Worried

[Kathyin CA]

I have Stage IV breast cancer for 20 months and had one lymph node removed , chemo, and am now on herceptin arimidex pamidronate and lupron depot. On a whim, my obgyn ordered a routine mammogram and now she called me up saying that the radiologist claims there is progression of cancer in my breast due to increased microcalcifications since my Nov.2006mammogram before my lymph node surgery. My oncologist is out of town and I will see him on Oct 2. Should I be as upset as I am? Are microcalcifications bad at this stage of the game ? What now? Has anyone had this occur?

[Jackie07]

Hi Kathy in CA,

'I think' microcalcifications are just evidence that there has been activity in that area that needs to be taken care of. Many of our board members have had progression at one time or another, many of them got a new combo of chemo and took care of the problem.

"Should I be as upset as I am?" - I think you have every right to be upset - as much as you feel like to. But you probably could also be happy that you have found the calcification while it is still 'micro'.

Evidently it is not a big problem that has to be taken care of immediately, that's why they schedule you to see your Oncologist on Oct 2.

It's easier said than done. But if I were you, I would just sit back and wait till I see the oncologist. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Kathy, maybe it would give you a little peace of mind to have another radioligist read your mammo to have a 2nd opinion. You'd need both the one in 06 and now to have them look at it.
I'm like you, I'd need some answers before that long, but when this was my situation of waiting, I took the time to get "must do's" done at home and work so that I could give all my attention to any possible new adventures. I'm wishing you the very best. ma