Re-DCIS

[jk63]

I had lumpectomy done exactly a month ago, my surgeon wants me to have total mastectomy based on the pathology result from the lumpectomy, i decided to have a second opinion, so i went to my pcp who agreed with me. She however asked me to have a mamogram done ASAP. My question is since i just had the lumpectomy done,and the area is still swollen and tender from the surgery and also considering the tenderness of the breast, do you think i will have accurate result from the mamogram and how will it affect the surgical site and my breast, would it make the site to open up. Pls help me , i'm so scared.

[TEK2009]

I had a similar problem, I had a lumpectomy followed by a re-excision as they had not got clear margins the first time, unfortunately there was some issue with the pathology report (not sure who made what error) but they told me that there may or may not be cancer cells left behind. I asked the surgeon and a consultant radiologist why a mammogram could not be used to check, I was told scar tissue could mask the cancer. I took a second opinion and was told as I am now almost 6 months post first 2 ops it may help to have an MRI but he did say it was not guaranteed to tell me if cells were still there especially as I had had chemo in between so it may be too small now.

Anyway it is worth asking before you go through that operation, do not be afraid to ask the surgeons and other specialists are not gods and you are a human being with feelings make sure they know that, I think they forget sometimes. Also ask exactly why they think an MX is necessary post the lumpectomy, mine suggested it as a means of being more certain re local recurrence, but it makes no sense when you know my wider prognosis, so I am only having a re re-excision.

All the best
TEK

[katarina777]

I wouldn't do it either, because it also hurts, and I agree with all the other points.  I also do not think that mammogram is the right this to use in order to decide if you should have a mastectomy or not. An ultrasound or MRI would be much more appropriate, me thinks?

I would definitely find a breast surgeon. In my case, my breast sugeon did not go by the reports anyway but he insisted on studying the films himself and did his ow biopsies and ultrasounds. Same with a gastroenterologist I saw. He didn't care about the report, he wanted to watch the CT scan on his own computer.

[SueYoung55]

I agree with Bluebutterfly2222. Primary doctors can be fabulous but this is well outside their realm in the food chain .

[bluebutterfly2222]

I  think you should direct your questions regarding the advisability of a mammogram at this point  to your surgeon, who should know more about the state of your healing.

I'm also not sure your PCP is the best choice for a second opinion on a surgical recommendation. Why not a breast surgeon, esp. if the first surgeon is a general surgeon?

Just some thoughts...