Getting Scared...Really Scared-

Pure

Getting Scared...Really Scared-

Pure

Hi Guys,

So in one week I am having my other breast removed and expanders put in. I am going to Nashville to have this done.

My surgeon is SO cool and SO relaxed. He is the creater of one of the expanders as well as the tear drop implant so he is VERY confident in his abilty to make this work for me. He is considered one of the top 10 surgeouns in the world so when I think about the ACTUAL surgery I have no fear.

I was due, this month for my yearly mamo and ultrasound. I am not having it since my breast is coming off. ( My doc says this) But my breast cancer consultant said that I should have it done. She said what if there is cancer in there they would then need to NOW go back and do the sentinal node biopsy and possible lymph node removal...So more surgery.

I was diagnosed and had surgery 2 years ago. I found my cancer 2 and half years ago. I have had no problems, feel no pain etc. My last mamo/ultra sounds was clear as was the one they did when I was diagnosed. But I never had a BREAST MRI ever. My mom had breast cancer 22 years ago (she is fine) It was stage1 but grade 3. We DON"T have the BRACA gene but we both have the same gene mutation so I think it's pretty obvious that gene mutation caused this. My mom never had another problem.

So my oncologist, has always said all along that breast cancer in both breasts is pretty rare ( at the time of diagnosis) But it has been 2 years sooo..So I am scared that I should have had an MRI at the time I was diagnosed. I am wondering if i should get a MRI before this surgery..I don't want one.. I just don/t

Honestly, I am scared I am going to wak up and they are going to tell me that they found cancer under the skin where the original cancer was and/or they found something in my new breast.

How realistic are these fears:)

Thanks for your help!

Leah_S

Jen, I don't know how realistic the fear is but if it is real to you then don't ignore it. Would it give you peace of mind to have the MRI? Would it give you peace of mind to have a mammo/US? Do what you need to do to feel you've done all you can.



Best of luck with the surgery and with all the decisions you have to make. It's never easy, is it?



Leah

NancyD

I'm thinking, they will do a pathology report of the removed breast as s.o.p. I don't think you need to put yourself through a breast MRI just to find out you have NOTHING WRONG a few days sooner. (Have you ever had a breast MRI? Are you the least bit claustrophobic? I never considered myself very clausto but, seriously, that MRI machine freaked me out.)



So my opinion is why do this uncomfortable test unneccesarily. I would rather go through a PET/CT scan than have another breast MRI.



If you feel you have to do SOMETHING before the recon, a mammo/ultra would be minimally enough.

thegoodfight

Here's my two cents for whatever it is worth.  I had a lumpectomy followed with chemo o and rads.  Between the lumpectomy and the start of treatment, I asked for an MRI since all my mammos for 23 years were "normal" and yet I found a 3.5 grade 3 lump in the shower one day.  I thought it would be a good idea to have the MRI to see if anything was lurking in the other breast.  Fortunately nothing in the other breast BUT they found another primary in another quandrant of the cancer breast.

At the time, my RO said not to worry, the radiation would take care of anything else that was there and the tumor was removed during the actual biopsy, so I guess considered another lumpectomy.  So I went ahead with the chemo and radiation.

Here's the point, if I had gotten the MRI before the first lumpectomy and was aware that there were two primary cancers in that breast I would probably have had a mastectomy and avoided radiation.  I finished rads over two years ago and only now am I seeing what some of the longterm side effects are.

Remember knowledge is power, it helps in the decision making process.   My advice, have the MRI.  There are no risks like there are with scans.  I think you have the fear of the unknown and I get that.  But if t

thegoodfight

oops, hit post button too soon, here is the rest.....................But if there is something else there you need to know and deal with it.  If there isn't , which of course we all hope, then you will have peace of mind...................good luck to you...............Caren

KerryMac

I totally agree with Nancy, they will do pathology on the removed breast, IF there are any issues, they can go back and remove nodes. The chances are very small, especially with IDC. You are already having a Mx, it would only be nodes they would have to go back and remove.

I hate the Breast MRI. I have had 4 since Dx, including a MRI guided biopsy which was a whole new kind of hell. I asked my BS if I needed to keep having them and she said no, Mammo is fine, if there are any other issues they will show up there. I do not think you need to worry.

You know even going for a mammo sends me into a bit of a tailspin, so I totally can understand how this will be freaking you out a bit.  I think it is normal,, I'm not sure there is much you can do except know it is normal, expect to be stressed out, but know that you will be fine (and end up with nice new boobs, which I am very jealous about!!)

thegoodfight

I did not find the MRI to be too difficult.  Breast MRI's are much shorter in length than other MRI's.  I would not so quickly elect to have scans such as PET or CT since the high doses of radiation are a problem and they should not be done unless absolutely necessary.   Of course they should be done if they are needed.   MRI's are not dangerous.

116

I would want to have the MRI and give myself all the information I possibly could. My personality is such that I would dwell on the "what ifs" later if I did not have the MRI. After my lumpectomy, surgery and chemo I insisted on another MRI before radiation because I had multi focal tumors and there was some questionable spots in the breast of the first MRI that were not surgically removed. I wanted to double check these prior to radiation in case I needed/decided on a mastectomy and reconstruction which was a possibility. The MRI was fine and I went ahead with the rads with peace of mind. I am not bothered at all by the MRI and just about go to sleep in them if it was not for the loud banging noises, although they do give you head phones. They can also give you happy drugs if an MRI stressess you out, but I have never needed these. It is a little more difficult now to keep arms over head, but really I get through that part ok and I am always grateful for the the opportunity to lay down for a while and do nothing (I like going to the dentist too Actually I think your biggest challenge would be getting an MRI scheduled prior to your surgery, if it is next week? And you decide on the MRI. I say it can't hurt and you will have peace of mind. Best of luck to you what ever you do decide to do.

pupfoster1

(((Jen))),

I'm sorry you are having this new stress added to your plate.  Like the other ladies mentioned, I would think they would biopsy the removed breast after surgery anyway so I don't know why they would want an MRI now.  I'm pretty sure they biopsy EVERYTHING they remove---I've had lypomas removed (fatty tissue bumps) and they even biopsied those.  Definitely a question you should ask your surgeon on Monday.

Take care hon,

Sharon

Gitane

Pure, Here is my two cents, too.

The advantage for you in getting an MRI before your mastectomy would be the detection of breast cancer if it is there and doesn't show up on a mammo/ultrasound (this happens, and not just for ILC).  You want to know this because:

1.  it would allow you to have a sentinel node biopsy before the breast is removed (could be at the same time as your mastectomy) saving you from an  ALND if cancer is found by chance in the pathology on the the prophy breast

2.  it also signals the pathologists to do a much more thorough and targeted exam of your breast tissue than you would normally get on a prophy mast.  

3.  Peace of mind.

The actual breast MRI procedure is not dangerous or painful.  (At least that was my experience.)  If it is stressful for you, perhaps you could take steps to reduce the stress enough to get you through it.  Your doctors could help with that.  They could also help you schedule it quickly if that is what you need/want.  You deserve that consideration and information.  

Hugs, and hope all goes very well!  G. 

pickle

Pure. I would follow what your Breast Cancer Consultant advised. Remember..they are the specialists. 

I have had two breast MRI's and I found it to be fine. I had my first MRI done just before I started reconstruction because my BS also wanted to make sure that the good breast was fine. She opted for an MRI because I have dense breast tissue. I took an ativan before my first MRI because I didn't know what to expect. I didn't take anything before my 2nd one.  

Good luck with your decision and best wishes on your upcoming surgery.

Hugs

Beth 

LindaLou53

Pure I know this is another worry but I also think getting an MRI prior to your surgery is a good idea.  While it is true that having breast cancer in both breasts is rare....it still happens and has happened to several of us on these boards.  Especially if you have dense breasts which can hide tumors from standard mammograms.  My first BC was IDC also which did show up on my mammograms so was detected early, but it wasn't until I had my first breast MRI 5 years later that we confirmed I also had a large ILC tumor in the other breast which they now know had been present the whole time I was being treated for the IDC.

I think that in addition to a more thorough pathology inspection of your removed breast, your surgeon's approach to the mastectomy will be different if they know going in whether there are any BC issues in that breast or not.  Much easier to clean things up properly the first time around then going back in later for additional surgeries. 

I have had multiple regular MRIs for other health reasons and those can be a little stressful if you have claustrophobia but I did not find the breast MRI to be difficult at all.  Much quicker, more comfortable positioning and got to listen to music on the headphones.

Sorry you have to be going through this Pure....our decisions are never simple.  Let us know what you decide and best wishes on successful and happy outcomes!

geewhiz

Either way, I am sure you will be fine! You looked absolutely fab on your interview...zipper up and all!

I love reading your posts. They make me smile.. I can so relate to most of what you write. Most days I am running, drinking organic greens and taking a Winnebago load of supplements. I feel great. Then there are days, where I panic...I worry about it coming back, and I worry about my kids not having their mom. I worry my eyebrows will never grow all the way back in, my lashes are too thin and I am still missing nipples!! I worry about the silliest little things sometimes!!

You are doing a great job living your life! Hugs and white light to you for a super successful Nashville experience!

karen1956

Jen....I agree with Leah_S...do what you need to do for peace of mind....I had a bilat and both BC breast and prophy side were biopsied....and prophy side was pre-cancerous....no nodes were messed with on prophy side......I had a breast MRI following initial Dx and for me it was a fairly easy test...only draw back is that MRI comes up with a lot of false positives.....I ended up with additional biopsies after breast MRI....found more cancer on BC breast but prophy side was benign, but now I realize it was the pre-cancerous stuff....SO to get back to you...do what you need to do for peace of mind....

faithfulheart

Jen,

Deep breath!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! This is stressful I know,  do the MRI .I found it to be really easy, after all you  have been through, peace of cake, and peace of mind!  You will be fine,  your blood work has been good, you are cancer free, remmember that, you are just taking your other breast off so you don't ever have to worry about it . Do not be afraid of the test itself,  its not bad , you can always take something to relax you if need be. You are going to be fine. all my prayers are with you sister!!

Love and hugsss,

You are going to have great boobs! i t's the silverlining in all this bull#$%!!!!!!

XO Steph , God Bless you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PlantLover

Jen - wishing you the best!

faithful - I call bullshit on the silverlining!  Sorry, I'm just so tired of hearing that. 

elmcity69

((((jen)))))

it sucks, it really sucks to go through the seemingly endless tests. always another hill to climb, i think. BUT as the other women have said, it is merely a precaution, and highly likely it will be fine! plus, you are taking charge of your health and future by doing this.

it will be ok. i'm sorry you're going through this.

the big part is the surgery, and as you've written, you are totally confident in your surgeon. so focus on your confidence and relaxation with that piece. it might help with the MRI anxiety.

thinking of you!

xo

j

Granuaile

Hi everyone:

 First-time poster. I was diagnosed with IDC (Stage IIIA, grade 3, ER/PR pos, HER2 pos) in March. I had an MRI prior to mastectomy which didn't show node involvement. Unfortunately, after surgery we discovered I had four positive nodes. I had probably 2 days of complete panic after diagnosis, mainly because I was so clueless and probably didn't have the best feedback from surgeon/gp's nurse. The surgeon told me my breast was "riddled" with DCIS and IDC, and the nurse suggested that maybe next time I wouldn't skip an annual physical. Neither comment was particularly helpful. At least I found the lump, and I've had treatment - LB mastectomy, A/Cx 4, right in the middle of Taxol and Herceptin. Looking out to rads in October.

 I find a lot of support on this forum. Haven't posted before, because I'm still learning so much, but yesterday I read a comment that stated that Stage 1 & 2 are considered "early stage" BC. Not that it matters that much, but so is Stage IIIA!! There have been so many advances made in the treatment of BC, and though it can be a crapshoot, I'm still very positive about our outcomes in this present day and age. Jen - I think every single one of us can relate to your fear of recurrance...

 Thanks to all of you for being there-

 Kate  

Pure

Hey Guys...Thank you all for your wonderful and supportive feedback.Gives me a LOT to think about and consider..I really appreciate you taking the time to write me back and give me your thoughts.

 Blessings to all of you:)

Gitane

Granuaile,  Welcome to the site.  I'm glad you decided to post.  G.

faithfulheart

plantlover,

I am so sorry if I offended you!   This was really not my intension. I  was trying to find words of incouragment in any form.  I would have had my BMX weather I had recon or not,  I have people say that to me all the time.  They say, well your 43 and you have great boobs!  I know they don't mean it in an insensitive way. The true silverlining is , we are alive,  and I personally cherish everyday more then I ever have in my life!!! Jen if calling your procedure a silverlining sounded trivial I am so  sorry! Ijust wanted you to feel that it will all be worth it!!!!

I still think it's a good way to look at it,  as opposed to just being scared out of your mind, that is not fun,  so you try to find the positive in everything!!!!!  Again, Peace to everyone, esp. you jen, your going to do great and be fine sweeti!!!

Steph

Pure

oh gosh I was not offeneded...Lets face it...It really is the ONLY good thing that will come out of all these stupid surgerys. I have 4 kids and nursed 3 of them... I had big breast my whole life so to now have small perky breasts I will admit I am looking forward to that!!!!

PlantLover

faithful ... thank you for your concern & apology.  I'm not in a very good place right now regarding that silverlining.  It didn't work out that way for me & I know I'm not the only one that didn't end up with nice perky boobs. Yes, I too heard it all the time.  "You'll end up with better boobs than you had to begin with".  Yeah, right. Now I'm 49 and have one boob that has an implant and no nip and the other side of my chest where I lost my implant looks like I was hit with a bomb.

Personally, I think you're much more correct when you say the silverlining is that we are alive.

Jen - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take away from your thread. I hope things go well for you!!!