Microcalcifications, why now

[KR62]

Hi again and thank you for your last response. As I posted before, I am 45 yo and just had my mammogram the other day and after having all normal mammograms, now I've been told I have microcalcifications in both breasts with cluster(s) in the left which is to be biopsied 12/21. I also had an US on my right breast as I felt a painful pea size bump. The US showed I had multiple cysts--this is also "new" for me. I am not overweight, never smoked, am physically active and menses began at 14. I have 2 children 11 and 13 whom I nursed both for 6 months. The nurse at the Breast Center said the calicifications could be from "leftover milk". Is that true and if so, why wasn't this ever found before? Also, to go from a "normal" mammogram to now one with multiple calcification with cluster on one side in just one year, what is the significance of these changes now all at once? I just feel like a brick has been dropped on my head. Of course, I'm trying to be positive, but I want to prepare myself realistically.

[KR62]

Hi, thanks for dropping a note to me. We will have to keep each other posted on our biopsies etc. Plus pray for each other. I do not have my report and the nurse at the Breast Center was most UNHELPFUL and did not say anyting too much beyond "you've got alot going on in your breasts" she said I have microcalcifications in both but a cluster on the left which will need to be biopsied. If I asked her a question, she would get up and huff her way out of the room, like I was such an inconvenience to her. I had asked if any of this or the beginnings of these are seen on past reports. She came back and said the radiologist said no. In retrospect, I should have asked to speak with the radiologist, but was too blown away to think straight. Good luck on your tests next week. Not such a great time of the year to be going through this huh?
Best wishes to you as well,
Karen

[betsy7]

Hi Karen:  Have been trying to reach you via the forum, but I don't think I'm doing it right?
I can meet anywhere for coffee. You pick a place.  Thank God we both got good news about our biopsies.  I haven't been able to access the forum for about a month, but will try to check in QD or QOD.   thanks   betsy

[KR62]

Hi Cynthia, No, it is not strange that you do not want to tell friends or family. I know that I could not tell alot of people because I could not say it without crying up until the week my test was being done. I went through my procedure during Christmas, so I was with family alot and did not tell them because I didn't want it to be a "topic" of every conversation. A little denial?--Probably. Not talking about it constantly was also good for me. Everyone is so different and how you handle things is totally a unique thing to every individual. So, it's ok if you do not feel like telling alot of people. Stay busy and stay positive!! Good luck on the 17th!! You will do fine. Karen

[5isgr8]

Karen, Is it strange that I don't want to tell my friends or family ? I have never been in chat rooms or posted anything before, but this is where I feel like I want to turn for support. (my husband does know) I guess, I really have nothing to tell.....just a lot of waiting. I'll be having a stereotactic biopsy as well. I've read about it and also different posts and feel comfortable about the proceedure. I have 5 children and think that is the part that worries me the most. I don't want to scare them or turn their lives upside down. I love them so much and don't want to be the cause of pain for them. Anyway, I need to stop writting the 'what ifs' are taking over.
Thanks for listening, Cynthia

[KR62]

Hi. Yes, the waiting is terrible. It is an emotional rollercoaster, you are not alone in that. I had to wait 3 weeks from mammo to biopsy--it was horrible. The procedure--i had a stereotactic biopsy--was not that bad at all. Read the prior posts on this. This site is a wonderful place for support and getting your questions answered. It really helped me alot during this time. I'll be thinking of you on the 17th and sending positive thought and prayers your way!! Take care, try to stay busy and keep us posted on your test and your results. Best wishes to you--Karen

[KR62]

Hi Hazel, I've been away from the computer a few days and just read your post about the appointment with your doctor and they had given you the wrong information previously. I feel so bad that happened. Happy to hear it is "tiny" and they are going to take care of it soon. Positive thoughts and prayers are still with you. I just know you will be fine!! Keep me posted and let me know the date of your surgery when you get it. Karen

[HazelLynn]

Hi, its terrible waiting, it drives you crazy.  I had to wait a month, then was told I was ok, then yesterday, another 11 days on,  told I wasnt, so whilst you know nothing - try and enjoy that time.  The biopsies are physically nothing to worry about, its a small price to pay to find out if you are ok.  
Best wishes,
Hazel

[5isgr8]

Thank you for your posts. I am just starting on this path and your comments have helped. I will have my biopsy on Jan17th. I'm not sure how I'm feeling about this..I think just numb. I have so much to do today, but I can't seem to think about anything else and the day seems to be moving in slow motion.

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen and Betsy,

Thank you for your posts.  I have just got back from the doctors meeting - I do have breast cancer - the secretary must have given  someone elses results when my husband called in 11 days ago..  I have it in the right breast, apparently its very tiny and the doctor said that he will operate in about two months time.  It seemed also that they had lost my notes and thats why I had to wait a month for the results.  I am absolutely devastated.  Two months seems an awful long time to wait for an operation, so my husband is trying to find a way to get me seen quicker. What a blow after thinking I was ok.
Best wishes,
Hazel

[KR62]

Glad you get to see the doctor tomorrow and get the complete report etc. Let us know how that goes. Yeah, I wish you were on this side of the world so you can meet for coffee---if you are everin the Boston area, we will set that up!! Good luck tomorrow. I find it easier to write down my questions for the doctor, so I have a paper and pen ready and can write the answers as well. Sometimes when you have a new or stressful situation, you think you can keep it all straight and then later in the day wonder "What did he/she say?" Good luck and let us know. Karen

[KR62]

YAAAHHHHOOOO!!!! Betsy, I am so happy to hear the GREAT news!!!! What a relief for you. Your doctor will probably have you get a mammo every 6 months, that what was ordered for me and seems to be the norm. I work in Cambridge and live in Wakefield, I'd love to get together for coffee. As you can see above, they won't let your email address go through, but we can set a day/time and place here. I am so happy for you--I kept checking the site yesterday for the news.
So, let me know some dates/places and times. I work only 2  days(12's) a week, so I have lots of time!!! Karen

[HazelLynn]

Congratulations Betsy, thats a weight off your mind isnt it! - I am so happy for you.
I have an appointment tomorrow with the doctor *first one since I had the biopsies on the 6th January - but when my husband called the hospital to see what was going on, i he was told that I dont have cancer - this was said by the secretary - so all will be revealed in the morning and I will post as soon as I get home.  This site has been wonderful, Karen has been great, and you have.  Hope you guys meet up for coffee - wish I could come too, but am on the other side of the world.

[betsy7]

Great news you guys!  B-9!! heard today from the breast surgeon. So
I will be following up with my Primary Care provider and having another mammogram whenever she tells me to.  There are no words to express how grateful I am for the information and support I got from this forum.  Now, Hazel, what about you.  Karen: where do you work?
We should meet for coffee.   Betsy   (my e-mail is ***@****)

[KR62]

Hey Betsy, glad the bx. wasn't too bad for you. Yeah, the lidocaine burns but not for long. Keep with your friend the "ice" it helps alot. Prayers and positive thoughts are with you for a benign report. We have more in common than just this procedure--I too am a nurse in the Boston area and yeah, it's tough to be on the other side of the chart!! This site was a tremendous help to me while going through this. Posting back and forth to HazelLynn was also a godsend--Thanks Hazel!!!  I'll be waiting to hear you good news, so let us know!!! Karen

[HazelLynn]

Well done Betsy - fingers crossed for you.
Hazel

[betsy7]

Hi:  I had my stereotactic this a.m.  It wasn't as bad as I thought.  The Lidocaine was the most uncomfortable part.  I had it at the Medical Center where I work, so everyone was more than nice.
The tech checked on me periodically, and told me when the biopsy gun made the noise, she would touch my shoulder to remind me not to move.  Everyone there told me that they thought the worst part might be the table and that I had to lie on my stomach for an extended time, but it wasn't as bad as the Lidocaine.  It took about 1 1/2 hours all totaled.  Then, as my luck would have it, they said they needed to do a post procedure mammogram.  It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would, but the pressure caused the incision to bleed, and so I had to go back into the procedure area to be re-sutured (2) and steri-stripped.  I'm at home and resting now. I am also blessed to have a wonderful supportive husband.  My results probably won't be till Monday or Tuesday.  I'll let you guys know.
You have been so wonderful and have lifted a great weight off of me, just by knowing your support.
Ice is my best friend right now.   Thanks  

[betsy7]

Thank you, too, Hazel.  I have been a nurse for a long time, and I am just anxious about being on the 'other side' of care. I'll let you and Karen know how it went.  I'm scheduled for 8 a.m. tomorrow
(January 3rd)  Bless you and Karen and the others.  I don't know how I would have survived without
the support.               Betsy

[betsy7]

Hi Karen:  thanks for your support.  I have my stereotactic in the morning.  I will let you know how it goes.  Bless you               Betsy

[HazelLynn]

Hi Betsy,  Just want you to know that I share Karens post about the Stereotactic biopsy, it was so gentle that I couldnt believe it - after that one I immediately had a core biopsy taking six samples and that wasnt so bad either.  Afterwards I didnt even think about taking any pain killers, and just experienced a few sensations - so Karens advice to take Ativan or another medication is a good one, but without any - it wasnt a problem.  With regards to time I cannot tell you how long each procedure took as I went directly into ultrasound, then straight to mammogram and then straight into the biopsy room - I put mind over matter and tried to think of other things whilst they did their procedures.  One thing I must say is that if my husband hadnt gone in for my results I would still be waiting from the 6th December - and today is the 2nd January, next appointment to officially receive my results is the 9th, so make sure that they give you a date for them and that you keep on top of them for them.  Best wishes and hope all goes well.
Best wishes to you too Karen

[KR62]

Hi Betsy, I think the procedure took about 1/2 hour or less. I took 1 mg of Ativan 1 hour prior to the procedure which really helped. I was very relaxed and actually quite comfortable. You lay on your stomach, they use a mammography machine to make sure they know where the cluster is that they want to bx; they cleanse/swab the area; you feel a pin ***** with the local anesthetic followed by about 10 seconds of burning. After the local anesthetic is in, the only thing I felt was a very small tugging/pressure--really nothing. HONESTLY, it is not that bad at all--better than going to the dentist for a filling!! When I got home, I put ice on for a while and took a nice nap---gotta love that Ativan!! When I woke up, the anesthetic was gone and I was alittle achy, so I took Extra Strength Tyelenol just once and was fine. I did use the ice for the first 3 days and again, the sports bra was great. I had this done the Friday before Christmas--with the weekend and Holiday closing the pathology dept., I had my results Dec. 26th!! I expected to wait much longer. Good Luck and let me know how you make out!! Prayers and poisitive thoughts are with you!!! Karen

[betsy7]

Karen:  I'm making myself crazy.  How long did your stereotactic take?   Betsy

[KR62]

Hi Betsy, I'm glad you were able to reschedule sooner. I had to wait 3 weeks fro my stereotactic biopsy and the waiting was terrible--I too would cry when talking about it--you are not alone in that. It's an emotional roller coaster until you get your results. I posted about stereotactic biopsies after I had mine done. If you didn't see it, I want you to know, the procedure is NOT that bad at all. I would highly encourage you to get a prescription for Ativan or Valium and take it 1 hour prior to your biopsy(you will need someone to drive you!!) Also, get a sports bra--my calcifications were also on the left side, to the left of the nipple, so a regular bra's edge would rub right near the site. Sports bra is cut wider and was very comfortable--sleep with it on for the 1st 2-3 nights. Lastly, pick up some reusable ice packs at the local pharmacy and apply frequently over the first 2-3 days(ice cubes melt and leak--these packs are great and don't get you wet!!) Keep me posted and best wishes for a benign report. The support of this site is awesome and was very comforting to me during this crazy time in my life.
Take care and good luck!!! Karen

[betsy7]

Hi everyone:  I've been reading the comments in the forum for about a week.  I'm 61 and have had normal mammograms for 20 years, and I'm still reeling at going from a BIRADS 1 to a 4 in 5 days!
I alternate between terror and sadness and I still can't talk to others about it without crying. I have a cluster of microcalcifications in my upper outer left breast.  The Radiologist also says there was an area of nodular density which is related to the calcifications.  I was scheduled the middle of January for my stereotactic bx, but thanks to the mercy of one of the nurses I work with, I was able to be scheduled at the medical center where I work to have it on January 3rd.  I'm more than a little apprehensive about the test.  I'm happy that some of you had benign results and that's what I'm hoping for.  I'll keep all of you in my daily prayers.  Thanks for the information.  Betsy

[bec777]

Hi everyone.  When I was 11, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 B breast cancer.  her tumor was over 10cm when it was removed.  she underwent chemo and radiation...and a LOT of surgeries and then reconstruction. (I've pretty much seen it all). I myself have had 2 lumpectomies, both benign. Look, I know cancer inside and out and you're all probably terrified.  I really do understand.  But I promise you there's hope.  I'm 17 now and constantly getting grounded by my very alive mom for not cleaning my room :)
If any of you have any questions about the treatment process, the COPING process, or just need someone to talk to, PLEASE message me.
I dont know any of you but I love you with all my heart.
good luck
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeycahClIJI   (just watch it - you'll see)