ill defined microcalcification

[Christy6660]

After having a mammogram in April, I got a call that I needed more films. Due to expense, I decided to just wait and sit on this a while.  They said I needed a spot compression.  Since that time I have received two certified letters stating that I needed to come in, the last one said that I had ill-defined microcalcifications.  My Mom had breast cancer, twice, my grandma, great grandma, two aunts and just had a 50 year old cousin die last year from breast cancer.  I know this sounds stupid, but I am 50 years old and am tight on money right now. My question is what could a "ill-defined microcalcification" be? No-one seems to want to answer any questions, just to tell me to come back this spot compression.  THANKS!

[Cheerpul]

I am a breast cancer survivor of almost one year  - what a year this has been.  But I have also worked with several help agencies.  There may be a women's clinic that offers free/sliding fee mammograms in your area.  If I were you I would also contact the American Cancer Society in your area and see if they have anyone who knows about agencies that would help with medical bills.  This information may also be available from a First Call for Help type of agency (usually they are a clearing house for information.)  

You do have a family history that is worrisome.  Put your energy into finding a way to get the tests and treatment that you need.  Also, if you are not already using them, check out local food pantries for assistance.  They can help stretch your budget to make up for the money going to the medical bills.  Things are tight for many families right now, and that is why these groups are there - to help.  I am thinking of you.

[Christy6660]

I realized how stupid that sounded as I was writing it. I guess I will just dig in and go get the extra test.  We have insurance but even with a pap and mammogram, I've already got close to $150.00  that the insurance didn't pay.  Money "ain't" everything, is it?
I just wondered what are "ill defined microcalcifications".  To tell you the truth, getting a certified letter from a drs office was kind of wake up call...

Do you know that they are?? What does ill-defined mean? maybe just that they couldn't tell what they were??  Thanks so much, I haven't really talked about this in depth with anyone.  My husband knows that I got a certified letter and I have only told one other friend.    THANKS, Christy

  

[Strike3]

Hi, Christy, This is a very hard process. I understand your reluctance to spend limited resources. I am in a similar position. There are ways to get assistance with the costs. You could call the mammography center and let them know about your financial situation - they may be able to offer a payment plan or reduced rates based on need. You can also contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society and see what programs they may have in place that offer financial aid.

While I do think the above commenter was too harsh in her delivery of the message, and didn't offer any advice on ways to overcome your particular set of challenges, I agree that to wait too long to address this could mean the difference between early diagnosis and successful treatment and waiting too long to receive effective care. Most breast cancers are slow growing - there are exceptions, however. The early detection and treatment can make the cancer curable. Unfortunately, not enough is presently known about which of these early cancers will never be the cause of death - so generally, all are treated aggressively.

Also, the reason you're getting the certified letters is the radiology group is protecting itself from potential future lawsuits. They are providing a paper trail showing they notified you in a timely manner about a potential malignancy and have recommended follow up testing.

Good luck to you. I know it's hard to hear this news and scary to proceed down an unknown path - but I believe not to do so is far scarier.

[japdip]

It could very well be the earlist discovery of Breast Cancer !! With your family history I'm sorry but I think you are being VERY foolish. There are many women here in this Community (and some who are no longer here) that would wish they could have been fortunate enough to have been diagnosed early. I apologize if this sounded harsh but I tell it like it is and that's what I have done here.