Suspicious mammogram, waiting for biopsy, very scared

TartletMom

I am still in shock but have been reading these forums to calm me down at night. I turned 40 last year and have two young kids. No history of bc but cancer does run in my family on my dad's side. Two weeks ago I had my first screening mammo. A couple days later I got a message that I should come back because of some calcifications (no lump). Last week, I went back in for a diagnostic mammo on the left side, and now they want me to do a stereotactic core needle biopsy. Both my pcp and the radiologist told me that they are just being cautious, but then when I saw the report and googled some of the terms I feel like I haven't been given the whole picture. My biopsy isn't until the end of the month and I'm driving myself crazy with worry.

The report gives me a BIRADS score of 4b and says

On the present examination, there are coarse heterogeneous and fine pleomorphic calcifications measuring 51 mm AP x 41 mm ML x 33 mm SI with regional distribution in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast located 1.5 -7 centimeters from the nipple.

(1) I'm concerned about the biopsy - the affected area is so large! They said they are going to take it from the part closest to the nipple and another sample closest to the chest wall. Is this what is normally done in these situations? What about all the calcifications in the middle?

(2) Ever since the abmornal screening mammo, my affected breast area has felt tender, warm, tingly. I know it could be in my head but it is freaking me out. I convince myself that this plus my back pain mean that something is not right. And then my mind goes spinning into worst case scenarios.

(3) Pcp is not really answering many questions and is only saying that we should just wait until the biopsy for more information. Should I push for a referral to a breast specialist now? Or is that overkill? I don't want to take up anyone's valuable time but I have so many questions and too much time between now and the biopsyto worry about it.

Thanks for listening/reading. As many of you, I too am on a seesaw of emotions and am trying to keep calm. During the day when distracted is easier than at night. Wishing the best for everyone.

Mamasha

HI tartlemom,

We ALL know how bad the wait is....especially the first few weeks. Nothing prepares you for putting your normal life on hold while you wait for appointments and resuls. I'm so sorry that you have this hanging over you. I hope all good news will come your way.

stac17

Hi, I am going through the same thing as you. I went for a second mammogram last Thursday and they found a small area of calcification (clustered). They scheduled a stereo tactic core needle biopsy for me this Tuesday. I know it's very scary, and like you it's easier emotionally for me during the daytime and at night my mind is all over the place replaying what the radiologist told me after the mammogram. The tech and radiologist were very serious/somber so that doesn't help. :-/ They didn't give me a report. Did you have to ask them for it? I'm trying to be positive, watched a 50 min. positive affirmation video today. :-) Sending good thoughts and hoping for good news. Please keep us posted on what you find out!

TartletMom

Mamasha, thanks for the support Stac17, I'm glad you are getting seen so quickly and will have answers. I hope they are good results - let me know how the biopsy goes, as well. My dr so far has automatically made test results available to me online (but then frustratingly is unable/unwilling to answer my follow up questions). Wishing us peace during this time.

buffyjc

Hi. I could've written your post nearly word-for-word. I just turned 41 in January. Had my screening mammo 1/24 and had to have a diagnostic on 2/1. I also have clustered microcalcifications (like you, no lump) that was termed "suspicious" and my BIRAD score was a 4. My radiology report sent me to Google for all sorts of things, as well. I'm having my stereotactic core biopsy tomorrow, 2/21. The only reason I couldn't have it sooner is because I have to visit a facility that has the equipment where I can be seated vs lying on the table with my breast through the hole. My calcifications are in the upper outer area of my right breast near the chest wall. I suppose if I were having the biopsy done in the traditional manner it would be much more difficult to reach the area that needs to be biopsied. So, I got the first available appointment, again, which isn't until tomorrow. It has been such a long wait but I'm so ready to just get it over with!

I can understand your "see-saw" of emotions. I've felt the same way. During the day, while at work, I'm occupied and while I have three children to come home to each day, it's when I lay down to go to sleep that my thoughts begin to run rampant. I just keep trying to think positive but in a realistic manner. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 when she was 59. However, I don't know the extent. I just know that she had a lumpectomy, some lymph nodes were removed and she went on to have chemotherapy and radiation. Today, she's still cancer free. I have complete faith that if *anything* is truly "wrong" with me, I can overcome it.

I know it's easier said than done but try to stay positive and not let bad thoughts get the best of you. I do hope you get good results! Please keep us posted on your outcome! ((HUGS))

windingshores

I think staying busy and trying to stay distracted (Netflix, whatever works for you) is the best until you have more information. Ideally we worry only when we absolutley know there is something to worry about, but that is easier said than done!

TartletMom

buffyjc - good luck tomorrow!! They told me I had a choice btw seated and lying down for mine and I chose lying down bc it was the first available (2/28, but since the radiologist also said they want some from closer to the chest wall I'm not sure why they haven't insisted on seated. I will keep you in my thougts and hope for good results for you! Also, I'm so happy that your mom beat it earlier. Definitely an inspiration!

Windingshores - Yes, I try really hard to stay distracted during the day. This long weekend was the first weekend since they told me I needed a biopsy and I've just had way too much time to think. I should get back into my netflix queue, definitely. Thank you for the words of support!

Jennifer78

I'm so sorry you are going through this. A week before my 39th birthday I had a diagnostic mammogram which lead to an ultrasound. I had a 1.2 cm hypoechoic lump with indistinct margins, BiRads 4. Google was not my friend and I truly was becoming paralyzed with fear. I have two young boys and cried every time I looked at them. I was recently told it was benign. Please try not to let fear get the best of you. Prayer for a good outcome.

Tresjoli2

I will keep each of you in my thoughts and prayers. Remember that most biopsies come back benign.

Please don't google. Google is not your friend in this situation. The stereotactic biopsy isn't so bad. Pretty simple and doesn't really hurt. More uncomfortable than anything.

Keep us posted.

Pamela

NotVeryBrave

I initially saw my OB/GYN about the lump that I felt. He immediately (same day) sent me for diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound. They recommended a biopsy (core needle of lump and enlarged axillary lymph node) and scheduled it for 2 days later. The OB/GYN practice recommends seeing a BS for consult before the biopsy and so I saw her in the morning, before the biopsy.

I would say it's best to see a BS if they seem to think it's something that warrants a biopsy. They are prepared to spend the time to discuss the reports generated already and make things more clear for you. It was good preparation for me. And she was very honest about her evaluation of the images.

Maw123

I had a core needle biopsy yesterday and it wasn't the worst test I ever had. Completely painless. It took me three weeks to go from the sonogram to the biopsy so that felt like forever. It takes a lot of effort to keep my mind occupied but so far I've done ok. Tonight I feel sick though. Sending everybody positive energy and good thoughts for calm and sleep as we forge ahead.

MTwoman

Maw, hope B9 results come your way quickly! ((hugs))

buffyjc

Hi TartletMom! I just wanted to check back in to say thank you for wishing me well on my appointment today for my biopsy. I had a fair amount of anxiety about the procedure and I'm SO relieved it's over! My experience today was uncomfortable but that was only due to the positioning and maneuvering of my breast (they're relatively small). The radiologist was extremely fast with the actual biopsy and he told me he took 7 samples! I'm now in a bit of discomfort but the ice pack does seem to offer some relief. In two days, I have a follow up appointment for my results.

Please know that I'm thinking of you, as well as all the others here in waiting mode, and sending positive thoughts and prayers for good results!

Moderators

Maw123-

We're glad you're biopsy wasn't terrible, hoping for good results! Please keep us posted!

The Mods

ChiSandy

I had to wait a week between the report from the routine screening mammo that found the “focal asymmetry" and the diagnostic mammo & ultrasound—and had to fight like hell to get the diagnostic imaging that quickly (I had to fly out for a course/conference & gigs in New Orleans & PA the next day). And the 2 wks between that imaging & biopsy were the longest 2 wks of my life (I couldn’t have the biopsy immediately because they wanted me off my heart aspirin and fish oil for a week beforehand). OTOH, it was <36 hours between biopsy and the phone call informing me of the diagnosis. From that moment on, I made appointments and started my game plan. Ironically, I felt calmer after my diagnosis than in the 3 weeks between the discovery of an anomaly & the biopsy. (And when we got to the venue in Scranton after my singing partner picked me up at the Phila. airport, we learned our gig was cancelled—more accurately, the woman who booked us a year earlier had been fired the very next day and took the calendar with her, so there was no record of our gig. Had I known that, I would have flown home the same day my course ended instead of kicking around NOLA for the entire weekend, flying to PA and taking 3 days to drive home—I could have had my biopsy, and my diagnosis, a week earlier and gotten a jump on starting treatment)!

magsp

Hi, TartleMom. I am, by no means, an expert on any of this, but just wanted to tell you that I can relate to your situation. I am 46 and do have regular, screening mammograms. I have a history of "lumpy"/fibrocystic breasts and had a large fibroadenoma removed about 10 years ago. I had my 3D screening mammo in the fall and the findings were very, very similar to yours. I was petrified. I kept googling and couldn't really find any encouraging that had "fine pleomorphic" in it. The breast surgeon kept telling me that she wasn't extremely concerned, but I certainly was. I was genuinely freaking out. I had a core needle biopsy about two weeks after my diagnostic mammo and then the meeting with the breast surgeon about a week after that. It was all benign. I almost fell off of the exam table with relief....I'm serious about that. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to scare my kids or my husband, my Mom, etc. It's a very scary time, and I am hoping that your results are the same as mine. I would say don't Google, but that, for me, was darn near impossible, so I would say then just try to keep it all in perspective when you do and that we interpret these things as lay people. Good luck!

TartletMom

Thank you everyone for the continued support! Asof today, I have less than a week to go until the biopsy. I so admire the strength and kindness of everyone on here. Buffyjc - glad your biopsy went well! I'm thinking good thoughts for you and everyone else waiting for results!

GillieN

Hi All,

I just joined today and the Mods directed me to this forum. I can truly empathize with everyone on here! Here's my story.

I'm 54 years old. Last July, I had my regular bi-yearly mammogram. I was recalled because of a suspicious area in my right breast. The second mammogram showed calcifications in a linear pattern within one duct (a tiny 1.3 cm lesion) and the radiologist recommended biopsy. Three weeks later, I had a stereostatic core needle biopsy, and I'll tell you, the anxiety created by the anticipation of this event was way way worse than the actual procedure. My breast was well frozen and I barely felt anything - only a "tug" when the 6 biopsies were taken. I had minimal pain afterwards. I know everyone is different and I cannot promise that the procedure is painless for all, I can safely say, it was the easiest of the three procedures I've had so far.

The biopsy showed only two samples of ADH, no DCIS. The four other samples were clear. So I decided to watch and wait. Come January 2017, my follow up mammogram showed no change, and the report indicated BIRAD 5 - excisional biopsy (aka lumpectomy) suggested. Let me tell you, I had a tough time making a decision on what to do next. Should I just go on assuming there was nothing wrong? If I did, and a few years down the road, I was to discover that I had invasive bc, I would have kicked myself (or worse!). But what if I had the lumpectomy and everything came back normal? Would i be premanently disfigured for nothing? The mind can go to very dark places if it wants to. I was confused, stressed and so very disappointed with my body. I'm not perfect, but I do eat well and exercise, and I stopped smoking 25 years ago...why was this happening? Was it because I had estrogen dominance most of my life (uterine fibroids, heavy periods, ovarian cysts and weight gain in my breasts over and over as the years passed)? If so, why aren't doctors screaming about the dangers of excess estrogen and hormonal imbalance caused by environmental factors (in our food, personal care products and medications, to name a few)?

To make a long story short, I decided to go ahead with the lumpectomy. It's been two days now, and I'm home recuperating. I'm in a bit of pain - especially when I move around. The weight of my breasts seems to be tugging at the incision. I'm trying different bras, but nothing seems to be right. My lesion was deep behind my nipple so I think they had to do a bit of "digging" to get at it (sorry for those who are surgically squeamish). I have been taking painkiller meds and they do help, but they also make me a bit stoned and cause constipation. (sorry for the gory details). I just didn't think it would hurt this much! Maybe it is becuase they cut along a previous scar (from breast reduction done over 30 years ago)...maybe that makes it worse!

A little humour for you - I had a radioactive seed implanted near the lesion the day before the surgery - so the surgeon could locate the miniscule area - and apparently they lost the seed during the surgery and had to get an employee from nuclear medicine to locate the seed with some kind of geiger counter!! Can you believe it?? They found it on the floor of the operating room (and if you're wondering, I was treated at a large metropolitain hospital that specializes in bc treatment). Wonders never cease.

I hope I haven't dragged on too long here. It does feel good to let it all out. I hope I haven't scared anyone by describing everything in detail.

Suffice to say, I am now waiting to find out if I have DCIS that might require further treatment (i.e. sentinal node biopsy and radiation) or have nothing at all and can go on with my life with a little less breast but a lot more reassurance (and gratitude). I won't know until March 21. Four weeks away. I am going to have to keep myself very busy, once the pain subsides.

Thanks for "listening". I look forward to learning of other people's experiences, and offering my support wherever I can.

GillieN

PS. TartletMom, my back (right side) was KILLING me ever since I got the news about the mammogram in January. I tried stretching, exercise, massage and osteopathy. All helped a bit, but I am sure it was caused by tension - I was instinctively tightening my right side in anticipation and worry. I really truly believe our minds can exacerbate or play a big role in relieving disease..so I would recommend doing whatever you can to make yourself laugh and feel comforted. Have 5 baths a day if you want. Ask your kids to play the drums on your back (mine used to walk on my back when they were little ). Find ways to soothe your stress - you deserve to be nurtured (even while you're nuturing your children). And try not to read too much online. It is good to be informed enough in order to ask all the questions you'll want to ask, but don't go down the "what if" road. Deal with what you know. I don't know where you live, but in Canada, the cbcf has a hotline you can call and someone will call you back to offer support. These ladies have all had breast cancer and survived, and can be your wise voice of reason in a crazy time of life.

TartletMom

GillieN: I appreciate your descriptions of everything! I am better when I have more information. I also thank you for your self-care suggestions. I am trying my best with the destractions but it is hard, as we all know I wish you all the best for your results this time!

stac17

Hi TartletMom,

Just wanted to give a quick update! I was supposed to have my biopsy last Tuesday but my Dr.'s office hadn't sent a request yet to my insurance (the place I'm having it done is out of network) I had chosen to keep that appt. hoping it would've been approved by then. So it's rescheduled for March 8th.They said they will try and get me in sooner if there's a cancellation. And I requested a copy of the Radiologist's report of my mammogram (I didn't know I could get one until I read that you had yours, thank you!). It says BI-RADS 4. I have microcalcifications in my right breast. I'm having a biopsy this Tuesday for irregularities in my uterus (most likely scar tissue from c-section 13 yrs. ago) I was having irregular bleeding and cramping, that's why I went to the Dr's. in the first place. I'm just trying to relax and not worry, though it's hard not to sometimes! Take care and keep us updated!

TartletMom

stac17 - thank you for the update. I wish you luck on your biopsy, and peace and relaxation (as much as possible until then).

I have a couple days until my biopsy. To say this has been a roller coaster is an understatement. I also agree with those who say that they just want to push the pause button in this waiting in between period. People have been asking me about plans for next weekend and I can't even think/plan that far in advance. Mostly I can force myself to stay positive and not fret about things I cannot control, but then sometimes I give in to the worry/anxiety. (I worry so mch more about how it would affect my young kids than myself.) ending everyone good vibes!

Lisbonlix1977

hey tartletmom, when do you get your biopsy results back? I am scheduled to see a BS Tuesday. Bi rads 4. 2 masses, one on each breast ...

TartletMom

Lisbon - they said I would get results in 2-4 business days. Biopsy on Tues, so I assume I will know something by next weekend.... Bst wishes for a good outcome for you!!

Lisbonlix1977

to you too. I am trying not to be petrified. Lots of B9 vibes for us 💕

TartletMom

GivIng an update: Home after the biopsy. No pain during then procedure, but it was uncomfortable to lie facedown the whole time and not move. There was also a lot of adjusting and re-adjusting and xray after xray. All in all I was there for 2+hours. My breast feels bruised, and they said not to shower for 2 days, which I wasn't expecting. Now, I am just waiting. One doctor said I should get results by Friday, another said early next week, so who knows? They were reassuring saying that most come back benign, but they also said they got "lots" of calcifications in the samples. Sending good vibes to everyone!

SweetCaroline2

Tartletmom,

I am so sorry that you are having to go through the frightening wait for results of scans that that may set your life on a new and unwanted track..My prayers are with you. I just had a biopsy after 2 small tumors were discovered on MRI in my nonoperative breast. I had a mammogram only 5 months ago that did not show anything and I could not feel any lump(s).Thankfully, I received news last evening that the growths are benign, but the 5 days of waiting for results were absolute torture. My only comfort during the wait was knowing that most biopsies come back benign. I hope your results are as good as mine.

TartletMom

SweetCaroline - Thank you. I'm so appreciative to everyone on here for their support and kind words. I'm so happy you recently got good news

TartletMom

Another update: Just got the call that the samples show no evidence of atypia or malignancy!! I am shaking with relief. I am still waiting to hear the recommendations re how frequently I should get mammos or other screening tests in the future. Sending love and light and I hope everyone else waiting gets good news, too! Thank you for "sitting" with me during this scary time. I hope to pay it forward with others here waiting. (Hugs.)

NatsFan78

TartletMom I am so happy for you!!

TartletMom

NatsFan - I am thinking of you and hope you get good news soon too. How are you healing?