3rd surgery and I'm tired

joanf
joanf Member Posts: 10
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Had my 3rd surgury for a lumpectomy yesterday... they haven't gotten clear margins yet. I know my surgeon is doing a good job trying conserve my breast but this is exhausting. DCIS Dx in February, 10 weeks of testing and waiting to find out it was just a lumpectomy. This is my 3rd surgery in a month. I know I'm blessed and things could be a LOT worse but I'm still feeling pooped. Just wanted to whine and knew you folks would understand. Thanks.

Comments

  • mom62
    mom62 Member Posts: 604 Member
    Joan,
    Sorry you are not feeling well. I'd be a little concerned though that you've had to have 3 surguries and didn't have clear margins after the first two. I understand wanting to save your breast if it's important to you, but three surgeries seems excessive to me. I had a modified radical masectomy myself. I hope your recovery goes well, make sure to get plenty of rest! Terry
  • krisrey
    krisrey Member Posts: 194
    Hi Joan,
    I just wanted to let you know that I also had three surgeries, now I am facing additional surgery on the other breast for a spot they cannot determine what it is.
    I had the first surgery on the right to remove what they thought was a fibro...only to find out it was cancer. The second surgery was to do the sental node and to get clear margins. They got the clear margins but I had to go a third time because the intial path came back negative nodes but when they did the final pathology it came back one node positive, so the third time was to remove the rest of the nodes. So I certainly understand the overwhelming feeling of facing surgery after surgery. Now I am facing the good possibility of surgery in the other breast. I had a biopsy in January that should it was fiberous tissue, but the 3 month ultrasound showed changes so I have an MRI on Friday. All this after just one year from dx on the right side. I sometimes feel like I am sinking into a dark hole and can't get out..I just want to get on with life, but everytime I try I get kicked in the face again. I am trying to stay positive but sometimes it is very hard. Its very hard after just completing chemo and radiation only to find another lump in the other breast.
    Good luck to you, and please let us know how you are doing.
    Kris
  • jhope
    jhope Member Posts: 58
    Joan, I feel you have every right to whine. I had two surgerys to get clear margins. Just a thought, but for future on after this third time, I'd seriously consider getting a new surgeon. Good luck and god bless, JUlia
  • jhope
    jhope Member Posts: 58
    Joan, I feel you have every right to whine. I had two surgerys to get clear margins. Just a thought, but for future on after this third time, I'd seriously consider getting a new surgeon. Good luck and god bless, JUlia
  • lynne40
    lynne40 Member Posts: 87
    krisrey said:

    Hi Joan,
    I just wanted to let you know that I also had three surgeries, now I am facing additional surgery on the other breast for a spot they cannot determine what it is.
    I had the first surgery on the right to remove what they thought was a fibro...only to find out it was cancer. The second surgery was to do the sental node and to get clear margins. They got the clear margins but I had to go a third time because the intial path came back negative nodes but when they did the final pathology it came back one node positive, so the third time was to remove the rest of the nodes. So I certainly understand the overwhelming feeling of facing surgery after surgery. Now I am facing the good possibility of surgery in the other breast. I had a biopsy in January that should it was fiberous tissue, but the 3 month ultrasound showed changes so I have an MRI on Friday. All this after just one year from dx on the right side. I sometimes feel like I am sinking into a dark hole and can't get out..I just want to get on with life, but everytime I try I get kicked in the face again. I am trying to stay positive but sometimes it is very hard. Its very hard after just completing chemo and radiation only to find another lump in the other breast.
    Good luck to you, and please let us know how you are doing.
    Kris

    Kris praying for you sorry things are not going well. Hope you get a good result soon Hugs ,
    Lynne
  • billandpatty
    billandpatty Member Posts: 86
    This is the place to be when you have concerns and/or need a place to whine or vent or celebrate your victories. I had 2 surgeries to get clear margins. The surgeries not only take a lot out of you physically but mentally -- all the waiting and wondering and worrying. I hope it goes well for you this time and that you'll be able to start the healing process soon.

    Take care.
    Patty