Curious/calcifications

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AnkleEye
AnkleEye Member Posts: 12

Six months ago I had a mammogram and received a letter there was a "finding" and I had to go back in six months for another mammogram.  Well, I went for the mammogram last Thursday and the woman who was doing the mammogram showed me some calcifications in my left breast that were around 8 or so calcifications in a complete circle.  This was under the magnifying mammo.  So then the doctor came in and said there were changes and I had to have a stereotactic core biopsy this Thursday.  Since hearing that I have researched and learned a lot however I  am very, very nervous about the biopsy because I know I can't stay still and I will start to panic.  Have to try to stay serene. Doctor said if it is something it would most likely be DCIS.  Anyway - just wondered if anyone had any thoughts about those calcifications in a circle.  Does that seem likely to be cancer based on that shape?  Thanks.

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  • CrunchyPoodleMama
    CrunchyPoodleMama Member Posts: 1,220
    edited August 2010

    My microcalcifications that were in a tiny circle turned out to be DCIS... did you see the radiologist report? Did it say "clustered" and did it give a BIRADS number?

  • AnkleEye
    AnkleEye Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2010

    Thanks for the reply.  I have just seen the mammogram but the biopsy is tomorrow.  I have learned on this site to get a copy of the radiologist's report when I go tomorrow.

     I am sooo nervous I can't even breathe.  

  • almagetty
    almagetty Member Posts: 316
    edited August 2010

    AnkleEye: Take a deep breath. I know how scary all of this is. One lesson that this whole journey has taught me is to take things one step at a time. It isn't an easy thing to do, but it helps to keep me sane. Even with a cluster of calcifications, your chances are good that it will turn out to be something benign. I think better than 80% of the time, biopsies come back as benign. 

    Do keep a file of all your reports.

    I hope you get good news! 

  • AnkleEye
    AnkleEye Member Posts: 12
    edited August 2010
    Thank you almagetty.  I am feeling more calm now and I am actually looking forward to getting the first step - biopsy - overwith tomorrow.  I know I am strong enough to deal with it and feeling greatful that if it's DCIS, I am lucky.  That's what they said it probably was if it's anything.  I am getting strength from reading all the posts on this site too.  Everyone here:  THANK YOU! Smile
  • mea5
    mea5 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2010

    Hi crunchy, It's me again!  Can you tell me what the BIRADS number mean?

    I am hopeful after hearing from all my friends here.

    Thanks

  • mea5
    mea5 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2010

    Hi ankleye,

    I had mam and biopsy about two weeks ago. I was told that mine were very small around in a circle as well. It did turn out to be DCIS.

    Stay hopeful, stay prayerful

  • mea5
    mea5 Member Posts: 5
    edited August 2010

    I biopsy that I did was with the needle. They usual numb the spot so there is if any, very little pain.

    You will be just fine. Take a deep breath and it will be over with!

  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited August 2010

    mea5, here is the page from BC.org that describes the BIRAD scores

    http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/types/mammograms/results.jsp

    Sheila

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