Indetermintate microcalcifications

[tuly]

I am so glad I found this website. Just wanted to know if anyone has had the same thing on their mammo. I am 36  female, went for a mammo on 1/5/07 and the findings were "In the upper outer quadrant of the right breast, there is a large group of indeterminate microcalcifications for which a biopsy is recommended. BIRAD'S 4- suspicious abnoramality.
When I was 20 I went for physical and the doctor recommended that I go have a mamma and ultrasound, nothing was seen.
I have went to my medical doctor and a surgeon and today go to see a breast surgeon oncologist to see if they all say the same thing. Both doctors recommend removing the tissue out. This is so scary just waiting for all this to be done then waiting for the result. I am sooooo positive that this is nothing, but sometimes I just think this could be something. WEll thank you for letting me vent.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear Tuly:  Microcalcifications are small calcium deposits found within the breast tissue. There are different types of microcalcifications, and based on their pattern on the mammogram it gives the radiologist clues as to their cause. For instance microcalcifications that are more scattered are probably due to a benign (non-cancerous) cause, a “cluster” of microcalcifications may increase concern that there may be an underlying tumor. There may or may not be any "lesion" visible on mammography. However, if the microcalcificantions appear suspicious, further investigation, such as a biopsy, is usually recommended.

[notmyturn]

Tuly- your mam sounds very similar to mine. The wait game is not pleasant, that's for sure.  I'm waiting for my insurance to authorize a sterotactic biopsy, which I hope to get today (the authorization, that is).  Guess we all need the same advise- MOST of these things are B9 etc. etc. etc.  

Take care and try to sleep.

[tuly]

Thank you so much for the info. I hope that your insurance calls you quick. Just waiting is crazy. My medical doctor and a surgeon both suggest to have the biopsy and remove it with surgery. All this I was going to have implants done and they require a mammo and complete physical. Luckily I had the mammo done and this turned out. Else I would have waited I guess till age 40. Well I wish you all the luck. I too have to call insu. co. Tonight I will decide which doctor will do the surgery. KIT.

[suzi-q]

I had Microcals BIRAD 4 at age 36 (40 now).  They were benign.  First they tried to biopsy them stereotacticly.  They didn't get enough tissue.  So they had to be excised (removed surgically)  It was a one day procedure and I was in and out by 4 in the afternoon.  If I ever have to do that again, I would go straight for the surgery like you did.  That way, in case it is something, it is all removed that day.  With the stereotactic, if it is not benign they then have to surgically remove it. Your way you are skipping a whole step which is great!  I wish you the best.  I know how frightening it could be waiting.  It is worse than the actual procedures.  let us know how everything turns out.

[tuly]

Thank you so much for your support. I totally appreciate. I am nervous wreck and I know everything is going to be fine but I am still nervous. Will keep you posted.

[Avidhiker]

I too had a BIRAD 4 in May of 2006. The waiting really stunk.  My biopsy was excisional because of the location of the suspicious area. My surgeon advised that 85% of these cases are benign, so try to take it easy and relax

I was one of the unlucky ones.  However, I consider my self lucky in that I caught my breast cancer EARLY. I DID NOT HAVE A LUMP OR THICKENING--NO ONE FELT ANYTHING--it was just the microcalcifications on the mammo that gave it all away.

Please remember never to neglect the health of your breasts.  Unfortunately, breast cancer does not discriminate.

Good luck!

[tuly]

I went to the breast surgeon today and he recomemend to have stereotatic/ultrasound guided biopsy. I am so confused, angry because I really don't know what to do now. My hubby says he agrees with this surgeon, instead of removing. He says what about if they remove it and is cancer would they have to go back and remove the sourrounding tissue. All these questions. I am so confused. Of course you want to go with the breast specialist. I guess I wanted the opinions to be the same. Now I am so confused. Guess I will sleep on it. Thank you everyone for responding.

[scaredkathy]

I decided to have the stereotatic biopsy instead of the surgical and was glad I did.  It came back clear.  My husband was the one who said why go for the surgery when you don't even know if it's cancer.  He said every time you have microcals found are you going to get them removed.  It made sense and for the most part the results normally come back benign.  But some people do go the other way, my girlfriend had the surgery. She has a no nonsense personality & she wanted them out right away.  She didn't want to have to keep worrying.  She had them removed and never had another one again and it was benign also.  Sleep on it.  Whichever you chose, hopefully it will have the same result-all clear.  Good Luck

[suzi-q]

I first went stereotactic and they couldn't get enough tissue because of the location.  I was in that chair for over an hour or so while they kept trying to find it....had to wait 3-4 days for results....benign, but not enough tissue to be sure about the whole area!  UGH....schedule a surgery, (got it three weeks later), get it removed, wait for results AGAIN!  thank God it was benign!!!  I think of the extra 3 to 4 weeks of mental anguish I had because I didn't go for the surgery first.  Just my opinion....Don't play around, get it out and put your mind at ease.

[tuly]

I can't believe it. That is why I am so scared to have the needle biopsy done. I have to bring in the films tomorrow to see if I am a candidate to it done. My thing is if I had it removed by surgery and it turned out to be something not good. Are they going to have to operate again to remove sourrounding tissue. I also don't want to have to have 2 surgeries. Well I going to take it step by step. Again all this happened because I am planning on having implants and I needed a mammo B4 I have it done. Well I am glad. Will keep everyone posted and again so thankful to have found this site so people can voice their feelings to people who have been through the same thing.

[suzi-q]

Usually they would clean the whole area anyway, but of course you would have to talk to the surgeon.  Either way you go, it gets done and then over with.  Just hang in there.  I know how hard it is...we ALL do on this site.  

Just thank heavens for the implants!  Better they found it now!  If you don't mind my asking, after this ordeal, are you still considering implants??  Just wondering.

[tuly]

Hi Suzy and everyone else,

I dropped off the films on Saturday, now I have to wait for the radiologist to review them to see if I am a candidate for the stereotatic needle. Some days I am okay and then others I just wake up anxious. Something inside me tells me I should have had the surgery done atleast I probably would have it done and just waiting for results. I am sure it's nothing. But just waiting.
To your question Suzy about the implants am I still going through go through it and hopefully I will. I am also planning to have a tummy tuck. Again if it wasn't for this procedure which is post poned I would have never known. Will keep everyone posted.

[snoopy55]

Just reading your comments...I just had the tram flap done with a mastectomy and reconstruction on my right breast(Nov.2nd).  Doing great....tight flat stomach now....still having some minor pains I think due to nerves growing back in some areas, feeling is starting to return.
Are you having the Tram flap done?

[Montana girl 06]

Good to hear that you're doing well. I'm also glad to hear that there's a bit of a silver lining for you with the flat tummy.

[suzi-q]

How is everything going!!!

[tuly]

Hi Suzy,
I am okay and just hanging in there. How about you?? I got a call today to schedule the stereotactic biopsy for the 31st. I was like don't you have anything sooner. Then I have a follow up with the breast surgeon on 2/6/07. I can't wait for this to be over. All the wait just drives me crazy. This is the week I was scheduled for my BA and TT. Guess that is the least of my worries. I just found out from my aunt on my father's side that one of my aunts was diagnosed with BC at 40, she is now 65 and is okay. I know I am way over my head thinking like this, but I do think positive. When all this is done I am going to just laugh at this.
Well as for Snoopy I wasn't sure about the TRAM, and never heard of that. You had that done? How was it?

[laure113]

I feel for what you're going through. I had 2 stereotactic biopsies and they weren't that bad. I had read some of the horror stories before and after and feel very lucky. I was terrified at the very least. None of this is fun. The waiting is awful. I'm glad you found this site. It's really great. I don't know how I could have gotten through it without the women here. Mine was also a Birad 4 and all turned out just fine. I wish you the best.

[Under Forty Pam]

Yes the waiting is the worst part of the entire journey.  After the biopsy you have to wait again for the test results.  Hope you don't join the BC Club list the rest of us.  Good luck.  Another good resource is breastcancer.org.

[Montana girl 06]

I hope everything goes well with your stereotactic biopsy. Remember there's a very good chance yours will be benign.

[c and collected]

Hi everyone just thought i'd let everyone know I went in for my full tissue breast biopsy Jan. 16/07. Stillwaiting on results. This tues. will be 2wks.  If i haven't heard anything by then I'm going to be calling my surgeon.  The reason for my biopsy was because they found microcalcifications on the upper left quadrant of my left breast and decided that if they did a core biopsy they might miss so therefore did the full tissue removal.  I'm feeling fine it's just the waiting, your mind seems to go to the places where the fear begins to grow.  What do I do ?  Well this is a very personal thing everyone is different.  Me I have learned to meditate and focus on healing.  I use to do Tai Chi and my husband said the other day, you know your spirit use to glow and I looked at him and said "what"? (simply because my husband does not get into meditation, self healing any spiritual things like I)And I answered him with yes, I miss Tai Chi.  Hereplied with well your just going to have to start again. We live in a small community and to participate in those kind of things I have to drive 45mins. there and back. Since my car accident 61/2 years ago I only go to city when I have to and don't drive at night. His reply was , then I guess you'll be having some overnighters at your friends.  I just smiled and said OK. Well everyone thanks for listening it's nice to be able to just talk about it .  I ask that the white light of the divine shine upon you all and heal you and send hope and blessings.

[carsam]

Hi ladies,
My mom just had a stereotactic biopsy done last week, we are waiting for results.  She has had to have this because of calcifications found in her breast.  I dont know the Birad reading but based on what I read, I believe it's probably a 4 since she's had to do a biopsy.  
She has had breast cancer twice in this breast, very early detection and both were removed by lumpectomy.  The second time was followed up with radiation.
My question, is it still possible these are benign?  Anyone heard of someone having breast cancer and then having calcifications found years later and it being benign?  Should I still be hopeful that the results will be ok?
I read that these things can be caused by scar tissue, lumpectomy, radiation....and she has had all of these.....I just hope one of these things is the cause and nothing "else".....
Hate the waiting....life just goes on hold until you can breathe a sigh of relief or know what you're dealing with.

Would appreciate your thoughts....

Caroline

[Montana girl 06]

I can't really answer your question, but I can tell you that I was also told my new calcifications could be caused by my previous biopsy. Since my previous biopsies were all benign we are just watching these calcifications to see if they change. I hope all turns out well for your mom.

[boninclyde]

I don't really know what to say about your husband. Is he trying to get rid of you for a while (LOL)? Strictly a joke. About a week after I had my masectomy things around here went back to normal for everyone but me. No one has asked me how I feel or anything. Don't get me wrong I have a very loving family but how could things go back to normal for them so quickly. Do they just not want to discuss it? I just don't know. Maybe they see me as being stronger than I really am. I still grieve everyday. I cry daily. I cry every night before going to sleep. I guess in time I will get back to normal. What ever that was.

[vermontgirlII]

Oh, boninclyde, how ARE you doing?   I haven't been through what you have, so I can't say I understand, but I can imagine.  I am sure your family is loving, and they want things to be back the way they were before, even though things have changed.  Maybe they think (without really thinking) that if they act as if... it will be so.  Sorry you are feeling down.  How's the tamoxifen going?

[tuly]

Just wanted to say hi to everyone. Just been trying to keep busy with my 2 little ones. I have also been taking something to just keep the edge off, just half a pill and only when I feel like I am going to lose it, like just freaking out. PMS, and this issue doesn't help all at the same time.

I go for my biopsy on the 31st. So all that is just nuts. But I sympathize with you about family. My inlaws are so concerned helping out with everything they can and here you have my mom and my sis it's like nothing. Lucky for them they are going to Puerto Rico on Friday and coming back on the day of my biopsy. Oh how nice. It's like no big deal for them. But if it was me I would cancel and offer all the help that I can. Thank goodness for my husband and his family. They call everyday just to see how I am doing. I get so frusturated. All my family does is talk about themselves. Just writing about it gets me worked up. But again that is how they are, only think about themselves. Guess they dont think its nothing serious. Well take care.

[suzi-q]

Caroline:  Yes, I have heard of people who had previous breast cancer then have benign calcifications.  Blessings to your mom and keep us posted.

Tuly:  Will keep you in my prayers.  I know that tomorrow is the biopsy.  Hang in there and take a deep breath.  We are all with you here at this site...I am sure your mom and sister are just in denial of the chance of it being something.  Remember to keep saying to yourself that 80% are benign!!!!  God Bless

Susan

[tuly]

Hi Susan,
Thank you so much for keeping in your thoughts and prayers. I will post once this is done.

[tuly]

Well after all anxiety building up for this procedure I had the procedure done yesterday. Everyone was so nice and caring, if anyone is from NJ I would recommend going here. They explained everything to me and made me feel comfortable. The whole procedure took about an 1hr. I didn't feel anything except a little burning when they were numbing the breast. I did go out afterwards to eat and have 2 glasses of Sangria to relax. I came home took some Tylenol and just laid in bed. There is no pain only soarness I guess. Hopefully they will have the results late Friday or early Monday. But I have an appointment on Tuesday with the breast md. Well take care everyone I am more relaxed now the wait begins.

[Montana girl 06]

I think family and friends just don't realize the agony we go through. They're uncomfortable when we talk about our breast problems. That's the reason I turned to this site originally, so I could talk to people who understand. Boninclyde, I'm sorry for the grief you're still going through. I hope it's getting a little easier as time goes by. Although this ordeal has been very hard on you, the support and information you share with others has had a very positive effect. You must be a very strong woman to go through all this, still take care of your family, and find time to support others with breast problems.

[boninclyde]

Thank you Monatan girl. I don't know what it is with the family. At first I thought it was me but just to give you an example my husband saw me reading this site last night and said" how much more could possibly be on that web site to read". Although a wonderful husband he does seem insensitive at times. The kids wonder why I need to go shopping for a tankie or bra (used to go braless, did they notice that much. Wow). They don't know any better I guess. It has been 5 months since my masectomy and if I could just muster up the courage I am going for reconstruction. I just can't live/look like this anymore. I am only 42. I have anxiety attacks/panic attacks so another (willing) surgery may be impossible. I am sorry I don't respond as often anymore it's just so busy around here. I wish you all the best and Monatan girl it is nice to know someone you don't know follows your progress. Again thank you. I am sorry if I depress you guys sometimes.

[tuly]

Hi All,

Just found some time to write in so I figured to say hi on this cold day. Still haven't heard anything from the biopsy yet, hopefully Monday. But deffinetly Tuesday as I have an appointment in the am.

Well my sister and mom are just enjoying themselves in PR while we are here just waiting. It's so nice to hear who cares for you. The mind is so tricky and just plays games like what happens if it's bad, what happens if its nothing. Just drives anyone mad. Well my little on is getting up from his nap, so I have to go. Take care everyone and will say a prayer for everyone.  

[Montana girl 06]

You still have tough decisions to make. I don't know that much about reconstruction, but I'm sure you've learned a lot about it through your research. If that's what you decide on I'm sure you can make it happen.

[ziggy123]

Hello Boninclyde-I am so sorry that things have not become any easier for you. You have been through so much and I pray that you can find a resolution. Sometimes. when we are strong for our families, they assume that we are okay and have put everything behind us. Little do they know, that it never leaves you. Just an occassional "how are you doing" would be great. My children have been wonderful, my friends distant. Who knows, it is very strange to me. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. I look for you and Montana girl, Underforty Pam and wish you all well.

[tuly]

I was just wondering, I am still oozing I guess from the site where the biopsy site. Is this normal. The procedure was done on Wednesday afternoon and I took the steri strips off yesterday. All my shirts and bras are stained. I called the day after and explained to them that I was bleeding but they said it was normal. I guess it has to ooze for it to heal????

[dee dee]

I AM HAVING A MAGNIFIED MAMMO THIS FRIDAY DUE TO CALCIFICATIONS SEEN ON FIRST MAMMOGRAM.  I AM A 58YR OLD
FEMALE.  I HAD A LUMP REMOVED 10 YRS AGO IN OTHER BREAST.
THE TUMOR WAS BENIGN BUT IT WAS SO LARGE AND DEEP, ON MY
CHEST WALL THAT THE SURGEON PERFORMED SURGERY TO REMOVE IT.
I GUESS I JUST WANTED TO SAY HELLO TO YOU ALL AND THAT I ENJOY READING YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.
IN READING BACK THRU THE ARCHIVES I NOTICED SOME COMMENTARY FROM A WOMEN IN ISREAL NAMED, NORAD (?).
HAS ANY ONE HEARD FROM HER RECENTLY?   POOR THING, SHE WAS REALLY TERRIFIED.

[tuly]

Well everyone I just wanted to share the great news. The biopsy came back negative. Have to go to Mammo in 6 months and he said it was fibrocystic changes. So he told me to avoid caffeine which  I have to do some research. I have to have my coffee, but we will see. I hope everyone is doing good. I will not forget this site and will continue to say hi to everyone. Thank you for your support.

[boninclyde]

Great news!

[carsam]

Hi wonderful ladies....
I posted a week or so ago about being worried for my mom who was having a biopsy due to having these calcifications.  Results came back and what they took was "clear".....doctor advised it is her option if she would like to have surgery done to remove the small amount that was left "just in case" but he is confident there is nothing to be concerned about. He also said she could just wait until next mammogram.  I think she is going to have the surgery to be 100% and also to have some scar tissue removed.  All in all, things turned out well so I wanted to share some good news with you all.  
Although it is not me directly going through this, I can relate to all your discussions as I've been with my mom all the way through this - I think you are all wonderful women and I wish you all strength and a long happy life.
Speaking as a "family" member, I can see that some of you feel that your families are not too supportive.  I'm sorry for that, I guess every situation is different.  Sometimes though, it's hard to know what to say.....I know I try so hard to support my mom and some days she is very depressed and angry going through this stuff that honestly she takes it out on me.  But I am here for her, and if that is the way I can help her, then that's what I do.  Not easy sometimes but bottom line I want her to be healthy and although I can not know exactly what she's feeling the way you all do, I certainly know she has the right to be just plain fed up some days with dealing with it all.  
Ladies, I wish you all the best, I will if its okay watch and read to see hopefully that you are all keeping well.
Love, Caroline

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so glad your calcifications are benign. It's interesting that your doctor said to avoid caffeine. I've asked and been told by my doctor that my cysts, fibroadenomas and calcifications would not be helped by a change in diet (although I'm not a coffee drinker I sure do like my chocolate.) I'd be interested to hear from others on this matter.

[snoopy55]

Hey
On this site in Feb. you were talking about having reconstructive surgeries, etc.  I had the Tram Flap which was the best decision for me.  I have no regrets and would make the same decision. It has been painful, but everyday the pain got less and now it is hardly no pain at all.  I feel really great!  The tram flap is taken from the abdomen and stomach area and flipped up to the breast area, mine was done under the skin not the transferred type.  I hope all is well and I hope boninclyde that you decide to have the reconstruction.  The tram flap leaves you with a tight stomach.  I also lost about 10 lbs or more.
I just pray that God will continue to let things go well with you all and me.

[boninclyde]

Sounds like you are doing great. I am sure this summer will get to me. We have a pool and I think that will be my final draw. This prothesis is so heavy and unconfortable and I would like to have a little clevage. Did you post any pictures on the breastcancer.org site? How big were your final results (sorry to be so nosey)? Did they have to lift your other breast? So good to hear your doing great!

[snoopy55]

Hey,
Sorry, I didn't post any pictures....too shy still for that(smile) enough of those were taken at the plastic surgeon's office.  Anyway, I am a large C.  My new breast is very firm, and no he hasn't had to lift my other breast yet.  He told me if I wished him to do so he would.  Also, I haven't had the nipple put on nor a tattoo.  He also told me there is no time limit so whenever or if I ever get ready to do it, just let him know.  He is such a wonderful Dr. Great bedside manners, new to our area and young.. His wife is a Psychiatrist here in our city.  I told him that I think I would rather just have the nipple removed from the other one, then I would have to worry about cold weather(smile) I could wear anything.  Let me know of your decision....I really am well pleased with mine.

[boninclyde]

Thanks for the info. I am sure summer will get to me and for now I will start trying to plan my surgery for September. I will keep you posted.

[Montana girl 06]

Have you decided for sure to have reconstruction?

[boninclyde]

I did not mind losing the breast to save my life but there is no explaining how uncomfortable this is. I never wore a bra much. Not to be noticed,  just for comfort. Always keep myself covered respectfully.  This prothesis is hot, heavy uncomfortable and heaven forbid you walk out of the house and forget it. Unsightly in my clothes. But hay I am still alive. Right. I have to find the courage to do this and just hope I wake from 2 more surgeries. If not well it wasn't meant for me to live this way. Hope you understand what I am saying. My breast never made me who I was, but made me who I thought I was. Would love to live forever but would checking out be that bad?  I would be one of those "well she's in a better place". Where ever the hell that is. I have been dealt a bum wrap my whole life until my kids were born. I  explain my feelings to them. Well no I don't have to, they see it in my eyes every day. They feel my heart, they know my pain (their girls). They know my thoughts without me having to say it. Strange thing my husband of 18 years is clueless but somehow my girls understand. I guess it is just my day to rant and rave. I am sorry don't mean to bring you all down. Just feeling myself today. Yes I said that correctly. Thanks Montana girl for letting me explode. Somehow I just can't apologize for being me anymore. More later unless well hopefully, well want go there. Thanks again.

[Montana girl 06]

I didn't realize a prothesis would be so uncomfortable, but it makes sense. And I understand why summer will make it even worse. You made it through a very tough surgery already - and you did well. I'm sure these next surgeries will be tough, also, but this is about making your life better. Have you scheduled anything yet? We may have to move to another thread since this one may disappear soon.

[boninclyde]

I have not schedule one yet but hope to have this done around September.

[snoopy55]

Hey,
I know you can do it!  You are strong and the Lord will be with you!  Just remember that!  I know it was rough for a while but it gets better and better.  I would do the same thing again, if I had it to do over again.  I'm glad I opted for the immediate reconstruction, which I could since I didn't have to have chemo or radiation.  My friend who lost her breast about a year before me, had her reconstruction(tramflap) done several months after her surgery.
I will be keeping you in my prayers.  I really relied on God and He never let me  down, and now I feel closer to Him through this.  My husband was very understanding, but no man can fully understand the emotions you have to deal with.  God bless you and stay in touch.

[boninclyde]

Thank you snoppy.