Aa
Need to talk to someone...
Hi everyone-I am new to this site but have been reading these posts for a few days now...I just received news that my mammogram follow-up indicated a suspicicious abnormality- Bi-Rad 4..radiologist recommends I speak to a breast surgeon and discuss my options- they are recommending a biopsy. I am in SHOCK. I have gone for a mammogram for at least 10 years with no call-backs-everything always seemed fine. I went to have my annual this past Saturday-they called me back for additional imaging and now I am being sent to a breast specialist w/ recommendation of a biopsy-I cannot believe it.
They said I have 4 tiny calcifications (cluster) in upper left quadrant-does location mean anything? I just turned 50 and I am confused how these calcifications can suddenly appear- is it to my advantage that I have been having a mammogram faithfully for at least 10 years?
Please-anyone....I am so scared-I take care of my 83 year old mom....there is no history of breast cancer in my family- I would imagine that this would also be in my favor.
All you ladies have been through this anxiety so if you can give me some words of encouragement , it would mean SO much...Thx-Jo
This discussion is related to Birad 4 Reading.
They said I have 4 tiny calcifications (cluster) in upper left quadrant-does location mean anything? I just turned 50 and I am confused how these calcifications can suddenly appear- is it to my advantage that I have been having a mammogram faithfully for at least 10 years?
Please-anyone....I am so scared-I take care of my 83 year old mom....there is no history of breast cancer in my family- I would imagine that this would also be in my favor.
All you ladies have been through this anxiety so if you can give me some words of encouragement , it would mean SO much...Thx-Jo
This discussion is related to Birad 4 Reading.
Hi, Jo,
To answer your question: yes, I did have microcalcs on my mammo prior to my last biopsy in '09. There were actually two areas with clusters of microcalcs. The radiologist recommended biopsy of only the one that looked "more suspicious" but my surgeon agreed to do both. I'm glad I did because one was the result of benign changes and the other found LCIS. Since then I've had mammos and MRIs every six months because my
risk of invasive BC is about 35% due to the LCIS and other risk factors (family history, no
pregnancies, proliferative changes, HRT for six years.) Of course I stopped the HRT immediately, and most of the time tamoxifen is recommended for five years. However, I had such terrible hot flashes (and still do even though I'm almost 63!) my oncologist is holding off on it for now so I only get very vigilant monitoting at this time. Clusters of microcalcs can be caused by benign changes or malignancies, but the only way to be sure is with the biopsy.Calcifications are very common in the breast but it's only when the are clustered in a specific pattern that they raise suspicion to the radiologists. As far as I understand it, trauma to the breast can result in macrocalcifications but microcalcifications are the result of cell division, which can be benign or mailignant.
I'm sure hoping yours will be benign and will be thinking of you. Good luck with your biopsy, Jo.
Warmly,
nc
To answer your question: yes, I did have microcalcs on my mammo prior to my last biopsy in '09. There were actually two areas with clusters of microcalcs. The radiologist recommended biopsy of only the one that looked "more suspicious" but my surgeon agreed to do both. I'm glad I did because one was the result of benign changes and the other found LCIS. Since then I've had mammos and MRIs every six months because my
risk of invasive BC is about 35% due to the LCIS and other risk factors (family history, no
pregnancies, proliferative changes, HRT for six years.) Of course I stopped the HRT immediately, and most of the time tamoxifen is recommended for five years. However, I had such terrible hot flashes (and still do even though I'm almost 63!) my oncologist is holding off on it for now so I only get very vigilant monitoting at this time. Clusters of microcalcs can be caused by benign changes or malignancies, but the only way to be sure is with the biopsy.Calcifications are very common in the breast but it's only when the are clustered in a specific pattern that they raise suspicion to the radiologists. As far as I understand it, trauma to the breast can result in macrocalcifications but microcalcifications are the result of cell division, which can be benign or mailignant.
I'm sure hoping yours will be benign and will be thinking of you. Good luck with your biopsy, Jo.
Warmly,
nc
Sue-thank you -it feels much better when someone like yourself sends me these words of support-I'm keeping my head up.....;-)
You're doing fine. She was just posting her story under yours instead of starting her own thread. You won't have any results or scores until your biopsy so please, try not to worry.
Hi- I read your comments and they made me worry a little.....my ob/gyn says that the 2 week waiting period for a consult with this very good breast surgeon is fine-I gather the biopsy will soon follow.
All I have is hope and prayer...I keep thinking that the percentages ARE in my corner- there has been no discussion except to take it slow and keep positive and most impotantly, BUSY! ;-)
You didn't mention- is there a history of breast cancer in your family? My mom knows of no one in our family so that is good to know. I am not familiar with any Onco score at this point..my mammography report doesn't even give any dimensions, only to say there are 4 tiny microcalcifications in the upper left breast quadrant and appear to be new.
Do you thing stress and/or a compromised immune system might cause calcifications? How about a serious car accident? (I had one in Sept 2010- nothing was broken but I was beaten up quite a bit- I have read instances where a seatbeat might even cause calcifications..) I have also been rehabbing from a failed back surgery in my thoracic region- this happened 3 years ago and I am still being treated for this.
I think I am getting to the point where I have to stop focusing on the "what-ifs"- it will truly drive you crazy. I can only say my prayers.
I want to thank you and everyone for their continued support- I really need to know there are people out there who truly care. Jo
All I have is hope and prayer...I keep thinking that the percentages ARE in my corner- there has been no discussion except to take it slow and keep positive and most impotantly, BUSY! ;-)
You didn't mention- is there a history of breast cancer in your family? My mom knows of no one in our family so that is good to know. I am not familiar with any Onco score at this point..my mammography report doesn't even give any dimensions, only to say there are 4 tiny microcalcifications in the upper left breast quadrant and appear to be new.
Do you thing stress and/or a compromised immune system might cause calcifications? How about a serious car accident? (I had one in Sept 2010- nothing was broken but I was beaten up quite a bit- I have read instances where a seatbeat might even cause calcifications..) I have also been rehabbing from a failed back surgery in my thoracic region- this happened 3 years ago and I am still being treated for this.
I think I am getting to the point where I have to stop focusing on the "what-ifs"- it will truly drive you crazy. I can only say my prayers.
I want to thank you and everyone for their continued support- I really need to know there are people out there who truly care. Jo
I have had several Mammograms since I was 40 years old; all OK. Until my last one which had two small spots close together at the bottom of my Right breast, they had microcalcifications around both areas, which were not there 16 months ago. I will be 50 in June. One of the spots was Invasive Carcinoma and the other turned out to be Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. The invasive one was 1.3 in size (about a half of an inch) the other was smaller. I first decided to get a lumpectomy and it looked like nothing even was taken out after surgery....I thought I skated through this, but my margins were NOT clear. So either they gut and disfigure the rest of my breast to get good margins or I start clean with a new reconstructed breast....I chose the reconstructed breast, I have clean margins now. There was more DCIS that was left when I had a lumpectomy, so I feel I made the right decision. I am still recovering from the skin sparing masectomy w/ a tissue expander in place. I was told that we all have microcalcifications in our body, so you may or may not have it. Hopefully not! But if you, do it sounds like a really early detection and you will have to take a small, but important path detour before you journey back on the main road. I don't understand why they are not immediately giving you a biopsy and waiting so long! My second Mammogram and Biopsy was done within a week.
My next Question to others (maybe important to you later, hope not, though) I am Estrogen Positive, Her2neu Negative and Negative Lymph Nodes, Stage 1 with an Onco score of 36, which my Oncologist was suprised to be that high. Early detected, everything good except my higher Onco score (go figure) I still am told I need Chemo! I have a choice of AC (red devil) or TC . Found it early still my boob and hair will be taken away. Please comment on the different kinds of Chemo and your experiences and did your hair come back right away?
My next Question to others (maybe important to you later, hope not, though) I am Estrogen Positive, Her2neu Negative and Negative Lymph Nodes, Stage 1 with an Onco score of 36, which my Oncologist was suprised to be that high. Early detected, everything good except my higher Onco score (go figure) I still am told I need Chemo! I have a choice of AC (red devil) or TC . Found it early still my boob and hair will be taken away. Please comment on the different kinds of Chemo and your experiences and did your hair come back right away?
Thanks for cheering me up- the waitng is hard- April 6 for a consult and then, probsbly a biopsy 2 weeks later...my ob-gyn seems to think this time frame is perfectly ok. And I keep reading that the odds are in my favor.
I love my mom so much and need to take care of her. But you are right- I need to take care of myself , above all else.
Can I ask you- did you have calcifications? Why would some calcifications be a Bi-rad-4 and some a Bi-rad 3? I think this Bi-rad 4 category is really annoying me, especially since my previous 10 mammos have come back clean-plus there is no history of breast cancer in my family. Do radiologists automatically classify as a Bi-Rad 4 if there are tiny clusters? Just wondering....thanks for being there for me...Jo
I love my mom so much and need to take care of her. But you are right- I need to take care of myself , above all else.
Can I ask you- did you have calcifications? Why would some calcifications be a Bi-rad-4 and some a Bi-rad 3? I think this Bi-rad 4 category is really annoying me, especially since my previous 10 mammos have come back clean-plus there is no history of breast cancer in my family. Do radiologists automatically classify as a Bi-Rad 4 if there are tiny clusters? Just wondering....thanks for being there for me...Jo
Just wanted to add some words of encouragement. We've all been there and know exactly how you feel and what you're going through---we remember very well what a shock it can be when you're told something's not right and a biopsy is needed. You just need to remain hopeful because statistically, most biopsies come back with benign results. Even the small percentage that end up with a cancer diagnosis are oftem caught at a very early stage and are highly treatable. The waiting is probably the worst part, so take Cheerpul's advice and try to stay busy and do something fun for yourself and your Mom while waiting.
(Your Mom is lucky to have such a devoted daughter!) I care for my 87 year old mother-in-law, so I can understand your concerns, but now is the time to take care of YOU.
I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best. Please let us know how you're doing if you wish because we do care.
Hugs,
nc
(Your Mom is lucky to have such a devoted daughter!) I care for my 87 year old mother-in-law, so I can understand your concerns, but now is the time to take care of YOU.
I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best. Please let us know how you're doing if you wish because we do care.
Hugs,
nc
Thank you,thank you.....gosh, many people are good at not worrying-after all- we need to leave it in God's hands.....whatever your faith.
I think I am still getting over the shock and joining this community will no doubt benefit me- it feels good to talk to someone. Thank you for understanding. I am really glad you are doing WELL!
I will try to keep busy..I have a few weeks until my consult and then, probably a few more weeks until the biopsy. Keep me in your prayers...
I think I am still getting over the shock and joining this community will no doubt benefit me- it feels good to talk to someone. Thank you for understanding. I am really glad you are doing WELL!
I will try to keep busy..I have a few weeks until my consult and then, probably a few more weeks until the biopsy. Keep me in your prayers...
Jo,
Take a deep breath. Birads4 means that you have a suspicious looking cluster of microcalcifications that can be checked out by a biopsy and then you will know what is or is not there. The shock of an abnormaility hits pretty hard, and the waiting is rough as you wait for test results, for another test, for an appointment with another doctor and so on.
In order to make it through the process with a positive outlook, there are several things that you can do. First, focus on what you know at every step. Right now, you know that you have 10 years of mammograms that were clear. You have a small area of microcalcifications that is new. This area may turn out to be harmless or something of more concern. However, it is most likely to have been found early, if it is something of concern.
Research the results that you have (understand the terms from your mammogram and Birads reports) and the next test that you are considering. (A biopsy - There are different types of biopsies that can be performed, but they all are the best single source of information about what is going on in your breast.) If the biopsy reveals that you have a benign condition, you will rest easier because you were thoroughly checked out and given a clean bill of health. If it turns out that there is a precancerous or cancerous condition, you will learn enough to make a plan of treatment. Treatment is usually a combination of surgery, radiation and /or chemotherapy.
Do not let yourself give in to the "what-ifs" and dwell on the worst case scenarios. Most of the things that we obsess over like that never happen and we waste our strength, resolve and energy on all that other stuff. Do something nice for you and your Mom (it doesn't matter how old you are, you're always your Mom's little girl), a little pampering will feel really good right now.
In October 2009, I was where you are, except my Birads was a 5. It turned out that I did have a lot of precancerous tissue (DCIS) and so I had a mastectomy. When it was analyzed, we found that I also had a small .5 cm tumor. It was found to have an aggressive gene, so I opted for chemotherapy and Herceptin (a med that blocks that gene.) I had a second mastectomy as prevention and am currently taking an osteoporosis drug in a drug study and tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker. What you would rather know, is that I am doing great. My hair is back and I am over the sick side-effects and have been for some time. Our daughter just got married, I am singing in 4 choirs , doing community theater, and working 2 jobs. There is no cancer in sight, but I have the attitude that each and every day is the day we have to live as fully as we can.
So, try not to worry, you will get your results soon. But, in the meantime, enjoy each day and don't waste it. Feel free to send me a massage or add to this thread. I will help you however I can. I am thinking of you.
Take a deep breath. Birads4 means that you have a suspicious looking cluster of microcalcifications that can be checked out by a biopsy and then you will know what is or is not there. The shock of an abnormaility hits pretty hard, and the waiting is rough as you wait for test results, for another test, for an appointment with another doctor and so on.
In order to make it through the process with a positive outlook, there are several things that you can do. First, focus on what you know at every step. Right now, you know that you have 10 years of mammograms that were clear. You have a small area of microcalcifications that is new. This area may turn out to be harmless or something of more concern. However, it is most likely to have been found early, if it is something of concern.
Research the results that you have (understand the terms from your mammogram and Birads reports) and the next test that you are considering. (A biopsy - There are different types of biopsies that can be performed, but they all are the best single source of information about what is going on in your breast.) If the biopsy reveals that you have a benign condition, you will rest easier because you were thoroughly checked out and given a clean bill of health. If it turns out that there is a precancerous or cancerous condition, you will learn enough to make a plan of treatment. Treatment is usually a combination of surgery, radiation and /or chemotherapy.
Do not let yourself give in to the "what-ifs" and dwell on the worst case scenarios. Most of the things that we obsess over like that never happen and we waste our strength, resolve and energy on all that other stuff. Do something nice for you and your Mom (it doesn't matter how old you are, you're always your Mom's little girl), a little pampering will feel really good right now.
In October 2009, I was where you are, except my Birads was a 5. It turned out that I did have a lot of precancerous tissue (DCIS) and so I had a mastectomy. When it was analyzed, we found that I also had a small .5 cm tumor. It was found to have an aggressive gene, so I opted for chemotherapy and Herceptin (a med that blocks that gene.) I had a second mastectomy as prevention and am currently taking an osteoporosis drug in a drug study and tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker. What you would rather know, is that I am doing great. My hair is back and I am over the sick side-effects and have been for some time. Our daughter just got married, I am singing in 4 choirs , doing community theater, and working 2 jobs. There is no cancer in sight, but I have the attitude that each and every day is the day we have to live as fully as we can.
So, try not to worry, you will get your results soon. But, in the meantime, enjoy each day and don't waste it. Feel free to send me a massage or add to this thread. I will help you however I can. I am thinking of you.
Thank you, Sue- my first positive feedback..:-) It serves no purpose to worry but I have difficulty in turning off that "anxiety" switch- still reeling from the news. I know, it may be nothing and, waiting is the hardest part- my appt is scheduled for April 6- from there I suspect a biopsy will be ordered- my Ob/Gyn says it usually happens approx 2 weeks later.
I love mom so much so I want to be here for her-her immediate family has pretty much forgotten about her ( although, I must say, she is a wonderful lady!) We all make choices in life, I guess...I just worry because I don't want her to have any worries- she was married for 57 years to my dad before he passed, so she does rely heavily on my presence.
I guess I just need support-I don't want to fall apart- after all, it may be nothing...
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis-how are you doing?
As far as cleaning- well, I will defer to watching a "House" marathon....;-) I am sure you will be hearing more from me -m y consult is on April 6 and i suspect the biopsy will follow in 2 weeks time. I am hearing that it will probably be a streotactic(sp) needle..any advice on that? Also, I had a pretty severe auto accident Sept 21, 2010- a woman hit me on the left driver side as well as head-on- car was totalled-I've even heard that an accident can cause calcifications- have you heard such a thing? Thank you for listening to me-Jo
I love mom so much so I want to be here for her-her immediate family has pretty much forgotten about her ( although, I must say, she is a wonderful lady!) We all make choices in life, I guess...I just worry because I don't want her to have any worries- she was married for 57 years to my dad before he passed, so she does rely heavily on my presence.
I guess I just need support-I don't want to fall apart- after all, it may be nothing...
I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis-how are you doing?
As far as cleaning- well, I will defer to watching a "House" marathon....;-) I am sure you will be hearing more from me -m y consult is on April 6 and i suspect the biopsy will follow in 2 weeks time. I am hearing that it will probably be a streotactic(sp) needle..any advice on that? Also, I had a pretty severe auto accident Sept 21, 2010- a woman hit me on the left driver side as well as head-on- car was totalled-I've even heard that an accident can cause calcifications- have you heard such a thing? Thank you for listening to me-Jo
Hi Jo,
Welcome to our community! We're glad you're here but sorry that you're so worried.
I can't speak about your calcifications because I've not had them but others here will do that.
But, BIRADS 4 swings both ways with most women getting benign findings on biopsies. I was happy to read that you're vigilant with the mammograms, that's just smart on your part.
As we get to 50 things do seem to change as far as our breasts are concerned. Statistics say that is the beginning of when our likelihood for breast cancer increases. I only say that so that you understand that even though you've been vigilant, things do change and they can change quickly. I had regular screenings and then they found stage 3 cancer. I'm not saying that to scare you, it just happens. But that doesn't mean it will happen to you, ok?
Again, the odds are that you are having a scare as most women seem to have but that you will find out that it's nothing but something to keep an eye on. Please don't worry about the what ifs, easier said than done, I know. BUT, until you are told differently, you have nothing to worry about.
I'd put all of that anxiety into a spring cleaning spree or maybe a glorious shopping spree!!
Best wishes to you and your Mother.
Welcome to our community! We're glad you're here but sorry that you're so worried.
I can't speak about your calcifications because I've not had them but others here will do that.
But, BIRADS 4 swings both ways with most women getting benign findings on biopsies. I was happy to read that you're vigilant with the mammograms, that's just smart on your part.
As we get to 50 things do seem to change as far as our breasts are concerned. Statistics say that is the beginning of when our likelihood for breast cancer increases. I only say that so that you understand that even though you've been vigilant, things do change and they can change quickly. I had regular screenings and then they found stage 3 cancer. I'm not saying that to scare you, it just happens. But that doesn't mean it will happen to you, ok?
Again, the odds are that you are having a scare as most women seem to have but that you will find out that it's nothing but something to keep an eye on. Please don't worry about the what ifs, easier said than done, I know. BUT, until you are told differently, you have nothing to worry about.
I'd put all of that anxiety into a spring cleaning spree or maybe a glorious shopping spree!!
Best wishes to you and your Mother.
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