Mammo callback for right breast micro calcifications-scared

Fitmom
Fitmom Member Posts: 21 Member
edited January 12 in Breast Cancer #1

Hello everyone. I am a 50 something year old who just had routine mammogram and got a call back last week for right breast calcifications. I am going in for a closer look 3-D mammography and ultrasound in 10 days. I read that micro calcifications can be normal with age , but sometimes can point to cancer. I read that if it’s cancer, it might be DCIS stage 0.


I know I have to wait and that there’s a good chance it’s not cancer. But I’m feeling so anxious not knowing what will happen. Last year I had a similar scare related to post menopausal uterine bleeding which after biopsy, ultrasound and finally another biopsy thankfully turned out not to be cancer. The waiting part is so hard.My brain just goes to the what if place.

I’m nervous because I read it might be a red flag to have micro calcifications in one breast, and not both. Regardless I know I have to be patient and wait . I guess I’m just a bit terrified is all! I keep reading about so many different outcomes for others and I wish there was something I could do. I am focusing on my health and working out, etc but every so often I feel like I’m getting so stressed out about it again. Thanks for listening.

Comments

  • SNG67
    SNG67 Member Posts: 8 Member
    #2

    Hi! I was diagnosed with DCIS stage 0 with a small tumor in my milk ducts. I had surgery to remove it and then have gone through 20 radiation treatments. I did ok with the radiation. I told my surgeon that everything has gone well and she said that when you find cancer early that it can be an easy journey. I was scared too because I am a healthy person. I have learned over the years that the what if game can cause more stress than necessary. Listen to all the information the doctor gives you, ask questions and pray for wisdom. One day at a time!!

  • Fitmom
    Fitmom Member Posts: 21 Member
    #3

    Thank you SNG67! I’m glad you made it through without too much trouble and are doing well. Appreciate your advice and sharing your experience.

  • catlady2
    catlady2 Member Posts: 55 Member
    #4

    First off take a deep breath! I also had micro-calcifications and went into total panic mode! After a lumpectomy and radiation treatments, I am 5 years out with no recurrence so far. Even if you have DCIS you will not die from it. The purpose of the surgery is to keep it from turning into something more serious. There is a lot of controversy over whether DCIS even needs to be treated aggressively.

    Eat healthy keep up your fitness and do something to reduce the stress of all of this. I totally understand where you are coming from. Keep notes from your doctor visits and if you do need treatment make sure you have a nurse navigator. Take care and let us now how you make out.

  • Fitmom
    Fitmom Member Posts: 21 Member
    #5

    Thank you catlady2. It’s hard to not panic. Sounds like you have been there, too! Trying to distract myself . Only 9 more days until I have more info. That is great news that you are 5 years out and doing well. I’m glad to hear that! Thank you for the encouragement. I’m in the middle of a friendly fitness challenge at work, so that is an excellent distraction. I will be headed to the gym later and I love getting rid of my stress that way. I also take long walks every day.Even if it were DCIS, I read that highly treatable so that is very encouraging. I’m going to try to go with the belief that whatever happens I will be okay. In my life, I have had times where things turned out horribly, so I know that things don’t always work out great. All of the treatments scare me. I like having the life and good health that I have now. I don’t want any treatments that will damage my organs and hurt my body. I guess nobody really does, right? But you gotta do what you gotta do. Sending love to all of you on this forum fighting hard and those that have anxiety also. Thank you.

  • Bell_4
    Bell_4 Member Posts: 1 Member
    #6

    Of course you're scared. That's a totally normal reaction and the same one I had. I had already been diagnosed with IDC of the right breast and was going through repeated MRIs, Ultrasounds and biopsies of both breasts because of extremely dense tissue making it hard to find everything. After finding micro-calcifications in the left breast, a biopsy was ordered. Fortunately, it came out as benign.

    I can tell you from personal experience that it's nerve-wracking waiting for biopsies to be performed and test results to be received. Try not to think about. Try to go about your days as normally as you can. It's also okay to talk about it with those you trust or to seek out groups and blogs like this one for your emotional support.

    I agree with what catlady2 said about taking notes and having a nurse navigator if it turns out your biopsy is not benign. In that case, I would also recommend you speak to an oncologist and a breast surgeon of your choosing. Know that if you're uncomfortable with the doctors and surgeons with your current provider it's also okay to move on to a different in-network medical group if your insurance is okay with the change and distance isn't a factor. My insurance was PPO at the time, so I had no issues in picking a new in-network provider that I felt more comfortable working with. For me, I'm glad I made the change. Cancer is stressful enough without having to worry about the skillset of the cancer specialists.

    I wish you well! Please keep us posted.

  • Fitmom
    Fitmom Member Posts: 21 Member
    #7

    Thank you Bell_4. Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. Been keeping busy and trying to redirect myself. I know statistically my odds are excellent that this will be nothing to worry about. My appointment is the day after tomorrow. Finally! I can’t wait to get it done and move on, whatever the finding. Being in limbo land is hard. I appreciate your support! I’m sure I will be fine and I’m worrying for nothing. Have a great week!

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