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 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, 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

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