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

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

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

I know you're right.  Thanks again so much xx