stereotactic core biopsy - cancelled appt

[trisha668]

After my second mammo, I was schedule for today to do a stereotactic core biopsy in the hospital, on my right breast - findings: calcifications  were observed with the following morphology: fine pleomorphic -category 4 -calcification is grouped or clustered -location = posterior right breast in the 11 o'clock region.
After I talked with the doctor in the hospital and explained my phobia about the titanium clip, and the doctor would not do the stereotactic core biopsy without marking me, I cancelled the appt, got my films and now I am going to set an appt with a breast surgeon. I am going to talk with my regular doctor for a referral, and I also was not feeling comfortable at the hospital when I was waiting to talk with the doctor, to do the procedure in the hospital
Maybe I am acting like a baby but I need to follow my instinct!!!
I would love to hear comments specially about my instinct.
Thanks, Trisha

[lil sunshine]

I would not worry too much about the small amount of titanium they put in your breast. I have 12 lbs of titanium and cobalt implanted in my femur in place of my knee, kind of like the Bionic Woman. I had an above the knee amputation{the drs called it a resection} with a special limb salvage prosthesis putinto my bone marrow cavity. Ouch. I live with pain 24/7 now , and then I get this new "spot" on my breast. After I had one tumor I feel I can live with anything. A good thing I was tested for metal allergies and I am not allegic to titanium! I did test positive to the cobalt, chromium and nickel hence the pain I live with{or part of it}. My post is not meant to be harsh, I can understand your fears. I wish I had more time when I had my 1st surgery for my tumor on my knee. I would have gone straight amputee and gotten me a "rea" prosthesis instead of this one. I have my own foot and skin but at what cost to my quality of life. So if you want to take the few extra days to make a better choice for yourself then YOU GO GIRL! Been there done that.

Sorry ladies , I am having a pity party a few days before my biopsy so I hope you excuse me.
Bonnie

[japdip]

Doctors always do these biopsies .... either Radiologists or Surgeons. Both are very experienced in all biopsy procedures. Just because a biopsy is done in the X-ray dept. doesn't mean that it isn't done by a well qualified Physician. Technicians certainly do assist both in Surgery and Radiology. I would say that more are done by Radiologists than Surgeons unless it's an excisional biopsy which is always done by a Surgeon .. in the Surgery Dept.

[madgeOwens]

Yes, you owe it to yourself to get a specialist who does this all the time and you will feel more confident in him or her.  Don't put it off though. Good luck amd thanks for the prayers.......very much.
Madge

[trisha668]

Thanks again.
That is what I am planning to do, to have an appt with a breast surgeon and I am shure I would feel more confident.
and remember: enjoy your weekend, and you are in my prayers!!
Trisha

[madgeOwens]

Yes I had a breast surgeon do my procedure. Its my understanding from him that calcifications occur naturally in the breast however when they are in clusters it can signify cancer,  Thats not to say it is always, but enough that it warrants a biopsy.

[trisha668]

Thank you for your comments.
I am going to delay this procedure for 1 or 2 weeks more, I think.
First I need to go to the breast doctor, and then set up the appt, and I think I would feel more comfortable with the doctor . I didn't like the experience that I had today in the hospital.
And I am talking about "calcifications" , which I understand may or may not be caused by cancer.
You mention " excisional biopsy" - this removes an entire lesion? can be done with the doctor?
Madge- You did your stereotactic biopsy with a doctor, right?
Thanks again,
Trisha

[madgeOwens]

may i suggest also reading some of the posts by women with metastasizes in cancer stage 3-4 .......you have a chance to be treated early if it is cancer and to delay is frightening to me......and much more than a teeny chip

[japdip]

No, I don't think you're being a baby but I do think you are being very foolish. We're talking about a rather serious possibility here and the delay is not really wise. If the area is easily located you might have an excisional biopsy but this requires much more in the way of medication and anesthesia. Some things are absolutely necessary for your protection when certain procedures are done and there are millions of women with that tiny little chip. Having said all this you certainly do have the right to accept or refuse any medical treatment that is recommended but sometimes you're only hurting yourself by doing so ... it also may have some effect on future medical treatment and care. Good Luck .....

[madgeOwens]

If you feel that strongly about it then I guess you did theright thing for you. I do however think its critical that you do not waste time getting this done.  The chip they placed in my breast is not bothering me a bit, I don't think with the possibility of breast cancer looming before me I could care less about the tiniest titanium chip they marked in there. It is your life that is at risk after all. I hope you find someone asap.