Hi, 

Sorry to meet you here. It's pretty common to find calcifications, so I was told. Did they tell you if the suspected macro or micro calcifications? I went with a lump in my right breast and during the checks (mammogram) they then told me that they had found a cluster of microcalcifications. They didn't say much more at the time other than wanted a stereotactic biopsy on those microcalcifications also.  It was in my case the same breast, but it can be either from what I've read and been told by others experiences and consultants etc. 

The biopsy will enable them to know if the calcifications are benign or pre cancerous, such as DCIS as you mention.  

I know it's hard, but try not to worry the majority of calcifications statistically are benign and worst case scenario pre cancerous and therefore easily treatable. 

I hope this helps a bit. 

Sebding a virtual hug - Mickey xx ️

 

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for replying.  I phoned the clinic today and all the nurse would say was that these calcifications were 'indeterminate'.  I've taken that as being suspicious!  Didn't say if they were macro or microcalcifications although I'm suspecting micro as otherwise I wouldn't be having the biopsy which I think is next week.  I dont even know what type of biopsy, they didn't say.  I'm grateful for them being thorough but it felt like being on a treadmill of one in, one out, I was shocked how many ladies were in on the same day.  I've never seen the breast clinic so busy and I've seen a lot of it getting all my cysts checked over the last 4 years.   Did you have a biopsy, how was it, and how long did you wait for the results?

if you've been through all this too, I hope you had a good outcome.  Sending a hug back.  x

Hi, 

They did tell me mine were intermediate and then indeterminate but also confirmed they were micro. My biopsy was taken under mammogram and I had to wait several weeks for it, despite being told it would be done within two weeks. Having said that I did get a cancellation. I'm aware other people have had these under ultrasound though and so I guess it varies hospital to hospital and consultant to consultant, like most things. 

I understand you taking indeterminate to means suspicious and I felt the same, but seriously I have seen so many cases where they have been benign. That's why they have to do the biopsies.  Mine are classified as two wide areas of dcis, however, I did also have an invasive cancerous tumour in that breast. Your situation is different and hopefully it will turn out to be benign, but like I say, if not it is so treatable. 

By the time I had my biopsy for the microcalcifications I already knew that my tumour was cancer and they had classified the wide areas as dcis even before I got my results from the biopsy. I expect that was due to positioning of it all within the breast. The results were a few more weeks and just clarified that it was two differently graded areas of DCIS, one close/around the tumour and one further up from what I could make out.  I'm still awaiting my post op results to find out exactly what they found and final grades etc. 

I'm very grateful they were so thorough and know I have had  the best outcome. 

Yes, the breast clinics are overwhelmed - when next week is your biopsy? 

More virtual hugs Mickey xx ️
 

Thank you Mickey.  I'm sorry to hear that you have had to go through all of that, you sound so strong.  I suspect when you have all the information you can process, the worst part is not knowing and waiting.  It sounds like they are taking great care of you.  They are all busy but I can't fault our breast clinics they are wonderful.  I would have liked to have seen the consultant who was there reviewing the mammograms to ask a load of questions, but I suppose they are just too full stretch to give everyone that time at the moment.  That's not to say they're not looking after us all though.  
Biopsies are done in our clinic on Wednesdays and Thursdays so I hope it can go ahead next week.   I'm not going to wimp out about the biopsy.  I had to have 2 biopsies in gynae last summer that were all fine.  Crikey, they must be sick of the sight of me!!!  Can't believe this is happening actually but I've 'parked' it all and am keeping really busy, it helps a lot doesn't it.  It's quite strange actually because I was rigid with fear in the clinic (no husbands allowed in due to Covid), and yesterday panicking like a lunatic, as I'm not good with health stuff and usually overthink things.  Surprisingly I woke up this morning with a strange sense of calm which has helped me cope.

It's really helped me to 'chat' with you too, thankyou  so much.  I wish you all the best for a great outcome for you.  Thinking of you and sending another hug back x

Hi, 

The waiting and not knowing is definitely the worst part.  Once you have the information you can breath a sigh of relief whether benign or even worst case if not because, as you say, you then start to process it. 

These are certainly more difficult times with covid and restrictions. You're right again, keeping busy and thinking as positively as you can (we all get out moments and need them too) is the best way to get through. It's great you woke up with a sense of calm this morning.  Perhaps that's because you know the next step - I have always taken the one step at a time approach and when I find myself jumping forward, I try to pull myself back. We're all different, but it's helped me to take one step and one appointment and just focus on what I can do to get me through that next apt. 

I'm really pleased it's helped you to chat, anytime. Please let me know how you get on - good news is always welcome and support always at the ready from this forum. 

Thank you for your kind wishes and words of support also. 

Mickey xx ️

Hi, how are you?  I'm not in a good place now as my anxiety levels are through the roof!!.  I'm having a biopsy this Thursday first thing.  I've had good and bad days waiting since I heard about these calcifications just over a week ago.  Fortunately I've had a lot on and have kept busy which has helped the days pass quickly.  I've also done a lot of googling and reading on here.   I can't find anyone who found that these calcifications were benign.  They mostly seem to be cancer.  I'm really NOT feeling positive at all.   I'm just terrified.

xxx

Hi, I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so terrified, but I do totally get that.  Tomorrow will soon be here, thankfully and I'm glad you've had some good days during the wait.  I think it definitely gets harder the closer you get to your appointment. It's only natural to feel anxious about what you might be told. Believe me, I'm still waiting for my surgery results from 14/12 and they are now due end of this week or Monday. You just want to fast forward so that you know what you're dealing with.  I can honestly say that I have spoken to quite a few peoples where their calcifications did turn out not to be cancerous. I think people don't always feel comfortable  putting good news on these sites. I always try to encourage that because it helps us all to know that the stats are right and it isn't always cancer. 

I hope you've got plans to keep as busy as you can today. What time is your appointment tomorrow? 

Sending you a big virtual hug Mickey xx ️

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for response.  9 o clock tomorrow morning.  Anxiety at another level now it's a nightmare.  I'm not good with health stuff anyway probably the proverbial hypochondriac so I need to pull myself together.  I've had a look at stats on line and some sites say roughly 50/50 and another said 80% benign.  
so sorry to hear you are still waiting for some results.  Can you phone the consultants secretary to get some information.  Sounds unacceptable to me to keep you in limbo.

thanks for your support.  Sending a hug back x

Hi, 

Its really good that it's a early morning appointment. At least that way you just get up and go (even if sleep is a bit rubbish tonight). 
Once you know you will hopefully give a big sigh of relief. If it is pre-cancerous or cancerous though, please don't forget that it's easily treatable now.  Either way, you will feel more in control again when you know what you're dealing with. Are you taking someone with you tomorrow? 
Keeping everything crossed for you, please let me know how you get on. 
I called her on Monday and she promised investigate and to call me back that day, but didn't...... 
Thanks for your support too - Mickey xx ️

PS, sorry I realise you probably can't take anyone for the biopsy tomorrow in these covid times. I also hope you don't have to wait too many weeks for your results. Xx ️