Re-excision

No I haven't had this, but,
No I haven't had this, but, want to wish you good luck. May I ask why if your margins were clean that you want them to take out more tissue? I thought all we wanted were clean margins, meaning they got all of the cancer and even some extra tissue surrounding it.

Take care, Diane!

Becky
I did not have a re-excision. I had a lumpectomy with sentinal node excision. I'm assuming they took lymph nodes at the time of your original lumpectomy? If so, then maybe the re-excision will be easier because they only have to do surgery on the breast area and not in the lymph node area. That being said, I've seen so many posts from folks whose doctor's didn't adequately prepare them for whatever procedure, I'd tend to pay attention what those who've actually gone through it have to say. Since everyone is different, I think the best you can do is to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. I would also think that the proximity of your chemo would have an effect on how quickly you will recover. Are you feeling fully recovered from that, or are you still tired? You'll need to make sure you have enough strength to tackle radiation, so just don't try to push yourself too hard. If you don't feel you're ready to go back to work, just make sure to communicate with your doctor on how you're feeling, and I'm sure he will work with you make sure you don't hurt yourself.

I was off work for 2 weeks for my lumpectomy, although I could probably have gone back sooner than that if I'd pushed it. I chose to take the whole two weeks off to make sure my body was healed for the next step.

Hope all goes well with your surgery and that you are able to bounce back quickly. It would be great if you do feel up to going back to work after only a few days. Please keep us posted when you can on how you're doing.

Cindy

rrogers34 said:

My margins were clear but close. They found multifocal cells which I hope chemo got rid of. I am her2+ which means my cancer is more aggressive. I have Ductual Invasive stage 1 grade 2b. I want to do "everything" I can to protect myself against reoccurance. I actually wanted them to do a mastectomy, but they kept telling me I didn't need one and the survival rate was the same. I would have had to post-pone my surgery for another month, and I just wanted the cancer out. They were suprised that I was her2+. I went to a second opinion clinic and I expressed my concerns to them which included a team of Drs. All who specialize in BC. A Surgeon, pathologist, Breast Health nurse, med oncologist, Onc radiologist, plastic surgeon. They agreed that it would not be a bad idea to get WIDER margins even though mine were clear. I also had to see another Oncol while mine was on vacation and he agreed. My own Med oncologist says it would not be a bad idea either. So I am going for wider, clean margins. They will send this tissue to the lab, so it will help make sure we got it all. I also developed a seroma on the same breast but opposite side. They will take care of that as well. Just want to be sure.

God Bless

Just want to wish you the
Just want to wish you the best of luck rrogers34!

♥ Noel

Had to do it too
Yes, I had to have a re-excision as well. Apparently very common with lumpectomy's. I was mad at first ( how come you didn't get it all the first time ) but then of course realized that it was for the good.
It was a piece of cake! The incision on my breast never gave me much trouble anyway. The armpit did of course, drain etc.
They use the same incision and it never even caused me any pain.
Best of luck to you.
Wanda

rrogers34 said:

You wont believe this
I am scheduled for this Friday. Origianlly, I was scheduled at One hospital with my Breast Onco Surgeon. I have my appt set up for the consultant with the radiologist May 27th. Monday my surgeons office called and said she would be out for 6 weeks. YIPES!!!!! God is truly amazing, we were able to find another Breast Surgeon, but now I will be at a different hospital. Same day as originally scheduled. Now, hopefully I will be able to stay on track with my treatment. Please remember me in prayer, that they wont find anything else!

God Bless and Thanks for all of the responses.

Good luck with your surgery
Good luck with your surgery on Monday rrogers! Sending you prayers!

Best of luck with your
Best of luck with your surgery, Becky! I'm sure you feel good about doing everything you can! Good for you!
Jan