Waiting for results is very hard. Remember that many people get good news after they thoroughly investigate "suspicious" areas on a mammogram. There is plenty that is positive here. You had your annual mammogram. You are getting the suspicious areas completely checked out. In just a few days (that seem like eternity - I know) you will get results. You may find out, as with the cyst finding, that there is a benign explanation of the suspicious spot, which would be great news. Then you can relax knowing that you have been checked out and things are looking good. If there is something to be concerned about, you will have caught it early. That is also good news, because then you can have more tests to determine exactly what you're dealing with and make a plan of treatment and take care of the problem.
I did not have a needle biopsy, but had a surgical biopsy. I'm sorry that you and pss60 were so uncomfortable. I found mine to be quite bearable and was singing and cantoring at our Cathedral the next day. If you need to have more testing, ask about the different options available and thoroughly understand how the procedure is done and what can be done to make you more comfortable.
I did turn out to have extensive DCIS (precancer) and a small tumor (5mm) and so have had two mastectomies, one preventative, chemo and everything but radiation. So, when I say that I am doing great, you can believe it and that have been down the road a long ways. When you are first told you have an irregular mammogram, there is great shock. Try very hard to not "what-if" and let the fear of what could happen take over your life. Most of what we fear never happens (thank God!) and you need your energy and strength to take care of what is true. Focus on what you know and have found out from your tests. Research the next test and the results that you have so that you completely understand them. Ask your doctor questions. Pamper yourself. Do things that make you feel good and make you smile. We plan for tomorrow, but today is the day that we can decide is a good day or a miserable day. I have chosen to find or make the good in everyday and never waste even part of one, because each one is so precious. I hope that you get news soon and that it is good. We are here to support you any way that we can. I am thinking of you.
I understand I am in the same spot you are. My needle biopsy was in the words of the tecnichian a barbaric procedure. This in its self is a very stressful memory not to mention all the new baggage. Keep faith you have been good with getting yearly mammograms like me. What ever is found is early, and that is why we do these test.
Percentages are hard to rely upon since there are so many variables. Microcalcifications when clustered are the indication that the breast tissue is reacting to some abnormality within the breast tissue. This is NOT always cancer and I've seen percentages between 25 and 45 for the cause to be something other than cancer. Staging is not done until after surgical removal of something malignant .... Many factors are taken into consideration before staging can be accomplished; you're getting pretty far ahead of the situation here so try taking things one step at a time and don't get overstressed about something that may never happen. Regards ....