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Anyone have three lumpectomies? Or extra radiation instead of a third lumpectomy to kill any remaining cancer that prevented clear margins?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dryden, NY

Still cannot achieve clear margins after my second lumpectomy last week. My surgeon said if he does a third lumpectomy he’d have to remove some of the skin on my breast, which would further alter the shape and appearance of my left breast. DCIS is still present on the superior margin after both lumpectomies. I had an IDC and DCIS tumor removed, stage 1, phase 2.

I’m leaning toward a mastectomy, but wanted to be fully informed of all my options before my meetings with my surgeon and plastic… read more

July 19 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Joanna, In October 2025, I was diagnosed with IDC stage 2, Plus DCIS. I went in planning to have a double masectomy. Dr said why would you, when we can remove the small area with a lumpectomy, So I had the lumpectomy on the one side, results came back and margins were not clear. Dr said just a little drop left close to the skin, not a biggy, she noted, we will just take a little more skin off the anterior. I had a second lumpectomy, ....The results came in and the posterior margins were not clear of DCIS. Three more areas. ..... She offered to try another lumpectomy but said it was not recommended. I said want the masectomy. ...I Had that almost 3 weeks ago, and I'm glad I did. Margins are now clear, thank goodness. They did find another area of IDC and the DCIS which would have been missed. ....I am staying positive. I know a lot of people on here have been through a lot more than I have and my heart goes out to them. ...I have kept this very private. ( lol I know I'm weird, but that is how I handle things. )( I could handle the surgery, but could not handle everyone knowing.) I was just with my grown children for 4 days and they had no idea I had cancer or surgeries, or what I have gone through. Someday I will tell them, but not just yet:) ....I am very happy with my state of mind, and my decisions. Also so thankful that I live in a Country that has the technology to give us options. There are so many women (and men) in 3rd world countries that are not as fortunate as we are.

July 21
A MyBCTeam Member

Oh my god, you’ve been through hell. I’m so sorry to hear about everything you’ve been through and are still going through.

July 19
A MyBCTeam Member

Yes, you have. Wishing you the very best. Please stay in touch. Love and hugs!!

July 20 (edited)
A MyBCTeam Member

I have had the same problems and I had a double mastectomy . It did not stop the cancer under my right armpit. Several issues and repeated request and 5 to 6 years later they open and did another lumpectomy, reenter because it needed more margin moved. They had to also remove 27 lymph nodes, 21 being cancerous. It is still painful and open uses the exit for random lymph trash. Next was Lymphoma Treated that 4rth cancer Then one that is present now Metastasized Stage IV Hers2 Negative. We have removed a cancerous lump from my right lung. I an treatment and I had a massive reaction to .Kysquali. I had sores all over my body. They say that was a good reaction it is working. I just did not realize I would keep getting new Stages and other cancers also. Don't know if thar helped or not

July 19
MyBCTeam

What a tough spot to be in — and it's completely understandable to be weighing all of this carefully. Some MyBCTeam members have shared similar experiences with multiple lumpectomies and difficult margin situations, so you're definitely not alone in navigating this.

When clear margins can't be achieved after lumpectomy Show Full Answer

What a tough spot to be in — and it's completely understandable to be weighing all of this carefully. Some MyBCTeam members have shared similar experiences with multiple lumpectomies and difficult margin situations, so you're definitely not alone in navigating this.

When clear margins can't be achieved after lumpectomy, the main options typically discussed are:

- A third lumpectomy — though as your surgeon noted, this can affect the breast's appearance more significantly
- Mastectomy — which may actually offer a lower recurrence risk, especially with DCIS
- Radiation therapy — which can target remaining cancer cells and is commonly recommended after lumpectomy It's worth knowing that for DCIS specifically, a nipple-sparing mastectomy carries a recurrence risk of under 3%, which is lower than lumpectomy even with radiation.

Radiation after lumpectomy does reduce recurrence risk, but it's important to discuss with your oncologist whether it's sufficient given that margins are still not clear.

This is really a conversation to have closely with your surgical and radiation oncology team, as your specific situation — the location, grade, and extent of remaining DCIS — will guide the best path forward.

July 19

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