Can anyone shed some light on this?

[whyme00]

I just got my mamagram magnification view report " extensive cluster of microcalcification at the superior mdeial right breasts demonstrate suspicious pwodery appreance and right biopsy is recommended"; also the left side" relatively punctate appearance to the scattered microcalcification mostly compatible with dystrophic, benigh process. However, given the nature of right side, random stereotactic needle sampling in the region is also needed to consider."

I am very anxious now, i don't have any family history and my breast side is considered small. I don't know how this happened? what should i do now? do i choice not to remove my right breast? it is really awful ....what's difference between biopsy and stereotactic needle?

My family doctor is referring me to surgeon to get biopsy done. I am waiting and very scared! help me!!

[whyme00]

Thanks for all advice. I will call them to send me a copy of reports Monday. Thanks for the supports.....

[Montana girl 06]

Maxie,
Anytime we hear we have abnormal results it it does scare us. Fortunately, many microcalcs are benign. Those that indicate cancer are usually a very early, treatable cancer. If you want more info, like the Birad rating, ask for a copy of the radiologist's report. It may be hard to understand, but it will give you more info. I know this is a very stressful time, but try to dwell on positives in your life. I will keep pyou in my prayers.

[MAXIE97]

I JUST FINISH READING YOUR POST. THEY HAVE BEEN VERY HELPFUL PERHAPS I CAN SLEEP NOW I HAVE HAD ANXIETY ATTACKS AND I AM A NERVOUS. I WAS TOLD BY MY DR THEY FOUND MICRO CALCIFICATION IN MY BREAST FOR ME TO SEE A SURGEON. OF COURSE MY MIND WENT EVERY WHERE. I HAVE TO MAKE THE APT AND SCHEDULE FOR IT AND I AM SO SCARED.   I GUESS THIS IS A GOOD SOUND BOARD BECAUSE YOU CANT TALK TO EVERYBODY NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad you only have a few more days of this.  Keeping busy is a good idea. I'm going out of town tomorrow and teach a late Tuesday evening class but will check back when I can. The Lord be with you and give you peace.
Carolyn

[calgal98]

My biosy really didn't hurt.  I've had a few twinges in the breast since, but nothing that lasted or was too painful.   I iced my breast for the first couple of days and swear it was the right thing to do.  I used a ziploc and crushed ice and put a light towel around it so I wouldn't ice-burn my breast.  20 on 20 off.  

    If you are really concerned about pain, ask your doc for a pain killer and sedative before hand (your primary or surgeon, not the radiologist.)   I did because, like you, I was very anxious about pain.  I really had no pain with the proceedure.  My surgeon gave me a lortab and a valium.    Let us know how you do.  Will be thinking of you!!  Vicki

[whyme00]

Finally I am scheduled for core biopsy tomorrow 11:00am. It has been a long wait that really gets me anxious. I am very nevous and.....it must be painful....

[Montana girl 06]

It is important to get a copy of your radiology report which will include the Birad rating. I always have to request my copy from my medical doctor or breast surgeon.  They'll mail it to you if you want. My medical file got lost for almost several months when my doctor moved to a new clinic, so I learned my lesson about asking for copies of all reports. Plus, it's easier to ask questions on this forum if you have actual terminology from the report.

Eight years sounds like a decent amount of experience for a surgeon. It seems all my doctors are younger than me these days...

Let us know when you're scheduled for your biopsy.

[calgal98]

birad is the rating from the radiologist which tells you how concerned they are that this might be a malignancy or if follow up is needed.  A 0 means they don't have enuf info to make a determination yet.  That usually means more mammo's or ultrasounds etc.  They rate from 0-5, but I can't remember all of the details.  You can do a search and find the info pretty easily on the internet.  

   One of the things I like to do with docs is to ask for copy's of the reports so that when I go to another doc for something else I can have that in my hot grubby hand to show them.  It prevents delays sometimes or lost files.   Keep a file going of everything you gather and questions that come to mind so that you can take them with you for your consults.    Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.  

[whyme00]

I am very impressed by your positive outlook and thanks for your encouragement and advice. Today, I called surgeon's secretary to follow up the status , surprisingly, she put me on hold for a long time then other girl picked up the phone. I complained that I didn't like the fact that secretary put a patient on hold without letting patient know what's going on. I said being a patient I expect basic service and i don't like the secretary 's service. I requested not to talk to secretary again. The girl was very understanding and put me through surgeon's nurse, who sounded nice over the phone. She told me some background of the surgeon, who is 36 and has 8 years surgical experience and considered a best uncologist in breast center. She asked me to take her words but still up me to decide if I don't feel comfortable with her. I said the secretary should have given me these info and I wasn't explained when I raised the questions to scretary but being put on hold. Still,  i would like to take a leap of faith , perhaps I was a bit subjective when I first saw the surgeon( new graduate looking) , besides the answers to my questions were not very convincing. Now i am patiently waiting for the biopsy to be scheduled next week. I become anxious!

As for birad rating, i don't know what it is ? since reports are with doctor. Can you please share the inform with me? thx! Montana girl!!!

I agreed with you the fact that stress could be one of factors but not the direct cause. However, if my surgeon said no, i assume perhaps that's her belief. Thx!

[Montana girl 06]

I was told by my surgeon that stereotactics are not supposed to cause new scar tissue, too. But, then, why do I have more scar tissue? (I assume the new hard area in my breast where the stereotactic was done is scar tissue.) Excisional biopsies are more likely to cause scar tissue, which is one reason stereotactics are often preferred. If you asked only about scars, that's a different issue. They make such a small incision for a stereotactic (about 1/4 inch) and mine healed very well. All three of my scars are barely noticeable to me. I can see why she said there would be no scar.

If you're having a stereotactic, the surgeon is more for advice, since a radiologist actually performs the stereotactic.

My mom was told years ago that stress could be a factor in her lung cancer, but I don't know that research has proven that. Just like they say diet can be a factor. I try to live healthy, but I am not going to let the fear of potential cancer rule my life. I would think a new surgeon would be up on current research and be fine to consult with. If you were to find you had cancer you could always get a second opinion. Did you get a birad rating?

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so glad to hear your good news. Thanks for letting us know.

[calgal98]

Well, my breast surgeon just called me and said that it was great news....I missed the bullet this time and it is fibrocystic disease and not malignant.  I don't know whether to laugh or cry.   Thank you guys for all the support and prayers.   Someone listened.  Hugs to all,   Vicki

[calgal98]

Well, my breast surgeon just called me and said that it was great news....I missed the bullet this time and it is fibrocystic disease and not malignant.  I don't know whether to laugh or cry.   Thank you guys for all the support and prayers.   Someone listened.  Hugs to all,   Vicki

[calgal98]

Will be keeping you in thoughts tomorrow.  I should have some kind of  phone  answer on Thurs according to my surgeon.  I meet with her again next week for a go over of the test results.  She gave me a lortab and 10mg of Valium prior to my stereotactic.  Sure glad I had it as I was a basket case.  Don't be afraid to ask for premeds from your surgeon if you want them.  The radiologist won't have much available for you.  I'm a real baby when it comes to pain....too many surgeries and proceedures in my 54 years.  I just had to be sure to have someone with me before I took them as I wasn't fit to drive after! LOL  Hugs!!!  Vicki

[MAXIE97]

FORGOT TO MENTION I GOT THE LETTER  TODAY FROM THE BREAST CENTER THE LETTER WAS VERY VAGUE.  RESULTS ARE ABNORMAL CONTACT PROVIDER.
JUST GENERAL FORM LETTER...  MEANWHILE  I HAVE BEEN HAVING HORRIBLE NIGHTMARES, THOUGHTS JUST RACING THROUGH MY MINE.JUST PLEASE KEEP ME IN PRAYER AND THOUGHTS. I SPOKE TO SOMEONE ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND IT WAS JUST LIKE DOOMSDAY. GO ON THIS STRICT DIET  NO MEATS NO DAIRY ONLY GREENS.  SO THAT GOT MY MIND GOING AGAIN. I EAT PROPERLY, EXERCISE, REST, TAKE SUPPLEMENTS, NO HISTGORY OF IT.

[boninclyde]

Not doing to good. Having extreme panic attacks and these weird *** nightmares. Stupid stuff like being under anathesia and knowing and feeling what is going on but not being able to speak. I had this really stupid dream that they were working on my head for some reason and left a scrub bush inside. Just really stupid stuff. I am trying to stay busy cleaning, taxes, stuff. My mom (yeah I know explain later) had some chest pain and has been in the hospital and numerous doctors and that has kept me busy. I hope she feels better real soon. I go tomorrow for my pre-op. I just really really hope things go smoothly (no pain would be nice). My family deserves something good to come of all this. I want ask for prayers cause me and God haven't been getting along that well lately but any good vibs are appreciated. My daugthers will try to keep you all posted so just check the boards. Maybe not this particular thread. You'll find me. Thanks fof caring. I hope you and your family are doing well. Sorry I have not been around much just extremely busy.

[Montana girl 06]

I know your reconstruction surgery is coming up. How are you doing? Just wanted to know I'm thinking about you and praying for you and your medical team.

[Montana girl 06]

Hooray! I'm so glad all is well. Thanks for letting us know.

[1jitterbug]

Just wanted to let you know, I heard from the doctor today & my biopsy is negative. Thank you very much for your support.

Wishing you the best &
God Bless, TJ

[snowtree]

First of all let me say that you are very pretty, nice picture and nice hearing from you.  One thing I forgot to say and it was very important.  I don't want to scare anyone, because I don't want anybody scaring me, so please take it that I say it in love and only to help others.  Well, when I went for my colonoscopy/endoscopy the only thing that I didn't really liked was the spray they spray in your throat, in my case after like 5 minutes, before they took me in to the test, and before they gave me anesthesia I started not been able to swallow, they I got very nervous and when they went to put the green rubber ball with anesthesia inside my mouth I didn't want to open my mouth and started crying, because I got nervous, then they all told me that it was only going to be like a few seconds and I will be gone for a little while, that put me at ease, then finally I opened my mouth and exactly I didn't remember nothing else, but have in mind that my doctor was a funny one, making jokes about everything, he even made a joke about this, he said that I could leave and get some shopping done, then come back and he will continue, but that I had to leave the way I was, for real, I didn't laugh, because I didn't think it was funny at the moment, because your nerves can betray you, sometimes.  After everything was over I was so happy, and everything was fine, they brought me an apple struddel with orange juice, then I went to eat breakfast with my husband for a third time, I'm always hungry, what can I say.  But, please I don't want anybody to be afraid of these two tests, because they are not bad at all, I understand that you followed the instructions well, and you do good, I will not do what I did again in 2011, because is you think about it, maybe the coffee made me so nervous that I started thinking weird things.  The tests don't hurt, is over quickly, and most importantly we all need to have it done, if you all are so brave, and have gone through so much, pleease, a colonoscopy and endoscopy hurt much less than a mammogram or a biopsy, also, don't be embarrassed, because nobody is looking, just close your eyes, pray, and open your mouth for the anesthesia, then wait 6 more years and have the other one done.   Montana girl have a Happy New Year and God Bless you in everything you do.  snowtree

[Montana girl 06]

It's good to hear from you. I'm one of those who follow directions - maybe too well. When I had my colonoscopy/endoscopy I was so dehydrated they had a terrible time getting an iv in my arm. (I usually have great veins but this time all their poking around was really painful.) Maybe next time I'll take a few sips of water!

[snowtree]

Well, you know who I am from previous forums, but I stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year and hoping that everything goes well with you, I also hope your colonoscopy goes well, are you having an endoscopy also?  Well, the reason that I'm asking is because I had both done back in 2005, due to the fact that my father had colon cancer, but survived it, the test didn't hurt whatsoever, please don't try this at home, but the day of the colonoscopy I couldn't stand it anymore and I had a cup of coffee and crackers with butter at 5:00 am, then the liquid that I had to drink like two hours later (all at once, my husband couldn't believe me), it didn't taste that bad so all it went together, then a little later I went to the bathroom once (all liquid), but not that much, then later I went to the hospital feeling scared and sorry for the coffee and the crackers, and I told the doctor that I didn't think it was going to work, because I had not cleaned myself too much, of course I didn't say about the other stuff, then he told me not to worry, that if they find some poop inside of me that they were going to put it inside my purse, so I could take it home, I laughed and all that, but nervous still, well, end of story, I was completely CLEAN inside, and no polyps were found, only three big bacterias in the endoscopy, not having anything to do with the colonoscopy.  The irony is that my mother-in-law didn't eat anything solid five days prior to her colonoscopy and she was sent back home, because she was full of poop, my friend also, so anyways, I hope you were clean inside and that everything went well.  May God bless you.  snowtree

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad your biopsy is over and all is ok. I know waiting for results is just as hard, though. Sounds like you have a good attitude. I'm praying for benign.
Carolyn

[Montana girl 06]

I know who you are when you log in as idobelieveinfairies, but I'll always think of you as boninclyde.

You have a lot of reasons to be stressed. First I hope your colonoscopy goes ok. That's a pain because you don't see results. But, just think about after your reconstruction surgery. Once you heal from that you do have something to look forward to. Bet you can't wait for summer to get your swimsuit back on. Do they take muscle from other areas of the body for reconstruction? If you don't want to go into details, that's fine. But, if you want to talk about it, I'm here.

I understand your need to get things in order, but you also need to give yourself a little break before your surgery. Take care of yourself, first. I'll keep checking this strand from time to time to see how you're doing. You're going to be ok.
Carolyn