Hi, 

Sorry to meet you here. It's pretty common to find calcifications, so I was told. Did they tell you if the suspected macro or micro calcifications? I went with a lump in my right breast and during the checks (mammogram) they then told me that they had found a cluster of microcalcifications. They didn't say much more at the time other than wanted a stereotactic biopsy on those microcalcifications also.  It was in my case the same breast, but it can be either from what I've read and been told by others experiences and consultants etc. 

The biopsy will enable them to know if the calcifications are benign or pre cancerous, such as DCIS as you mention.  

I know it's hard, but try not to worry the majority of calcifications statistically are benign and worst case scenario pre cancerous and therefore easily treatable. 

I hope this helps a bit. 

Sebding a virtual hug - Mickey xx ️

 

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for replying.  I phoned the clinic today and all the nurse would say was that these calcifications were 'indeterminate'.  I've taken that as being suspicious!  Didn't say if they were macro or microcalcifications although I'm suspecting micro as otherwise I wouldn't be having the biopsy which I think is next week.  I dont even know what type of biopsy, they didn't say.  I'm grateful for them being thorough but it felt like being on a treadmill of one in, one out, I was shocked how many ladies were in on the same day.  I've never seen the breast clinic so busy and I've seen a lot of it getting all my cysts checked over the last 4 years.   Did you have a biopsy, how was it, and how long did you wait for the results?

if you've been through all this too, I hope you had a good outcome.  Sending a hug back.  x

Hi, 

They did tell me mine were intermediate and then indeterminate but also confirmed they were micro. My biopsy was taken under mammogram and I had to wait several weeks for it, despite being told it would be done within two weeks. Having said that I did get a cancellation. I'm aware other people have had these under ultrasound though and so I guess it varies hospital to hospital and consultant to consultant, like most things. 

I understand you taking indeterminate to means suspicious and I felt the same, but seriously I have seen so many cases where they have been benign. That's why they have to do the biopsies.  Mine are classified as two wide areas of dcis, however, I did also have an invasive cancerous tumour in that breast. Your situation is different and hopefully it will turn out to be benign, but like I say, if not it is so treatable. 

By the time I had my biopsy for the microcalcifications I already knew that my tumour was cancer and they had classified the wide areas as dcis even before I got my results from the biopsy. I expect that was due to positioning of it all within the breast. The results were a few more weeks and just clarified that it was two differently graded areas of DCIS, one close/around the tumour and one further up from what I could make out.  I'm still awaiting my post op results to find out exactly what they found and final grades etc. 

I'm very grateful they were so thorough and know I have had  the best outcome. 

Yes, the breast clinics are overwhelmed - when next week is your biopsy? 

More virtual hugs Mickey xx ️
 

Thank you Mickey.  I'm sorry to hear that you have had to go through all of that, you sound so strong.  I suspect when you have all the information you can process, the worst part is not knowing and waiting.  It sounds like they are taking great care of you.  They are all busy but I can't fault our breast clinics they are wonderful.  I would have liked to have seen the consultant who was there reviewing the mammograms to ask a load of questions, but I suppose they are just too full stretch to give everyone that time at the moment.  That's not to say they're not looking after us all though.  
Biopsies are done in our clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays so I hope it can go ahead next week.   I'm not going to wimp out about the biopsy.  I had to have 2 biopsies in gynae last summer that were all fine.  Crikey, they must be sick of the sight of me!!!  Can't believe this is happening actually but I've 'parked' it all and am keeping really busy, it helps a lot doesn't it.  It's quite strange actually because I was rigid with fear in the clinic (no husbands allowed in due to Covid), and yesterday panicking like a lunatic, as I'm not good with health stuff and usually overthink things.  Surprisingly I woke up this morning with a strange sense of calm which has helped me cope.

It's really helped me to 'chat' with you too, thankyou  so much.  I wish you all the best for a great outcome for you.  Thinking of you and sending another hug back x

Hi, 

The waiting and not knowing is definitely the worst part.  Once you have the information you can breath a sigh of relief whether benign or even worst case if not because, as you say, you then start to process it. 

These are certainly more difficult times with covid and restrictions. You're right again, keeping busy and thinking as positively as you can (we all get out moments and need them too) is the best way to get through. It's great you woke up with a sense of calm this morning.  Perhaps that's because you know the next step - I have always taken the one step at a time approach and when I find myself jumping forward, I try to pull myself back. We're all different, but it's helped me to take one step and one appointment and just focus on what I can do to get me through that next apt. 

I'm really pleased it's helped you to chat, anytime. Please let me know how you get on - good news is always welcome and support always at the ready from this forum. 

Thank you for your kind wishes and words of support also. 

Mickey xx ️

Hi, how are you?  I'm not in a good place now as my anxiety levels are through the roof!!.  I'm having a biopsy this Thursday first thing.  I've had good and bad days waiting since I heard about these calcifications just over a week ago.  Fortunately I've had a lot on and have kept busy which has helped the days pass quickly.  I've also done a lot of googling and reading on here.   I can't find anyone who found that these calcifications were benign.  They mostly seem to be cancer.  I'm really NOT feeling positive at all.   I'm just terrified.

xxx

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so terrified, but I do totally get that.  Tomorrow will soon be here, thankfully and I'm glad you've had some good days during the wait.  I think it definitely gets harder the closer you get to your appointment. It's only natural to feel anxious about what you might be told. Believe me, I'm still waiting for my surgery results from 14/12 and they are now due end of this week or Monday. You just want to fast forward so that you know what you're dealing with.  I can honestly say that I have spoken to quite a few peoples where their calcifications did turn out not to be cancerous. I think people don't always feel comfortable  putting good news on these sites. I always try to encourage that because it helps us all to know that the stats are right and it isn't always cancer. 

I hope you've got plans to keep as busy as you can today. What time is your appointment tomorrow? 

Sending you a big virtual hug Mickey xx ️

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for response.  9 o clock tomorrow morning.  Anxiety at another level now it's a nightmare.  I'm not good with health stuff anyway probably the proverbial hypochondriac so I need to pull myself together.  I've had a look at stats on line and some sites say roughly 50/50 and another said 80% benign.  
so sorry to hear you are still waiting for some results.  Can you phone the consultants secretary to get some information.  Sounds unacceptable to me to keep you in limbo.

thanks for your support.  Sending a hug back x

Hi, 

Its really good that it's a early morning appointment. At least that way you just get up and go (even if sleep is a bit rubbish tonight). 
Once you know you will hopefully give a big sigh of relief. If it is pre-cancerous or cancerous though, please don't forget that it's easily treatable now.  Either way, you will feel more in control again when you know what you're dealing with. Are you taking someone with you tomorrow? 
Keeping everything crossed for you, please let me know how you get on. 
I called her on Monday and she promised investigate and to call me back that day, but didn't...... 
Thanks for your support too - Mickey xx ️

PS, sorry I realise you probably can't take anyone for the biopsy tomorrow in these covid times. I also hope you don't have to wait too many weeks for your results. Xx ️

Oh Mickey I'd get straight back on to her if I were you.  You've had to wait too long.  I'm going on my own for the biopsy in the morning as no-one else is allowed in due to Covid.  No point husband or friend sitting outside in a corridor which is what I saw last week. I'm thinking just get this done.  Obvs my husband will come with me for the results.  He's been a rock and had cancer himself four years ago which was caught early but is now fine.  I've got 3 children who are growing up now but our eldest has special needs so the thought that we could potentially both have cancer is terrible for our kids.  I don't care for myself, just want to be around for them all.  I get so emotional when I think about it.   Please do phone your consultants secretary again today so you know where you are.  
Thanks again xx  

Thank you. 
I'm sorry to hear about your husbands cancer, but I'm very glad it was caught early and that he's ok now. It is scarey when you have children, especially when special needs are involved. At this stage though, you may still get the good news that the calcifications are benign. Keeping everything crossed for you and your family. 
I'm glad that hubby will come to the results appointment with you. It's good to have support, even good news often leaves you reeling after this experience, as I'm sure you remember. 
xx ️

Thank you. 
I'm sorry to hear about your husbands cancer, but I'm very glad it was caught early and that he's ok now. It is scarey when you have children, especially when special needs are involved. At this stage though, you may still get the good news that the calcifications are benign. Keeping everything crossed for you and your family. 
I'm glad that hubby will come to the results appointment with you. It's good to have support, even good news often leaves you reeling after this experience, as I'm sure you remember. 
xx ️

Thank you Mickey xx

Hello,

Sorry to jump on your post! But I'm in a similar situation and desperate to hear some good outcomes! 
I went to the breast clinic yesterday, as I found a lump. I didn't want to have a mammogram as they scare me! So the dr agreed to do the ultrasound. But she then explained to me that although that looked fine, that the mammogram could pick up calcification that could show potential cancer before I would a feel a lump, etc. I'm 40, so wasn't due a routine one yet. My mother had breast cancer 3 times from aged 45, and unfortunately passed away at age 54, due to contracting MRSA from the IV, and then being unable to continue chemo. So the cancer spread. 
I've been to speak with the breast care nurses twice, and done the family history investigation etc. They decided that she didn't have a genetic type, and it's not happened for any other females in the family, on either side. 
However, I was reassured and I had the mammogram. 
the dr called me back in to see my scan. She pointed out the random specks of calcification, which she said was normal. But she then pointed to some areas in both breast that had a few specks together. She said she wasn't too worried as it was in both, and as it was my first mammogram, they may have always been there. But she couldn't say either way. So I'm now waiting for an appointment for a biopsy. I'm terrified! Both about the procedures and the outcome! Please update with your outcome. 
I saw the surgeon after the screening and he seemed less concerned than the dr. But I'm fearing the worst! I suffer with health anxiety anyway! 
Thank you

Hi there.  It's such a worrying time isn't it.  It sounds as if your Dr isn't overly concerned about your calcifications which is a very good sign.  If there are clusters of them they always do a biopsy to check it out.  I had my biopsy this morning which was done with a mammogram.  It was a core cut vacuum biopsy.  They numbed me with local then took samples.  It didn't hurt at all and whilst there was a bit of toing and froing to get the positioning right it wasn't uncomfortable or painful so please don't worry about the procedure.  
 

I like you am pretty scared and apparently I get the results next Wednesday which surprised me.  I'm overthinking everything wondering why I'm getting them so quickly!  The only other advice is to keep busy.  I've had good and bad days waiting and I think that's normal.  It's hard because you don't  always want to worry family and friends until it's necessary and you have results so this forum has really helped me personally.

wishing you all the best, do occupy yourself and keep busy.  Keep reminding yourself that them being thorough is the best thing for us. 
 

Hope that helps a bit. Take care x

Thanks for your reply. I am really stressed about the biopsy!! I almost had a panic attack just having a mole removed last year! I'm waiting for a call back from my GP, as I'm going to ask him if he can prescribe me anything to keep me calm! I can feel myself getting worked up already, and I haven't had the appointment yet! 
The Dr said they do them on a Thursday, so it will probably be next week. She said they would probably do mine with ultrasound, but not sure.
Are you sore afterwards? 
How long did it take to get your appointment after the  mammogram? 
Will keep you in my prayers for good results!

Try not to stress bout the biopsy.  I had my mammogram and had to wait 10 days foR the biopsy as they only do them on certain days.  Just hearing the word biopsy is scary but please be reassured the actual procedure is not frightening or painful.  I was in there 2 hours as they had to take several more mammograms and then after the biopsy put in a tiny marker then another mammogram to check it's in the right place.  All that took a bit of time.  The nurses were wonderful and were 'advanced practitioners' so a Dr didn't do the biopsy.  I've got a large plaster and strips on my boob and it is starting to feel a bit sore now but hardly anything.

they showed me my pics and I've got a 1.7mm area of clustered calcification.  I've been Googling like crazy and convinced myself they are suspicious but when I saw the breast nurse afterwards she told me very often they are benign which was good to hear.  
 

The wait is the worst but it's just a process and a horrible time in our lives that we have to get through.  Stay off Google as it just caused me more anxiety.  Get outside, go for a walk, walk the dog or do something you enjoy (maybe cooking)!!  Anything to fill your day and keep busy.  I'm a housewife but if you are at work that will help to keep busy.  Lavender oil helps me keep calm and is very soothing.

Thank you for your lovely words.  I will say a prayer for you too.  Remember it could be something, but it also could be absolutely fine.  Hang on to that thought and try to keep perspective especially on the more difficult days.

Thinking if you xx 

Hi Mary,

 I hope that all well for you this morning and that you are feeling a little less anxious now. Did you have a biopsy too? If so, I hope that your results come back soon and that it's good news.

Please remember that we are always here for you,

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Linze,

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this worrying process too. The biopsy is a very straightforward procedure under ultrasound. I do hope that you get your appointment for next Thursday and don't have to wait any longer. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 12 years. I have also required a number of them for what turned out to be benign lumps. It does leave the area where they take the sample tissue from slightly sore for a while afterwards, but it's all bearable.

Try to follow Mary's advice and keep yourself busy. This does help the time to pass. Also steer clear of the Internet. This won't serve any useful purpose until you know what or if, you are dealing with, but it can scare the pants off you.

I hope that all goes well for you and that you get a favourable result. Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mary,

I'm glad to hear that all went well today. Please don't worry about the speedy recall for results. This is about the normal waiting time pre-Covid and some hospitals are gradually trying to get back to normal. The marker that was put in is just routine. This helps staff to identify the area of concern at a later date, especially if surgery is needed. It also helps to pnpoint the problem area  when comparing previous scans.

We all tend to give rein to our imaginations at this stage, but fortunately, things seldom turn out to be as bleak as we imagine. Breast cancer is now one of the most treatable forms of cancer today.

Please let us know how you get on next Wednesday. Here's hoping and praying for a good outcome.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks Jolamine.

I had the biopsy this morning.  Results with the consultant next Wednesday afternoon.  Surprised it was so quick.  It's hard but we have no choice to get through this.

Hope you are well and hearing from you ladies who are a little further along in the process had meant a lot to me.  I've only told my husband as I don't want to worry my children and family.  Thank you all.

HI Mary,

Many people don't tell more than close family until all the testing is over and they have a definite diagnosis. It is unfortunate that we have no way to avoid this. Don't look too far ahead. Take this day by day or even hour by hour if need be. I am keping well now thank you.

Hoping for good results!

Jolamine xx