stereotactic guided biopsy

To whom it may concern,

I am 47 years old with a family history of breast cancer on my Mother's side.  I was recently informed that I needed to have a stereotactic guided biopsy of a cluster of pleomorphic calcifications in my left breast. Also, a follow-up sonogram was recommended in 6 months to reassess a hypoechoic nodule. Since I received this report directly from the radiology department of the hospital and haven't been able to reach my Dr., any explanation you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your attention.

Kind Regards,
Wendy

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Pleomorphic calcifications are fine branching calcifiacations. They usually need to be investigated further to rule out malignancy or breast cancer. A biopsy would be able to give a more definite diagnosis. Also ask your radiologist for the complete report and also ask him to explain it to you. Well the first step is to rule out a malignant lesion and further management will vary accordingly. Dont worry too much and right now just prepare yourself for the biopsy. As to the hypoecioc lesion - it could be benign most probably and would need a regular follow up and like your doctor suggested a repeat USG 6 months to later to see if it is stable or not. Goodluck.

[ELAINE888]

you know the saying it will never happen to you?  well surprise here i am waiting for my biopsy on both breast   they both look suspicious and im scared not for me im tire of being sick with hormonal problems in my head and a alcoholic husband  im done finished kaput  only thing im worried about is my son he is smart on his own 31 years old and very smart young man how i love him and the rest of my family.  but you know something ssri is my enemy and i stop my meds  bigggggggggg  mistake but wanted to see how it would feel will now im back to square 1 shock feelings to head  rushes to head ringing to head dizzines  very upset and im ready  so if i have carcinoma so be it im to tired.  the shame of it is this i love life im a good person and now monday the 11 of january i will go for consiltation and of course when will i be getting my 2 byopsys in my 2 breast yeep a dee do da what a waste of a good persons life riddens with panic attack disorder, fear head rushes  im done but i have to get this byopsy because my son is telling me to and to me he is the most important thing in my life  i thank you for going on and gonning on  but, god bless all of you and pray for your health we got to believe in his help and his decision

elaine888 from lakewood nj

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi Elaine,

Just a suggestion: In the future, please start a new thread of your own  when you post a question, so that you will be more likely to get replies. When you tack a question on to an old thread, it can easily to be overlooked by people who assume it is just another relpy to the original question.

Meanwhile, it sounds like you have a lot going on! My best advice is to try to deal with just one thing at a time, because when you pile them all up together, they form what appears to be an insurmountable mountain.

1. I'm sorry to hear that you have had some suspicious findings in both breasts. You are doing the right thing by deciding to have the biopsies. It could turn out to be nothing, or if it is cancer, it could be an early, treatable form, so try not to get ahead of yourself. And if it should turn out to be more serious, you can make further decisions at that time.

2. You mentioned medication issues, and that you had recently stopped your medication. I don't know if you tapered off it, or just stopped it abruptly, but if you did the latter, some of the symptoms you mentioned might be related to that. When you go off an SSRI too quickly, you risk experiencing "discontinuation syndrome" which can include flu-like symptoms, shocks goning throught the body, neck or jaw muscles tightening up, etc., not to mention rebound anxiety and depression.  I would suggest you see your prescribing physician and either get instructions for weaning yourself off the medication in an appropriate manner if you truly feel it's your enemy, and/or get on something that works better for you, esp. while you are going through this very stressful time.

3. As far as your alchoholic husband, there is nothing you can do about him unless HE is ready to get help, so this is the time to concentrate on yourself and your needs. If you haven't tried Alanon, that can be helpful, through receiving support from others in similar circumstances in regard to how to cope and work to bring serenity into your own life, even if the addicted family member makes no effort to change. Psychotherapy can also be helpful, esp. when lots of strss makes life seem unmanageable.

4. You said that you love life, and your son, and the rest of your family, so I hope you can hang onto all of  that as reasons to move ahead in dealing with your health issues, and, if necessary, to be prepared to fight for your life.

Please write again if you have questions or just need emotional support from caring and knowledgeable people who have "been there, done that" in regard to BC.

Best wishes...