DCIS is not excluded

mommy4max

I had a follow-up mammogram last Friday and the conclusions were as such: DCIS is not excluded and consideration biopsy is therefore recommended. No other findings are identified to indicate malignancy." I have a friend who is being treated for DCIS and she said if they mention it in the mammogram, chances are you have it. Is this true? I am scheduled for a stereotactic biopsy next Friday and I am scared to death. History of breast CA in my maternal great aunt (my grandmother's sister) (deceased) and paternal grandmother (deceased, hers metastasized to pancreatic cancer), history of prostate CA and bone CA in my father (deceased) and Hodgkins in my niece (my sister's daughter - in remission).

Any suggestions, other than don't worry and have the biopsy?

Pam

MTwoman

mommy4max, I am so sorry you're here with breast health concerns. I don't know that is true or not. It may result from them not seeing an actual lump, but a certain pattern of micro-calcifications. I think the best course of action is try not to worry overly much (I do know that is hard) and have the biopsy for confirmation either way.

Just fyi, you stated that your paternal grand mother had bc that "metastasized to pancreatic cancer". That's not really how it works. If bc metastasizes, then it remains bc (they can look at the cells in pathology and determine that), just in another location. Pancreatic ca can occur separately from bc in the same person, and is frequently not found until it is in a much later stage as it is commonly asymptomatic. Regardless, an early age of onset in 2 family members (you didn't mention their ages) plus your age (if you do get a diagnosis and you're under 50) may make it logical for you to get genetic testing. If you get a diagnosis, you could talk to your doc about whether it is appropriate to get a referral for a genetic consultation. They will take a thorough family history and may also get blood samples for testing.

Try not to go too far down the what if road as you wait for your biopsy and pathology results. Sending you positive thoughts for b9 results.

MinusTwo

mommy - most things that are true for a friend or neighbor are not true for ourselves. There are just too many variables. Did you have an ultrasound also? I would go ahead with the biopsy and yet, try to keep your mind occupied.