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

Hello

Yes last night he called. I have DCIS and some IDC. Been for bloods today. Am having MRI scan today and also waiting for a PET ct scan appointment. It's been awful. My son off sick too so came with me today and I felt sick to the stomach looking at my imaging request forms. Just utterly awful. I just keep thinking how will I get through this? I just want to live. But my mind keeps taking me to the saddest and darkest places. Xx

Oh Vicki, 

I'm so sorry to be reading this!! But from what I've read, it's easily treatable. I hope that you're able to make a plan that you're happy with. Have you been given details of a breast care nurse yet? Will be thinking of you. Do you have anyone to talk to? Xxx

Hi

I don't have details of any nurse yet. My neighbour is 5 years breast cancer free and she came over in her dressing gown last night bless her. Her sister is 11 years cancer free and is also a macmillan buddy. I was told I could call her anytime so I did today. I just cried and got my fear out. I think waiting for these scans and subsequent results is going to be so hard for me. I just want to know what is going to happen and just get on with it. How are you doing? Xx  

Oh bless you. It must be so hard to try and keep it together for your son. I remember seeing my mom cry when she got her diagnosis. I can still picture it now. 
 

Yes, the waiting in between must be so hard. But it seems like they're being very good! It's really good you have private health care! 
 

Oh good, I'm glad you have people to talk too. That's very reassuring to be around people how have come through the other side, and know exactly what you're going through. 
 

Keep us updated with your progress.

Will keep you in my prayers that you can get some positive plans in place, and that you can get this dealt with easily and quickly, and back to focusing on good times with your boy. 
 

I'm ok thank you. Got my biopsy tomorrow, Dr has given me some diazepam to keep me calm! Xxx

Best of luck with your biopsy tomorrow.  The night before and tomorrow morning will be a bit tough.  Once you've got in to see them and know where you are, you will feel so much better.  It's all so positive.  xx

Hi there.  I'm sorry to read that you are so worried about your results and the further tests to come.  It's hard to take everything in isn't it.  I wanted to hear my results over the phone but in the end was glad I went in.  There was so much reassurance.  Do talk to your nurse and phone her whenever you need to.
 

i just wanted to say don't despair and try to stay positive as so much can be done.  If the drs are positive then so should we.  They can sort it.  

Take care x

Thank you. How was your appointment for your results? 

Hi.  Well they've told me that out of my 1.7mm of calcifications the pathologist found 1mm of IDC grade 1.  She said it's tiny and was amazed it was found.  When I asked what about the other calcifications she said nothing else was found in the sample not even DCIS.  I was shocked at this and questioned whether this was accurate.

They are doing a lumpectomy on 11th Feb but I've got to go in to have another marker wire put in first.  They will also take nodes but she said they looked ok on scans.  It's all sent to pathology again to be checked so I am nervous about that.  Then 5 days of radiotherapy.

the Dr and nurse were positive that it can be sorted.  She said they even think they may be "over treating this".  I said I'd happily have a mastectomy to get rid of it all but she said I wouldn't because it's just not bad enough.  Hope the pathology proves her right.

I have been a bit of a mess for 2 weeks with my anxiety.  I've felt I've been walking round with a brick on my chest!  Once you know you genuinely do feel better as if something lifts.  It's the not knowing that's the worst.

Hope tomorrow goes well for you.  I hope you get good news. x

Sorry to read this Mary. But it still sounds like a positive outcome, and like it's been caught super early! 1mm is so tiny! I hope everything else is clear for you and you can get this dealt with quickly. Xxx

And I know what you mean about the feeling of a brick on your chest! I've had all kinds of aches and pains, hopefully just in my head! 
I'm glad you're feeling some relief now. Xxx

And I know what you mean about the feeling of a brick on your chest! I've had all kinds of aches and pains, hopefully just in my head! 
I'm glad you're feeling some relief now. Xxx

Thanks Linze.  All the best xx

Hey girls. Just been in for my biopsy. Was in there for 2 hours, twisted up in the mammogram machine! And I might need to go back for more as it was really hard to get to! Got an appointment for next Thursday, hopefully for the results. If not, then another biopsy which I’m dreading!! Xxx

Well done.  Keep positive x

Thank you, I'm trying! Xxx

Hey Linze 

You did it!! Be proud of yourself. I joined a zoom breast support group last night that my lovely neighbour and her sister are members of. I cannot tell you how wonderful each and every lady is. Most are survivors of breast cancer and one lady was mid way through her treatment of chemo. They said that even though I had felt utter trauma from finding a lump, having biopsies, receiving results that weren't what I wanted to hear - at least I got through it! And they are right. Always look back at how you have got through each and every step no matter how small and how you will get through every next step. It's only when you are on this journey, whether you stay on a bit longer because you need treatmwnt, or whether you have happy results, that you realise how many utterly awesome, strong and supportive people are out there. Xxx

Hi Ladies, 

I hope you are all doing OK despite what you ate going through, and hope you don't mind mind me crashing this chat!

Only discovered this site last night and reading through this thread has really resonated with me.

I'm 43, and had first mammogram in early December having had some discharge from the nipple (lovely!). They found calcification in left breast but didn't say anything about biopsy at the time. Had a follow up last week now have been sent an appointment for stereotactic biopsy on Monday. Eeek. Then another follow up and probable total duct excision for the discharge.

Trying to stay positive but on the inside am super scared and keep thinking the worst.

Sorry again for crashing....you are all so supportive of each other I thought I would chance my luck!

All the best to you all for your journeys x

Crash away. I crashed this chat too! It's a horrible, horrible, horrible time. It sucks more than anything. My mind has gone to the darkest of places since discovering a lump last week to getting diagnosed on Tuesday. From 0 to 100 on the trauma and shock scale. I'm lucky I have private healthcare through my work, but at the same time the rate at which I've had bad news floored me. However, I have now discovered a ton of such amazing supportive women who have been in this place and come through it. Your calcifications may well just be in situ and at a low grade. Even if high grade, they are still in situ so try and hold on to that positive thought. Did they say anything about lymph nodes or if the calcifications were clustered? Xx

Thank you for welcoming me!

It's insane isn't it. One day all is fine and the next it's just a roller-coaster of emotion, appointments, tests, questions and more questions! Aaggh!

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis and hope that now you know can get going with treatment and getting back to being you! 

They didn't say anything specific about lymph modes. Doctor had a feel and also I had an ultrasound and I think they checked lymph nodes but a bit of a blur. They showed me the Calcifications on the mammogram and were clustered in one area. Not sure why they didn't suggest biopsy at that point rather than six weeks later but hey ho!

X

Thanks Vicki! It's so nice to read some positivity from you! And you're so right, none of us are alone in this no matter what the outcome. 
 

I really hope I don't have to have another biopsy, but if I do, at least I know what to expect now! Xxx

Welcome Positive T! 

I think this was originally Mary's post, so the rest of us have all crashed! But sorry you're here too! 
 

From everything I've read on here and other reputable sites - calcification is usually benign. I've also read about lots of cases of nipple discharge being benign too. So try not to panic, (I can't take my own advice!) 
Like you, I had my first mammogram recently. I'd gone in with a lump that turned out to be nothing! The calcification showed up in the mammogram. I have it wide - spread over both breasts, just in single specs (which they weren't concerned about). But I have clusters in one area in both breasts, one larger in the left breast. So I've had biopsies on that. But today the consultant did say that as it's my first one, it could just be normal for me, as they have nothing to compare it to. 
 

Also, from what I've gathered, if they think it looks suspicious, they will generally say so. If they're unsure either way, or even if they think it's likely benign, then they do the biopsy as it's the only way they can confirm it. 
 

I hope everything goes well for you. Xxx