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]

Thanks for your response. The way you describe neighbors and such is how I feel about my co-workers. I do not want to become the topic of conversation at the lunch table or have people look at me with the "sad eyes." I hope that I am putting the cart before the horse here as I have yet to even have the biopsy! I am just glad to have your comments to ease my fears!

[Under Forty Pam]

I only told my immediate family thru the biopsy phase, didn't even tell my boss why I needed a vacation day out of the blue.  After I got the results I told everyone.  Many people at my work know, both softball teams know, most of which are men and they are supportive too.  You need some support depending on the outcome.  My husband is great, he has been with me to every appointment.  You might consider bringing someone with to key appointments to help remember or ask questions, it is a lot of info to listen to.

[Under Forty Pam]

When is your biopsy scheduled?  Don't get too worked up until you have test results to work with.  I know easier said than done.

[ziggy123]

I have not heard from the surgeon as to when it will be. I had to have my son drive over my insurance info yesterday. No one will do anything until all of the insurance info is in place!
I am hoping that the biopsy will be early next week. But I cannot remember from my conversation with my doctor if he said that he wants to see me first or he will just schedule it. Too upset yesterday to remember half of what was said to me or what to ask. I should call his office, right? From what I have read it takes a few days to find out the results, correct? Dragging this out is torture, but I am not telling you all anyting that you don't already know.
I was reading some postings on a dite sponsored by Johns Hpkins in Baltimore and their turn around time for biopsy results is 24 hours. Why can they do that and others cannot?!?

[boninclyde]

Oh yes they have to make sure they are gonna get paid. My second biopsy did have results turned around in 24 hours per my doctors request. It can be done. I think some doctors or maybe some cases are more of a medical emergency. Yes most definately call his office and ask more questions and ask what type of biopsy. They sould not mind.

[Montana girl 06]

My post is in response to this thread and to a thread that was closed today because it reached its limit of responses. I am part of that 85% of benign microcalcifications. I have had two biopsies for worrisome clusters (in several locations) and both were benign. I've been advised to have a 3rd biopsy for calcifications (birad 4) in a new area (only 6 months after my last stereotactic) but instead I took the surgeons alternate recommendation of returning in 3 months for another mammogram. It's difficult to wait, but I can't put myself through a biopsy every 6 months. As a result I seem to be obsessed with getting as much info as I can on BC. I keep wondering if I have cancer somewhere in my breast and they just can't find it. I have lots of lumps in addition, but they don't think they're associated with my calcifications. Ziggy, what is your birad? Thanks for your offer of prayers. I will do the same.