I was diagnosed with a small grade 1 stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma in October, had a lumpectomy in November. Tumour had grown a twin in the meantime (multi focal), and almost doubled in size. Pathology came back with positive margins from a large ductal carcinoma insitu that we didn’t know about. Went back for a re-excision after Christmas. Margins are still not clear-uggh! I was given a choice of another re-excision or mastectomy. I chose the re-excision next week…smaller procedure and faster recovery, and I’m hoping that third time’s the charm. If it comes back positive again (!), then I’ll get a mastectomy. Anybody else have a similar story? This is sure hard on my mental health!
@Mona123
Hi Mona. My story is similar to yours. I had a knee replacement in 2020 and had a biopsy on my left breast just before the surgery. Found out I had dcis and had my first lumpectomy a month later. Biopsy on mass showed more dcis spread out like grains of sand. Another biopsy on the breast in January showed more dcis. In February I had a triple lumpectomy (yes triple). Biopsy on those showed a miniscule spot of invasive ducal carcinoma. Enough was enough and I had a mastectomy soon after. I opted for reconstruction with a reduction on the other side at the same time. The expander was very uncomfortable but I got my implant in February last year. Much more comfortable even if I have somewhat lopsided breasts. My husband got diagnosed with prostate cancer as soon as I was recovered so my journey with cancer continues. You will get through this whatever you decide. Stay positive.