classifying calcifications

[ziggy123]

I am a 55 year old, mother of five, whose mother is an almost 20 year survivor of post-menopausal BC. I recently had a mammogram that indicated a small (about 8) clumping of calcifications. These were new since my last mammogram two years ago. The radiologist recommended a biopsy and my surgeon agrees. While my surgeon said he does not think that the calcifications are worrisome, the biopsy should be done to be on the safe side. I try to focus on his "not worrisome" comment but at the same time, I am very concerned. How are calcificationc classified? What percent are BC?

[ziggy123]

Thank you all for your good wishes.I just wanted to let everyone know how lucky I am to have an understanding, caring physician who will take the time to ease my fears and answer all of my questions. He has given me peace of mind in the face of a very scary situation. I am very grateful to him for that. I pray all of you have the same fortune with your doctors.

[Under Forty Pam]

Wow, fast turnaround for scheduling the biopsy.  Those test results do come pretty fast. Remember 4 of 5 turn out to be nothing.  Remember you are on this site to research and it is primarily made up of the 1 of 5 people that weren't as lucky.  The odds are still on your side.  When you find out you are in the 4 of 5 don't forget about us 1 of 5 folks.  Let us know the test results.  Good luck and ice packs will be your friend for 24-48 hrs!!!!!

[ziggy123]

Hello to all-
I just came from my appointment w/the surgeon. There was a mix-up with the appointment, when I called frantic last week they tought I was coming in then and cancelled today's time. I had to wait around for them to fit me in. My mind immediately went to...oh no this is a bad sign. Just like the other day when I went to the beach to relax only to get a phone call from the Breast Cancer Coalition asking for a donatin because they were sure, "that I understood the importance of early detection!" I thought...is ths a cruel joke? How do you know about me?
Anyway, you are all so right about finding the best breast doctor/surgeon available! My Dr. has put me in a much better frame of mind, by going over the radiologist report with me, giving me a thorough physical exam, and going over every xray and pointing out all of the areas of concern and why he is not concerned with other areas. I have two groups of indeterminate calcifications that are microscopic, teeny tiny. One is in front of another and the deeper one is the one they are going after, because they cannot tell anything from the xrays. He told me that should it turn out to be BC it is so early and so small, it would be okay. No one wants to think that it will show BC, but just knowing that it is not the size of my head makes me okay.I feel so much better about everything (except for the two moles that he wants to biopsy at the same time!!!). My biopsy is scheduled for 12:30 tomorrow and I should have three of the five path reports by Friday. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I keep all of you.

[Under Forty Pam]

Hang in there and take the news one day at a time.  If it turns out good news you can be back to your normal life in no time.  If you join the club we will help you thru it.  Takes notes, jot down questions to ask the docs in the middle of the night as you think of them.  Research and reading are your best weapons to choose what options are right for you.  Depending on the news get a real good breast surgeon, recovery is better that way.  I actually thought the lumpectomy was easier than the biopsy, more experienced surgeon I think.  I am only 1 month ahead of you and already feel a lot better to know the cancer is out and I am working on prevention now.

[displaced Texan]

Hello all!  I've been reading all your comments for several hours (and doing research).  It's funny how going through this same terrible ordeal instantly bonds total strangers!  I've had 3 mammograms in the last week, found microcalcification cluster and had my stereotactic biopsy today.  Now, I just have to play the waiting game. Fortunately, I get to find out tomorrow (Aug. 15th).  I will agree with y'all that waiting is the hardest part.  Although, my biopsy was painful.  They gave me the numbing shot, but I could still feel it!  Followed by 2 more numbing shots!!  Then it was just unpleasant.  They said it was probably from having fibrocystic breasts (the medicine didn't disperse evenly).  Has anyone experienced that?  I completely understand the worrying.  In the last year and a half, I lost my only sister to breast cancer and my Mom to cervical cancer.  Months before my Mom died - they biopsied a lump in her breast and found it to be precancerous. Since she had cervical cancer, they decided to play it safe and give her a mastectomy.  So, I've been afraid of getting it myself.  Then I have my routine mammogram - and here I am in shock.  Lots of prayer gets me through!

[Montana girl 06]

I'm hoping there will be no change in my calcifications during this three month wait so I don't need a biopsy. I went for my annual physical today and my doctor spent a lot of time discussing all this with me. She got a report from my surgeon supporting my decision to wait on the biopsy as long as I follow up in 2 months. That in addition to my just having a biopsy in Jan. made her supportive of my decision to wait. She also said she would contact a breast specialist if I'm uncomfortable with my 3 month results. I feel better about my decision. I wouldn't mind collectiing info on breast specialists in Seattle, Minneapolis, or at Mayo (Rochester) since I have family in those places. Anyone have recommendations? No breast specialists here in Montana! Let us know how your appointment turns our tomorrow, Ziggy. My prayers are with you.