Mastectomy or 3rd try
I was diagnosed with grade 3 DCIS in April. I had a partial mastectomy, 3 of the locations did not have wide enough margins but were clean. Dr recommended a second surgery to get the margins needed. Heard back from him yesterday and one of the three had DCIS. The surgeon was surprised at that based on my imaging and the first path results. Options now are trying a third time for clean/wide margins or mastectomy. At this point I’m thinking of just going with trying a third time with the partial. Anyone been in a similar situation and have advice?
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@greytdog3 - Welcome to Breastcancer.org, and thanks for posting. This sounds really tough, especially after already going through two surgeries. We hope others will share their personal experiences and support to help you make the best decision alongside your medical team. It might also help to discuss the likelihood of clear margins next time, what recovery would look like in each scenario, and how this could affect radiation or other treatments. Take a look at this article from our main site—it may help as well:
Please come back to let us know how you're doing and what you decide. We're here for you!
The Mods
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After talking to my surgeon and oncologist I have decided to do a bilateral mastectomy with a flat closure. This has been such a process and I am thankful it is nearly over. I’m a little apprehensive about recovery, so any advice would be great.
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I had a BMX with flat closure and the recovery was not too difficult. My anesthesiologist did a nerve block so I was in very little pain when I woke up. I was prescribed painkillers but never took them. The nerve block wore off in a few days and a Tylenol/ibuprofen combo was enough. I had two drains on each side and they were the most uncomfortable part of the whole thing. My husband usually helped me strip them but I was able to do it myself when necessary.
I slept on the couch in order to sleep propped up. Some people use a recliner or a bed wedge. I stayed on the couch until the drains were removed. I had my drains hooked onto a lanyard and wore buttoned shirts so I wouldn't have to try and pull anything over my head.
I did my exercises every day and could lift my arms over my head in about a week, although if I reached too high I got terrible cramps in my back muscles. This still happens sometimes almost three years later. I did not cook or do any chores for about a week, and after that I was able to cook if the ingredients were not on a high shelf. I could put the laundry in the washer and dryer but my husband had to carry the laundry basket.
I did not drive until my drains were removed but I probably could have driven after the second week if it had been necessary. I felt like I really couldn't turn my head far enough or quickly enough to be totally safe.
Appearance wise I don't completely love how I look, but it's not awful and I've mostly made my peace with it. I had to give a lot of my tops to my daughter. I was able to find new styles that are flattering and people honestly don't even notice that I am flat chested, which astounds me. I don't wear tight tops, but I didn't before my surgery either. I had very small dog ears on the sides at first, but they were completely gone within a couple of months.
I hope you have a successful surgery and a smooth recovery!
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Hi
Thank for having me .
I just joined and saw the post of greytdog3I know how you feel. It sounds just like my journey but after my second op with close margins( 0.7mm) I opted for close monitoring and radiation. I wish I hadn’t. Having mammogram, ultra sound and MRI ( very dense breast) every six months with the fear that they may find something or worst that there is something they cannot see. After three year the day came this months. Again DCIS grade 3 and a mastectomy is now on the cards. Reconstruction is difficult because of the radiation. I opted for Diep flap. originally I wanted a bilateral but because my left breast had no findings I have to pay for it privately 🤯😭. The other problem is that I may have not enough fat for two boobs. 🙈
My op is imminent as soon as a micro surgeon comes available. I am scared that my decision is once again the wrong one. Why can’t they give you a recommendation instead of a shopping list 😬.
I am in awe about your decision to go flat. I wish I could be that brave but I just can’t .I wish you all the luck in the world and a swift recovery.😘
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I haven’t been keeping up with my post but checked today and saw yours. I ended up having a bilateral mastectomy in July, no reconstruction. Pathology findings were IDC grade 2, right axilla lymph node positive for metastatic carcinoma. Left breast had minor findings of DCIS, so very thankful we did the bilateral. I finished 6 weeks of radiation and have just now started on Kasqali and Anastrozole along with a monthly injection of Goserelin. Sending you all the best vibes as you navigate this next part of your journey.
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