Indeterminate breast calcifications

Hi, has anyone else had this issue?  I went into breast clinic with another lump (I've had numerous fluid filled cysts over the last four years).  That was all fine but they flagged up calcifications on the other side.  I was really shocked.  I've got a biopsy next week and I'm in that horrible inbetween place of not knowing and worrying.  Is this likely to be DCIS?  Thanks x

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  • 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

  • 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

  • Good luck for your biopsy. Glad you have some diazepam. I had some myself and have been taking it just to get through these past few days whilst getting my head around what has actually happened. Thinking of you tomorrow. Xx

  • My goodness yes a tiny area so something to be very pleased about. Hoping everything is super speedy for you. Xx

  • Thank you Vicki. I just didn't want to end up not having it tomorrow because I've got myself it a state! So I hope the diazepam will help! 
     

    I hope that things are a lot clearer and more positive for you in the next few days. Xxx

  • What mg are your tablets? If you are super anxious, 2mg probably won't cut it. Are you allowed to have someone with you? If so and you aren't driving etc, then maybe split tablets and take closer to 3mg? I find that it does take the edge off massively. What time are you due in? Xx

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