflakes sticking to everything. Each snow flake is a different shape than the one next to it. Before I go into my experience, I want to let you know that the world of breast cancer is overwhelming as it is different from one person to the next. Everything from diagnosis, type of breast cancer, surgical options, treatment plans, chemo or not, radiation or not is DIFFERENT.

Back in Sept 2023 I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer after biopsy. I opted to have a lumpectomy the 1st time, then had to have a second excision as the margins were not clear. The pathology report came back inconclusive the second time as they were not able to rule out DCIS. My situation was not the norm, at that point the recommendation was to have a mastectomy as it was the safest option.
Because I knew I wanted to have reconstruction, I scheduled with Plastic Surgery to discuss options, then scheduled the mastecomy and tissue expander insertion to be done at the same time.

The breast cancer snow storm is overwhelming, exhausting, and emotional, however, you can empower yourself with asking questions in order to understand your cancer. What was the reason they said 'no' to a mastectomy? Do you want a second opinion?

For me, it was a process (and still is). Know that you are not alone. You will get through it as you allow yourself to feel the emotions that are bombarding you. THEY ARE VALIDATED!
Keep moving forward....

Thank you for your reply! You described this experience very well with the snow storm. Some days I'm just overwhelmed with what I don't know and some days a little denial sneaks in there as well.

I don't really have the desire to get a second opinion. I've been very confident with the care and information I've received, although this 3rd surgery has me wondering a bit. I did do some reading on it and it does happen with DCIS so I'll go with that.
I did ask why they did not recommend a mastectomy and I'm embarrassed to say I don't remember what they said. I was still reeling I guess. I do have an appt with my surgeon on Wed and I hope to get more answers then.
I appreciate your comments and certainly wish you well on your journey as well!

Hi, I had almost exactly the same process happen to me, with a few exceptions. I did not have a seed implant. But DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 3, diagnosed last March. Initial lumpectomy followed by two more, then a month of radiation.I had also asked if I should just have a mastectomy and was told that would not be appropriate at that point. I chose not to go on Tamoxifen which was offered to me as a follow up. I feel fine and will continue to follow up with my breast surgeon. Good luck!

It’s common lumpectomy does not remove all the abnormal cells all at once. I had Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia on my left breast and had lumpectomy a year ago. The recent biopsy found the same “high risk benign” cells grew out again right next to the lumpectomy area from a year ago. My surgeon recommends me mastectomy this time so that she can be sure to remove all the abnormal cells.

Best of luck!

Hi
I was diagnosed with dcis Stage 0 had surgery December 15th 2023 and just had my second surgery last Tuesday February 20th Sentinel node biopsy. My first biopsy showed some invasive cancer but my margins were clear 1 mm my surgeon was okay with that. Now I'm waiting for pathology they only took out one Sentinel node that lit up. Supposed to be starting radiation in 2 weeks. I just wondered I know it's a personal decision and my doctor wants me to do tamoxifen I am 65 because I have other health issues the AIS he said are not appropriate. Its confusing to know what the right decision is. Now I am stage 2.

I chose not to do Tamoxifen because I'm 82 and didn't want the possible side effects of the T. My radiation oncologist explained that with the type of cancer I had, the chances of recurrence are very low. I weighed all the possibilities and decided, for me, I didn't want to take it.
If my cancer returns, I have no problem having a mastectomy.
Best of luck to you!

Blessings.

You are welcome. Feeling overwhelmed comes and goes along the journey due to what you know and don't know. Denial is the place we go to as we all wish it were not happening. My tumor was 2mm, we thought we could get it all with the 1st lumpectomy...now I am deciding between an implant or DIEP for breast reconstruction after mastectomy...Sometimes I yell out that it wasn't suppossed to be this way! UGH!

The truth is that these feelings/emotions are a natural part of us. We must allow ourselves to feel what we are feeling on the path of becoming a stronger version of ourselves. Once we navigate through the emotions we feel more in control as the "reeling" lessens. Girl, the reeling is a true thing! I get you!

Trust yourself, learn as much as you can, and empower yourself on this journey as there is hope in connecting with others with similar experiences.

I just funished my 2nd lumpectomy for Invasive Ductal Cancer Stage 1 only to find out once again , I don't have clear margins. The medical board will have a meeting to discuss my situation next week. I was scheduled to start radition in April. My Oncotype test shows 3% which is extremely low. I was also told that lumpectomy was the way to move forward. I'm so torn and frustrated with the process.