We've made it easier for you to connect! Fill out your NEW profile.

Recurrence in same breast previous 2 lumpectomies - mastectomy?

I have just been dx with IDC, tumor 1.2 cm grade 2, in same breast that I had DCIS, 2 lumpectomies and radiation 16 years ago. We are talking mastectomy, but wondering if anyone ever had a small tumor in a previously treated breast and just had lumpectomy? Some scattered DCIS was also found on the biopsy this month. Just wanted to get some thoughts. Things are happening fast. Hormone test not back yet. Scheduled for mRI and Plastic Surgeon. I am a caregiver for my 89 year old mother in law and husband with low grade lymphoma, and also recovering from MOHS surgery on my nose. What else!

Comments

  • mandy23
    mandy23 Posts: 160

    Hi @traveler56 -

    Sorry that you had to come back and join us. You made it for many years, but it does seem with some of us, our bodies just 'know' how to make b.c.

    I am sure there are some people who have multiple lumpectomies in the same breast, but likely it is related to the location and size of the tumors. For me, with my 2nd dx (in the other breast), I decided twice was 2 times too many and I really didn't want to go through this again. The 1st time started as a lumpectomy, but became a mastectomy after they realized how widespread the DCIS was.

    It sounds like you do have a full 'plate' caregiving for others in addition to your own health issues.

    We are here for you to assist you or allow you to vent.

    Take care.

  • traveler56
    traveler56 Posts: 23

    Thank you Mandy23. My husband thinks I should have a 2nd opinion, but I have talked to the surgeon and nurse navigator, and they said that every once in a while a person insists on a lumpectomy, but it usually is not ending well as far as recurrence. I am ok with this decision, and with waiting on reconstruction. I may just go one side flat and stay flat. I just want to get it done with! How did your reconstruction go?

  • dimples90
    dimples90 Posts: 43

    traveler56,

    I wanted to chime in about reconstruction. Radiation can definitely affect reconstruction with implants. Just make sure your plastic surgeon discusses all options with you.

  • I have decided to go flat. MRI found another 7 mm spot in the other breast, and an enlarged axillary on that same side. I had two biopsies yesterday, no results yet. I don't have a plan, but if it includes mastectomy, I am done. I am 68, and was always happy with my A's. Plastic surgeon and I discussed flap surgery but I don't want to spend time in the hospital any more than I have to. Thank you for chiming in. I am very anxious and depressed, but want a plan.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 9,091

    @traveler56, we're sorry you have to go through this… we can understand the mix of emotions you’re feeling right now. If you’re interested, we have a supportive forum called Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy, where members share their experiences and advice on going flat after surgery. It may be helpful to you as you move forward with your plan.

    Sending you lots of strength. And please, come back to let us know how you're doing. We're here for you!

    The Mods

  • mandy23
    mandy23 Posts: 160

    Hi @traveler56 -

    Sorry to hear that they have found another spot. It does sound like you have made a decision that you feel comfortable with, so I hope you have gotten your biopsy results and are getting a plan put in place.

    Take Care.