Mammogram

[MWR]

I had a mammogram done on 8/8/2006. They found a small cluster of calcification in the upper central aspect of the left breast, although suboptimally seen. So they said this was an incomplete mammogram. So I went in on 8/11/2006 for additional coned magnification views fo the left breast in the CC and MLO projections. With this coned magnification views, a cluster of slightly pleomorphic microcalcications was seen clusted in the upper central aspect of the left breast near the 12 o'clock postion. There is no associated mass. No other abnormalities are identified. They listed this as a suspicious mammogram and said that a biopsy is recommended to exclude malignancy. They also put down ACR category IV. Yes am going to go in for a core needle biopsy as soon has they can get me in. Is this a good kind of biopsy for this? About what % turn out to be cancer in this kind of mammogram reading? I have a million more question and don't know where to start. So I will end it here for now.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear MWR:  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 and further investigation, such as a biopsy is warranted.  A BIRAD category 4 indicates a suspicious abnormality. Most category 4 abnormalities are benign but may require biopsy since this category can be malignant in 25-50% of cases.  Your doctor and the radiologist are best equipped to make the recommendation for the best type of biopsy but a core biopsy is a very common recommendation for this type of finding.

[Under Forty Pam]

I was told 4 out of 5 (80%) biopsies are benign.  Don't get too hung up on this site until after you get the test results back.  Remember almost everyone on here was in the 1 out of 5 group that ended up with cancer.  If you join our club we will walk you thru every step.  Don't be afraid to ask.  I have found this site to be very informative.

[Montana girl 06]

I also had calcifications and had a stereotactic needle (or mammotome) biopsy. I'm not sure if core needle biopsy refers to the same proceedure or not. Stereotactic biopsies are commonly done for calcifications since they take very little tissue and are less invasive than surgical biopsies. If this is the proceedure you are having I can share more info if you're interested. By the way, my biopsy was benign.

[nursecb]

This is so familiar.....Here I am at 1:00a.m., trying to learn more about microcalcifications after not being able to sleep.  Just had a biopsy today for birads 4 'cluster of microcalcifications'.  I'm a nurse and it's very scary on this side.  Can't tell you how helpful it is to know that I'm not the only one that is loosing sleep and feeling the way I am.  Going back to work tomorrow and trying to think of something else until I get results on Friday or Monday.  The needle localization was not as bad as imagined, the surgery I slept through, but now have one very sore left breast.  I know the percentages but this is no fun.............

[Under Forty Pam]

The waiting is the hardest part of this entire journey.  I can imagine many people assume you won't have questions since you are a nurse but that is like saying you won't have questions since you are a woman.  Ask questions, get multiple opinions, and take time to breath, find a friend/spouse to talk to and bring with to appointments, and ask the stupid questions because there are no stupid questions.  Good luck and we hope you don't join the BC club.

[Montana girl 06]

Let us know the results of your biopsy. I sure hope you get them on Friday. Waiting is so stressful. I'll keep you in my prayers.

[snoopy55]

I am 51 years old.  I just recently had 2 mammograms that came back showing calcifications.  After the one done in Feb.2006, they called and told me that I needed to have another one done in 6 mos due to the findings of calcifications.  They wanted to see if there was a change in pattern.  I went on July 18th and had the other one done.  I was called by my doctor, not a nurse, which let me know this was serious, and he said that he wanted me to have a biopsy.  He said, nothing had changed since Feb. but he just felt like it would be best to go ahead and have this procedure done to rule out any malignancies.  He called the surgeon's office, which then called me and set up an appointment for a consultation visit.  My husband and I went on Aug. 23rd and met with the surgeon.  He looked over the mammogram film and did an exam.  He said I needed to have the biopsy.  He showed me the x-rays and where the calcifications were which he said were lining up.  He said it could very well be due to hormonal changes, but it would be best to do this.  I asked him if I could wait until Oct. 13 when we will be out of school since I work in Kindergarten.  He said since the x-rays did not show any mass and the exam did not show any sign of lumps that he felt waiting 6 weeks won't make a difference but no longer than that.  So I am scheduled for a biopsy in Oct.  He is a very "easy to talk to" doctor.  He is a young doctor, but seems very knowledgable of this condition.  I am really nervous when I think about it all, but I am a Christian and my faith gives me peace.  I have a wonderful friend at our church who several years ago underwent a double masectomy, lump in one breast, and suspicious findings in the other, so she opted for the double.
So many people in our rural area have had to undergo masectomies or biopsies, it makes you wonder why so many in such a small area.  We live near a Paper Mill and I've often thought about the hazards of that.
I know how all of you feel facing these surgeries...it can be very depressing.

[Montana girl 06]

Snoopy, I also put off 2 biopsies for 4-6 weeks due to the Christmas holiday (as I was a music teacher then, putting on the Christmas programs at 2-3 schools.) When a surgeon allows that it reassures me that although it needs to be taken care of it is not an emergency. Whew. I'm guessing your calcifications are a birad 4? After 3 benign biopsies I opted for going back in 3 months for another mammogram rather than have a 4th biopsy now (for calcifications.) Meanwhile, my stomach is not doing well with the stress according the endoscopy I had this week. You were told your calcifications could be hormonal? I'm 48, premenopausal, and have wondered if part of my problem could be hormonal. (I also have cysts, possible fibroids, etc.)

[ziggy123]

May I ask why you had an edoscopy? Is it related to your calcifications? If I am asking about things that are none of my business, I apologize.

[ziggy123]

Sorry, but I reread your post after I had asked my question and saw that you explained the why. My stomach has also been a mess. It started when I made the appointment for the mammogram and things have gone downhill since then. I have not shared with the doctor because of the fear of being asked to do another test. My surgery is scheduled for Thursday, Aug 31st, so I am hoping after that is all over and done with my stomach will settle down as well. I have been doctoring myself with prilosec otc and lots of tums.

[snoopy55]

Yes, I was told it COULD be hormonal related.  But everywhere I turn and read, I feel a deep pit in my stomach.  I also have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS).  I get very depressed easily. My mother passed away 2 years ago this past May, with Hydrocelphus.  My dad has had colon cancer(1985), massive stroke(1988), bladder cancer(6 surgeries 1998-2000), and now has been diagnosed with CLL leukemia.  He is currently in remission. He is 84. I have to make sure everything is okay with him, we have a caregiver 4 days a week for him.  BUT THERE HAS BEEN NO BREAST CANCER IN MY FAMILY.  My sister has has minor breast infections(mastitus), anyway, this has really gotten me down.  I know God is in control, but the human side tends to take over with me, and I worry alot.  So I can understand the stomach problems. My husband is so good, he can always tell when I'm worried about something, even if I act "normal".  He keeps telling me everything is going to be fine.  But then the DEVIL puts those seeds of doubt in my mind...so it is a battle constantly.  I really don't even like going anywhere or being around anybody except my family...is that strange or is that normal?

[Montana girl 06]

I was on Prevacid (following an endoscopy 7 years ago) and it was recommended I go off it for a week before I did allergy testing in Feb. (Now I'm told that was a mistake to have me go off Prevacid.)  Then I followed a meat, vege, fruit diet for about 2 weeks, followed by adding other foods back one at a time to find out which foods bothered me. During the meat, vege, fruit diet I had no digestive problems. As I added foods back in I found which ones caused heartburn. So, I thought I could control my digestive problems through diet and occasional OTC tagamet and Tums, until this summer when I got so stressed about the biopsy. At my annual exam in Aug.the doctor said I needed another endoscopy to see if I needed to go back on a prescription. The diagnosis: gastritis (inflamation (inflammation) of the stomach) and polyps (often caused by stress according to the surgeon). So, my stomach problems are a result of food allergies and stress among other things. The only connection to my biopsy is the stress it caused. Now I'm on back on medicine.

[Montana girl 06]

Is OTC medicine taking care of the problem? I would definately mention it to the Dr./surgeon because they need to get it under control. The endoscopy proceedure is simple - the only thing I felt was the IV needle and then I fell asleep from the medicine. I will pray for your upcoming surgery and stomach/stress this week.

[Montana girl 06]

My husband is always sure my biopsies will be fine, too. (But when he had health problems it was a different story.) You have been under so much stress for so long. I can see how easy it would be to become depressed. My husband is a pastor and often suggests people who are depressed read a Psalm that is full of praise when they wake up in the a.m. and before they go to bed. He used to have trouble with depression and it really helped him. It's our nature to worry about these problems and fear cancer. It's very difficult to get it out of our minds. I hope you find something that helps with the stress and depression. Everyone responds differently to stress. Maybe you only want to be around family because you can be yourself and don't have to put on an act of being happy or something. Sometimes it takes too much effort to put on and act. I find if I spend too much time alone I tend more toward depression, too much time to think of cancer and other bad things. Being around upbeat people helps me.

[snoopy55]

Yes, the Lord is my peace during this time.  Without Him I would just quit completely.  I know what you mean about husbands.  My husband had a heart attack in 1998.  He had to have 3 stints put in, in 1999. He is a diabetic.  He has to go every 3 mos. to the Dr. for bloodwork, etc. due to the meds he is taking.  Whenever he faces a stress test, he gets very "down", yet he doesn't seem to remember those times(smile).  My brother and my brother-in-law are pastors.  The Lord has brought us through so much, and I know He is "in" this too.  I just keep rebuking Satan, because this is where Satan likes to attack.  This is a prayer that was on one of my e-mails this morning:"Lord, give me the courage to meet my fears head-on and the persistence to overcome them in Your strength."
AMEN! AMEN!  Every morning my devotionals are just what I need for that day!  ISN'T GOD GREAT!
Yesterday when I wrote the comments I was really feeling "down" but my husband kind of snapped me out of it, and we went down and visited with my dad, and stopped and got a hamburger.  I felt much better, and you are right!  If school had not started back, I would have probably gone bananas, at least at work I am with people and the children keep my mind off of the negative things.  Who can be negative around a group of kindergarteners?
Anyway, thank you for listening.  Sometimes we just need to have a time to release our thoughts and this site really helps!
Thanks, will be keeping you in my prayers!

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad you're feeling better today. Thanks for sharing that prayer - it's a great one. I teach first grade and we start back next week, so I hope that will help keep my mind off my problems, too. Looks like I have a tough class, tho, so I'm afraid it may be a stressful year.

[snoopy55]

Thank you so much for your positive influence!  We actually started back to school on August 7th.  We have 19 children in our class with 5 other Kindergarten classes.  A rural sort of out in nowhere school but we have a total over 700 children from Pre-K thru 5th grade.  So you teach 1st grade?  I was a parapro in 1st grade for 3 years!
Yes, I feel much better.  You know on Sunday, you always go to church and feel more uplifted and more "refilled" ready to face the week!  Also on Sunday, our son, his wife and our precious little grandson,always eat lunch with us(we all attend the same church and they live right close to us).  We have 11 and 1/2 acres and we live on the same land with a fence and some woods between us.  So that always livens up my day when we have Caleb around.(smile).
Just continue to remember me and I will you.
Thanks again for listening.

[MWR]

I would like to thank everyone who wrote on this forum. I got my biopsy test back on 7 September the Doctor words to me was IT WAS NOTHING. I just started crying when I heard those words you see my Mother and my Grandmother both had breast cancer. I would also like to say do your homework it your life and your body. I had a General Surgery tell me I had to have a surgery biopsy he told me it would require a 2 to 3 inch incision and there would be scar. I wanted the Vacuum-Assisted biopsy he said I was not a candiate for this kind of biopsy without even looking at my mammogram or records and wouldn't even tell me why. Thats when I said I wanted a new Doctor. I was send to the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic in Rochester, New York. First thing I want to say about this clinic is the people that work there are GREAT(it's not just a job to them). They answered all my questions (sometime before I could ask it). When I was having the Vacuum-Assisted biopsy (yes I got the one I wanted)they told me everything they where going to do before they did it. There was one women who was holding my hand and was talking to me the hole time durning the biopsy (this helped me alot to take my mind off of what was going on). They just made me feel  I was in very good hands (safe) they do this with everyone that goes there. The Doctor called me at home 24 hours later with the diagnosis. Once again thank you to everyone. Good luck! May God and all his Angels be with you at all times! I know they where with me through all this!!!

[Montana girl 06]

Glad you got good results and that your search for a specialist turned out so well. Thanks for letting us know your results.

[snoopy55]

Just asking that you all keep me in your prayers because on October 13th I will be having my biopsy.  There are calcifications in my right breast.  I wanted to wait until that date since we will be out of school for a long fall break!  It helps knowing others have been through this and are "cheering" you on and most important that they are uplifting you in prayer!  Thanks!

[Montana girl 06]

I will keep you in my prayers, but remind us again just before your biopsy. Hope you're feeling better. Keep us posted.

[snoopy55]

My biopsy has been changed to Friday, Oct. 6th.  The surgeon will be out of town the following week, so I had to boost it up a week, which happens to be my husband's birthday.  Keep me in your prayers.
thanks

[snoopy55]

I have a question.  What is the recovery time of a biopsy?  The doctors have said a couple of days, but some friends have said it could take up to 6 weeks, and one person told me that they were not allowed to drive for 3 weeks!  I need to know this info, if anyone can help me with this!
Thanks

[cyn17]

It depends on the type of procedure you're having. My biopsies have all been core needle and I was back to normal activity the next day...no limitations.

[snoopy55]

I had my biopsy done yesterday.  Everything went well, except it was long and drawn out.  I was in radiology forever.  They had trouble finding the spot because it was such a tiny area.  They said it was so small that it was a miracle the mammogram picked it up.  So they had to take picture after picture trying to pinpoint the exact area.  Then I was left in the depressed mammogram state for 40 mins!  Then when they located the exact spot and inserted the needle and wire, it took several more pictures before they could get the wire situated exactly right.  The actual surgery only took about 30 mins.  They gave me "twilight" sleep so I felt nothing of that and knew nothing until I woke up, which was great for me.  The Dr. said everything looked benign, but I will get the actual pathology report on Tues. when I go back to the Dr. He won't let me go back to work until after I go back and see him.  I can't drive for 48 hrs. nor take a shower for 48 hrs.  Thank you for all of your prayers and for your continued prayer that the pathology report will be good news!

[cyn17]

Thanks for the update. Glad it went well, if not loong! I'm sure 40 min. being squished wasn't fun. Good luck with the results!!

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad your waiting is almost over. I will continue to pray for good results.

[snoopy55]

Well, bad news came today.  The pathology report showed "non-invasive pre-cancer" carcinoma.  This really took me by surprise.  I was not expecting this news!  I know a lot of people have said, if you have cancer, this is the type to have.  I feel no type is the type to have.  I was really upset when I got the news.  Just the "C" word sends chills over my spine.  I have seen people with all types of cancer and I know and have good friends who have survived more extensive breast cancers.  We go Friday to talk with the surgeon again.  The nurse said he will have to do more surgery.  Can any of you tell me anything about what to expect?  I am also battling my allergies really bad right now, ever since they put me to sleep.  Please respond soon and let me know what you can about this. I really covet your prayers right now.
Thanks for being there for so many of us.

[ziggy123]

I am sorry for your news. As hard as it is to do, please try to remember that what you have is the easiest to treat. But you are correct it is still an invader in your body that does not belong there.
I had a 3mm spot removed in August that was exactly the same kind of premaligancy/precancer as yours. Do you know the size of your DCIS? The first step was with the radiologist who inserted two wires to guide the surgeon as to the exact location of the tumor. I was totally numb and felt nothing during the procedure. They take mammograms and I have to admit that it was uncomfortable, but not painful. My surgeon removed the spot as well as surrounding tissue to make sure that all surrounding tissue was clear. It is called "clean margins." The surgery went well, not a picnic, but certainly bearable. I had little discomfort. A couple of days later, all of the pathology reports came back good with no cancer in the surrounding tissue.
When I returned to the surgeon for my follow-up, he was not sure of what to do with me for treatment, since this was such a tiny area of DCIS. He suggested I see an oncologist for an opinion. The oncologist that I saw did not even refer to this as a cancer, but just like you, he called it a precancerous growth. Radiation was not needed and he agreed that I did not need any further treatment like tamoxifen, just follow with annual mammograms.
For me, the hardest part was before I got the biopsy results, I hated not knowing and waiting. Once I knew and talked to my surgeon I felt that I finally had some sense of control and direction. Maybe some of your anxieties will be relieved after you talk to your doctor. But it is scary and please do not ever feel that you are not entitled to your fears.  Ask questions, as many as you feel you need to ask, so you understand everything there is to know about what will be happening to you. This is a wonderful site and it got me through some tough spots. I will keep in you in my prayers.

[snoopy55]

Thank you so much for your prayers.  I had an excision done last Friday on the calcifications.  I had to go thru Radiology and have the needle and wire inserted, this was a very "rough" procedure, because they left me compressed in the mammogram machine for 40 mins. until they could get the exact location(very very small spot) and get it pinpointed. Then as you know, kept taking the mammograms.  I would hope I would not have to go through that again.  With my breast not healed yet, do you think that they would go ahead and do the other procedure as soon as next week?  We want to get this done ASAP.  We always go to the mountains in Tenn for our anniversary every year in Dec.  We will be married 33 years on Dec. 9th.  This is our vacation each year.  We were really getting excited about going this year.  I sure hope we will still be able to go.  What recovery time did you have?  I was able to go back to work a day earlier than I thought, providing I would not lift anything over 10 lbs.
Thanks for listening and being so supportive.

[Montana girl 06]

I'm so sorry to hear you need additional surgery and possible treatment. I will follow your progress through the posts and keep you in my prayers. I agree, no cancer is good. I bet there's a good chance you'll be healed enough for that trip in Dec. It will be something to look forward to.

[snoopy55]

I wish I could say that we got good news, but we didn't.  However, it could be a lot worse.  The doctor said he had good news and bad news.  The good news was: it is precancer; the bad news: it is cancer.  It is DCIS-Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  (not sure spelling is correct)  However, he gave me 2 choices. One-to have a lumpectomy and radiation; two-to have a masectomy with reconstruction.  He drew it out and showed us; he gave us some pamplets to read and go over and said he wants to see me on Tuesday.  So we are to decide.  If I have the lumpectomy with radiation and another calcification appears then it is to do all over again.  With the masectomy, a plastic surgeon will do the reconstructive surgery immediately after the masectomy and I won't have to have radiation.  I would only be out of work about 2 weeks max, he said may even be able to go back for 1/2 days the second week.  So I can't stand thinking about having more surgery later on the same breast, so we are going with option 2.  Masectomy.  I feel at peace.  We had our pity party Wed. night.  I was not even able to pray, just cry.  Then I awoke at 2:30 am Thurs. morn. and was able to pray.  God gave me peace and I feel calm.  I know I will probably have down times, but God has promised to see me through.  Just keep praying for me. Thanks

[Montana girl 06]

I reread your earlier posts leading up to your cancer diagnosis. You said your area of calcifications was so small that they were surprised it showed up on the mammogram. I don't totally understand cancer that shows up as calcifications. Was your cancerous area in an entire duct surrounding the calcifications? Was a very big area removed in your initial biopsy?

[snoopy55]

I don't really understand all about this type of cancer either.  I guess this can really be a "silent" killer.  The area was very small.  The nurse in the radiology dept. with me when they did the needle lope said it was about the size of a "grain of sand".  That sounds very very small.  Dr. Parker did not have to remove too large of an area, but said either I would have to have the lumpectomy or the mastectomy.  He said he would have to go back in and do a clean margin area with the lumpectomy and I would have to have 7 weeks of radiation to make sure the area was "clear" or have the mastectomy with no radiation.  From the reports, the "microcalcification area" was located in the milk duct right behind the nipple area.  Very small area.  Could not detect it at all.  Felt nothing.  My gynocologist nor the surgeon could pick up any thing wrong.  I have dense breast so it makes it harder.  I have gone thru menopause as of last December.  Haven't had a period since then. It is very scary when you have absolutely NO symptoms...I was told today by a co-worker that a friend of hers who works at Radiology went for her annual exam, had breast exam and mammogram and everything was clear.  Nothing.  Then went back one year later, and WHAM there it was and was invasive already spread thru the breast tissue!  I really think all of the chemicals put on the vegetation gets into the water also and no telling what we all have.  He said this should not be the type to spread to the other breast since it is non-invasive, but we would have to keep a close watch.  Just please keep me uplifted in prayer, and as I said earlier, the doctors too, they need our prayers also.  Thanks for listening and being so supportive.

[boninclyde]

snoopy55 that seems like such a small area of DCIS to have a masectomy for. And didn't you say in a post earlier that they are not going to check lymph nodes? No matter what your decision they always check the lymph nodes. Usually just the senteniel nodes. I would ask why they are not going to check those. Are you doing the double masectomy? Maybe you just want to be safe. Me and lots of other women were told we only had DCIS until the breast tissue was removed and they found invasive cancer. Wish you well.

[Montana girl 06]

With my regular formation of calcifications and all types of lumps I think I would choose a masectomy because with me, everytime they take something out of one area something new and suspicious just pops up in another area. Plus, I've already been told by two different surgeons that to take care of all the supspicious areas in my left breast they would have to remove a large portion and it would be a major surgery. Frustrating. It's great that you'll hopefully be able to avoid radiation by going with the masectomy. Thanks for sharing your info with me.

[Montana girl 06]

Is your surgery tomorrow? I pray for God's peace and blessings on you and the medical staff. Let us know how you're doing.

[snoopy55]

Hey,
I made it through!  My surgery was last Thurs. November 2nd.  Everything went wonderful....except for the usual...pain, pain, pain!  I had to be at the hospital at 5:00 am and was taken in at 6:30 am.  They took me to the holding room and then took me to the OR at 7:05.  The procedure with the general surgeon doing the mastectomy took right at 2 hours.  then the long part came.  I was in with the plastic surgeon for 6 hours!  He did an excellent job according to all the nurses in ICU.  I was placed in ICU from about 3:30 pm on Thurs. until 10:30 am Friday(Nov.3).  Then they put me in a room and I came home on Monday, Nov. 6th, with 3 JP drain tubes(2 in abdomen, and one in breast area)  I did very good until my spastic colon IBS showed up.  I was very sick, had not had a BM since Wed. Nov. 1st.  I was getting very bad, drs. called in meds, nurses called me and stayed in touch, then yesterday morning Thurs. Nov. 9th, my husband had to end up giving me a Children's Fleet enema.  Finally, only thru prayer, we made it!!  We had a prayer meeting in the bathroom.  Went to the plastic surgeon today, and he was very pleased with everything.  The tran flap has taken thus far with no problems.  He took the 3 drain tubes out and said for me to come back next Wed. to have the breast and abdomen sutures removed.  No driving for another week though, and no lifting or doing anything much for 6 more weeks.  I am not returning to work until after Christmas.  I go back to the general surgeon for check up and results on Nov. 27th.  Our church and friends have been bringing food in every evening.  They have been wonderful!  My husband has really been great through this also,  He is a good nurse, and loving husband!  My son and his wife have also pitched in as well as other family members.  God is so Good!
will keep you updated.
Thank you all for your prayers, and please continue to pray, because one of my drain areas was really bleeding bad earlier today.  but think we got that under control,