natural girls
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Patty, the reason for my original biopsy was because microcalcifications were found on my mammo. My SIL just had the same only hers turned out to be just microcalcifications.
With my SIL, they left the titanium chip in so they will know next time where they already biopsied...but what I don't get is...what good will leaving the chip do???? Won't they have to biopsy every time they see the microcalcifications? If microcalcifications can indicate cancer, then just because they checked them last year doesn't mean cancer hasn't begun a year later. Maybe they just look where the chip is to see if there are more or denser microcalcifications.
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UGH. Speaking of microcalcifications (and mammograms for that matter), I had a mammo this morning as a follow-up to my re-excision in May.
To my great dismay, there are microcalcifications.
He said it's hard to tell whether they are new or were missed by both surgeries, and whether they are DCIS or residual from the incision. I'll be curious what the radiologist's report says, but the doctor said it'll probably just say they're microcalcifications in a scattered pattern. Soooo, he said I have two options:
1. biopsy the microcalcifications, or
2. go ahead and do the mastectomy I've not wanted to do.
Or, an option he didn't give me but that I might do, is: Do nothing, get pregnant, have a baby, then deal with it afterward.
UGHHHHH, this makes me sick to my stomach!!!!
Patty, what do you want to know about microcalcifications? They can be caused by cancer or benign things (scar tissue etc.). Radiologists can assess what they're likely to be based on the pattern (clustered, linear, scattered, etc.).
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Patty, I just found this about microcalcifications:
Breast Calcifications: What Are They?:
Calcifications are one of the findings that can be seen on your mammogram. These are very small bits of calcium can appear within the soft tissue of your breast. Calcifications are not breast cancer. These aren't always a sign of breast cancer. Sometimes calcifications are an indication of a precancerous condition. They appear as white dots on your mammogram.
Calcifications are divided into two kinds:
Macrocalcifications are bigger bits of calcium, and are not usually linked to breast cancer.Microcalcifications are quite tiny bits of calcium, and may show up in clusters, or in patterns (like circles or lines) and are associated with extra cell activity in breast tissue. Usually the extra cell growth is not cancerous, but sometimes tight clusters of microcalcifications can indicate early breast cancer. Scattered microcalcifications are usually a sign of benign breast tissue.
What happens next, if you have Microcalcifications?:
If your mammogram shows microcalcifications in tight clusters, your doctor or radiologist may recommend that you have a diagnostic mammogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.
If you have a couple of microcalcifications that look questionable, you may be asked to come back in six months for a comparative mammogram. That will help the doctors see if any changes are happening.It's good to do these follow-up exams to make sure that you get the best information on your health.
Some benign causes will make calcifications show up on a mammogram:
* old injury to breast tissue, natural wear and tear
* mastitis, or inflammation caused by a breast infection
* calcium collected inside a dilated milk duct
* calcium mixed with fluid in a benign breast cyst
* powders, ointments or deodorants deposit calcium on the skin
* radiation treatment for breast cancer
* calcification in the arteries within your breast
* calcifications in a fibroadenoma (benign growth)Where and How Often Do Calcifications Appear?:
* macrocalcifications show up in about 50 percent of women over 50, and 10 percent of women under 50 years of age
* macrocalcifications are usually not worrisome and won't require a biopsy
* 80 percent of microcalcifications are benign
* microcalcifications can help detect ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)References:
Breast calcifications: Are they breast cancer? MayoClinic.com. Last Updated: August 10, 2006. Breast calcifications: Are they breast cancer?Benign Breast Conditions. Imaging tests for breast disease diagnosis. American Cancer Society. Last Updated: 5/15/2003. Benign Breast Conditions
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Crunchy - what I have found out about microcalcifications is this: They can become cancerous or be cancer. A lot of time a doctor will want to "watch" them, have you come back in 6 months for another mam. They are to small to detect with ultra sounds or mri. I don't know if they can be caused by cancer. I did read that most women will develope them in there life time. I also read radiation treatments can cause them
. I did not do rads thankfully. I'm going to bite the bullet and have a mam done. I have calcifications in the past and had some removed. They freak me out!I know you have been through so much and this is just one more thing you don't need. I pray you have peace about your decision. You do know we are all praying for you!!!!!
Hang in there.Peace and Blessing to all, Patty
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Too bad Mayo and American Cancer Society don't have more info since Aug 2006.
Oh, Julia....I know you really want to have a baby. What if you just go on that citrus pectin & whatever the over the counter counterpart to the protocol (I forget, but can find it for you if you want) (that citrus pectin thingy to avoid the disturbing of the tumor causing mets)...Do that for two weeks...then cut out the microcalcifications. Not do radiation or anything . Have the baby and then see if anything has grown back??? Question.....will your estradiol levels while pregnant matter regarding the BC issue?
I had micro, they were sure it was nothing...then they called to tell me it was DCIS....But then the surgeon said nope it is IDC...so I just lopped them both off.
But, now I have a 3" X 3" soft (feels like fat) raised area under my SNB scar on the right cancer side. It doesn't hurt. It isn't hard. I'm hoping it is fat deposits or muscle and fat since that is my throwing arm for throwing balls for my dog. Or maybe I have a virus or some of these bazillion supplements or too much caffeine the other day or the massaging of my arms I was doing the other day pushed too much lymph fluid and the lymphs are clogged??? Please Pray for me that that is all it is. I leave on vacation on Sat and I just do not feel like going to the surgeon to ask about it until I get back. I just don't have it in me this week to have any kind of medical procedure. I have too many things I need to do this week and I am finally 17 weeks past my 8th surgery. I'm assuming that if it is anything bad beside or in the lymph nodes...I would be looking at chemo and I don't ever want to see or talk to the onco I was referred to here....so if it is something...it would take some time to figure out where and who to go to and there would be travel and appointments to arrange....so if it is bad....I really can't solve it this week. Sure, I could skip the vacation. Honest truth...it isn't that special of a trip...but I just really don't feel like fitting anything else in this week.
AM I BEING STUPID??? or can this wait until I get back two weeks from now?
You women are wonderful! Thanks for letting me vent. I haven't even mentioned this to my husband or anyone else because I am so sick of cancer being the topic. Thanks for letting me get this out.
Please pray for me and I will for you as I have been. I really need you all to stay healthy. I NEED all your stuff to be benign so that I can continue believing all of mine will be too.
I do always want your advice, though, even if it is to tell me I'm being stupid.
Praying for you Patty and Julia.
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Hi ladies! I have another anniversary today. It was 5 years ago today that I had my surgery. I continue to be grateful every day for the bc.org forums. It was here that I found such kind words in response to my absolute meltdowns over the prospect of my hair falling out. ...I'm still kind of amazed at how the anticipation of it falling out was worse than being bald for a while.
It was the reconstruction area where I learned about diep reconstruction and the magnificent doctors in new orleans. I had the best medical experience of my life there. Not only am I happy with my results 5 years later, but I'm also so grateful to know that it's within the realm of possibilities for me to have a good experience with some doctors! Those of you who know me are all too aware of my opinion regarding local docs.
Julia, have you done any testing yet for iodine and bromide levels? All I can remember is you reduced your intake to just one iodoral per day. Remember, breastcancerchoices.org will reimburse you for an iodine loading test. If you go through hakalalabs, the bromide test is around $40 or so, and they can run the test from the same sample you send for the iodine loading test. I'm asking because I wonder if you were really ready for such a low maintenance dose of iodoral. And since you have all those calcifcations, I wonder if you're getting enough magnesium.
Luna, I would so totally wait til after vacation to get those areas checked. ...but then, I don't ever want to go to a doctor unless I'm in pain or bleeding profusely. consider the source. lol
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Julia, have you visited the Susun Weed site yet to read any of her wisdom surrounding childbearing? She has a book on this topic and also many articles on her site. This page in particular
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/march04/childbearing.htm
has a list of herbs that are associated with birth control in their use. It might be worth browsing, just to make sure you're not taking something that goes against your goal. Vitamin C, in particular, is mentioned. It says to take even higher amounts than what the iodine protocol recommends. I know I really struggle to get enough C for my iodine protocol, but it occurred to me it could be counterproductive for you if you were actually exceeding the vit C intake recommended by the iodine protocol.
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CONGRATS Althea!!! What a wonderful milestone!
I actually haven't done iodine testing... I think this is the thing to spur me to finally do it. Thanks so much for the reminder and the link.
I have Susun's book on breast cancer and I'm pretty sure I have another one of hers that's focused on fertility... I'm off to check out that page right now. THANK YOU!!!
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That is wonderful news Althea and I am so glad after 5 years that you still come here where we need you!!!
You give us all hope!
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Althea, I too have been procrastinating about ordering the iodine loading and bromide tests....don't know why really...but thanks for the reminder. I will order it when I get back. Don't want it coming while I am gone because the UPS guy leaves packages in the hot sun on my doorstep. FYI for anyone who needs to know as I did a couple of weeks ago-------progesterone cream would have to be heated at high temp for 36 hours or more for it to be affected. I had to call about that as my order was HOT in the 98 degree and then warm for a while after I brought it in.
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Have you looked into thermography to keep an eye on these microcals? The reason I love it is that it shows changes in the breast tissue. If there is a tumor, a follow up will show more blood flow to a tumor, hence limiting the need for invasive and dangerous biopsies. Yes, biopsies are dangerous because every time you damage breast tissue, it gives another site for cancer cells to grow. Here is a link that explains everything. The founders wife died of breast cancer, so his heart is in the right place:
http://www.breastthermography.org/taskathand.html
Why not send him an email with your questions. His email link is on his website too.
As for the iodine, I know it takes a bit of time of come around to the idea that it works, it took me a lot of reading and a year before I jumped on the iodine bandwagon. But I have been on it for a year now, and I feel it is the single most preventative thing I am doing. I can feel the difference in my breast tissue. And since it is a fungicide, it has all kinds of other great "side effects". Last week, I got poison ivy while pulling weeds. I know I touched it and when I came in my arm was swelling. I painted it with lugol's and though it still itched for a couple of days, I never got a big break out. I only got two tiny little blisters, and it never spread, even though I was scratching (you can't help it). It also got rid of a plantars wart I had for years. The thing dried up 3 months after I started iodine. The stuff is the miracle the Komen$$$ of the world will not tell you about because it is so cheap.
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Vivre, I have a thermography appointment next week, although it's with the same clinic I had it done before, and I have no confidence in their medical team to analyze the results accurately. (My 2009 thermograph showed MASSIVE inflammation throughout both breasts, the right one especially. The report said that because the red/orange was throughout both breasts, it wasn't likely to be cancer. In actuality, I had extensive DCIS in the right breast and fibrocystic disease in both (possibly ADH as well). So, even though I know the thermography itself is revealing and probably accurate, I don't trust their team of doctors to assess it correctly.)
I do plan to have myself monitored over the next year (when I will *hopefully* be pregnant) to keep an eye on any activity there. But, I do want to talk with the medical team first and gain an understanding for why they missed my DCIS when it was right there in vivid color.
As for the biopsy, I considered doing nothing about these microcalcification aside from monitoring with thermography, but there are three problems with that: 1) my lack of confidence with my thermography medical staff as I mentioned above, 2) the fact that I want to become pregnant and don't want to risk any tiny DCIS going wild thanks to pregnancy hormones, and 3) my husband has an anxiety disorder and even though he rationally knows these little microcalcifications won't kill me, it's causing him high stress not to know one way or the other.
About iodine, just to clarify, I am a big believer in iodine for women who are not hyperthyroid --even though I didn't do iodine/bromide testing, I started taking Iodoral in Decmeber. I did 50mg daily for three months then 12.5 mg daily.
Interesting about iodine clearing up a plantars wart... I had two little skin tags pop up on my arm that have baffled me. Wonder if iodine applied topically would help make those little uglies go away....
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crunchy, would it be possible for you to take the thermography results from the local people and get a second opinion elsewhere? Vivre has someone she trusts to interpret her therms. It sure would be great if you could get a second opinion from a long distance without having to travel.
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I've thought about that... will look into it! Vivre, do you think your thermography team would hire themselves out to interpret another clinic's thermograph?
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hi ladies! Just popping by to say HELLO!!! Also just got my hormone results after 4 months on the progesterone and estriol, would you guys say that saliva or blood is a more reliable way of testing?
Thank you!
L
ox
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Julia, a woman on another group says her breast cysts return if she takes less than 50 mg iodine.
Cysts give me the creeps. I think my cancer started out with a cyst that got inflamed/mutated and became a tumor.
Stupid me. For years I was told my cysts were normal.
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I agree with you, mathteacher!! I've been trying to get my mom to start taking iodine (she's had cysts for decades) but it takes her a while to get on board with these things. Very interesting to know that that woman stays on 50mg as her maintenance dose. I haven't been feeling as good in general since dropping my dosage so maybe I'll bump it up again.
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Crunchy, I would contact the Doc at breastthermography .org. He was telling me there are a lot of poorly trained people doing therms and some using outdated cameras. THAT is the problem with thermography. We need to encourage more people to train in reading and interpreting them. I have mine in an email from a doctor. Do you have this? Maybe you could ask this doctor if he would read them. One of the doctors on website, whom I also spoke to, may also be willing to do it or direct you to someone. He is from WI I think. If you go to my videos, he is the doc doing the one on thyroid health. He also has one on thermography on youtube which you can find by going to youtube from there. I have been painting a mole to see if it goes away, as I heard someone mention this on the iodine forum. I think it takes a while. Also, you do not just look at the heat in a therm, you look to see the vascular system and if it has a lot of abnormal activity to one area. Then you monitor it to see if more feeders seem to go to that area in the next therm.
Fairy-I miss you! I have done all three hormone tests, blood, urine and saliva. Blood is gives the least information, and I have found different opionions on the other two. It is definetly better to do the saliva if you are perimenopause. You need to do it in the first three days of the new moon. I just sent mine in from a doc I met at the health freedom expo. I put her links on my website, but do not want to promote her here, until I get results back and see how it goes.
Mathteacher, the iodine got rid of all my lumps too. It makes it so much easier to do self breast exams.
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Vivre! Miss you too!
the reason I was asking is my saliva hormone tests came back with extremely high estradiol, which makes no sense as all of my ovarian cysts have gone, I have no symptoms of estrogen dominance at all, the naturopath was listing off things that she expected I was experiencing and I had none of them, I feel good, sooooooooo, she is as confused as I am, my progesterone was high too which is obviously counteracting the estradiol, but I honestly think the specimen was contaminated in some way, as it just doesn't seem right to me..........this is all such a pain in the ass!! I am mostly all organic, don't drink alcohol, I run 25 miles plus a week, take a hundred million supplements the list goes on and on, even she said it just doesn't sound right, I will keep you posted, she is running it all by another doc to see what he thinks..L
ox
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Vivre,
You wrote about saliva testing, "You need to do it in the first three days of the new moon."
Please tell me that you mean the first three days of your monthly menstrual cycle, not related to astronomy.
Thanks
Whoops, posted twice by mistake.
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Vivre,
You wrote about saliva testing, "You need to do it in the first three days of the new moon."
Please tell me that you mean the first three days of your monthly menstrual cycle, not related to astronomy.
Thanks
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Hey Julia, don't know if you've seen this article about pregnancy after breast cancer
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Fairy-
Your results do seem odd. I had that happen once with testosterone levels, and the lab did a re-test for me.
I have done both saliva and urine. I am in a similar quandry. I really like the 24 hour urine test that Jonathan Wright talks about - I got mine from Meridian Valley Labs. It will tell you all of your hormone levels and the metabolites and 2OH:16OH levels. I was just going to contact my NP and see if she thinks I could do saliva for cortisol and urine for the rest or if I should do both. I'll let you know what she says.
Beth
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Beth, it does seems so weird to me, as my blood test results for estradiol were totally different, the plus side is that my progesterone is high, so the ratio to estradiol is pretty good, so counteracting the estradiol. However having said that, my gut is telling me that the reading is off.......I just get so frustrated as there are so many opinions on which method is best, blah blah, my 2:16 ratio is good which to me is the most important thing. the doc said my estradiol should be 1.5 which seems ridiculously low to me, mine was at 75, I don't know what reference charts she is using LOL!!! oh well!
L
ox
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Thank you, Rose - I've seen it and love it!!!
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Hi everyone..it's been a while since I have been on the boards. Question...I am 18 months post chemo and my eyebrows are barely there and the hairs that are there are super sparse - it looks like I do not have any eyebrows at all. I have been using Biotin the entire time and it has not helped.
So I am wondering two things, one - are there any other suggestions supplement wise that might work and two - has anyone had their eyebrows tattooed using what they call the feather technique (small hair like strokes). Any feedback/help will be greatly appreciated. The hair on my head came back no problems at all..but the eyebrows...nada. Bad enough that I have lymphedema to remind me of my trip on the Cancer Train...really would love the eyebrows back.
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Beth, I am very interested to hear also...I don't know what my 2:16 ratio is and I would like to have any and every test done by urine or saliva if possible. It always takes more than two sticks to get my blood.
Fairy, I don't see how your estradiol could possibly be 75. I bet it wasn't that high before BC unless you are still going through some weird hormonal spikes and it just happened when you did your saliva test. Is there anything you could have eaten or drunk that could temporarily affect saliva? Any tooth or gum issues that could affect saliva? I doubt any of us pay more attention to this stuff than you...so there must be some weird connection that you just haven't thought of yet. Did you drink water from a plastic bottle? Just try to think back over the 48 hours before your saliva test and think of everything you came in contact with. Sorry you are having to worry again.
Just as we think we have a routine, there's always somethin'. I've even been wondering whether or not my plastic mouth guard for nighttime teeth grinding is a good thing or not...plastics? Estrogens?
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fairy-
I think Luna may be on to something. Did you by any chance have any flaxseed? I normally take 2T of flaxseed a day and when I did the last 24 hr urine test, they would not allow me to take any flax for a full WEEK before testing. They said they have learned that it will affect results. (I also seem to recall a few other restrictions, although since I didn't eat any of those things, they were not an issue for me.)
I remember calling them, saying that if I eat it, wouldn't I want to know how it was affecting my levels, and they said it would give inaccurate and elevated results if I had consumed it within the last week, and by abstaining for a week it would give me the accurate picture.
Also, Did your saliva test also measure estriol and estrone? Reference ranges can differ on tests. Ideally your estriol is 80% and 10% each estrone and estradiol. That gives you an EQ, estrogen quotient, of 4.0.
The 1.5 could be a good level of estradiol in a 24 Hr urine test. My last estradiol was measured in the 24 hr urine test and it was less than .25. My estriol was @12 and my estrone was @ 1. So I actually thought my estradiol should have been a tad bit higher...since my EQ was 8.0 - but my oncologist was floored. She asked me again if I would reconsider anti-estrogen therapy - I asked her why I would want to take it when my estradiol and estrone levels were already so low - she looked at my test results and just shook her head and said the results were "amazing".
It will be fascinating to figure this all out!!
Beth
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Hi Beth!
Nope, no flax or anything else that I can think of that could have scewed the results, she said my estrone was 1.45, she didn't tell me what the estriol was (I emailed her this morning to ask her to fax everything over), I think the reason I am confused is, I don't know what measurements she was quoting, as she told me the progesterone was 2383?? what the heck measurement is that?? sigh.......I will keep you all posted!L
ox
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Vivre...is it still better to do saliva when you are post meno?
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