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

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

Hi Jolamine,

I'd be interested in your opinion on something that's really worrying me.  Do you think it's common to discover a higher grade cancer after surgery than in the original first biopsy?

My IDC is apparently very small and grade 1.  As my mammogram was clear 2 years ago I'm worried this could be a more aggressive interval cancer.  I mentioned this to the Dr and she said it would be assessed to see if it was an interval cancer.  My nurse has been reassuring but she also said no guarantees and we must wait until after the surgery.  

Can we rely on the accuracy of our stereotactic biopsies or are we likely to get a shock after lumpectomy/mastectomy and further biopsies are done.  My biopsy was done by a nurse when I thought it would be done by a Dr.  I wondered what your experience had been?  
 

Thankyou x

Hi Mary,

I am no expert in biopsies, so cannot really answer your question. I do know that some types of breast cancer don't image as well as others, but I would expect a stereotactic biopsy to be pretty accurate. The more common shock for most people after surgery, is if the surgeon hasn't achieved a clear margin. This would be more likely to be with larger tumours and, in this situation, there would be a need for further surgery.

As to whether or not this is an interval cancer, only further tests carried out after your surgery will answer this question.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mary, 

Sorry to read about your diagnosis. I'm pleased that they are moving things forward for you so quickly and the prospects for you are very good, which is great. 

re: the stereotactic biopsies, I can only speak from my own experience, but hoped it might help.  My stereotactic biopsy results showed two different grades and when I finally got my surgery results this week, they was pretty much the only thing that was unchanged and that specific area was 5cm. Fingers crossed then that yours being smaller is hopefully accurate. 

Hope that helps a bit - hugs Mickey xx ️

Thanks Mickey,

That's reassuring that you didn't get too many nasty shocks with the post surgery biopsies and is good to hear.  My lumpectomy is in 2 weeks and they haven't even explained how it will be done!  My calcifications are 17mm and are quite high up at the top mid line of my breast where I'm quite flat!   I've always had quite a small bust so I worry about clear margins and how she will get it all out!  Did you have lumpectomy or mastectomy?  I hope your feeling well and that it wasn't too traumatic.

Thanks for your response I really appreciate it.

xxx

Hi Mary, 

I totally understand your fears, but hopefully with the calcifications being so small, they should be able to get around the area easily to remove them.  If they were concerned that the position of them would make it difficult then they would have made different recommendations at the MDT meeting, so try not to worry about that. You have so much to get your head around as it is. 

I had a masectomy there was too much cancer for any other surgery and that was the right decision. 

Take care of you - Mickey xx ️

You too Mickey and thanks again x

Hey Sorry to jump on this post, I have a six year old son and I'm currently sitting here crying. I have had my scan and I have three lumps one being classed as suspicious due to being vascular and not defined. Did you get your results ? Hoping for the best for all of us !

Hey Sorry to jump on this post, I have a six year old son and I'm currently sitting here crying. I have had my scan and I have three lumps one being classed as suspicious due to being vascular and not defined. Did you get your results ? Hoping for the best for all of us !

Hi Lauren

I'm sending you the biggest hug. I have a 6 year old son too. 

Did you have a scan today? Just mammogram or that and ultrasound? Any biopsies taken yet? Remember to take 5 very deep breaths to stop your mind going to the dark side. You are here and you are OK.  Xxx

Welcome Lauren. 

No need to apologise for jumping in! I was the most recent crasher and everyone has been really lovely and supportive.

Really sorry to hear you are in this situation. Have they said what will happen next? Biopsy? Etc.

There are a few of us here with young children so can truly empathise and understand how horrific you are feeling.

Sending best wishes xx

Hello Lauren,

No worries about crashing!! We've all been holding each other up on here! We're all in different places. I had benign results following a biopsy, after calcification was seen on my mammogram. I too was in a state, as I have 6 children. I've stayed on this thread as I want to see theses ladies through their journeys, and out the other side! 
What is your story so far? Did you get a referral because you were worried about a lump, or is it a chance find? 
Mine was for a lump, that turned out to be ok, and then calcification on the other boob! Which turned out also to be nothing. 
 

Try square breathing when you're feeling your mind is wondering. So breath in for 4, hold in for 4, out for 4, hold out for 4. That and praying has helped keep me calm while I was in the waiting game. Xxx

I found a lump went the GP. Paid for a private ultrasound which states the lump is suspecious and possible cancer. That's all I know and I just feel like I'm going to die. I'm 28 years old and I feel left alone. 

Oh bless you. Did your GP refer you to the breast clinic? And have you been referred fir a biopsy? As that the only way to know if it's benign or malignant. You're not alone in this fear stage. But it will pass. Xxx

Hi Lauren, 

I know we are just randoms on a chat but we are all here for you so you are not alone. We understand and are more than happy to chat, listen to your fears and offer any support we can. 

Take care of yourself xx

Bless you love.  I started this thread and reached out and I'm 54!  I know this is a terrible shock for you and you are feeling worried and scared.  This is the worst time whilst you're  waiting to be seen or get results.  I've been absolutely in bits and I'm much older than you!   It won't last and distracting yourself as much as you can and keeping busy will help you.  
You haven't had a biopsy yet and that's the only sure way to see exactly what it is.  Some things can't even be seen on ultrasound so it's not a diagnosis of anything.  They are just being cautious so you can get answers to what it is.  Your age is very much on your side.  
 

Do try to stay positive.  This horrid inbetween time feels a lonely place.  Everyone on here understands what you are going through and are here for you.  x