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Posted 9/26/2006 8:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

Last week I got a blood clot in a vein in my chest (Mondor's disease) and so I've been going though some testing.  I had a breast ultrasound/sono (came back "normal") and this morning I had a mammogram (my first ever).

The radiologist found some "calcifications" and wanted additional xrays on the spot (with magnification).  It took about 90 minutes instead of the 20 that they told me.  But I'm glad they got what they needed to see, I guess.

So a few hours later, my family doc calls and said that she has scheduled an apt. with a local breast surgeon early next week and that he would go over the results of my mammogram and look at my blood clot.

I am a little worried because of how fast they are doing this.  From reading, I understand that most calcifications are not cancerous and that many times they will just retest you in 6 months to look for any changes.  The fact that the radiologist CALLED my family doc (only hours after my mammogram) instead of the usual faxing and 2-3 day wait, combined with my doctor immediately scheduling the apt. with the surgeon has put a pit of fear in my stomach.  My family doctor also said, "I would be uncomfortable waiting 6 months on this".

Perhaps it's the combo blood clot thing.  Perhaps the radiologist saw something concerning in the calcifications on the films.  I don't know.  But what I do know is that I don't want to sit in the surgeon's office on Monday without a list of questions that I should ask.  So do you have any advice?  What should I be sure to find out?  I want to avoid the "Boy, I wish I'd asked...." on the way home.

Thanks!

Posted 9/26/2006 9:10 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like you have had your fill of doctors!  If your family doctor was concerned enough to set an appointment, then you probably need a biopsy.  You are right, it may very well be nothing, but a biopsy is the only way of making sure it is nothing.  My questions would be, how soon can it be done, and how long to find out the results?  No other questions can really be answered until you find out what it is you're dealing with.  They probably want to rule out DCIS, which is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  A cluster of microcalcifications can be an indication of DCIS.  But it can also be a cluster of microcalcifications. If the biopsy is negative, you should begin having regular mammograms to keep an eye on the situation.  This is one of the few conditions that can actually be a precursor to breast cancer, so don't ignore it!

Best wishes to you...check back with us!

BEV 

Posted 9/27/2006 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the board!  My first reaction to reading your post was happiness that your doctors are so fast in action.  Many don't have great medical teams as this.  I know about that pit of the stomach feeling.  I remember it well.  My usual jovial doctor came into the exam room with a very serious face, so I knew it wasn't good.  But, like you, he was very quick to act in getting me the referrals I needed.  I agree, biopsy is the only sure way of knowing.  Once that's done, then you can start asking the questions.

 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Posted 9/27/2006 2:45 AM (GMT 0)

Hello,

Glad you found the board.  I have a history of microcalcifications in my left breast.  Because they have not clustered I have been advised to continue with the 6 month mammos for a while longer.  If there is a cluster then they will be able to biopsy and get answers for you.  Like Bev told you, heavy microcalcifications can be a precursor to cancer so get those check-ups and follow your doctor recommendations.

Keep us updated and hugs to you,

Candy

Posted 9/27/2006 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all. My mom had DCIS in her early 50s, had a small lump removed and was fine. The more I read and learn, the better I feel. I am so happy to have access to the Internet and places like Healing Well. :)
Posted 9/27/2006 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Mrs. G-
Hopefully this is all a big nothing, but it is great that they are on it. I had Mondor's (Syndrome, I think my surgeon called it). Mine developed as first a pain in my side and then a couple days later, I could see the cord-like vein. I was told that it is a side effect of breast surgery or trauma to the breast, and is not related to cancer itself. You can look it up online too, and Susan Love's Breast Book mentions it. I got it again another time, this time you could see the vein in my arm pit and running down my arm. It subsided in a short period of time and never came back. I did take a baby aspirin for a while as a blood thinner. THey did not say it was a clot, but an inflammation of the vein.

As far as a sense of urgency, they cannot tell anything for sure from the films, and it is best to have it looked at. It may not mean a thing...but best to be sure.

Please stick around and keep us posted!
Lori
Posted 9/27/2006 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
Lori-

I'm so glad to "meet" someone else who has gone though this.  My symptoms are exactly like yours were (with the visible "cord") and I did have a minor breast biopsy about 6 weeks ago.  We were trying to find out if I had a yeast infection or not (I didn't).

I am also relieved to find out that yours resolved without intervention.  I can't take asprin because of my Crohn's, but I've been putting heat on it.

I feel like Mordor's is a mixed blessing because otherwise I wouldn't have had the testing that revealed the calcifications.  So for everything there is a purpose.  I'll check back Monday after my apt. with the surgeon.

Thank you for responding and for your encouragement. :-)

Mrs.G

Posted 9/27/2006 3:17 PM (GMT 0)
Mrs G-
(I used to be a Ms G and am now a Mrs R)...my PCP had no idea what it was when I went to see her about it and she was going to refer me to a vein doctor (I forgot what kind of speicalist). I asked my surgeon about it via email and he knew exactly what it was. I was also told I could take advil for pain or inflammation, do not recall if I did. I posted about it too, and interestingly that others also knew of it, but their doctors may not have known what it was eitehr or else they never brought it to medical attention.

Anyway, I am 37, was diagnosed in 11/99 (age 30) and all is well now...
Hang in there and let us know how it goes!
Lori
Posted 10/2/2006 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I met with the surgeon today.  My mammogram shows 1 localized grouping of microcalcification, covering 1-2 cm in diameter.  It's labeled "indeterminate" and  BIRAD level 4 (suspicious abnormality, biopsy should be considered).

So I have a stereotactic core biopsy scheduled in 2 weeks.  I'm nervous about the procedure so I'd love to hear some, "Aw, it weren't so bad" stereotactic biopsy stories about now.  They will offer a Valium beforehand.  I may very well take them up on it! yeah   Has anyone taken Valium and what was it like?

Posted 10/3/2006 12:14 AM (GMT 0)

The procedure is not awful.  I did have some local anaesthetic to numb the site and I did not received any sedative.  I do not like valium, it gives me a terrible hang over, but then I really didn't need anything for anxiety.  I was very calm through all of my tests needed to make a definite dx.  Some people thought I was strange, but I was thankful.  If you are suffering from a lot of anxiety, then you should ask for something to help you through the test.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Hugs,

Candy

Posted 10/3/2006 10:32 PM (GMT 0)
Better late than never to say Welcome. It seems as tho everyone is giving you good advice and all sounds like you have a great doc. My usual advice is not to worry until you know you have something to worry about. The biopsy will provide information that you need. Keep in touch and let us know. Hugs MK
Posted 10/7/2006 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all.  The thromboplebitis has resolved (yea!).  I am now awaiting my upcoming biopsy on the 20th and the results.

 

Posted 10/20/2006 10:40 PM (GMT 0)
I had my stereotactic biopsy today.  The procedure wasn't too bad - a little painful when they numbed me up, but after that I didn't feel any discomfort. The staff was very supportive and reassuring. I brought in a favorite CD to listen to - to help distract me, they covered me in a warm blanket and even gave me some chocolate afterwards! Before they started, I was offered some Valium, which I took since I was pretty nervous. I only took a half dose, which took the edge off but didn't leave me feeling loopy. My doctor was wanting to remove all of the calcifications, but there were too many so she just got several good samples. They also placed a small clip in my breast, to mark the area for future reference. Afterwards they took several mamograms - my new baselines. Then they wrapped me up in an ace bandage (think uniboob), gave me an ice pack and sent me home. I should have the results on Monday.
Posted 10/24/2006 6:52 PM (GMT 0)
Just heard back today - results are benign.  Yea!  Thank you for your feedback and support.
Posted 10/24/2006 8:48 PM (GMT 0)
YES!!!!!!! We love to hear that word B-9. I know how relieved you are! You have enough going on to deal with this stuff, but please stay current with mammograms and exams..... So happy for you, Hugs MK
Posted 10/26/2006 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
What great news!  NOW BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Giving Thanks tonight for you good results.

Hugs,

Deb

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