birad 4 microcalcifications biopsy?

[Rtist]

If anyone can help with my question I would be so grateful.  I had 2 mammograms that confirmed microcalcification clusters in my right breast at 9:00 (is that my 9:00 or his?), anyway, one surgeon told me to have another mammogram in 3 months or a biopsy.  Another surgeon who has been my family and friend's doctor for years with a great reputation told me he would do a surgical biopsy removing the calcifications and surrending tissue so as to test everything and not leave anything behind.  He said that he first inserts blue dye and then removes the dyed area.  I have not read anything like this on this forum or anywhere in the internet when I research.  Can anyone explain if this is common?  I trust this man, but want to research myself as it is my body and my decision.  Thank you so much.

[Rtist]

Dear Stacy,
I will ask about the MRI biopsy.  I will get back to taking care of business tomorrow, meanwhile I will enjoy just feeling good.  Don't worry about your 6 month check.  They are on top of you and will work hard to make sure you don't get sick again.  My husband had his kidney out due to cancer and he stresses every few months from all the tests and scans they do..I guess its just part of who you are and don't borrow trouble if you don't have to.  If you feel good today, enjoy it.  There's so much time to worry when we have to, so make it always a great day.  I also am starting to feel like I am getting older (turning 50 this summer, who me?), my feet have pain on the bottoms of my heels and my neck is always out and my dentist said my gums are a little receeding.  Who me?  I always took pride in my healthy teeth.  So its new mouthwashes and new routines, new doctors and new tests.  I lived with lupus since I was 32 and then I thought "oh my god, how can this be happening to me?' and now its just who I am.  I will keep you posted on my diagnosing.  Don't worry!  For the next 6 months you can relax.  Your friend,  Robin

[txgrl01]

I am glad that there was nothing found but I am sorry to hear that you are still in limboland.  Stay on top of this.  Sometimes things just won't really show up on mammogram and u/s.  Have they discussed having an MRI biopsy?  They are really sensitive.  My calcifications only showed up on MRI.
My doctor recommended a follow-up MRI in 6 months to make sure that there is no change from the benign findings because of the the cluster of calcifications.  I felt pretty good about the benign finding until I got the "recommend follow-up MRI for monitoring"  I guess that's one of the hard things about being diagnosed before, overcoming fears of recurrence.
Again, I am so happy that they didn't find cancer.  Have a great weekend!

[Rtist]

I got to mammograpy in my hospital gown and slippers and after the tests, they came in and told me that the microcalcifications only showed up on one photo, so they had to cancel the biopsy.  They explained it all, that if they can't locate, they can't biopsy and removed.  I have to now see if they can do a stereotactic biopsy, but they said I may have to wait a few months in case the same thing happened again.  It just left me relieved but confused.  I know better to be too safe.  I will keep you posted as to what's next.  They didn't want me to forget it and wait a year.  Have you ever heard of it just not showing up after 2 mammographies that showed a BIRAD 4?  Please give me your opinion.  Thank you also for all your help and encouragement.  You are so kind and special.  Robin

[Rtist]

why don't you email me at Rtistluv(at)aol.com see what happens.  thanks

[lizziecee]

Didn't get your email unfortunately -= perhaps you could try again at:
tedark at (ampersand) aol.com
Love, Liz.

[Rtist]

I emailed you at tedark at aol.com

[Rtist]

I emailed you at ***@**** see if you got it.   Robin

[lizziecee]

P.S. the car journey from Plymouth airport, which is north of the city, is around 30-45 mins. depending on the time you hit either the Torpoint car ferry or by road across the Tamar bridge. We haven't learned yet to walk on water and we have to get over the Tamar river somehow. I often take a little foot ferry from Cremyll (about 6 mins drive from the Fort to the city or the hospital and have a cab waiting on the Plymouth side. The journey on the boat only takes 7 minutes, although it can be a bit rough and cold in the winter months. There is a book written on this part of Cornwall, entitled "The Forgotten Corner of Cornwall", by a local historian who lives in Cawsand which I could send you if we can ever communicate directly.There are a number of holiday apts to let here, by second home owners, if mine is booked. I can get details of their charges, once I know how many people will be staying. My holiday apt is a studio, sleeps 2, newly renovated kitchen abd bathroom and fully equipped. All apts have a view of Plymouth Sound and the water traffic.

Liz.

[lizziecee]

so very sorry to hear of your cousin's tragic story. Those of us with breast cancer always have the fear of recurrence at the back of our minds, but we do have to try and put it in a box and try as best we can to live normally. As my surgeon once said: "the only good lump is one in a jar". As far as I am aware the only conclusive test for bc is a biopsy.

Ah...the Fort. The nearest airport is Plymouth, but it is not an international one. Just flies within the UK and Channel Islands (Jersey ad Guernsey). Others are 2 hrs away at Bristol and Exeter. When I go to Florida each winter to stay with friends in Tampa, I fly Air SouthWest from Plymouth to Gatwick (near London) and then British Airways direct to Tampa Florida.  NorthWest flies to the UK (Heathrow or Gatwick) and there may be others. My husband and I are planning to go Omaha for 4 week next year to celebrate his 80th. Friends will drive from Omaha to Minneapolis, stay there a couple of nights, then onto the Badlands in the Dakotas and then Omaha for 2 weeks.  We can fly direct to  Minneapolis from Gatwick so it should be fairly easy for my husband who is disabled and can't walk more than 30 yds. Where are you in the US?

We can see Kingsand and Cawsand from both of our apts, and there is a lovely 20 minute walk along the cliffs on the  South West coastal path, just outside the Fort to these beautiful unspoiled villages. It is like stepping back in time - some good pubs and restaurants in the villages.

Let's see if my e-mail will get through as I am concerned we may be boring other people with health problems on this site. It is:
tedark at aol.com

Take care,
Liz.

[Rtist]

I didn't want to say anything while stacy you were waiting for your biopsy results, but I wanted to share a sad story about my cousin.  At age 38 she felt a lump in her breast and went to her gyno.  She was told to wait, that its nothing.  She went back a few months later, still concerned and he told her that women are cystic, it feels like a cyst and just wait because she had an annual mammogram scheduled in a few months.  A few months more passed and she then went to see another doctor (I believe her friends sent her to a breast surgeon) who told her he wanted it out immediately.  It was stage 4 and she went through chemo, surgery and died eventually not too long after.  She left 2 young daughters.  She was an intelligent woman (a lawyer), but naive when it came to questioning her doctor and going for a second opinion when he wanted to ignor it.  This is why when my first doctor told me to wait, after the radiologist insisted it was biopsied, I went for a second opinion.  With cancer, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

[Rtist]

I looked up where you live and must say it looks absolutley amazing. What a wonderful place to retire and live.  I looked up also the surrounding towns and gardens.  This is what I've been looking for (my husband and I have been wanting to go to England for a long time now).  What is the closest airport?  How long would the car drive be.  I fell in love with Cawsand, Kingsand.  

[Rtist]

Thank you.  I guess tamoxifen is putting a cramper on your walking.  Can you take an antiflammatory?  You must be in amazing shape.  I used to power walk that much too, kept nice and thin for catching a husband, lol, but now (remarried for 3 years), its time for me to get back into shape.  I do keep my weight down, so thats going in my favor for my health.  I guess its just one day at a time now.  You have a great weekend.  Robin

[txgrl01]

The list of side effects is pretty long but I have only been experiencing two.  Joint pain and muscle spasms in my calves.  
I have never experienced joint pain prior to this med & my hips and knees are very uncomfortable.  I also get major "charlie horses" in my calves.  From what I hear it's not supposed to be a common side effect but almost everyone on tamoxifen that I've spoken to has leg pain and/or muscle cramps.
I speed walk about 4 miles a day so the knee pain is slowing my pace considerably.  I have started doing leg strengthening exercises at the gym but haven't noticed any improvement yet.
I keep telling myself that this is a small price compared to the cancer.
I am continuing to pray for you and your surgeon.  Check back and let us know how you are. ~Stacy

[Rtist]

What you described sounds amazing.  I would love to see that area, perhaps vacation in your apt there?  I will look up the area on the internet and give you my impression.  I love big storms too.  I have to run out now....I will be on later to continue....Robin

[Rtist]

THANK GOD THANK GOD THANK GOD AND HALLALUAH....I am so happy for you.  Now just focus on being whole again.  I am so happy for you and wish you happiness and peace of mind and health.  What are the side effects of tamoxifin anyway??

[lizziecee]

txgrl01 - what joyous news! Hope you are celebrating - perhaps with a glass of champagne?

Rtist - I live in an 1850's old Napoleonic Fort on Plymouth Sound, Cornwall - far west of England. It is literally on the water, and being near Plymouth (where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the 'New World', we have lots of naval traffic from the nearby Devonport dockyard (frigates, destroyers, nuclear submarines etc.) cross channel ferries to France and Spain, leisure yachts racing, fishermen etc. right outside our windows. At the rear of the Fort is Edgcumbe Country Park - some 500 acres of parkland, with a herd of fallow deer and the National Camellia Collection - 600+ different species of these beautiful shrubs which flower in late Feb/March and herald the spring.
It is a magical place, but I am a townie, and we are about an hour's drive by car and ferry to Plymouth, the nearest city, where the hospital is.  My husband is 79 yrs young, and disabled, so the moving seascape is a blessing. We also own another apt in the Fort, which we let out for holidays and this not only keeps me busy, but we get to meet so many interesting people. This year we have had visitors from the USA, New Zealand and Germany. If you google Fort Picklecombe, you will see how unusual this place is.

Oh, the Midlands - this is where we lived before we retired to Spain in 1985, but came back for my health problems mainly Crohn's.  This is in the dead centre of England - we lived at Northampton. The weather in the south west is much warmer in the winter than anywhere else in England, but we do get some fantastic gale force 10 storms then.

Please let us know how you get on next Friday.

Liz.

[txgrl01]

I finally received my biopsy results.  Benign!  Now I can get back to completing the original treatment with the plastic surgeon.  At last, I feel like life is moving forward again.

Oncotype Dx results also came in.  18.  Right at the edge of intermediate.  12% risk of recurrence in 10 years.  My husband and I talked about it with the onc and I am not opting for chemo.  Just close monitoring and the oh, so lovely tamoxifen and it's interesting side effects.

Still praying for you on Friday.  God Bless

[Rtist]

I really learn a lot about things from you.  Yes in the US, people pay for their medical insurance and most is offered as a benefit with your job.  The poor can get free health care under our medicaid program and the disbled and old get medicare.  The democratic party is trying to push a national health care program and it does concern me.  They say we should get with the rest of the modern world.  I guess I'm from the motto "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".  You will be fine and you seem to have a good doctor who you trust.  Where are the midlands anyway.  I watch MOST HAUNTED on tv and love seeing all over England.  I so want to visit there.  What area do you live?  My biopsy will be next Friday.  I have one more week to go.  I will make it a good one.  I pray for you.   Robin

[lizziecee]

Unfortunately, our nationalised health service does not work like your insurance driven medical services. I have had a mammo within the 2 yr period, but that was because I had a new long ropey lump, which turned out to be Mondor's disease. I did ring a local private hospital last week to enquire the price of a mammo and they said because I have had bc, I must have an ultrasound as well. They wanted $1,000.  My friends in the Midlands pay $160 for private mammos. I guess nothing much is going to happen before my scheduled mammo in Jan/Feb when I will have my annual check up with the surgeon who operated on me. He is the senior bc surgeon at my hospital and well respected, so I can't really argue with him, or demand a mammo. My only concern is that as neither I nor my GP could feel a lump when I got the recall letter, I am afraid that if I get a recurrence, I would not be aware of it. I did mention to him once that friends in the US get annual mammos from 40 yrs, and he said: "well, you can have any test you want in the US, because you have to pay for it". I didn't have answer to that remark - unusually for me!

Good luck for Friday will be thinking of you.

Liz.

Liz.

[Rtist]

I too was given the option of wait and see by one doctor (who seemed to busy for me) and then went to a breast cancer surgeon who explained that he felt I could have the needle biopsy but suggested that he wanted it out (I have microcalcifications in a specific pattern).  I weighed all my options and then made the decision to get it out.  He said he was involved in a lumpectomy study years ago that resulted in breasts filling back in over time and not leaving any change.  He uses a cosmetic close and other I have talked to who used him can't even find their scares.  With cancer I do not believe in wait and see, but it is your body.  I feel you are not sure that is what you want, because you have come here to ask for other's thoughts.  Let us know your decision.  

[Rtist]

I am waiting here with you for your results.  I care.  I too, have a wonderful husband who gives me great support and makes a difference for me.  He went through kidney cancer last year and had his left kidney removed.  Luckily he didn't need any further treatment, but the shock of how fast it happened (he had gout and while doing testing for that found the tumor) and losing one kidney was enough.  I only wish he had a forum like this to go on and talk about it with others going through the same...he was so scared.  We can't believe how prevalant cancer is, but are grateful that their is so many treatments and success stories.  I'm praying that you are one of those success stories.  I got it, ice packs and sports bra...thanks

[Rtist]

I don't understand the rationale of "risk of radiation from mammogram".  Everything I have read said they are very safe.  Can you tell him you want it anyway?  I hate to suggest that I know better than any doctor, but its your body.  I just have come to care about you and want you taken care of and babied. I am so glad you are in remission and I believe you will be fine and live out a happy life.  I wish that for you my friend.

[txgrl01]

I will be praying for you on Friday.  Let us know how it goes.

Still waiting for my biopsy results.  It's been two days past the time I was told I would have them.  I called yesterday and was told that they aren't in yet.  I hate living in limboland.  Work gets me through the days and my darlin' hubby gets me through the rest.

Use the ice packs often the first 24 hours.  It helps alot with discomfort and bruising. Take care.

[lizziecee]

Hi - yes, the 3 yrly mammos here for women over 50 yrs is worrying. If I thought I would have gotten cancer, I would have paid privately in the intervening years, but hindsight is a great thing. I am also concerned about only getting 2 yrly mammos after bc. My surgeon says it is because of the risks of radiation but I think it is the NHS policy to maximise resources. When I asked him why did I then have five and a half weeks of radiotherapy after chemo, if there is concern over the risks, he just shrugged his shoulders!  As my tumour was not palpable, I am convinced that the cancer would not have spread to the lymph nodes if I had had annual mammos, as the tumour would have been picked up before it had a chance to spread.  If I had been able to feel a lump I would have gone to see my GP right away. However, can't turn the clock back now. My younger friends, some in their 40's are now having private annual mammos since my experience.

Liz.