Breast Cancer Support Group

Cardjen, I've been through a nightmare with this breast cancer crap & the one thing I've learned is to be PRO-ACTIVE!!! This is my motto, "When in doubt, check it out!"

I get so tired of all these medical people saying it's "probably" benign...come back in 6 months. (Easy for them to say!) I have even asked my surgeon flat out, "Are you for sure these lymph nodes seen on ultrasound isn't cancer?" He will say it doesn't look like it...were pretty sure its not...but follow-up in 6 months. If they don't know for SURE its not cancer...I'm not waiting. I have gotten the "probably" benign...but yet its a BIRADS 4 rating. How am I suppose to NOT worry?

I haven't logged on to "DS" in a while so don't know your history...but if I were you...I would have another ultrasound and find out for sure whats going on? If you have too...get ANOTHER opinion some where else. You/we have that right to 2nd opinions if something is not clear.

Chances are your fine and it is nothing. But I know for personal experience that waiting 6 months and NOT knowing for sure will drive you crazy. There is alot to be said for "Peace of mind". Radiologist can usually tell from looking at the films if it is something to be concerned about. I don't know how high the risk are that it could be DCIS? I just know for my own personal experience that I have KICKED myself for NOT following up on something that I should of. You don't want to be looking back later saying I should of done this or that if God forbid it was something. The earlier you jump on it the better the outcome if it did turn out to be something.

And please do not panic...chances are it is NOTHING. But you need to watch out for number one...and thats you! This will drive you nuts till you know for sure its nothing. So go for broke...get a THIRD opinion if need be. Wishing you all the best. Remember...always be pro-active...especially today in our healthcare systemm. Hang in there.

Chelee

Thanks, chelee.
My original radiologist THOUGHT is was something to worry about so sends it off to this hospital (where I have never been before) to get a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound. Well, THIS radiologist decided NOT to do the ultrasound, thought those calcifications had been there a while (even though my radiologist stated it was 2 NEW clusters of calcicifications). She admits to me that she didn't know my case history and she was going to call my original radiologist to confer with him. So I get the letter in the mail a few days laters stating they think it's "probably benign" and to come back in 6 months for follow-up.
I have an inkling to call my radiologist and tell him let's just do the biopsy now so I can have peace of mind.
I have a family history of breast cancer (mother was diagnosed with it at age 47, died from it at age 51). I have had 2 great-aunts from both sides of the family who had it, one great-aunt from my mother's side died from it in HER 40's.
I had bilateral biopsies 8 years ago (benign) because of microcalcifications.
I was going to let this lay until April (when I have to go back for the follow-up), but after reading your post, I think at the very least , I'm going to call my gynecologist and ask him a few more questions about this vague diagnosis.
Thanks again,
Jen

Chelee, I took your advice and made a consultation appointment with my gynecologist (the referring physician for my mammogram). This has me worrying TOO much to just let it lay for 6 months. He knows my family and prior history and hopefully will be able to advise me on either letting this lay for 6 months or is it worrisome enough for a biopsy.
I got the letter from the hospital stating this was a BI-RADS 3 mammogram and to come back for a 6 month follow-up. My physician never called me back to discuss this. I didn't want to do it over the phone, I want to talk to him face to face with my chart in front of him.
My consultation appointment is set for Friday, Nov. 6.
If I don't like or agree with advice that my gynecologist gives me, then I will consult with my internist, and then if I have to, get a third opinion.
Take care,
Jen

Hi Cardjen, I think that's a good plan of action especially since you have a strong family history of breast cancer. I rather be safe then sorry. It probably is nothing...but you know in the back of your mind you will always wonder? I hate it when they send those letters to pretty much wait and watch. Come back in 6 months. However they can tell alot just by looking at the films. Yours must not worry them much. Which is a good thing. :) But just to be on the safe side I'm glad your going to follow through on this.

When you see your doc just ask him to explain what they see on the films that leaves them feeling it's nothing to be concerned about? Just say you need some feedback and want to understand. (And of course stress your concern due to your family history of cancer.)

You will be so relieved once you official get some straight answers face to face. Wishing you all the best...glad to see your being pro-active. Please update me after your appt. I'm sure everything is fine...I really do believe that. :)

Chelee

Thanks, chelee for the advice. I really want to get reassurance fron my gyne that this IS something that wait 6 months. I want to know the benefits of waiting 6 months in the HOPE that it's benign versus doing a biopsy and KNOWING for sure that its benign!!
Jen

My gynecologist explained to me WHY my calcifications are "Probably benign". It was due to the shape of them, my current calcifications are round shaped and it was explained to me that if they're NOT round or they branch out, that's more suscpious for cancer.
Although he also said that ROUND calcifications can be cancerous, they not cancerous enough of the time to be extremely worried about, hence the 6 month follow-up (just in case they are wrong).
He did stress the fact of making sure that I come back for my 6 month follow-up mammogram because it could be DCIS (it's just not TOO likely to be DCIS).
So I feel relieved enough to let this lay for 6 months.