breast calcification and biopsy

[azile]

On august 28 I went for my routine Mammogram and two weeks later was recalled for more specific mammograhy. Immediately after this second series was done, I was told I needed a Steriotactic biopsy because the flims showed an area of microcalcifications in my breast. I waited a week, and then called to see if an appointment had been booked. None had, and my doctor was unware that one was needed. However, he quickly checked into the situation and booked a biopsy for me which is due to take place on October 5th.

I am very thankful for the program of routine mammograms and the early detection made possible by them.

However, in this istance, I am very  concerned about the delayed process,  and in particular, what that delay  could mean if the calcification turns out to be malignant.  
What is the rate of growth of such early cancers?
Have I cause for concern?
I didnt think to ask for details of the lesion and now I wish I had.
I would appreciate any insight and advice in this matter.

[boninclyde]

Goood to see your biopsy went well. I don't really think it is
crazy to see the surgeon first. They like to tell you why the test is needed and go over any mamos or ultrasounds that may have been done. Also they want you to know what the biopsy will be like. Keep up posted.

[boninclyde]

azile please keep us posted when you get your test. Also I hope you don't mind us using your thread we bounce around and do this sometime so we can save the top two for new or more important posters. We only get 2 post a day on here.

jc76001 I know what you are saying. I told the office that did my biopsy to call me at 4:30 on the day I was to get my results because I did not want to be alone when I got that call. I pretty much just knew mine would be cancer. So my husband came home from work early to be with me. It still seems like a terrible nightmare and I wish I could just wake up. It probaly sounds stupid but sometimes when I go to the bathroom I pull my shirt up and look in the mirror just to make sure it was not a dream. God bless anyone who has to go through this alone without having someone to hold them up.

Anyone know where to get a prothesis? I guess I'll call the American Cancer Society and see if they can tell me where to start. I went to eat lunch with my daughter the other day and I put one of those thawed out ice packs in my bra and before I left home I bent over to do something and it fell out. Thank God it do not fall out at her school. Those kindergarteners would not have known what to think. The other day it was roll up socks. Last night it was a folded up ace bandage. Sorta funny, sorta not.

[Montana girl 06]

Would a jog bra hold your make-do prosthesis in place in the meantime? I remember using toilet paper to act as a buffer between my itchy bra closure and skin. The toilet paper made its way to the bottom of my skirt and clung there as I directed a 6th grade music dress rehearsal. After that laugh I sewed a piece of soft cloth onto my bra strap.

[Montana girl 06]

I moved to another thread to hopefully move this conversation to a more positive note. How did your appointment turn out last week? Any better options? Some of us believe, like you, that what you chose needs to be what you are comfortable with.

[ziggy123]

Thank you for asking about my appointment. I met with an oncologist last week for a second opinion on treatment options. My DCIS was so small that it was not tested for hormone receptance. It was too small to warrant radiation. My one option is to take tamoxfen for five years, but he did not feel that it is necessary. The degree to which it would change any future chance of getting a malignancy is almost negligible and does not out weigh the side effects of taking the drug. Of course, I will be monitored very closely. I feel very lucky that my particular situation offered me this choice.
I know that you have made a very personal choice to wait three months and then be rechecked. I understand your decision and I keep you in my prayers. When exactly is your next check-up?

[Montana girl 06]

I'm glad to hear the oncologist is comfortable with close monitoring. That does sound like a good choice in your case. I just made my appointment for a diagnostic mammogram on October 16.