I am so scared

[Debstr]

I am 43 years old and just got the results of a followup mammogram that showed 2 clusters of microcrocalifcations in my left breast which was given a Birad 4B.  My last mamo was about 2 years ago and they told me these were not visible on that one.  I need to have a biopsy.  This is such a shock and I cannot get it out of my mind that I may be facing the big C.  Any help or guidance you can provide would be appreciated!!

[dalip]

so glad you had good news.I also was told nothing to be concerned about just waiting on mammo results now which should be through by friday to my doctor.Dawn

[Debstr]

I wanted to let everyone who has supported me during this trying time know that my biopsy results came back today and no cancer!!  From all my research there were very few postings of good news probably because those who are not diagnosed do not likely join these types of forums.  I wish to all of you that are going through this very scarey time all the best and remember the power of prayer and support of your family and friends is the best medicine!!

[dalip]

going to breast clinic here in uk next monday so feel for you.Good luck for tomorrow,im am thinking of you.Dawn

[Debstr]

I have my biopsy scheduled for this upcoming Wed the 7th.  Meeting with the Surgeon I was able to view my mammo with a clearer head and saw the two areas of microcalcifications.  They were not connected between so don't know if that is good or bad but it will be what it will be.  I am not looking forward to this procedure but my doc did say the area will be numbed and offer valium to relax me which I will most defintely take.  Reading Laura's posting gives me hope that this will all turn out to be no big deal but a good kick in the butt to make sure I stay current with all my mammo appointments!  I am praying everyday with support from all my very close friends.  Hopefully I will know by this Friday what cards will be dealt.  Thanks all!!

[Chrisnana]

I had a lumpectomy in November 06. I am about 25 miles sw of Chicago and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

[LauraMB]

I had the same problem last month. I have the Breast Core Biopsy with VAD. I was not painful at all, just a little discomfort. I watched the sono screen the entire time, it was actually very interesting to watch and kept my mind off of it actually being my breast on the screen. Make sure you will get a local anesthetic, Lidocaine, which completely numbs the area. I was terrified before the biopsy, of what might be found and of the procedure itself. I read so many scary things, but it was not bad at all. My results came back in 2 days and they were benign fibroids. My church, family and friends all prayed for me...I truly believe in the power of prayer. I will keep you in mine!

[nannyjoy]

I read your comments and thought it could have been me writing them!  I was diagnosed with DCIS, Grade 3 a month ago after having two mammograms in six months.  It changed in that short period of time.  After the second "bad" mammogram, a biopsy of the area was done and that's when the dreaded "c" word entered my life.  The biopsy was scary but not anything I couldn't handle. If you have a women's center in your area, that would be a great place to start in searching for a radiologist or a doctor who specializes in only breast cancer, like I had.  I was terrified but you have to stay very positive and rely on friends and family to help you through this.  My best friend was an angel from heaven and she's a surgical nurse, too! I had a lumpectomy a week later and that went well.  After the lumpectomy tissue was checked by the pathologist, my doctor called to say a small area showed invasive cancer (I'm telling you this so you won't be surprised if it happens to you) and a sentinel node biopsy was done.  My doctor removed two nodes and NO cancer showed up.  I've been recovering well and letting my family wait on me!!  :)  Also, Debstr, there is a treatment called Mammosite that I was able to go through.  It's new and wonderful and only lasts 5 (five) days!!!!  Check into it and, like the other ladies said, do lots and lots and lots of research.  Breastcancer.org is a wonderful site and can answer just about any questions you have.  Good luck to you and stay positive.  That's the best advice you'll ever receive!  joy

[Debstr]

I live approximately 25 miles west of Chicago.  It has been very cold for the last 3 weeks so escaping to Mexico for some warmth and relaxation is going to be great.  Timing of this trip could not have been better!!  Talk to you when I get back.

[boninclyde]

Have a great time. A swim up bar sounds pretty good right now. I also have a great husband of 17 years and three girls. It is wonderful to have a close nit supportive family. If you don't mind me asking where are you from?

[Debstr]

Thanks so much for all the very good information.  You are so right that research is key.  I keep remindng myself that if it turns out to be cancer I will actually be lucky it was found early.  I am also lucky I have such a great husband who is really supportive coupled with some really close friends who are all praying for me.  My husband & I are leaving in a few days to Mexico to celebrate 20 years of a great marriage.  I am sure the swim up bar will help take this off my mind.  I will update after my appointment on March 1st with my surgeon.  Thanks so much for all your input.  It really helps make this all a little less scarey with people like you out there!!  THANK YOU and talk you in a week or so..

[boninclyde]

Treatment really depends on how much and the location of the microcalcification (if DCIS, scattered or clustered). My DCIS was so widespraed that masectomy was the only answer for me. Now on tamoxifen. Started that Thankgiving Day 06. Ultrasound does not always show cancer but it looks like they would have done one to see what they could see. They can tell if it is solid or liquid filled. Calcifications do not show up on ultrasound.

[Debstr]

Thanks for the encouragement.  I have always led  a very healthy life with excercise and eating right which is part of the reason this came as such a shock.  I no doubt need to keep a positive attitude and just deal with whatever cards are dealt.  Thanks for the kind words and encouragement.

[40love]

I was in you shoes 6 months ago. After my mammo they found calcifications and did a biopsy. The biopsy showed pre-cancerous cells so they wanted to go back in surgically and do a lumpectomy. The tissue after the lumpectomy showed the cancer to be DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma Insitu). Textbook treatment is 6.5 weeks of radiation to that breast and then taking the drug Tomoxifin for 5 years to decrease your risk of reoccurence. Cheryl Crow had the same type of cancer. I went into Sloan Kettering in NYC because I wanted the best care. They were amazing. All the tests and poking and prodding really tries on your nerves after awhile and you ask,Why me? The worst part is waiting for test results. Stay positive. Attitude is everthing =)

[Debstr]

I forgot to answer the question on the ultrasound.  After the mammo they told me that the ultrasound was not necessary since the calcifications would not show up.  I took this as meaning that nothing else was seen in that ultrsounds only pick up cysts and look to see if they are solid or fluid filled.  Is that true?

[Debstr]

I have my appointment with a surgeon recommended by my gyny on March 1st so not sure what kind of biopsy it will be yet.  Wanted to go sooner but could not get in before leaving for vacation.  I keep reminding myself that whatever it turns out to be I need to stay positive.  But none the less it is really hard to stop thinking about it all the time.  What did your treatment involve after you were diagnosed?

[boninclyde]

It looks like your on the right path. Do lots of research and ask lots of questions. Take someone with you to the biopsy just in case.  It may be nothing and I have seen it happen here on this web site. I had microcalcifications, 2 clusters and mine turned out to be very early cancer (DCIS with small invasion 0.09mm). If it is something catching it early is important. Breast cancer is not a death sentence anymore. What kind of biopsy will you have and when? Be sure you have a experienced radiologist and a surgeon to review your films. Also did they do an ultrasoung and what were the results?