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Calcifications in both breasts

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Posted 8/18/2005 12:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I can't say I am happy to be posting here but wanted to introduce myself.  My name is Molly and I am a nervous wreck at the moment.  Here is my story.  I am 46 yrs.  had a baby two years ago after using three years worth of fertility drugs to help.  Never really used birth control pills. Have three children from a previous marriage. Nursed all four for over a year.  Had my first child at 21.  I didn't have a mamo since 2002 because of pregnancy and breastfeeding.  I just had my yearly mamo and got called back because both breasts had lots of what they classified as benign looking calcifications and they wanted a magnified view. These weren't there in 2002. I went in for the magnified view and they recommended a biopsy.  She said the right breast in the upper right quadrant has more of a clustered appearance than the left but they want to take biopsies from both sides.  She said given my history it could be just the build up and break down of tissue but she couldn't be sure.  I am so scared of cancer.  It doesn't run in my family and I don't have many of the risks.  I am relatively thin,  eat pretty well, exercize etc.  The one bad habit I do have on occasion is alcohol but I don't drink every day.  I don't smoke either and never have.  What do you all think? 

I realize most of you here have probably been through hell and back so I feel a little embarrased to be whining.  It is just that I have a two year old and as an older parent this was my biggest fear, not seeing him grow up.  Any reassurance would be greatly appreciated.  Love, Molly

Posted 8/18/2005 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Sit back, put your feet up, and exhale, deeply.

Only about 10% of women who get b/c have a family history of it. In my case, no one had EVER had cancer. No one knows what causes this disease and it could very well have more than just one cause since there is more than just one type of b/c.

Microcalifications can be seen in many mammograms but it is the clustering that alerts drs. You really should have biopsies done on both breasts. I can certainly tell you this, if the calicifications are (pre)cancerous, you have caught it very quickly. When I had my second mastectomy, it was because I had micros that were caught in that stage.

Hang out here, though. We're here for anything from venting to sending our PCE to be with you (spiritually) at any time we're needed. Our members have seen just about everything and, I think, they are sometimes better than a dr.

Do remember to either take someone with you and bring a voice recorder to drs appointments. I think we all could never remember everything we were told.

When we they do the biopsy? We'll send the PCE for support. Just watch out for the pink feathers we usually leave behind. I'll put our pilot, Joyce, on alert.

Hugs, Jo-Ann
Posted 8/18/2005 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Jo-Ann

My biopsies are on Sept. 1 at 1:00.  You are right.  When the dr. was talking to me yesterday, I didn't even remember what she was saying.  I didn't even want to look at the films because it scared me.  What are the chances of this being benign?  Do you hear of that happening very often or is it most always precancerous?  What happens next if it is cancer?  Thanks for your help.

Posted 8/18/2005 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
LOL You should have looked at the films because maybe that would have helped you now to understand. The doctor and Jo-Ann both mentioned the clustering. Simply having calcifications here and there is not unusual but when they cluster they could be the start of cancer. At this point, if there is clustering the biopsy will tell you if there is cancer, and even if there is, chances are it will be early and most likely easily controlled. Meanwhile stick around here, learn all you can here and other sources on the internet or in books, etc. The more you learn, the more knowledgeable decision you can make should you need to make one. I have a quote I am pretty well known for, "Don't worry until you know you have something to worry about". Worrying does no good at all and worrying "if" something could be wrong is really a waste. Welcome to our group, I know you aren't excited to really join us but we are a good group. Hugs, Mary K.
Posted 8/18/2005 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
Just to give you a good outcome story. I had the cluster microcalcifications and it turned out to be pre-cancerous..which means it's not cancer but could become cancer down the road.  I was beside myself with worry.  My cousin who had the same thing happen told me, don't worry until you have to worry.  That was good advice.  Hang in there and let us know what happens.  This is more common than you think.  I think I read something that said up to 90% of all biopsies come back normal or not cancer. I don't know how accurate that is, but I remember seeing something like that.
Posted 8/18/2005 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Molly, welcome to the board and congrats on the 2-year-old. We have a 2 yo granddaughter, and she is a delight. I just wanted to echo what others have said. It is the clustering of calcifications that raise red flags. Be glad you have a doc who wants to biopsy just to be sure it is nothing serious. Please do not assume the worst just yet. I had microcalcifications under my lumpectomy incision in 2000 (four years after diagnosis), but there was NO cancer. They were just calcificiations, nothing more. So, take a deep breath and try to relax. Keep us posted. This is a caring group of women, and you are among friends. Hugs, Lauri
Posted 8/18/2005 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for all of your support. I am wondering what happens when you are diagnosed with pre-cancerous condition. What treatment is necessary? Molly
Posted 8/19/2005 7:37 PM (GMT 0)
Molly I guess it would be your choice as to what course to follow. I needed repairs from child birth and a doctor had told me the best repair was to have a hysterctomy, so I insisted on having one when I was 42 and beginning menopause. The surgeon was not all that convinced but removed the uterus, then afterward he told me my pathology report was precancer so he was glad he had complied with my request. I think I would also want an area removed that had precancer cells in my breast also. A lumpectomy is very easy surgery and it would be a lot safer than waiting and watching in my humble opinion. And, there have been cases where a calcification cluster can hide a mass behind it. My daughter had a second lump behind the one seen on the mammogram. So, it is your choice. Don't rush, take you time and think it all through. Hugs MK
Posted 8/19/2005 7:45 PM (GMT 0)
I had it removed.  Now the docs are recommending Tamoxifen to help keep me from having cancer.  Hang in there and let us know how it goes.
Posted 8/19/2005 8:05 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your advice. It is really hard to think about this right now. I just hope I don't go crazy waiting two more weeks for the biopsy. I did get them to move it from the 8th to the 1st of September. Love, Molly
Posted 8/19/2005 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
Molly: You have received some great advice from the ladies. Each of has been right where you are now and understand how nervous and scared you are. Just take a deep breath and try and relax. Let those kids keep your mind occupied. My granddaughters kept me so busy that I would be able to go for hours w/out worrying.

Keep a tablet close and write down any and all questions that you think of. No matter how small or silly the question seems. Then take them w/ you to your appointment and get your dr to answer them. As Jo-Ann said, it is always good to take a friend or family member w/ you as well as a tape recorder. As you discovered, you don't remember very much of what was told to you. You can also call and ask for an appt w/ your dr before 9-1 and get your questions answered.

Try and keep busy. Watch good, funny shows/movies that will make you laugh. Laughter is a great stress reliever.

Hang in there. Sept 1 will be here before you know it.

Hugs...Deb

Posted 8/20/2005 11:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Deb. That is what I am trying to do. Wow, it is so interesting how much you value and enjoy little things when something like this happens. Love, Molly
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