Calcifications and Terrified

[kemwilli]

I went for my first mammogram today becuase my doctor felt a lump. the lump turned out to be nothing but muscle, but in the meantime, microcalcifications were found. I am 29 years old and terrified. I've read all the web pages out there and still have no idea what to be thiinking -- 70% chance i'm fine, 30% chance i'm not. Biopsy isn't for a whole week -- if even then - it'll be my first time visiting with the breast specilialist and I have no idea if it will be done right then and there or have to be reschedule. Somoene please shed some light on this for me. I'm scared silly.

[Computer_Voice]

Tough situation.  I wouldn't be too concerned because the vast majority of calcifications in the breast that are biopsied are benign calcifications.  Ask the doctor if the calcifications were graded on the mammogram as a Birads 4, 4A, or 4B, and if so you're probably headed for a benign biopsy to be on the safe side.  If they are graded a 4C or 5, then the radiologist has a higher level of suspicion, but that still doesn't make them malignant.  Even in the unlikely worst case scenario, a few weeks doesn't make a difference with breast cancer and so I would try your best to not lose too much sleep.  Age is in your favor, and when microcalcifications are cancer, they are almost always associated with very early, easily curable disease or predisease.  But unless they called them a Birads 5, or maybe a 4C you should assume the best and you will most likely not be dissapointed.

[shelley50]

Hello, this is a stressful time for you BUT it is NOT an emergency. It is easier said than done to tell you not to fret but your odds are soooooo good and you will now have a baseline for future comparisons. Calcifications are rarely anything to worry about or so I am told. Take a deep breath  and try not to worry and as the previous response said you have time to find out what is going on, even those with breast cancer are told it is not an emergency and there is time to make the right choices. Keep us posted on your results.

[japdip]

Of course you are scared silly; this finding does NOT necessarily mean that you have cancer. A great perentage of microcalcifications turn out to be something other than that. Your biopsy will not likely be done when you see the Breast Specialist the first time. There are several types of biopsy procedures and that will be decided during your upcoming visit. Just take a deep breath and take it one step at a time ... you will be much better for the effort. May I suggest you visit a breast cancer related forum where you can find any type of support you require. bcsupport.org A great group of women; all willing to share their experiences. Best of Luck ..

[skinnyminney]

Your being normal by being terrified, but try not to be so scared,  I feel like I have wasted many tears and sleepness nights worrying about if I had breast cancer or not and the waiting is the most horrible part of it.  I too had calcifications and had to return for additional mammograms, then scheduled a biopsy with the breast surgeon which turned out to be an initial consultation, then had to wait nearly a month for the biopsy.  Started this journey on December 10, ended this Wednesday, Feb. 6 I finally had my biopsy.  I am still waiting to hear the news.  I had gone through so many emotions that "this is impossible" to "what if" and to be honest it's just not worth it.  I hope that you can try very hard to see how we can scare ourselves.  This forum is a great source of relief, at least it was for me.  I would come on here at least 2-3 times a day.  Also, my OBGYN gave me a prescription for anti-anxiety medication and boy it helped alot, at least at night, when our minds our terrible to us.  I wish you luck in your biopsy and know that part is the good part, most of the waiting is over and you will soon know the results.  I will say a prayer for you.  I too am hoping that I will have really good news.  

[stocking1232]

just wnet though the hole procedure, get through it its not bad, and read up on d .c. i.. .
very common, good stage for you, keep me posted joanne

[twinz529]

Hey, You will worry no matter what but it's true microcalcifiations are usually benign & if they are anything they are at the earliest possible stage...I started my journey of worry nov 20th 2007, when they found 2 areas of microcalcifications.....I went for 2nd mammo,then 3 biopsy's before finally recieving the good news this Tues Feb 5th that all was clear...So hang in there & know we are here for you....