Microcalcifications, why now

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.

[HazelLynn]

Hi, I am another woman with very similar symptoms as yourself, I am 47 with four young children and too am really devastated, its a terrible thing to be going through.  Have you been told what kind of microcalcifications they are?, I have been told mine are Pleomorphic - I will be biopsied on after Christmas, and have to have other tests next week.  I cannot give you any advice or knowledge with your situation/ or mine, I just wanted to wish you luck and hope that things work out well for yourself and for me.
Best wishes,
Hazel

[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

[NY2007]

Hi, I am 42 need core biopsy for a cluster of microcalcification. I'm high risk - my sister had BA when she was 35. I had Fibroadenoma when I was 22. I am feeling that it's malignant, and I feel that the whole world is different now. I just started a new job...I wouldn't resign my old job and came to a new job if I knew I have to go through this...Best wishes to you all. We have to stay strong..

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen, Thanks for your note to me too.  Yes lets keep each other posted and pray that we are all alright - poor you having such horrid medical staff, why they have to be so nasty is beyond me, especially when we need such support at this terrible time.  I am worried as my husband is sick too and is waiting for another biopsy on his kidneys after having two previous ones where the doctor hit the muscle instead and all I can think of is are my children, as I am sure you are too with yours.  What is your next step now? mine is to go in on Tuesday for an X Ray to look at the Pleomorphic calcifications - I just hope they speak English as we live in Portugal and I cannot understand the language properly.  I will let you know if I find anything out on Tuesday, fingers crossed for us both.
Best wishes,
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi - when is your biopsy due? and please tell me what a core biopsy is? - I have to have a biopsy under surgery but I have no idea what that is called.  I too am high risk being an old mum - had four babies between the age of 37 - 41, so that may quadruple my risk factor, plus I lost my mum to breast cancer, so I too am panicking like crazy too.  Let me know when your biopsy is due and keep me informed - and fingers crossed for all of us.

Best wishes,
Hazel

[NY2007]

Hi Hazel,
here is a link about core needle biopsy - http://imaginis.com/breasthealth/biopsy/core.asp. mine is due 12/6/07, and I need to wait at least a week to get pathology result...My first mamogram (mammogram) was 11/9/07.. the waiting time is killing me, I am very anxious now. It seems you have more going on in your life than I do. I have a teenager..Will keep you informed, and fingers crossed for all of us too....I am trying to stay calm...and planning go to Christmas parties..

[riley180]

Hi.
The anxieties are unfortunately part of the process. The mammograms and ultrasounds are all preliminary - only the biopsy will give definitive proof. And the waiting is hell.

It is not surprising that you had previous mammograms which were normal, and now are suspicious - the test improves its detection rate as you grow older. It is difficult to say that all the microcalcifications suddenly appeared within the span of a year, it may only be a function of an improved detection of the mammo.

The "left-over milk" actually refers to the development of sacs which are designed to produce milk. The structures persist, not the milk per se.

Stay positive and stay on course.  I lost my foster mom to breast cancer, she never had a mammogram and was diagnosed too late. You are facing the threat of the disease at its earliest stage, you have more going for you than you think.

[KR62]

Thank you for your response. Yes, I do have to keep in mind IF it is something it is early on and treatments are available. Yes, the waiting is the most stressful of all. I wish they could have just done the biopsy then and there instead of having to wait 3 weeks and let my mind keep racing. I am very sorry on the loss of your foster Mom.
I do hope that with the advancements of technologies and testing equipment many more can be caught earlier to allow for immediate treatment/cure.Thanks for bringing this up, as a potential answer to why it was not noted before.
Thanks again,
Karen

[KR62]

I am sorry to hear you are not only facing some testing on yourself, but also on your husband. My husband actually had kidney cancer 6 yers ago. His was an encapsulated tumor on his right kidney, so his treatment was to remove the kidney. Painful surgery to go through, but I am happy to say he is fine now--still gets scanned every 6 months, so I am happy he is being watched.
Good luck on Tuesday with your Xray. My biopsy isn't until 12/21--I'll keep you all posted and I hope you will keep me posted on your course as well.
Is there an interpreter service available to you in Portugal at the medical center? If they do not have this available, see if there is a telephone number available through the phone service there that can handle the interpretation for you. We have this service available in the U.S., I'm not sure if it international or not---I will try to look into this for you and let you know.
Prayers to all,
Karen

[KR62]

I'm wishing you positive thoughts and prayers on your biopsy on 12/6. Please keep us posted on this.
Best Wishes,
Karen

[HazelLynn]

Hi, thanks for the site for the core biopsy - I had a look at it and understand more about it now. Best wishes,
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen,

Thanks for your post back, sorry that your husband had been sick too, but great news that hes fine now - My husband should have been right by now if the doctor had successfully performed the biopsy first time around.  I will check out at the hospital if they have an interpretor if I get chance, otherwise I will have to muddle through in pidgeon Portuguese, its going to be a rush as we have to be there by 7.30 am, then my husband has to get the children back for school and then return to me.
Will be in touch soon.  It really helps having you to post - thanks.
Best wishes,
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi,  I just wanted to let you know that I had my biopsy on the left on a lump and on the right the doctor did a biopsy to remove the Pleomorphic Calcifications, I was told that they were different from the last mammogram - more round, so that was a good sign (I think), the doctor said that the surgeon will probably remove them after Christmas instead of monitoring them as with me being high risk there is no benefit waiting for them to develop into anything.  The results will come back in about ten days - my husband also had his kidney biopsy yesterday,so will receive the results about the same time as me - so hopefully by Christmas we will be on a road to successful treatments.  The biopsies were not bad at all, its the waiting thats going to be the hardest.  Luckily the doctor spoke English and was absolutely fantastic.  Hope all goes well for you all.
Best wishes Hazel

[NY2007]

Hello all, I just had my biopsey, it took longer than I thought because the MD doing the biopsey is under a instruction/direction of another radiologist. Hope my breast tissue didn't get any damage than it suppose to be. Wish I could refuse the new MD to do the biopsey for me. But I was told that the staff radiologist is retiring, so he has to direct the new MD to do the procedure. Well this add more stress on me. I was told that the procedure was a well down. Now I have to wait for a week to get the verdict...Best wishes to you all... No matter the result is good or bad, I believe I will appreciate my life more each day...

[HazelLynn]

Fingers crossed for you, me and everyone else going through the same thing that things come out in our favour.  

[KR62]

I'm glad to hear your biopsies went well!!! Happier to hear the shape of the cells sounding better. I of course will keep you in my prayers and hope the results in 10 days are negative!! I'm also hoping the same for your husband's biopsy as well. How difficult for you both to be going through something like this right now. At least with being so busy with Christmas shopping and gatherings, it does help to keep you mind off things at times. I am happy you had a doctor who spoke English and could explain things for you.
Take care and keep in touch,
Karen  

[KR62]

I of course will keep my fingers crossed for you and everyone else. Your positive attitude about the results is a great one, and is very comforting to hear. Thank you for that. I'm sure the new doctor did a fine job, or the supervising doctor would have jumped right in. Keep us posted on the results, I'm praying they will be negative. Keep in mind 85% of biopsies are negative---it's the waiting and worrying that affects 100% of us. Keep your positive outlook--it's contagious!!
Best Wished
Karen

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen and everyone, hope you are all getting through this time as best as possible - its dreadful waiting itsnt it, I keep getting heat by waves of fear and panic and then it passes and I try to be normal, I am forever on the computer still trying to read more into the reports than is there, but like us all, all we can do is wait for the results from the doctor.  My husbands biopsy report came through, he has a kidney disease FSGS which he thinks he started with as a child, so we are still continuously running to and fro to the same hospital, hopefully the treatment will help him.  Fingers crossed for a better New Year for us all, and for our children.
Best wishes,
Hazel

[KR62]

Nice to hear from you. I'll have to look up the condition your husband has. Is there treatment that can be done to help it? Hope so!!  I'm sure you must be pretty crazy at this point waiting for those results. I'm praying and keeping everything crossed the biopsy will be negative. I have one more week to wait for my biopsy(not being done until next Friday) and then I'm sure I'll be experiencing the waves you are now. I've just been trying to keep myself busy getting everything ll set for Christmas, so that does help pass the time some. Let me know of your results when you get them. Take care and God Bless you and your family.
Karen

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen,

By now you have probably had your biopsy, I do hope things turn out well for you and that you get your results quickly and that they are good ones.  I had my biopsies on the 6th and am still waiting, even though I have tried to rush things up.  You asked what my husband had - its FOCUL SEGMENTAL GLOBULARSCLEROSIS - seems there isnt a cure, just treatment for the symptoms, he thinks he started with it as a child.  Please let me know how you get on, I am gunning for you and all the other brave ladies on this site and for myself and family.  MERRY CHRISTMAS when it comes.  
Hazel

[KR62]

Hi I was just thinking about you and had hoped you had gotten your results back--still got the fingers crossed for good news!! I did have my stereotactic biopsy this past Friday (21st). With a little Ativan on board, I was very relaxed for the procedure. Other than the quick pinch of the needle for the lidocaine followed by less than 10 second burning sensation, I didn't feel a thing. Certainly much better than anticipated!!! Now the wait is on again. I will have a follow up mammogram on Thursday 12/28---as they couldn't do after my procedure because of a hematoma--then meet with the doctor on Friday. Not sure if I'll get the results because of the Christmas holiday--pathology most likely closed until Wednesday. Hoping and praying for you, me and everyone on this site for good news and the strength to handle whatever lies ahead. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

[HazelLynn]

Hi,  Just wanted to wish you all the best for Christmas and to say that I hope things will be better for you in 2008.  Best wishes to everyone on this site
Hazel

[NY2007]

Thanks Hazel, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. My breast surgeon said I have to do an excitional biopsy in mid-January, another long wait again, but I have scheduled with another breast surgeon for a 2nd opinion before the procedure...

[HazelLynn]

Hi,  Thanks NY - hope you are doing ok. According to my specialist and biopsy doctor - I too will have an excitional biopsy about the same time as you - but as yet I havent had my results, so I dont know whats going on.  I keep ringing and ringing for some answers but have heard nothing yet -been waiting 20 days - just hope I can keep my exasperation under control.  Keep the posts going so that we know how you get on and good for you getting a second opinion.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Hazel

[HazelLynn]

Hi,  thanks for your last post, hope you enjoyed Christmas.  Just want to say I am gunning for your results to be good ones.  I still am no further on, I keep on and on ringing but its always engaged, and if not, then no one answers.  Had a good Christmas day, the children really enjoyed themselves, but this big black cloud keeps coming over me - Lets hope we all have a Happy New Year!  Best wishes,
Hazel

[KR62]

Hi Gals, I wanted to share my news with you--my report came back today and it is benign!!! It is such a relief. Hazel, I don't understand why you haven't received your report yet--20 days is a very long time. Is there anyone else you can call for the results? Could you go down to the breast center where the biopsy was done and speak to someone? It seems strange they want to book you for an excisional bx and you still haven't heard your results from your other bx. NY2007--did you get your initial bx results? You both are with me in my thoughts and prayers that everyting will turn out well. Hoping 2008 will be a wonderful year for all!! Keep me posted and I'll keep praying for you both and everyone on this site.Happy New Year and best wishes to all.
Karen

[HazelLynn]

Hi Karen and NY2007 - thanks for your news Karen - excellent news WHOOOPEEEEE, for you, and it seems for me too, hope the same for you too NY2007, what a weight off our minds, I have been going absolutely nuts as I know you both have, and it has certainly helped to have you on this site - so thanks.  My husband had to go to hospital for some tests today, so he called in the Synnnology Dept to see what was going on, whilst I took the children to Macdonalds, he didnt see the doctor but the secretary who rang through for my results - and there is no cancer.  I see the doctor on the 9th January and will have to have some kind of operation?  late January/early February, but the main thing is I dont have cancer - wish I had had this news before Christmas.  As for the delay - I have no idea, but will surely get to the bottom of it one day.  HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU BOTH!!!!!!!!!!!and everyone on the site.
Hazel

[KR62]

HOORAY!!!! That is wonderful news HazelLynn!!! Sorry for you this news took so long getting to you--but extremely happy for you it is wonderful news!! NY2007--have you gotten your results yet? I'm praying you will also have wonderful news to share with us. I have a follow up mammo tomorrow and meet with the doctor afterwards. Happy New Year to you both and to everyone on the site---hope good news finds everyone in the New Year. Thank you for all your help, support and prayers. It is greatly appreciated.

[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)

[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

[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]

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

[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

[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

[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

[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:  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  

[HazelLynn]

Well done Betsy - fingers crossed for you.
Hazel

[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

[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 ***@****)

[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.

[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

[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

[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

[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, 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

[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

[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

[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 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

[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