Mammogram today I'm freaking out

[Prefuse73]

Thanks Nicola, is that a common procedure to biopsy calcifications?

[nomorepanic]

Yes to make sure there is nothing wrong I guess.

[Prefuse73]

I went in for the call back and they took more images. They are sending me for a biopsy tomorrow. My cluster of calcifications look suspicious. I'm so worried, I'm going to get a cancer diagnosis. I have two children and I haven't been able to stop crying over these last few days. The whole process, the unknown and the waiting is such torture!

[Carys]

I'm really sorry to hear this - yes, the whole process, the unknown and the waiting is literally sheer torture. I know because I've done it. Let me tell you though, that this is the worst time, IF (and it is if at this point) they find there is reason that you need breast cancer treatment then it all becomes much clearer and control is resumed as treatment plans are put into place. At the moment your mind will be all over the place, you will be on a roller coaster with a good deal of fear and crying, numbness, dark thoughts and every manner of emotion - there are charities out there who have helplines who can help in this instance. I don't know how you are placed in the US, but in the UK we have 'Breast Cancer now', where you can call and talk to women who have been through the process, some many many years prior. Even if the biopsy finds nothing to be concerned about, then they are there to listen at this time. I wonder what there is in the US for the support you need ?

I am presuming that you had the mammo and ultrasound as you had noticed a breast change, in which case you did absolutely the right thing and went to be checked. The checks and tests are done for one reason and one alone, to find if there is a problem as early as possible as breast cancer treatments are nowadays so effective for the vast majority of women and the earlier they are done the better. They need to be careful and be absolutely sure with certain patterns of breast calcifications as they 'can' indicate they are surrounding an area that is pre-cancerous or early cancer, however, often they are also benign. I know this won't help you much to know as you will still be fearing the worst and still won't have an answer until the biopsy results are concluded, but I just wanted you to know that whatever this finds you will get through it.

[Prefuse73]

Hi Carys,

I didn't find a problem, it was a routine mammogram and ultrasound. They have found a cluster of calcifications on my right breast. The radiologist was talking to me like I had cancer, but also told me these often come back benign, I'm so worried.

Thank you so much for your supportive words ❤️

[Carys]

Well, if it was routine and you've personally not noticed any changes - then even if there is something there it is most likely to be very early stage. (which is exactly why us women go for routine screening!)

The radiologist was talking to me like I had cancer, but also told me these often come back benign, I'm so worried.

Here's the problem for them - they need to find that fine line between being realistic, giving false hope and being positive. Its a difficult one to deal with when something is 'suspicious' it might or might not be indicative of something, and unfortunately only the biopsy will show the answer, which leaves you still terrified. As terrified 'patients' we will of course hear the 'possible cancer' as being of higher relevance than when she told you it could be benign, thats the way of many human minds at times of uncertainty and fear, hear with great emphasis the more negative outcome. Of course you are so worried, but you need to hold on to the fact that breast cancer, even if diagnosed, is the most treatable of cancers and has a very positive outcome in the vast majority of cases (thanks to screening and modern treatments). Just as the radiologist can't tell you 'Oh, its nothing you are fine', I can't either, which is what I know you crave to hear. You just need to get through this as best you can, the waiting and torture and remember that even if the very worst of your mental scenarios comes to be, it will be sorted!

[Prefuse73]

Thank you so much Carys,,,, you are so supportive, I really appreciate it ❤️

[Leslie735]

I know you are scared and I completely understand. *Big big hugs* but these things often are benign. I know someone that had your exact situation. Went in for routine, suspicious calcifications, more images and biopsy and they came back benign. Keep us updated! Praying for you!!

[pulisa]

Carys is wonderful...and very knowledgeable from bitter experience about these matters..

I really do feel for you, Prefuse and sincerely hope that these calcifications will be nothing at all to worry about but you will have a definitive answer very soon and it's best to know precisely what is going on..if anything.

You are under a specialist team now and the waiting will be horrendous but it has to be endured somehow. I do hope you are getting support from family and friends and please use us on here too if it helps...xx

[NoraB]

Cary's comments have helped me too. I'm having my first routine mammogram next week and although I'm still in control of my HA, I am naturally anxious. (IBS is going nuts)

Having had two nasty bouts of mastitis years ago, I'm wondering if it will have produced some kind of scarring which will flag up as a problem requiring further investigation, so I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for a call back. If I don't get one - happy days! If I do, I will have to deal with it and remind myself that I've been in a 'scary' situation before with my womb and I got the all clear on Christmas Eve! (the best present, ever)

I've also had lots of experience of technicians using triggering language, and serious faces which the anxious mind will always go to town with...

@Prefuse73 This anxious time will pass, but while it is happening - be kind to yourself. Lots of deep breathing and acceptance that this uncertain period is transitory. All the best. X