Birad 4 Reading

[Lstevens623]

I am a 38 year old mother of two with a history of cancer in my family. 9 years ago I had a lump removed that turned out to be benign (luckily). I was told to start having mammos at 35 because of this. I put it off (the usual excuses, no time, doesn't effect me, etc.) Now I have gone for my baseline mammo and am terrified. They took 3 sets of films plus a magnified view. I was then told that I need an ultrasound right now because they found abnormalities in both breast. My left breast is scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy after Christmas with a Birad 4 rating. My right breast is Birad 3 and I should have that mammogramed again in 6 months. They also stated that the lymph nodes are enlarged in the right but feel that mostly in part due to the severity of my psoriasis. I know they are cluster calfications and very little else. I was so shocked when I had the mammo and us that I didn't think to ask anything at the time. The doctors I have spoken to don't give indication one way or another how they feel about the radiology report. The surgeon did say that my left breast was more grandular and indicated more cell activity? I don't know what this means. Any information would be appreciated.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear LStevens623, The BI-RADS scale of  rating mammograms is a scale from 1-5 with 1 being negative with nothing to comment on, and 5 being highly suggestive of malignancy.  A BIRAD 3 rating of a mammogram means "probably benign finding - very high probablility of benignity.  Short-term follow-up being recommended to establish stability". A BIRAD 4 rating on a mammogram means that there is a suspicious looking abnormality that is not characteristic of malignancy but has a reasonable probability of malignancy, this is why a biopsy is the next step considered in evaluating this finding.  A breast being described as more glandular would not necessarily indicate an increased cell activity.  Following up on these findings to be on the safe side makes sense.  

[japdip]

The BIRAD 4 means that a finding need further investigation .... hence the scheduled biopsy. I wouldn't jump to any conclusions until you have the results of the biopsy.....it is usually said that 25 to 50 % of BIRAD 4s can be something other than benign. Waiting isn't easy but it's the best you can do at this point ..... best of luck.

[laure113]

I also was a Birad 4 with 2 clusters. I had 2 biopsies and both were benign. The waiting is the hardest part. I understand your fear. I was shocked when I was called back again and again. Hang in there. I'm sorry I don't have an other info for you. I hope you get your answer soon.

[Bunny711]

Had the same thing as Laur113, except one time, with a birad 4, clustered claifications..luckily after my biopsy I too was benign..You should be fine, easier said then done, but hang in there, enjoy the holidas and take it one day at a time.

[Lstevens623]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement.  I do feel better knowing my odds.  I will be sure to keep everyone posted.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

[Montana girl 06]

I also have had 2 biopsies for clustered calcifications (Birad 4) and both were benign. Hope yours turn out well, too. Try to enjoy the holiday.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi,

How did your appt. go today?  Any news?

[scaredkathy]

Just had biospy yesterday of the 2 clusters.  The one was more worrisome so the surgeon had to hit it twice because he did not get the amount of calcifications that he wanted.  In the end he wss very satisfied.  So I am very sore today!!!  So I must wait and wait...  Hope to hear from him by tomorrow though.  He said maybe even later today.  I will let you know.  Thanks for checking up on me.  I really feel like I have friends out there that are praying for all of us or even sending good vibes our way that we don't even know of!!

[boninclyde]

I hope all will be benign. Hoping for the best for you.

[scaredkathy]

Just got the results today from my biospy.  Good news all clear.  The surgeon said the microcalcifications were just a result of fibroid changes to the breast.  I will get a new baseline mammogram in 3-6 months to have something to compare to for the next mammogram.  This whole experience has been life changing.  I have read all of the personal stories on this site and my heart goes out to all.  Please know that several times a day I think of all the ladies who have posted, you, VermontGirl1, MontanaGirl, viddie, susyq, laure113 and ziggy123.   Thank you so much for being there for me over the past several weeks.  It has been a very anxious time and having this site to vent and get good information from has helped so much.  I pray often for all of you and will continue to do so.

[vermontgirlII]

Great News!!! I'm very happy for you!!

[Montana girl 06]

Thanks for sharing your good news. Hearing that will make others feel more positive about their upcoming biopsies, too.

[boninclyde]

Yahoo! Great news girl.

[boninclyde]

Anyone know how she is doing? I talked to her on another site one day but haven't heard from her in a while. I hope she is well.

[viddie]

Hi all,
  Sorry I haven't been here lately. I am fine. Busy couple of weeks. Back to work after the holidays. Finally saw oncologist on Monday and found out I will need 5-6 months chemo every other week, then radiation, then a year of herceptin. A lot of stuff, and a lot of information to digest, but if that is what it takes, I will do it.
  Vermontgirl, is your surgery next week? I am sure you will be fine. Waiting is the hardest part.
  Boninclyde- How are you? Thanks for asking about me. How are you?
  Thanks everyone for being so kind and for being there for me and for everyone else. It is such a comfort to be able to post and have you all respond. Without computers, we would all be in the dark?  I could not have imagined going through this without all your help, kindness,caring and knowledge. The computer is indeed a good thing.
  There is a bumpy long road ahead, but a do-able one, I hope. We all have each other to help us through it. Thanks again.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi, sounds like you have a hard road to hoe, but I'm sure you will get through this.  How are you feeling?  Have you had any chemo treatments yet?  Are you healing well from the surgery?
Yes, my surgery (two lumpx) is Thursday, and you were right about the delay between placing the wires and the surgery.  I talked to my 'customer rep' yesterday and she confirmed it could be 2 to 3 hours, but she said since I will have an IV in already, the nurses can give me something for discomfort if I need it.   I can't sign the consent forms early however.. :(

[boninclyde]

Hay viddie. So good to hear from you. So many come here for help and we try to help. Our on experiences and yours helps us, help them. It bothers me terribly when someone doesn't come back to let us know how they are. Good or bad. Please keep us posted. We do get emotionally attached.

[Montana girl 06]

I agree it's that bond and desire to help others that keeps bringing me back to this site.

Vermont girl - I'll keep you in my prayers for your upcoming surgery.  

Viddie - Thanks for getting back to us. You've got a lot ahead of you. Will keep you in my prayers also.

[viddie]

Hi,
   Thanks all for thinking of me. I am feeling very good-physically- 4 weeks after surgery. I went back to work until chemo starts- after that, I will wing it. Luckily,I have a very flexible job and everyone is very understanding.  I picked out my wig today- that was hard! Luckily my daughter came in from D.C for a couple of days and was able to help me pick out a wig. My husband actually likes it- it looks almost identical to my own hair now.
    Chemo starts on Jan. 25- so I will be feeling great until then- then time will tell how I react-- hopefully it will not be so bad.
    Vermontgirl, good luck on Thursday. You are in my prayers. Scaredkathy- Great news!! Montana Girl and Boninclyde, Thanks again for caring and for keeping me in your prayers.  I will try to post more often and try also to help others that come here and need our support. I hope you all have a great weekend.

[viddie]

Hi,
  How did it go? I've been thinking of you all day. Let us know how it was when you are ready, but rest now and know you are in my prayers. Let everyone pamper you.

Good luck,
    
   Viddie

[vermontgirlII]

hi, i posted aboved, everything went well, thank you.  the surgeon was able to get both areas of calcs with one approx. 2" incision, so that was good.  the wire locating took an hour and half, i must have confusing breasts....  they ended up placing three instead of two, because the second wasn't long enough, but other than the stress, i was dripping sweat!, there was really no pain, so that was great.  I am sore, esp in my armpit, even though the inc. is 1 1/2" above my nipple, don't know why my armpit is sore, unless is lymph nodes reacting.  Have good drugs though, and the BCC couldn't have been better, i had two surgeons, a med student, two anesth., and i don't know h ow many nurses!  Oh the attention!!  will get results next week, the doc says tuesday, but the nurse said thurs or frid, and i tend to believe her.  got lots of flix loaded in the tv, and i'm goin to kick back for the weekend.

[viddie]

Hi,
  I am glad everything went well. Be pampered this weekend and rest and relax. That is one of the perks. I had a port installed today  am I am starting chemotherapy next Thursday.  I also had anesthesia today  and I am also going to lay back and relax the rest of the night.

[Montana girl 06]

Hey, you two both deserve a relaxing weekend. Try to enjoy it.

[vermontgirlII]

Hi everyone, the surgeon called me and the biopsy was negative for anything other than LCIS  !!!!!  Yaaaayyyyyy!!!!  I was in shock when he said that, because I had myself believing that they would find invasive bc.  I was on an emotional roller coaster  yesterday, I don't know why, maybe because for the first time in three months I knew I was going to be OK.  This experience has changed my life in so many ways, and you all have helped me cope with this experience, which has turned out fine for me, thank God.  It doesn't seem fair, that I dodged a bullet, and so many haven't.  If I could take anyone's cancer away, I would, but I can't.  Sh*t, now I'm in tears again.  So, I go for a follow up exam next week, and I don't know if they are going to recommend tamoxifen or just close follow up.  I will keep you posted, and again, thank you soooo much for your support, your ears, your kind words and thoughts, you are all in my prayers.  Diane

[Montana girl 06]

Yeah! I'm so glad nothing more was found. I imagine you'll be doing regular follow-ups but that doesn't seem so bad at this point.

[boninclyde]

I am so happy for you.

[viddie]

Congratulations!! That is great news! The best.
I started chemo on Thursday and dealing with it. They have great anti nausea meds out which really help. A bit fuzzy and tired, but that will soon pass. Going out for the first time since chemo tomorrow. That should get me going and stay going. I just needed a little R & R and pampering for a couple of days. Once again, congratulations on the great news, Diane.
  Viddie

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad to hear you're dealing with the chemo pretty well. Hopefully, the 5 months will fly by.

[boninclyde]

Wow. It is so good to hear from you. And you sound great. Like I said before you are truly one strong women. I hope time moves quickly for you so you can get on with your life. Have a wonderful night out.

[vermontgirlII]

Wow, I had thought you were going for chemo starting this coming Thursday, my memory!!  Glad to hear it went OK.  It must be SOO scary.  Did you have a port put in?  My thoughts are with you.  Diane

[boninclyde]

Ok viddie check in. I am worried about you.