This is Sadie me's original post from a very long thread about microcalcifications... Sadie, i almost didn't see your post because it was at the bottom of page 2 of an old thread...WHEW! i don't think we get many threads that are that long here! Anyway, here's Sadie's post:
hi, doesn't seem as if anyone has posted here for a while but any info or conversation i can get on microcalcifications will be greatly appreciated. specifically, i just had a digital mammogram where microcals were spoted and biopsy was suggested. a surgeon was recommended but i can't get in for at least one month. i simply can't wait that long -- i'll go crazy. i've tried to call others but have to wait til monday to try again. is there some secret to getting in to these doctors and is the biopsy usually done on the first visit or do they refer you to someone else? thanks for any help....i'm pretty nervous....the biopsy is supposed to be to rule out any cancerous cells.
Sadie, a month may seem like a long time, but that's pretty quick for a good surgeon. When i was already dx'ed, it took 6 weeks to get a mastectomy scheduled...so I already knew there were two different cancers there, and still, i waited. The good news is, breast cancer typically slow growing, so 4-6 weeks to do a surgery to remove a suspicious lump isn't that long when you consider that it has probably been growing there for 8 years or so before it can even be detected by mammogram. As far as info on microcalcifications, I didn't have them, so there are many more women here who can speak to that more adeptly than i can. The original thread you posted to, however, is a pretty indepth discussion of microcalcifications.
As far as secrets to getting in, the best way is to go through a breast center in a large city...but i suspect you would have a wait for that appointment as well. Sometimes the good doctors who come highly recommended are worth waiting for. I know that by the time i had my mastectomy, you could no longer tell where I had the biopsy, because the surgeon cut right at the rim of the nipple. Beautiful work...but unfortunately, the cosmetics of it were a moot point before the surgeon finished closing, because the pathologist came in to the OR to give the doctor the results. We spend a lot of time "hurry up and wait"ing on this board, it seems!
Our friend mK will tell you that you needn't worry til you know you have something to worry about, but that is sometimes easier said than done.
let us know how it goes...and if anyone can add info on microcalcifications, please do!
Hugs and good luck,
BEV