Breast Cancer Support Group

Hi Sassy,
This happened to me 7 years ago..after my lumpectomy they had to go in again to get "clear margins"...I wasn't real happy about this, but after chemo & rads I'm still here & thankful!
Best of luck to you & your Mom

Thank you Opal - that makes me feel some better - she is doing really well and has alot of faith in God which I do to and I know he will be their - but it is still very hard and scary -

Im glad you are still doing well - thank s again for your time

Hi Sassy,

Yes this is common. They want to get it all and so after the Lumpectomy if they do not have clear margins, then they go back and remove a bit more.

Even though I opted to have a mastectomy many of my friends have had Lumpectomies and are doing VERY well also.

Along with faith a possitive additude is important also. Gentle hugs and prayers for you and you Mom

thanks Sarah - that makes me feel better
she does have faith and a great out look

Hi Sassy,

As youh ave seen, it is very normal for the doctors to have to go back in for more tissue if they did not get clear margins.

Although unusual, it is possible that they may have to go back in more than once. They take as much tissue as they think they have to in order to get the clear margins; however, the tissue they take is sent off to a lab for examination. The microscope determines exactly where the clear margins are and what size is clear. The doctors determine whether the size of the clear margin is sufficient or if they need to go in and take more. The naked eye is just not nearly as good as the microscope at determining those margins.

Keep in mind that they will likely follow up with chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments to take care of any 'loose' cancer cells that they did not get with the surgeries. Also keep in mind that they are getting really good outcomes with both the lumpectomy and mastectomy options, so your mom is in good hands.

I hope you are getting yourself screened. It will help your mom the most if you take care of yourself.

Best of luck to you both.

- Diane

Hi Diana - that makes sence - thanks

They are planing on following up with radiation as of right now but said after this next surgery they might do chemo also - just not sure right now-

As far as me getting checked - they stared checking me several years ago becouse of my grandma had breast cancer -
BUT - I lost my job and in sursurans over a year ago so I have miss 2 - I hope to get disabilaty soon so can have anougher one

I understand how tough it is to keep up with your health checks after losing a job and insurance. I will be losing my job on October 2nd.

All I can emphasize is that you MUST find a way to get yourself checked out. If there is a free clinic you can use, DO IT! Your mother and grandmother had breast cancer and your mom died from it. You need to move heaven and earth, beg borrow or steal, to find a way to get yourself checked. Your life depends on it. Early detection is your best bet for a good outcome.

I'm not trying to scare you but you need to get perspective on this. Your health is more important than anything. No matter what it costs or where you have to go to get it done, this has to be your number one priority. You already missed two, so you are over due.

Please get this done somehow and let us know when you do. It is easy to overlook our own health and focus on others, but you owe it to yourself and those who love you to take great care of yourself.

I hope to hear your results soon and that they gave you the all clear!

- Diane

Hi

My mum has also had her lumpectomy. We are waiting to hear the result. Because the chemo was so successful, the cancer shrank and they were not entirely sure where the margins were. They also took lymph glands from her left arm. It has been hard since my boyfriend has flu (suspected swine flu) so I have not been able to see her, and couldn't go and visit while she was in hospital. I don't think I have got the flu myself but I can't risk it in case I am carrying it and pass it on to her.

Then if they think they are done with surgery, and she has healed OK, she will have radiotherapy between Oct and Dec. I am hoping with all my heart that this will all be done with by the end of the year. This has been a hard year for all of us and the sooner it is done the better.

As for sassy getting herself screened. My mum went to get checked for the BRCA1 and 2 genes (we are still waiting for a result). This is because several women in her family have had various cysts and cancers. They said even if she has the genes which means me and my sister are at an increased risk, they would still only start screening us when we reach 30. I don't know how old Sassy is. But the picture they gave us was that it was not an urgent thing even if my mum had these genes, we would be screened earlier than we would otherwise, but we would not have to go in and get ourselves checked immediately.

It's a really good idea to stay away from someone who has had chemo if you think you've been exposed to anything contagious - very thoughtful of you.

Regarding the early screening, however, 30 seems a little late. There are many women who get breast cancer in their 20s and some of them die from it. An initial screening at 30 wouldn't have helped them much. I wonder if we're seeing a difference here in the potocols in the U.S. vs. the U.K.; particularly since you re dealing with socialized mnedicine in the U.K. In the U.S. many women with a BRCA1 or 2 mutation (particularly the 1) opt for a prophyllactic double mastectomy and ovary removal. While this is an ultra conservative choice, it is often warranted by the statistics for women with these genes. Insurance generally covers it, as well.

At the very least, if your mum has breast cancer, you ought to be in for regular mammograms in your late teens or early twenties. Some also recommend MRIs alternated with mammos if there is a family history. In all cases, early detection is key to a good outcome.

Best,

- Diane

Hallo again

Looks like I am in the same situation as sassy - my mum has to have more surgery and then reconstruction with her own tissue, so it will take a bit longer than we thought.

Personally, I wouldn't want to go for breast or ovary removal. It seems really drastic. I quite like my breasts and wouldn't want unnecessary surgery.