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 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

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

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

Thank you Jolamine, 

I am trying to keep perspective! And take reassurance that the Dr and surgeon weren't too concerned. 
ive just had my appointment through.

It says: Upright Strero Mammogram + Vac Assist Bx Lt

It's on Thursday 27th. 
 

Is this what you had [@marywj]‍? 

hi Linze,

I am delighted to hear that you now have your appointment through and to see that it's not too far away. I hope that it all goes well and that things still look good afterwards.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Thanks so much.

One thing I am thankful for, is that our GP and hospital seem to been doing really well with referrals! My cervical appointment was within one week, and so is this! 
I've read on other forums of people waiting weeks just to see their GP! I guess it just depends on the demand in each area. But I feel very blessed that it's all pretty quick, and I hope that that means I can put this all behind me faster! Xx

Hi Linze,

You have been very fortunate to get both appointments so quickly. Some areas have a longer wait than others as a result of Covid. We're still very fortunate, when you look at how cancer is dealt with in some other parts of the world. Thank goodness for the NHS!

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Linze, yes I think so.  Def vacuum and sitting up in a chair positioned in front of the mammogram machine.  It was ok.  They numb you with local first so the worst part was first injection which stung a bit. Small cut which won't need a stitch then it gets quite a large sample out which I saw in a collecting tube.  They x ray it again to check they've got the calcifications.  Put the marker in then mammogram again.  Everything else was fine.  Three days afterwards now it is a bit achy with a small bruise but nothing much.  
 

How are you feeling?  I'm going day to day and am starting to get very anxious about Wednesday. x

Oh ok. Doesn't sound too bad! I've had the fine needle biopsy before, but that was just a cyst, which drained as they were doing it. I think I remember having a local for that too. 
I don't know if it's just in my head! It's quite possible! But I feel like my boob is a bit sore since the magnified mammogram! 
 

Will be thinking of you on Wednesday! Prayers for a good outcome.

I'm ok, having moments of panic of course, but trying to replay the positive comments over in my head and not focus on the "what ifs!" I find going for a run really helps me to feel calm. But I can only do it twice a week after work, as I have the children all the other times! 
 

I just keep praying and trying to concentrate on my breathing when I get panicked!

Look forward to hearing good news from you on Wednesday! :happy:

Xxx

Hi everyone. Much like a lot of you I imagine, I never thought, or at least hoped I'd never be discussing myself on a cancer forum. I found a strange nobbly lump at the base of my left breast about a week ago and immediately panicked, but then decided I'd imagined it the next day. Last Thursday I felt it again and knew there was no imagining it. I'm lucky enough to have private medical through my job, so called them on Friday at 8.30am and was in hospital seeing a consultant by 10.15am. After physical examination, he said there were two lumps and both felt benign, but that I should have a mammogram anyway. I'm 45 and never had one before. I had the mammogram about an hour later and then waited, only to be called back for another image of my left breast. Then I started thinking the worst. After another short while I was taken in for ultrasound and it was then I started crying with fear. I was due on my period and so emotional, fearing that the Dr doing the ultrasound could see everything on screen and wasn't saying a word to me and I convinced myself I must be riddled with cancer. He then started mentioning numbers to the nurse who then started unwrapping things and I knew he was going straight to needle biopsies. I had three in total. It felt like the most traumatic experience. I just couldn't handle that I was in this situation less than 24 hours after deciding I needed to see someone about my lump. 

I sobbed when I went back to see the original consultant. He said that they discovered a cluster of calcification in the upper part of my breast and that it is classed as suspicious. All I could think was I don't want to die. It was awful. Especially as only a few hours earlier he had said he thought the lumps were benign. He told me that I did the right thing checking it out, that we simply did not know until the results were back, but that he had to be factual with me. I'm getting my results on Tuesday. I never thought I'd get through this weekend let alone until Tuesday, but like many people have said, keeping busy has helped enormously. I'm grateful I've just found this chat too. Just wanted to share what I'm going through qith others who understand. Xx

Oh and sorry, I actually wanted to say that out of everything, the needle biopsies were the least traumatic! I was numbed and didn't feel a thing. I just closed my eyes and got on with it. The Dr explained at every stage what was about to happen and the sound of the clicky thing that happened when they extract the sample. So please don't worry about the biopsies. Xx

Hi, I'm sorry to read your post and find you here. I was in the same position, as in I went with a lump to be told they also found a cluster of micro calcifications. It's such a shock. I'm really pleased that you will get your results so quickly. As I said earlier in this thread a lot of calcifications do turn out to be benign, so I'm hoping that is the case for you too.  If they are pre-cancerous or early cancer the good news is that it is so treatable now. I know that might sound scarey - but you will feel better when you know and either way, you will deal with this and there's as much or little support here for you as you want. 
Sending virtual hugs Mickey xx ️