Consultation/possible biopsy tomorrow

[pianolady22]

My follow up mammogram on 3/2 was concluded to be "a progressive cluster of calcifications" and a "second cluster of calcifications" that are suspicious for malignancy.  Stereotactic biopsy is recommended.  

This was the first year that I have had a digital mammogram and the first year that I have been called back for anything suspicious.  I have "heterogeneously dense" breasts at 51 years of age. I am just wondering if these calcifications have probably been there all along and are now just showing up because of the new technology.  Or can they definitely tell that it has progressed, even from the previous traditional, non-digital mammogram?

Also, is it possible that the doctor will override the radiologist's recommendation and suggest not doing a biopsy?  I really feel nervous about NOT doing it, because I would rather know than to be nervous until the next follow up.  But I don't know if I should go against the expert's advice.

[ncmichigan]

So happy to hear the results were benign!!!  As far as I know, non-proliferative changes don't increase breast cancer risk and these don't sound like any are proliferative, but definitely check them out with your doctor. I'm sure you're very relieved and happy, as we are for you! Take care and here's a happy hug (     ),
nc

[bluebutterfly2222]

Thaks so much for letting us know of your benign results. You've made my day!

bluebutterfly

[pianolady22]

Results from the biopsy:  fibrocystic changes, duct ectasia, sclerosing adenosis and dense stromal fibrosis.  Thanks for the support you've shown me.  Thankfully these are benign conditions.  I am going to do a new thread to find out the cancer risk of any of these.

[pianolady22]

Thank you.  The biopsy went well.  Hardly any pain during OR after.  I was supposed to find out the results today, but they missed the last shipment yesterday, so I won't find out until Monday.  Thanks for the hug!  I need it today.  I guess it's just one of those "last straw" type of things.  I have just felt on the verge of tears all day today.

[ncmichigan]

I just wanted to add my best wishes to my "neighbor" in Michigan! I'm hoping things went well with your biopsy and I'm sending you a big hug (     ),
nc

[pianolady22]

Just got back from my biopsy.  Results tomorrow.

[pianolady22]

I don't think so.  I didn't really ask that many questions, because I had researched so much.  But, we'll see.  I'll know by Friday.

[bluebutterfly2222]

Wow, those confusing instructions (do, don't, do sched. a follow-up appt.) would be enough to get anyone thinking, and worrying!

However, I would question whether this has anything to do with anticipated (bad) results, because if there were something that obvious in the images, I would think you would have scored a BI-RADS 5 insted of a BI-RADS 4.

Maybe "what makes you different" is that you insist on answers, including all the details, so the doctor knew s/he would have to be talking with you, however it turns out? :-)   Let's hope that's it!

Hang in there,
bb

[pianolady22]

I was a little freaked out yesterday.  When I was at the doctor's office, the doctor told me that they would schedule me for the biopsy and also a follow up appointment just in case it was needed after the results came through.  Well, we scheduled the biopsy for Thursday, but we didn't schedule the follow up appointment.  I remembered that right before I left work, so I called them.  The lady who answered the phone said they don't usually schedule a follow up until after the results come back because most people don't need a follow up appointment.  I told her ok, I must have misunderstood.  She told me to wait a minute to see if I was different for some reason.  When she came back, she said, yes, I was different, so they wanted to schedule me.  So, I am scheduled for my follow up appointment on Monday the 21st to discuss treatment.  Makes me wonder why I'm different!

[bluebutterfly2222]

Sorry that you have to wait a few more days, but you actually got scheduled pretty quickly, compared with the dleays some of our members have reported.

I hope all goes well on Thursday, and even better when you get the results!

Please keep us posted...

bluebutterfly

[pianolady22]

Stereotactic biopsy is scheduled for Thursday.  I should get the results by Friday.  She said that there are definitely more calcifications than there were last year.  She showed me the areas on the films and it looked like one area had about 10-12 calcifications.  The second area was smaller.

Of course, she reassured me that most calcifications are benign and that the most common diagnosis, if not benign, is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  So now it's sit back and wait some more.  I was so mentally prepared for it to happen today.  The person who scheduled me said that it would be done today, but she was misinformed.

[pianolady22]

Thank you both.  I appreciate the comments.

[Cheerpul]

It is a very good idea to have a biopsy.  A biopsy will tell you what is going on with the clacifications and if there is cause for concern or if there is not.  It would be unlikely that your doctor would reccommend not to have the biopsy.  However, if you do not understand or agree with an expert's advice, you should always question him or her about what they mean, why the feel that way, what they are basing their advice on and so forth.   If you are comfortable, you stick with their decision.  If you are not, you look for a second opinion.

The digital and traditional mammograms can definitely be compared to see what was present at your last exam compared to earlier exams.  Often, if something shows up on a regular mammogram, you are sent for a digital mammogram, spot compression mammogram, ultrasound or MRI to determine more information about what the area shows.  A biopsy takes a sample of tissue to be analyzed and will tell you the most information.  If it is a benign condition, you know that it was thoroughly checked out and you can relax.  If it turns out to be something of concern, you make a plan of treatment and carry it out and more forward.

I will be thinking of you as you get checked out and determine what is going on.  Please feel free to add to this thread and we will support you.  
By the way, I like your moniker, as I am a voice and piano teacher.

[bluebutterfly2222]

It is highly unlikely that a surgeon would say no to a biopsy (for fear of a malpractice suit if for no other reason) after a radiologist (the expert in interpreting these images) has stated that there are clusters of microcalcs supicious for malignancy, and recommended a biopsy.

Regardless of whether the suspicious features weren't there before, or weren't detected until the clearer image of digital mammograpy was available, they are there now and must be checked.

You are right, when it comes to BC it is much better to know, so that if it's positive it can be caught at the very earliest stage possible, and if it's negative, you can have peace of mind.

Best wishes...