First MRI

Breyonna

How long does it generally take for the MRI itself?  I think I was told 1hr and 30 mins. Also generall how does it take for the lab results?

Anonymous

Breyonna---- I was diagnosed with LCIS almost 8 years ago--I had a lumpectomy, took tamoxifen for 5 years, now take evista and continue with high risk surveillance of alternating mammos and MRIs every 6 months with breast exams on the opposite 6 months.  The breast MRIs are not bad at all. They generally take less than an hour; I usually get my results in 3 to 5 days. They are a little noisy, but they will give you earplugs. Just be sure to get very comfortable before they start, as you have to stay completely still. My biggest thing is the IV (it's difficult to get one in me); once that's in, then everything's good to go. I just try to relax and think about something else; I've actually almost fallen asleep in there a few times.

anne 

dlb823

Breyonna, there may be some variation from place to place, but the 3 breast MRI's I've had have only taken about 40 mins. each.  There is a bit of prep time, so if you were told 1.5 hrs., they're probably including that.

As far as the IV Anne mentioned, be sure to drink a lot of water the day you go in.  That will help to plump up your veins and make it easier. 

Both times I had mine at a major medical center, I had results the same day -- once b'cuz it was positive for areas that needed to be biopsied, and the next time as a followup post-tx and everything was all-clear.  Again, it probably depends a lot on where you have it.  Some places are very empathetic to not making us wait any longer than necessary for results, and some aren't.    

Good luck with yours!   Deanna