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 so much.  All the best xx

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

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

Had my MRI scan this morning. Was OK, but now at home with just my 6 year old son who is off sick,  as his dad has had to go out. I feel strange, faintly nervous and sad. I just hate going through all of this. It is hard to stay positive all of the time. Ugh. Don't know what I should be doing with myself. Xx

Hi Vicki,

Glad the MRI went ok - but not surprising you're feeling a bit lost - pretty sure there's no right or wrongs in these situations (unless it's illegal!!) so go with the flow and be kind to yourself.

Have they said how long until you get the results & a treatment plan?

Hope your little boy isn't too poorly.

Take care x

Hello 

They said a couple of days for results to be sent. I've got a pet ct scan on Monday as well. Then I guess I'll get my plan. My mind keeps wandering to the scary dark place where I'm paranoid they will say that whatever I've got has spread everywhere. It's hideous. Spoke to a nurse the other day who said highly unlikely as most of what I have is in situ, I only have a small amount of invasive and my lymph nodes were clear. Still, the mind still likes to take me to the dark scary place. It's grim! Xx

The mind is a dangerous thing. It's so natural to catastrophise and jump to worst case scenarios even when the staistics are in our favour! We can rationalise it as much as we like but still those horrible dark thoughts keep coming. 

God, that sounded depressing!! Sorry!!

Have you got anything planned for over the weekend to keep your mind distracted even if only for short periods? 

x

My lovely neighbour has a beach hut in whitstable and has given me the keys, so we are going to go and use that and look at the sea and breathe that lovely air in. she is a breast cancer survivor. I'm lucky to have her as a neighbour. 

Xx

That sounds perfect!

Enjoy every minute x

Aww Vicki!

I know what you mean, I'm doing the same and I haven't had my results yet. I feel like I have aches and pains all over my body! Which I'd probably usually ignore, but it's making me paranoid! I'm sure it's all psychosomatic though, and as soon as we both know the facts, it will probably all go away!!

I had a cervical cancer scare a few weeks ago, and until I know it wasn't, I was having all kinds of dark thoughts and feelings! I kept thinking of Jade Goody! I had pains in my back and legs, weakness in my legs, abdominal pain, etc. Then as soon as I was given the all clear, it all went away! So I know my mind was playing tricks on me! 
 

I'm a Christian - obviously not a very good one or I wouldn't be so worried!! So I'm trying to pray on it daily, but it's still hard to keep thoughts at bay. 
 

I've been at work today. I work in a college, and the students have definitely helped keep my mind occupied! So try to keep yourself distracted. I'm sure you'll have some reassurance once you have a plan in place. 
 

Oh how lovely of your neighbour!! I hope you enjoy yourself! Xxx

PositiveT,

you're so right! The mind can be dangerous if we let it! 
I remember a while ago when my health anxiety first started, my yoga teacher told me that FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. And it helped me at the time. 

xxx
 

It literally is the unknown until you are all tested and told what exactly you are dealing with and how they are going to treat it. Until then our minds can go anywhere and mine frequently does, although I'm getting slightly better at stopping the thoughts when they appear. It is mental torture, but I guess we are the ones doing it so we are the only ones to stop it. And thoughts are just thoughts. They aren't fact. 

Keep praying. If  it calms you, it can only be a good thing. I'm just having an epsom salts bath and am going to do a guided meditation.

Xxx

Yes, it's crazy how you can loose control of your own mind, when it comes to worries!! Epsom salt baths help me too, and essential oils! When I'm feeling like this, I have a hot bath, get in bed early, and watch something funny! Or sometimes rewatch Harry Potter! Xxx