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 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

Thank you for welcoming me Linze!

Rubbish to be here but nice to have people to talk to who understand and can relate!! 

They said the same thing to me about it being first mammogram so could be my normal as nothing to compare it to. Let's hope! 

Loved your description of being tangled up in the mammogram machine and really hope that they got all the cells they need so you don't have to go through it again. 

Fingers crossed for some positive results x

Yes, I feel the same! We're so lucky that things have moved on so much! My mom had breast cancer 26 years ago, and unfortunately passed 17 years ago. She wouldn't have had any of this. Plus the fact that the treatment, testing etc has also progressed massively!! 
 

I was like a contortions!! My left boob was sideways in the machine, and the rest of the top half of my body was twisted to the right! The idea was to get the closest position to the calcification. I had no idea how it was going to work! But the needle that takes the samples it actually in the mammo! The Drs put coordinates into the machine, and then the machine tells them where it's in the right position or not! So clever. It didn't hurt at all, as they use local first. It was just uncomfortable sitting like that!

I'm praying they have enough to give me the results, and praying harder that they come back benign! 

I hope you do too. Xxx

I am having the mammogram biopsy so my turn to be a contortionist on Monday! I'm really not very flexible so that could be interesting!!! Good to hear that it doesn't hurt too much. I've asked to work from home the following day in case I'm in any discomfort! And cis won't be able to shower!! 

Sorry to hear you lost your mum to breast cancer. My mum had it too but was one of the lucky ones so I feel blessed.

X

I started this chat because like you, I was scared and wanted to reach out to other people who were going through this.  It has given me so much comfort on some dark days (and I'm probably 10 years older than some of you ladies), but still pretty scared.  So, crash in wherever and whenever you want to.  I hope it gives you the comfort and perspective that it gave me.

Wishing you all the best.  Do stay positive x

Well I personally thank you for starting this chat and am glad it has provided you with some comfort in these scary times. Everything you have been through til this point and everything that is still to come is understandably frightening and fear does not discriminate by age! 

Take care, look after yourself and hoping for the best for you x

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

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

Haha yes - I am familiar with FEAR!

I'm a psychologist and know exactly what I would be saying to one of my patients but a different story trying to do psychology on yourself! In fact I think we make the worst patients cos have an answer for everything .

Sounds like you ladies have some great relaxation techniques. Think I will have to adopt some of these myself! Instead of the usual glass or three of wine!

X