HRT and benign calcifications

[laure113]

I am having my second biopsy in 2 weeks. My first was benign. I am on the lowest dose of premarin and estrogen. I asked my doctor about stopping but she had no clue. Even offered to give me free samples, double the strength! I declined. I tried taking them every other day, but the results were miserable. Should I be taking any hormones at all? I'm concerned my doctor isn't well versed about this subject. Thanks for any info you have.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear laure 113,  Decisions regarding use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT)  are made based on the risk and benefits in the individual situation. You may want to make the decision regarding use of HRT after the results of the upcoming biopsy are available.   Microcalcifications alone would not be a contraindication to HRT, if there is a problem uncovered by the biopsy, then it may be recommended to discontinue the HRT.

[laure113]

Ok, thanks.

[sue-aloo]

Hi Lauren...congrats on your first biopsy!  I am rooting for you.  May I ask why you need a second one?  I probably missed it in the posts.  I know that I went for 2 when I had microcalcs.  Once with the needle and they didn't get enough tissue and then the surgery to remove the whole area which also turned out benign.  Hang in there.  You will be fine!!!!

[laure113]

I had 2 clusters, but the radiologist was not able to see the second, after doing the first biopsy. Thought blood obscured it.

The waiting is starting to get to me...again. Thanks for writing. How are you?

[sue-aloo]

I am waiting for my mammogram results.  I took it last Tuesday and haven't heard anything yet.  I am hoping that is good news.  However, the last time I had the mammo I got the news about my microcalcs in the mail.  ISN'T THAT JUST LOVELY?  Part of me wants to call my Doctor, but she didn't help much last time.  She had no idea what I was talking about!  She said that I got the report before her, but I think she is just very unorganized.  I promised myself to get a new doctor, but haven't yet.  I also don't want to ruin my Thanksgiving.  They wouldn't be able to do anything until after the holiday, so I will just wait for the mail.  Trying my best to just hang in there.  You hang in there too, and remember all of your blessings on Thanksgiving and focus on the positive.

[laure113]

I would also wait for after the holiday. You wont be able to do anything about it anyway. I heard back the next day. Needless to say, I was alarmed. I'm trying to give myself a break, too. I am grateful for so much and will try my hardest to concentrate on the positive. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

[Magpie18]

I wish you well ladies.  I just got the results of my compression mammo.  They are referring me for a biopsy.  I, too, have the microcalcifications.



I guess nothing will be scheduled until next week. Have a terrific Thanksgiving and keep positive

[laure113]

Thanks! I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Keep us posted.

Lauren

[sue-aloo]

Yes, lets take the next few days and just relax and put it in God's hands...have a very Peaceful Thanksgiving.

[laure113]

You're right about leaving it in God's hands. I take "it" back, too often. Hope you have a very nice and calm Thanksgiving.

Lauren

[Bunny711]

HI Sue aloo:



I see you did not hear anything yet.  That is a shame you have to hear the news in the mail.  I respected my doctor to the upmost until this happen, like I said we are like a statistic.  Agree with everyone else, just wait until after the holidays.



May everyone have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy, and BE POSITIVE the only way to be.

[sue-aloo]

I hope everyone had a peaceful Thanksgiving.  I received my results of my mammogram today and everything was fine!!  I just want to thank all of you on this site for your constant support.  It made a hard time a little easier.  I will still be hainging around to support all of you. Lauren, still rooting for you as well as everyone else.  Love, Sue

[laure113]

Hooray!!! What great news! I'm sure you are very relieved. I'm so happy for you. You can take a deep breath now and relax. I hope you already are.

[sue-aloo]

Thank you! How are you doing?  When is your second biopsy scheduled for?  I am sure that you will be doing the snoopy dance very soon also.  I am still rooting for you!  Let me know!

[laure113]

Hi, My appt is next Wed, the 6th. I cannot wait until this ordeal is over with. I hope it is... I will let you know. Thank you.

[Bunny711]

Wonderful wonderful news!!!!!  Congratualtions!!!!



Laur113 - will be doing the snoopy dance I know that!!!!  ;o)

[Islandgalpat]

Relatively new to this unwanted game. 62 yrs old, mammogram every year due to strong family history. Microcalcifications found 2 weeks ago and magnification xray confirmed.  Now waiting for my primary physician to return from vacation (Dec 3rd) to discuss and possibly refer to surgeon.  Radiologist wants to do Sterotactic biopsy in his office.  I was somewhat surprised that a Radiologist could do what seems to be a minor surgical procedure.  Now, I understand that 75% of Micro Calcifications are benign, however, if they are all in one spot and appear to be huddling together, does that narrow the 75%?  Although I am concerned, I am not frantic with worry as I understand that these little devils are 100% treatable if caught early.  Mine are microscopic.  Hopefully, I am not too optimistic.  Anyway, this will probably drag out through Christmas, so I am just going to consider it a minor inconvenience. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.   Have a sunshiny day!

[ziggy123]

I admire your optimism! You are correct that in the majority of cases these little devils are benign. In the outside chance that they are not benign, you are also correct in that when caught early, they are 98-100% treatable. I was diagnosed with micros in August (3mm spot), had biopsy which showed malignancy, follow up by lumpectomy to remove surrounding tissue. The most annoying part of the whole ordeal was the waiting for appointments. But in the end, all results came back 100% clear. I required no chemo, radiation and the choice for follow-up, medication such as tamoxifen was left to my decision. I opted to take nothing because in my case I felt that the side effects outweighed the benefits of taking the drug. But, like I said, that was my choice. Keep positive because the odds are with you. This is a wonderful supportive site that got me through some very anxious moments. The women at this site have been through the very same thing and are here for you in any way that they can. They certainly made a difference for me! Good luck with everything and please let us know how you make out with your appointments.

[Islandgalpat]

Thanks Ziggy!  May I ask why you opted out of radiation? My concern is that these little flecks might migrate without our knowing until the next mammogram which, I assume will be six months later.  What side effects of Tamoxifen bothered you?  Given my strong family history and age, I figured worst case scenario was that I would have to drive 100 miles a day for 6-8 weeks for radiation-missing work due to fatigue- following a lumpectomy.