waiting on stereotactic biolsy results
Hi everyone,
A couple of weeks ago, I had a mammography which indicated I have some calcifications that needed a biopsy. I had it done on Monday and now waiting on the results.
As many, I have fears of bad results. Of course you hear from the docs that 80% of the time the outcome is fine. But I talked to 3 radiologists during each exam/biopsy and they just dont seem confident or give me a straight answer on whether it's good or bad.
I'm 38 and only received an early mammogram due to dense breasts. I also got 1 two years ago and the results were fine. The size of the calcs are 5mm. So if they said it's anything, it's early and small.
I really hope it's nothing. I heard cluster but i also heard linear, so not sure if the shapes are the calcs are linear or they are in a linear line.
I guess I am looking for positive reinforcement since I am fearing the worst.
Comments
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Nervous, have you gotten a copy of the imaging report? Not the patient letter, the one with all of the technical language. You are entitled to that, and if you post the language here, we can help you decipher it. The 80% benign statistic is relatively accurate. The radiologists were most likely trying NOT to give you information that they weren't certain about. The pathology report will give you clarity, but it is certainly hard waiting for results. Good luck for B9 findings!
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Chief Complaint: ABNORMAL MAMMOGRAM
INDICATION: Abnormal Mammogram. Questionable calcifications in the right breast.
EXAMINATION: Unilateral RIGHT additional digital views were performed to supplement the screening
mammogram from April 10 2017.
FINDINGS:
There is a new group of calcifications in the right breast at 12-1 oclock posterior depth. The calcifications span
approximately 5 mm.
IMPRESSION:
New calcifications in the superior right breast. Surgical consultation and stereotactic guided biopsy are
recommended. The findings and recommendations were discussed with the patient following the exam.
BI-RADS 4: SUSPICIOUS ABNORMALITY-TISSUE DIAGNOSIS IS SUGGESTED
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is this what you were looking for? it's from my mammogram
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Yes ma'am. So there is no mass, lump or other symptomology. The BIRADS 4 does equate with the aprox. 80% benign statistic that your docs were quoting you. There aren't any other words that I see that indicate either better or worse. I'm sorry there isn't any more insight I can offer you. But the odds are certainly in your favor. Sending good wishes for B9 results. Please do let us know how it goes!
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nervous, I had practically the same mammo results as you, but my calcifications were a tad larger. After the biopsy revealed dcis, I opted to go the route of double mastectomy with complete reconstruction. I do not regret it. However, my dcis was high grade, therefore I wanted the most radical approach. I faired well after the surgery and am super happy with my new girls. Try not to freak out. It's easier said than done, I know. But IF it is anything, you caught it early. Best wishes to you. Pls let us know the results. Btw, were the calcifications clustered? pleomorohic?
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thanks all. I hope to hear back soon. the biopsy was on Monday.
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well i didnt get the news I wanted to hear joy:
Diagnosis:
1. RIGHT BREAST, 12:00 - 1:00, STEREOTACTIC VACUUM ASSISTED CORE
BIOPSY:
- DUCTAL CARCINOMA IN SITU (DCIS), NUCLEAR GRADE 2- 3, WITH NECROSIS,
CALCIFICATIONS AND
EXTENSION INTO LOBULES
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have to get a Lumpectomy and radiation
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Oh nervousnelly, I'm so sorry you didn't get the news you wanted, and that you've had to join our club! What can I do to support you right now?
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thanks you have been so kind. I am reading that radiation is daily for 6-7 weeks. is that right?
how is the lumpectomy and recovery. I don't do well w surgery.
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Hi nervousnelly,
I'm so sorry to hear your news. You may want to start a new thread in "Just Diagnosed" or in DCIS. But there are lots of things to consider with a lumpectomy...when you say you "don't do well with surgery" are you talking about the anesthesia?
There are options...but those are things you'll want to ask about and think about in your new thread. And there are various types of radiation, not all of which take 6-7 weeks.
Similarly, there are treatment options that depend on whether your DCIS is ER+ or PR+ (hormone positive). You might want to consider adding details to your profile and making them "public" so that you'll get more helpful advice.
Have you met with a doc yet?
You're at the "shock" stage of this horrible process. I am so sorry that you'll be doing it all, but women here will be with you every stage of the way.
Hang in there (hope to see you in a new thread soon), :-)
LisaAlissa
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nervousnelly,
I would think about scheduling with a radiation oncologist (RO) who specializes in rads treatment to discuss your particular specifics (your DCIS characteristics, personal health history etc). 6 weeks is typical, but I would review that with your RO. There are circumstances where rad schedules may be different or even not recommended.
I recovered quite quickly from my lx, and was back working within days. Everyone is different, and I would make sure to discuss the "don't do well with surgery" specifics with your surgical team and/or anesthesiologist (whichever is the most appropriate). There are very informative forums (DCIS, Radiation, Surgery etc) for you to read through to collect a good list of questions (when you're ready) for various members of your team. One step at a time.
Try your best to start good self-care practices now. Work on finding out what things help you to relax, which are your best distraction techniques and what helps you sleep. If sleep is elusive, don't hesitate to ask one of your team for something to take. You'll need your rest for clear decision making and healing.
We are all here for you, please do ask questions and let us know what you need! ((hugs))
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nelly there is a thread on here called the lumpectomy lounge. It's an awesome source of info and support.
I has 33 radiation treatments over 7 weeks. It's not fun but doable.
I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for, but you caught this really early...
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thanks all. just trying to take it all in. I guess it's a surprise since there is no history in my family and everyone kept telling me not to worry. I worry for my parents and my two young kids. I guess I'm more babbling at this point. I have a consult with the surgeon next Friday. can't come soon enough
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Neourvousnelly, I am in exactly the same position as you. I had a BIRAD 5 and had the same procedure done, last Wednesday and I am supposed to get my results TODAY! - I am in pins and needles - have not slept for days. I just want answers - the unknown and the waiting its very difficult.
I also had liner branching calcifactions - but the area was bit bigger 1.6cm.
Hope you have a good report dear.
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