multiple surgery procedures

[Lost02]

I was diagonised with DCIS about three months ago.I had a lumpectomy done  about a month ago,but pathology showed that the margin was not clear.A second lumpectomy was done to improve the margin.I have now been told that agin the amrgin not very clear.Since so far about 60% of the tissue has been removed,the suggestuion now is. for Mastectomy,I am worried as to the following:
1.If this is DCIS then why has it been a problem to obtain a clear margin?
2.What if the margin is still not clear even after the third procedure?
I was given to understand that DCIS is still what the biopsy has shown.
I am confused.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Lost02:  DCIS is a "precancer."  It is essentially malignant cells that show no evidence of invasion.  Left alone, it will become invasive cancer.  So, you essentially have precancerous cells but you have a lot of them - thus the positive margin.  If you have a mastectomy, the margin should be clear.  If the margins are at all close, radiation will be recommended.

[ivysgirl]

I also have had 2 lumpectomies, I was scheduled for the 3rd today.  Mine is comedo grade 3. I decided to go to a local onc. with my path reports.  He was so concerned he spent close to an hour just talking to me.  He has referred me to a Breast Spec. in another town.