Suspicious breast calcifications while pregnant and awaiting biopsy results

[PaddingtonBlues]

Hi all,

I have had an appointment at the breast clinic which took me totally by surprise. I feel very irresponsible for going in unprepared and thought I was just being sensible getting a ‘lump’ checked.

I had an examination first, the breast surgeon said he wasn’t worried but would have an ultrasound done to be safe. Only a couple of minutes into the ultrasound the doctor left the room to speak to a colleague due to seeing calcification. Then I was sent for a mammogram which also showed the same. Next I had a vacuum biopsy. The doctor who did that, when prompted, did say if I was in my 50s he would be very worried by what he could see. As I’m 35 there is limited data on calcification but the mere shape of my calcifications is suspicious.

I felt I was being prepared for bad news, although they wouldn’t confirm anything without the biopsy results of course. Apparently the ‘lump’ I can feel likely isn’t a true lump but a hardening in the area of the calcifications.

The added complication is that I am 12 weeks pregnant with a very wanted pregnancy. I also am breastfeeding my young children (aged 3 and 1). I had hopes of a 4th DC in the future but feel silly for having plans like that now. I had mixed messages from two different doctors on the day about treatment options and whether I’d need to terminate my pregnancy. They wouldn’t be drawn on treatment types, maybe there’s no point without the biopsy results, but it’s just meant I’ve been left to do my own research.

I know a little about DCIS as my DM had it only a couple of years ago. The doctors believe my issue is localised to the milk ducts so perhaps a similar situation. Last night I googled DCIS in young women and am now absolutely petrified. The studies seem to suggest it’s a very different kettle of fish to have DCIS pre or post menopause?

I’m almost resigned to my fate but feel so sad for my young children and the thought that they aren’t old enough to know how much I cherish and adore them.

I was at the breast clinic twice last year and raised concerns that this breast had suddenly shrunk, although the purpose of my referral was lumps on the other side. Can’t help wondering if I’d had a mammogram at that point something may have been seen sooner, which is tough.

I don’t know why I’m posting, I know all I can do is await the biopsy results but I’m finding it so hard to function in the meantime. Thank you to anyone who got to the bottom of this post!

I just read up about DCIS and it appears it’s stage 0 and really one of the best stages / ones to get as you’ve caught it so early, so well done. Doesn’t sound like chemo is required, as OP said.

very scary but because you’ve caught it so early sounds like it will have such a minimal impact on your life and pregnancy. Fingers crossed for you.

Depending on the type of reconstruction depends on recovery. I had quite a complex reconstruction and it’s no lifting for 6 weeks; no bending down etc. I have a 1YO and I can’t even lift him in and out of his crib at night and in the morning; who constantly wants to be picked up and I just can’t. So navigating a newborn would be really, really difficult. Something to consider about when you do your reconstruction I guess.

one last thing I would say, genetic testing changed everything for me. Absolutely everything. I was an unknown carrier of a genetic gene that the women in my family had absolutely no idea about, and there are a lot of women in my family. And it changed my treatment plan and surgery. So just another thing to think about. And youre absolutely allowed to cry!

Yes I’ll be glad in some ways to have the operation behind me and get the full analysis done. Although I’m sure the wait for results will be brutal. It does feel counter intuitive not having further treatment planned. Yes you’re right, they did mention using a dye to identify and then remove some lymph nodes. I’d forgotten that until you said. My hefty youngest is always wanting to be carried so I need to work on discouraging that in preparation.

I think that’s one of the elements I’m finding hard about this. How will I ever find peace in my own mind about this? How will I ever be able to enjoy moments in life without it hanging over me? Hopefully in time like you say, it gets easier and I won’t be able to sustain this level of anxiety long term.

I’m already feeling I want to keep it very private. The pressure of updating people would be too much. I’m quite stoic and don’t want a fuss outwardly, even if I’m falling apart a bit inside. Being able to chat on here anonymously has helped hugely. Thanks so much again for your kind words.

Thanks Bangers for taking the time to have a look into it. I did feel reassured at first when reading up myself, but I am worried how large the area of my breast is affected. I’ve also banned myself from searching about DCIS in young women which was a recipe for a panic attack.

In the appointment with the surgeon he described it as intermediate grade. I did ask for a copy of the histology report, and in there it is described as intermediate to high grade. I think I will need to query that as it’s mithering me.

Gosh, that sounds really tough with your 1y/o. My youngest is the same age and exactly the same with wanting to be picked up. I hope you’ve got some help to manage, what a pull on your heartstrings as a Mum.

I really hope the genetic testing is back before the surgery date. The surgeon marked it as urgent but who knows how quickly urgent is in the NHS pressure cooker. What a shock for you to have the gene discovered. It is clever medicine that they can detect these things but doesn’t make the bad news any easier to hear. Thank you for your support 💐

I’m really sorry to read your news @PaddingtonBlues I was really hoping it would be a different outcome. I wish you all the very best.

Thank you Katie I appreciate your good wishes 💐