Intro - Calcification grown, biopsy coming up

BelleSnow

Hello, and thank goodness for this wonderful website. I (48 F) needed an informative resource, and reading through here since yesterday has taken away some of my anxiety. So, I'm now trying to stay calm, doing deep breathing and meditating.

I first noticed a lump in the left breast during late Spring. I've had cysts before, and went to the doctor expecting much the same thing, and had a mammogram and ultrasound in June. It was indeed a cyst in the left breast, but - surprise - the radiologist saw two small areas of concern in the right breast, possible calcifications, and I had a followup ultrasound Nov. 11.

That ultrasound has shown growth in one of those masses. I didn't think to ask for size or other details. Now I'm referred for a biopsy. Waiting to get it scheduled.

Not sure what to think or feel. Still a bit stunned at the suddenness. The whirlwind. No family history of this, in a large extended family, so trying to be optimistic.

I just did some reading through here to prepare myself for what may come (or not). I've had operations before, so at least the aspect of it that involves dealing with doctors and hospitals isn't too bewildering.

Waiting for test results, though... I just want to walk out to the woods and let out a huge belly yell, it is tough.

Not easy to go through anything medical at this time of the year either, although the timing is a pattern for me. I've twice had major medical situations in my life right around December before this. This is my first time dealing with the possibility of BC however.

Virtual hugs to everyone going through the testing, and the waiting.

MinusTwo

Belle - yes, the waiting is really hard. Hope you have something to distract yourself. Wishing you B-9 results.

LivinLife

Hopefully they call you tomorrow to schedule? I'm surprised they didn't schedule you right after the ultrasound though maybe it is a different department or area doing the biopsy? I've had a number of in-person appointments since COVID. I do not know where you live though I've been seen in Cleveland several times, Pittsburgh once and then locally a number of other times (much smaller area) and I've felt safe and comfortable on all but one occasion (that was due to a very small medical building in a Cleveland suburb so too many people milling around in a small space unfortunately- someone coughing a lot in one of the office waiting areas too). I carry a hand wipe everywhere I go too for doors/door handles. The medical folks really are doing a good job - at least from what I've seen....

Let us know once you get scheduled and then certainly once you get results. Sending positives your way...

MelissaDallas

You will likely have an ultrasound guided core biopsy, which is really easy, or at least mine was, since the areas are visible with ultrasound. Try not to get too worried at this point. Most breast biopsies are benign, and at forty eight you are likely perimenopausal when your hormones act up again. This can make fibroadenomas and cysts pop up and/or grow. Let us know when you get scheduled

BelleSnow

Thanks for the good thoughts and advice, it helps.

I live in a city with a breast health centre at one of the hospitals, where the biopsy will be done. The imaging was done at an imaging clinic.