Tumors on the mastectomy site. Need some input?

Question

OK, it will be 2 yrs in October since I had a mastectomy. A modified, radical that is. This past june, I discovered tumors on the mastectomy site. My doctor removed them 2 days later and he found 7 benign tumors that would have turned to cancer had they not been removed. I am now seeing a new Oncologist and he is going to do a second mastectomy because the history of breast cancer in my family is so so strong. I was told that my other doctor left some breast tissue when he did the mastectomy and that's why I got more tumors. What would you do? Would you think that the surgeon was neglectful when he did the mastectomy? He shouldn't have left any breast tissue knowing I had a malignant tumor in the first place. Now, in 1 month, I will have a second mastectomy. I'm glad because I won't get cancer there anymore, but I'm also upset because I feel the MD failed me the first time..Am I right?

Answer 1

It does seem that he was not the most skilled surgeon. However, I believe it is not uncommon for a tiny small amount of breast tissue to be left behind. This why with an aggressive cancer, they might want to do radiation therapy even after mastectomy.

You could talk to a lawyer, but I've never heard of any cancer surgeon guaranteeing that they are going to get it all. This is why they follow up with chemo and/or radiation. Single cells cannot be seen.

I'm really sorry you've had a recurrence. It sounds as if is is confined to the breast -- THAT is good news and while it sucks to have to have surgery and other treatment again, there's still a good chance they can get rid of it all this time with a combined treatment approach (surgery, chemo, radiation).

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

I hate that doctors aren't held accountable anymore.  Find out if this is common or doctor's negligence, and even if you don't sue, cause some grief.

Answer 3

While I sympathize with your frustration, try not to blame the physicians themselves, they are doing their best under the restrictions placed on them by management (who want to make a profit) and by us as patients, since we have managed to fool ourselves into believing that every doctor is infallible and that each of us deserves to live forever.

There are on-line resources that track physicians' performance records, if your MD has "failed" multiple patients (and more than the "average" doctor in his/her field), then you should file a complaint.  If it's just you, or you and a "reasonable number" of others, then you should quit focusing on it because you are harming your own state of mind!

1-3% means 3 out of every 100 patients like you should fully expect recurrent tumors.

Trust the tests, try to understand the statistical realities, and stay positive! If you had been born 100 years sooner, the cancer would have undoubtedly killed you!  

Answer 4

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