is second surgery necessary

[alidi]

I have been on this Forum for a few months, I was diagnosed with Invasive Carcinoma,I finally, had Surgery;
a Lumpectomy on Dec.2, Negative Nodes, but Close Margins. ,Stage I, 2 more lesions on the same Breast(BCIS)
My surgeon scheduled another surgery to get clear Margins, IS THIS NECESSARY?,she said it is. I thought, she would clean out my cancer with the first Procedure. Also am I Stage I or II?.
I would like to Thank: Zouzi, Butterfly2222, Sue Young, Specialmom, and all the other ladies, who answer my mail,and gave me great advise and their prayers. God Bless !!!
Ali.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi again,

It is very good news that your nodes were negative!

I am sorry you have to have additional surgery, but this can happen because there is no way the surgeon can tell FOR SURE how much tissue must be removed to obtain the all-important clear margins. Only after the full pathology examination can it be determined if that was accomplished.

I hope you enjoy a break from all this by having wonderful holidays with you family!

Best wishes...

[alidi]

Thank you girls,for your prompt answer, sometimes I feel this nightmare will never end.
I am scheduled for January 6, at least I will be home for the Holidays. I will also take my
Notebook with me. I would like to keep in touch with this wonderful community.
Have a VERY HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND A WONDERFUL AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR !

[zouzi]

Hi Alidi,
I am so sorry too that you have to go through a second surgery.This is not unusual,but it's very important, as Sue Young said, that clean margins are obtained.Whether your tumor was stage one or two,makes no difference... clean margins must  be obtained to minimize the risk or recurrence.Hang in there dear...and be strong.I wish you all the best and may all go well for you....Take care.

[SueYoung55]

I am so sorry you need another surgery but yes, if they did not get clear margins it is necessary.

When you have cancer with a lumpectomy they try to remove all the cancerous tissue and some clean and clear tissue around it to make sure they got it all. That clean & clear tissue is called margin.

You want this surgery to reduce your risk of recurrence.

I hope you have a wonderful and healthy new year :)