DCIS Means More Surgery

[ginnyg898]

Hi All:

I had a lumpectomy and a sentinal node biopsy on February 16th. The pathology report came back a week later and my surgeon said I had a 'complete pathilogical response' from the neo-adjuvant chemo and he indicated that they got clean margins but he also indicated that they found some ADH and DCIS. He said it was nothing to worry about and that he was thrilled with the results. I was so relieved and made plans to start radiation and get on with my life.

Well, yesterday my surgeon called me and said that the pathology board had reviewed my results and that they have some concerns about some DCIS found near the margins and they recommend another surgery. He said it was too early to speculate, but the possibility exists that if they fail to get clean margins from this next surgery and that we may need to consider a mastectomy. He indicated that since I have already had BC my risk of the ADH/DCIS turning into another tumor is elevated. My next sugery is this Monday.

I had gotten to a place where I was in sight of the end of treatment and now I feel like I am right back to where I was prior to the first surgery. I am scared of what they are going to find and worried that I will have to fight this battle for the rest of my life.

I would love to hear from those of you that have dealt with DCIS and what your experiences have been.

Thank you all for giving me a place to vent...

[Montana]

I also had a 2nd surgery to get clean margins right after the first surgery in 2004. All went well.

Try not to stress as this happens quite frequently. Better that they found it now.

[Becky]

Me too. I had to have a second surgery to clean up the margins.

It is alittle nerve wracking just because you think "its over" and its not but everyone I talked to at the time said it is very, very common. A surgeon has 2D pictures of a 3D object and it makes it tricky for them too as they want to take enough tissue but not too much so that you have a nice cosmetic result.