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Have Microcalcifications and need biopsy... scared

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Posted 6/3/2009 11:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I am not normally on your post page... my home has been the Ulcerative Colitis page. 

I just heard from the doctor that I have to go for a stereotactic breast biopsy of my left breast because of microcalcifications and an enlarged lymph node on the left side.  She said the pattern is a pattern of concern. 

I am 40 years old and have always had cystic breasts so I have mamography films from 2001 and 2008.  They said they have changed and there are new areas of concern.

Can anyone tell me what to expect for this test?  Can anyone tells me what a "pattern of concern" means.  I am scared and not ashamed to say it.  My UC has been doing well but this stress could push me into another flare.

Thank you

Chris

Posted 6/3/2009 11:40 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris
I see you are still here so might see this reply. Your Dr is doing the completely right thing by doing a biopsy. This is the only way to be sure that any abnormality is cancer or not. I had a core biopsy which is done under local and is quite bearable the surgeon uses ultrasound to guide the needle to the tumor and a piece is punched out of the core and sent away to be checked - I find that the worst part is waiting for the histology result to come back. My understanding is that microcalcifications can be a precurser to cancer but are not necessarily so.

Best of luck

Kath from Down Under
Posted 6/9/2009 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris,

My normal breast is full of microcalcifications that we have been looking at for about four years. Yes, it can be a precurser to cancer and that is why we keep looking, but so far the microcalcifications have not clustered and I pass the test everytime. Try not be be worried and be glad that the Doctor is not ignoring any possibilities. The pattern may be that the calcifications are starting to cluster and with the lymph node enlargement it is good to get checked. I wish you luck and let us know what happens.

Blessings,
Candy
Posted 6/11/2009 1:20 PM (GMT 0)
Chris,

I can tell you that my biopsy was also very bearable. I think modesty is a first concern for many women, but it needn't be as these are all professionals working with us. I've found all of the nurses and most drs. that I've dealt with to be very understanding and kind, yet professional. The wait, as they've said, is the hardest part! Plus, there is the inconvenience of it all, but it's best that they check out your microcalcs. I also think it's best to get the good news, or sometimes the not so good news, with someone - not alone! My husband was traveling to his job each week for our move to a new state, I was 40, had 2 young boys (8 & 11), and although my mother lived in an in-law apt. with us, she wasn't home. In fact, I asked the dr. to tell me even though she didn't really want to while I was alone. My mom got home while I was waiting for the fax for a half hour (!!!). It wasn't pretty, but here I am 4 years+ without a recurrence. Just lots of extra pounds! tongue I've also heard of friends of friends getting good news and being equally happy to be with someone to open up a bottle of wine or go out and celebrate. Here's hoping you get the good news yeah call! B9! When is your biopsy? Try not to worry and think the worst - it really is wasted energy that isn't at all healthy! Try to visualize good health instead, but hang in there!!!

Please let us know!!

~Lauré
Posted 6/12/2009 6:31 AM (GMT 0)

Hi to those of you who responded.  My biopsy was yesterday.  It was very bearable I think in part because people knew I was freightened.  The stereotactic was fine, the additional pictures OWWW, but the biospy of the left lymph hurt really bad.  The preliminary from the biopsy of the lymph showed abnormal cells.  I am devestated at this point.  The doctor said she will push for the pathology to be STAT and  hopefully a more definitive answer will be given to me this Friday.  I feel like I can't breath because of the preliminary findings.  When I got home I went on line and a few sights said that it is really bad when it gets to the auxilliary lymphs because it most likely is in other parts of your body.

As for the micro calcifications... there was not preliminary... hopefully tommorow too.

Thanks for taking time to respond.

Chris

Posted 6/13/2009 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Even with a mastectomy I think the worse part is the lymph nodes removal. It is painful but like all pain compared to other pain, it is not so bad. I'm sure with UC you have been through some awful pain. Hang in there and do what the doctors tell you. Most cancer doctors and nurses are very compassionate. My husband was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and is going through chemo and radiation and everyone has been super nice to us. Their kindness makes it so much easier!!! Do your best to keep your spirits up but do read DebbieRs post about tears. Hugs MK
Posted 6/13/2009 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for taking the time to write back.  I have read the post about tears and sent it to a few people in my family.  I am not concerned about the pain I am concerned about the fact because of the UC I already have a compromised immune system.  I feel like I am at the starting gate of the journey and I am carrying a 500 lb gorrilla on my back already.  I am afraid that this has spread even further already because of my lack of immune system.  They said they will only know after surgery.  I see one surgeon on Monday, I want to schedule another for later in the week and I am checking out a hospital in Philadelphia that is supposed to be great with this.  If there is anyon that lives in NJ, any suggestions on hospitals besides Sloan Kettering in NYC?  My insurance is good but somewhat limited.

 

I know the road ahead is long.  I thank you for responding.  Please keep me and my family (husband and 6 year old) in your prayers.

Chris

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