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, 

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 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

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 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

Thank you. I suffer with terrible health anxiety! And I often have psychological symptoms when I focus on an issue!!

Just last week, I got given the all clear after a worry about cervical cancer! I had a bleed after intercourse, and then the GP who examined me scared me even more! She saw a "bruise" on my cervix and sent me through the 2ww with the gynaecologist. It turned out to just be ectropion, and what she could see was an area that was healing. But I'd convinced myself it was the worst and that it had spread all over my body! I started having pains in my back and legs, then my stomach, etc. I know they were all in my head as they've stopped now! 
 

Now I'm having pains related to this. On the left side, which is where the dr was more concerned about, I'm getting soreness and shooting pains in my breast and armpit. I do often get pain around that area, and around my shoulder blade, as I fell down a flight of stairs 18 years ago, when I was 8 months pregnant! I grabbed the rail as I slipped, and it yanked my arm, with all that weight of the baby too! So it could just be that too. But I can't help but worry! 
 

It's been worse since loosing my mom, but I have always been a worrier! My mom passed 17 years ago in April, and I've finally seeked some grief counselling! So I'm praying that this turns out to be nothing, and I can focus on my mental well-being. X

Thank you, you're so right! Google is totally my enemy!! Even reading some other stories on here has scared me! I know I shouldn't do it! I do it to try and reassure myself, then even up feeling worse!!

What is the marker? Like a physical object? Or like a drawing? And if physical, when does it come out? 
 

I think the fact that my husband can't go in with me makes me feel worse. I don't like having to do things like this on my own! I'm not even sure what kind of biopsy I'm having yet! 
 

I really hope you get good results! 
 

The surgeon said to me it would be within a week, so I think that's standard. He said I would go back to see him after the biopsy too, regardless I think. X

Totally understand your concern about type of biopsy.  I was the same and felt I should have had this explained further.  I did my own research and decided I was going to ask for a vacuum biopsy as they get a larger sample and in my mind sticking a needle into a tiny cluster of calcification was not going to be very effective!  As it turned out they did this type anyway so I was quite relieved.  They x rayed  the sample on the mammogram machine to check they had plenty of calcifications in it.  There was quite a lot of tissue there.  Nothing worse than being recalled to repeat a biopsy because they didn't get enough of a sample.  This happened to me for something else previously and it was awful.

Do phone the nurses at the breast clinic who will always phone you back.  They will be able to put your mind at rest and probably tell you what sort of biopsy will be done.

The marker is a tiny tiny little dot of a thing that they put in after the biopsy.  It marks exactly where the calcifications are.  This is useful if you need surgery later on and for later mammograms to compare.  It stays in you forever and doesn't affect airport scanners etc as it's so tiny.

A difficult week ahead waiting.  Let's hope we all get some reassuring news.

Take care and try not to worry too much!  I know how you feel, I'm the same!

xx

Oh ok! I didn't know about the marker thing! So they do that regardless?

I wish I'd have asked my mom more questions about her breast cancer. But I guess I was young and all I cared about was her getting better! I was 23 when she passed, and I've struggled so hard with it ever since. All I keep thinking about is leaving my children feeling the same as I do! And I know that she felt the same. She wasn't scared of dying, she was like a total rock. My dad even said she was when we weren't around. I wish I had her strength. 
 

I'll keep you posted. Please let me know how you get on. 
 

Lets both stay positive. Xx

Hi Linze,

I am sorry to h that you lost your mum to cancer. Even though you know that there is no genetic link, this is bound to increase your stress. I lost my own mum to cancer too, but her experience was totally different from mine. Diagnosis, treatment and after care have all improved tremendously since she had it. and I am now living with it, rather than dying with it.

What with your cervical cancer scare last week and now this, your anxiety is bound to  be at an all time high. Try to keep reminding yourself that "iisn't cancer until youre told that it is cancer". It is not at all unusual to develop phantom pains whilst you are waiting for a diagnosis. As you've already discovered, these usually disappear as soon as you know. Some of this may felbe due to your accident when you felwn stairs, but it could also possibly be hormonal. From what your doctor and surgeon have said, it all sounds pretty hopeful, so you could still have a good outcome. Try to take this day by day, until you know - there's enough to worry about iis world that we cannot control - besides, if it is cancer, stress will only make things worse.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx