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Surgeon missed the margins. 2nd surgery

Posted by freebird67 @freebird67, Apr 1, 2024

Good morning all,
Had lumpectomy 3-18 went back on 3-28 thinking surgeon would release me to oncologist but No ! She told me they missed the margins. I was kinda dumbfounded at first, she explained to me that they have to go back in and cut more and scrap. Then asked me.... do you have a problem with this ? Of course I have a problem with this, who wouldn't ! She just told me cancer cells were pushing on the margin. So I'm headed for another surgery this Friday.
I'm loosing faith in the medical system fast. The nurse came in to schedule my surgery and said it happens like no big deal.
So I guess my question is, have any of you gone through this ? Did it change anything for you ? I did do some research about it and didn't like what I read. But have no choice on this. Thank you and
Have a blessed day

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peggydobbs | @peggydobbs | 1 day ago

I also had to have two surgeries for a small breast cancer, because margins weren't clear after 1st op. My surgeon told me that it's hard to distinguish where a tumor ends, although I think they have ways of testing during the surgery. But, they have to rely on post-op biopsy to be sure they got it all. My 2nd op produced "no ink on tumor" as biopsy result--meaning (I think) that the margins were minuscule, though clear. I would have been happier with clear margins of a couple of millimeters--even if that meant a 3rd surgery. But my cancer center (MSK) was satisfied.

Regarding the surgical scar--it looked the same after the 2nd surgery as it did after the 1st. The surgical scar is less disfiguring than the scar made by the biopsy "gun". That left a big dent in my breast that hasn't filled in.

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freebird67 | @freebird67 | 1 day ago
In reply to @peggydobbs "I also had to have two surgeries for a small breast cancer, because margins weren't clear..." + (show)
@peggydobbs

I also had to have two surgeries for a small breast cancer, because margins weren't clear after 1st op. My surgeon told me that it's hard to distinguish where a tumor ends, although I think they have ways of testing during the surgery. But, they have to rely on post-op biopsy to be sure they got it all. My 2nd op produced "no ink on tumor" as biopsy result--meaning (I think) that the margins were minuscule, though clear. I would have been happier with clear margins of a couple of millimeters--even if that meant a 3rd surgery. But my cancer center (MSK) was satisfied.

Regarding the surgical scar--it looked the same after the 2nd surgery as it did after the 1st. The surgical scar is less disfiguring than the scar made by the biopsy "gun". That left a big dent in my breast that hasn't filled in.

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I have heard of so many people having a second surgery, that I think it's the norm. Of course I knew I had to do it, maybe I'm wired a little different or something
but I want to know upfront in any surgery what could or could not happen. I'm that way even with new medicines, no surprises if possible. I too ended up with a dent. That doesn't bother me. I guess I'm at an age it doesn't matter. I did not like the the biopsy gun, it hurt and was loud !
I pray to never have to go through this again or anyone for that matter.
Hugs and blessings

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