bi rad 3 ....question

[mom3band1g]

I found a lump and was sent for a diagnostic mammogram per my Dr.  The lump turned out to be nothing but they did find a lot of calcification in both breasts with a cluster on the left breast.  I was told to return in 6 m.  My question is this, 2 of my 3 aunts have had breast cancer and my 1 aunt on my Mom's side had ovarian cancer.  My Aunt feels I should get a second opinion with a breast specialist.  I hate the thought of waiting 6m but I also don't want to 'over-react'.  I know a bi rad score of 3 is very likely to be benign.  I wonder if someone else looked at my results they would score it a 2?  Then no worry?  So, I am very conflicted and part of me wants to pretend this whole business never occured.  Hmmm, not a very 'grown up' response for a mother of 4!  Thoughts?  and yes, you can tell me I am over=reacting...I will not be offended. Thanks.  I am 39 and very healthy!

[Chelle67]

We have alot in common.  I'm 42 and 2 years ago I went for a baseline mammo.  Microcalcifications were noted and I was told to come back in 6 months.  I too was concerned and went to a breast specialist.  He agreed that it should be check again in 6 months.  I ended up going every 6 months for two years.  Then last month I was told I needed a core biopsy.  I was and still am scared to death.  My maternal grandmother past away from breast cancer and my maternal aunt passed away from ovarian cancer.  I had a the biopsy on Jan 13 and I'm still waiting for results.  This has been the most stressful and scary time.  I'm sure once I know either way I'll feel better.  Anyway, I just wanted to say you have a right to be scared and concerned.  Just continue getting the mammo's as scheduled.  It's better to be safe than sorry.  Especially with a family history like ours.  Take care!

[mom3band1g]

well, I do have breast cancer.  I am in shock.  They will schedule my MRI tomorrow.

[mom3band1g]

Thank you...sometimes you wonder if it's just you.  I have 4 young children and this really scared me.  I know it is most likely nothing but the window of 'what if' has been opened and it's scary.

[KA6823]

I think the response you were given was a bit harsh too.

[mom3band1g]

Wow, that was a little harsh.  I certainly did not mean to 'waste' anyones time.  Who wouldn't want a score of a 2?  I guess my humor did not 'read' well over email.  I will absolutely follow up in 6m.  I have no intention of not following the advice I was giving.  I was simply noting that one radiologist could read the results one way and another could read them another.  I was concerned that I have a history of family members with breast cancer and that waiting 6m could be too long.  Again, sorry to have 'wasted' your time.

Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays.
kathy

[japdip]

I'm not quite clear as to why you would seem to want a BIRADS 2 rather than a 3 score. You have the opinion of the Radiologist who's experience in reading films is vast as that's basically all they do on a daily basis. A re-check in 6 months seems reasonable with the information that you noted. This would track any change / growth in the area of calcification which may remain stable and need no further investigation. It's better to be vigilant and keep track of something that isn't quite normal than to just ignore it and that's what you would be doing if you received a BIRADS 2 score. To my way of thinking if this is your attitude then having the mammogram in the first place was a waste of time.  Please follow the recommendation and get the re-check in 6 months. Abnormalities should NEVER be ignored.    Regards ....