Two years ago, after recovering from a complete hysterectomy, I had a routine mammogram which revealed an abnormal cluster of microcalcifications on my right breast. I had a stereotactic biopsy, and thankfully, the results from the biopsy were negative. The report from the pathologist said something about "fibrocystic changes." Since then, I have been required to have mammograms every six months. Last summer I moved to the Phoenix area, and was about six months behind in setting up my routine mammogram through my new gynecologist. Before the mammogram, I was able to obtain my prior films and some, but not all, of my medical records, and provide them to my new doctors in Arizona. My latest mammogram shows a new abnormal cluster of microcalcifications, now on my left breast. I was ordered to have another stereotactic biopsy as soon as possible, and it is scheduled for this Friday afternoon. I have many questions and concerns about why I seem to get these abnormal calcifications and what they mean (e.g., even if the biopsy results turn out to be negative, am I at risk for developing breast cancer?). But I have been somewhat frustrated by how hard it is to get my questions answered because I am dealing with all new health care providers and have yet to speak with a doctor about any of the recent findings. Oddly, I have not met my new gynecologist yet, and never spoke with the radiologist, as she sent my mammogram results by registered mail and did not even provide a phone number. I was simply instructed to follow up with my gynecologist regarding further evaluation, but when I did, I saw only a nurse practitioner who told me only that I would be referred to a breast surgeon for a stereotactic biopsy and contacted in a couple of days. (It was the end of a long day, and she had little information in front of her and was basically of no help.) Later, the hospital did inform me that I will get the chance to talk with the biopsy doctor immediately before the biopsy on Friday, so I am at least grateful for that. Right now I am in the process of contacting the radiologists in Arizona and my prior home state to make sure that the doctors here have all the information they need to perform the biopsy and evaluate the sample.
Have others found doctors to be inaccessible and experienced the same sort of impersonal treatment I have? Am I taking the right steps to ensure I get the proper treatment from my new providers? And finally, what does it mean to have suspicious breast calcifications? Could my prior hysterectomy be a factor, my lifestyle? Thank you so much! I feel very grateful to be able to turn to the EmpowHer community for answers and information!