worried after 6 month checkup

goldieloks

       I was diagnosed 8 mths. ago with high grade dcis er/pr negative. I went through 2 lumpoctomys to get clear margins.Then i had 6 weeks of radiation.I know this is standard for this condition so i was shocked when i went for my first mamo and ultrasound today and they said they saw benign calcifications in the same area the dcis was.They said this is common after surgery.I never heard of this before.Now they want me to come back in 6 mths.for an mri and another mamo.They said this is standard after dcis surgery.The drs tried to reassure me that some people get benign calcifications after surgery.Iwas wondering if anyone has had this or heard of this.I would appreciate any feedback you can give me.I know i am going to worry for the next 6 mths.thinking these new calcifications will turn to cancer     .Please give me any information if you have ever heard of getting new calcifications so quick after surgery and rads.I am so glad i found this site so i can vent with other women that understand.

Beesie

Yes, it's quite common to develop benign calcifications after surgery and particularly after radiation. Calcifcations tend to develop in response to any trauma to the breast and surgery and radiation certainly are sources of trauma.

If the size and pattern of the calcs is clearly benign and if the calcs appear different than those that were part of your diagnosis, then you shouldn't worry.  But if you can't help but worry (which is understandable!), you could request a biopsy. 

Has your breast surgeon seen the mammogram film and if so, did he/she agree with the assessment of the radiologist? 

juliet62

goldieloks, i had  new calcifications at 6months next to the lumpectomy site, i did have an mri and biopsy because of the pattern of them   but the path is currently b9, so back to the 6 month wait and watch, so i can appreciate  your stress level right now.  beesie is right calcifications are the result of injury to cells, the radiologist is looking at the size and shape and patterning of them before they  make the report, because of our history  i found they do edge on the side of caution and will reccomending further testing if they are concerned about any findings on a test

goldieloks

Thanks for your help.I am happy to hear that calcifications can appear after surgery.When i went for my 6mt mamo i was sure they would say everything is fine surprise surprise they found  more cacifications and now i get to worry what they will find in 6 mths.I guess this is part of the journey i am on for the rest of my life.Iwish i was not such a worrier and i could just relax and think positive,but that is just not me.At least talking to others helps with the stress for i know i am not alone.Bessie you asked if the dr. saw the mamo and she  did .I go to a facility in New Jersey that does everything under one roof. I like that for they don't send you all over the place,you just go to a differant dept.Another thing i am wondering is if anyone is taking hormones while being er/pr negative .the dr. puo me on generic aromicin and told me that since i had high grade dcis this might give me alittle added protection.I never heard of this before , but i am taking her advice and taking the drug.So far no symtoms which makes me wonder if this drug is doing any good since the cancer was not caused by estrogen.I might consider talking to another oncologist and ask them there oppinion. I like my dr. but some of the things she tells me i am just not sure of

juliet62

sorry can't help on that one, i'm taking tamoxifen as i'm hormone positive