Upsetting MRI results

Romey

I was dx'd on July 30 with IDC. I went for my MRI with contrast on Wed. Aug. 7th and the radiologist called me last night. Good news, all my nodes around the tumor appear normal, HOWEVER (and that's a big one when you just found out you have cancer) One lymph node in the upper right clavicle looked large and there was also a 6mm mass to the left of my sternum. She said it did appear benign but that given the circumstances they recommend further testing. Probably a CT scan. Does anyone know if they will use iodine for this test? Is it normal to come across such little abnormalities with such a precise imaging tool? Anyone with similar experience?

toomuch

Romey - Typically when a CT is done to look for cancer contrast is used. I have no personal experience but 6 mm seems very small. A PET scan may be more useful to look at the supraclavicular node. I would talk to your MO about it. Hoping that it's all benign!!!

peggy_j

Sorry to hear you're going through this. I have no direct experience but wanted to let you know that my radiation oncologist said that MRIs do have a higher rate of "false positives." i.e. they find things that turn out to be nothing. So fingers crossed. I hate the agony of all these tests and waiting for results. Sending you good vibes!

mamabee

My MRI before surgery showed 5 different "enhancing" suspicious masses in my breast. Only one turned out to be cancer. Hope you also have false positives - take care! 

Susiell

My MRI revealed a 6 cm mass that after my UMX turned out to be only 2. When I asked my BS about the discrepancy he said MRIs often over enhance.

Romey

Thank you so much for alleviating some of my fears about these new findings, I was scheduled to have my pre-op today and the surgeons office called and cancelled it. I had to wait about an hour for her to call me back with an explanation. She said that the board of doctors who read my MRI felt that I would do better having chemo before my lumpectomy. She said "remember we discussed that possibility at your visit?" AHHH no, I don't remember that! I'm not accusing her of lying, I'm accusing me of not being a good listener. My husband said she did mention that possibility sort of casually. It's only 2.3cm, so I'm not sure why I would weaken my immune system with poison THEN go have my breast cut open??? I am trying to stay optimistic, but this rollercoaster makes it hard. Is it like childbirth? Everybody's experience is different? Hey one more question if anyone wants to answer, if you have a mastectomy do you still have to undergo chemo and/or radiation? 

Susiell

Hi Romey, chemo before surgery is, I believe, a common protocol for er- cancers. They try to shrink the tumor before excision. Chemo or rads after surgery will depend on a variety of factors based on your particular cancer and it's pathology. And yes, everyone's experience ends up being a little different. In my case, I had a UMX and am currently awaiting the results of the Oncotype text which will determine whether or not i have to have chemo. At this point I can't even remember why I did not have radiation, I was just so thankful to hear that I wouldn't!

rita65

I have stage 1 grade 2 idc with 0/2 sbn neg.  I also have a spot on lung measurs 6mm.  6mm =0.23622 inch so 6 mm is not quite 1/4 inch.  On my cs with contrast it is suggested to do another cs with contrast in 6 months to keep eye on spot.  It also said that pet scan could not pick it up as it was to small.  My mo sent me for another cs with contrast last week and this spot has not grown any so we will keep observing.  Nodules do appear in different areas and she feels for sure that this is unrelated to the bc.  I was diagnosed in April had lumpectomy of left just now finished my chemo last Tues.  YEA.  Had 4 rounds of cytoxan and taxotere.  Had minimal side effects, will do 6 weeks of Rads starting early Sept.  Will go on chemo pill for 5 years.  Reason I had chemo was occodx came back 35 which is high risk for recurrence now has dropped my recurrence rate way down because of chemo then will also reduce again while on pill.  Just do as your mo has recommended, listen to the Doctors.  Try not to worry about your very small area.  When taking the cs with contrast they will ask you if you are allergic to iodine.  I was very scared to have with contrast but found I only had a little feeling of being flushed and really had nothing to be scared about.  Good luck to you and stay positive.  Do everything you can to fight this hideous disease.  Chemo is very doable and it is not as bad as it used to be for the people that did it ahead of us.  Hang in there and fight fight fight.  Good luck to all.

Romey

Thanks Rita, going for a PET/contrast today. Glad you did well on the chemo. I know they use different drugs for different cancers so I am going to hope mine goes as well. I am a triple - so I worry they will use very aggressive drugs. I have been to the Onc. but we dont have a plan in place until the results of todays scan is back. Thanks for your insight and congrats on making it through the chemo!

rita65

Good luck Romney on pet today!!  Hang in there stay positive.  I am praying for you and all.