Diagnosed yesterday, small calcifications in my left breast.

chemo pills are- Anastrozole. No problems except some hot flashes and my stomach is getting larger.
Don't know if that's normal or not. I am very active and exercise 3 days a week at the gym. Could just be my age since I am 77. Have an appt. with the surgeon soon and I will ask her. A happy and blessed day to all.

Got it. So an estrogen blocking medication. I use Aromasin (Exemestane) as an estrogen blocking medication. Feel the gain around the abdomen as well. The body wants to preserve any estrogen it can, so lays down abdominal fat which can be estrogenic.

My calcifications were suspicious according to my radiologist. Thankfully she ordered a biopsy which revealed a malignant area. Left breast removed. A second cancer that was triple negative was found during surgery.
No chemo or radiation, was my decision because I am a 71.
One year has passed.
Have just finished ultrasound, bone scan and MRI.
All clear!!
So grateful.
Healing hugs to you

wow thank you for explanation. i knew something was going on. I can't believe how big I have gotten around the middle.

sounds like you made all the right decisions. I know the Lord is with us on our journey. Each day is a blessing and I'm giving it all I've got. LOL

Yes,I too have a somewhat beefed up abdomen on Anastrozole! The body is so interesting!

I just got my diagnosis yesterday (DCIS, R breast); awaiting a call to schedule the breast surgeon consultation; during the diagnosis call I got a lot of overwhelming info but I think I’m clear on next steps. Since I’m young, 53 and in good health, praying this will be a somewhat routine process - surgery and radiation 🤞; I know we are all different but being optimistic is the best approach in my opinion. My question is, are there specific questions I should ask the surgeon during the consultation?

Just got diagnosed with high grade DCIS on 3/7 and it’s been a very scary/nerve racking time.
I had an MRI not too long after that and ultrasound to investigate further a couple of areas of unknown masses in my other breast. Doctor says it’s not too concerning to her and MRI picks up everything but since they don’t know for sure what it is they have to biopsy. The last thing I need is more to worry about. I’m trying to think positively that these small masses are benign but it’s so difficult to not worry and wonder what if…. How does everyone get through the process from diagnosis to surgery.

I was diagnosed with DCIS left breast two months ago. I had a lumpectomy in late January, opted out of radiation and am taking Tamoxifen, with no negative side effects. I would encourage you to bring a note taker with you to the surgeon appointment because you will be given a lot of information about your biopsy and it’s helpful to have extra ears in the room with you. If the area of DCIS is small and isolated, a lumpectomy will probably be recommended. You will be presented with options and there are no right or wrong answers. Your big decision at this point is lumpectomy or mastectomy. After your surgery, your surgeon will present the pathology findings to you and your big decisions then will be radiation or not, and hormone therapy or not.
Stay positive and walk through this one day at a time. You must do what feels right for your own physical and mental well-being. Please report back after your appointment. Stay optimistic!

Dear Galbooboo,
Do you mind tell me more about your DCIS pathology tissue results? What is the size of your tumor? Margins all >2 mm? I am still struggling on should I take radiation or Tamoxifen treatment. I am 65 now. Are you much younger? Thanks.