Terrified about MRI-guided biopsy

jk2468

Hi,

After a routine mammogram came back with a suspicious finding, I was sent for a diagnostic mammogram and then an MRI. The suspicious area is apparently easiest to see on MRI (it did not show up well on the mammogram), so I'm now being sent for an MRI-guided biopsy.

I am really terrified about the biopsy procedure. The MRI was an awful experience. I think it was a combination of all the unfamiliar stuff that was happening - getting an IV in my arm, being put in a tube, feeling disoriented by looking down into a mirror where I could see the technicians, and hearing "alien" voices talking at me over the speaker. I was extremely uncomfortable and anxious. My head started to hurt really badly from pressing up against the ring where your face goes. I was shaking, and it was very difficult to stay still for 45 minutes. The technician had to come on the intercom to tell me to stop moving so much.

I told my doctor about this, and she prescribed Xanax for me to take before the biopsy. But I'm still *really* worried about it. It seems like it's even more important to stay still during the biopsy as they need to locate the area accurately so they can get the needle to exactly the right spot. But what if I have to cough or sneeze at some point during the 1-hour procedure?? (I have allergies, so there's a reasonable chance of that!) What if I can't stop shaking? What if my head starts hurting really badly again?

Does anyone have any advice for me on getting through this procedure?

Thank you!

pennsygal

jk - I had this procedure so I can give you my perspective. I also had an ultrasound guided needle biopsy, and I can say that that procedure was worse than the MRI guided biopsy.

The MRI is sort of awful, I agree, but at this point, you know what to expect. The biopsy is a little different, and in was shorter - and I had biopsies in both breasts. Because they already know where the suspicious area is, they will put you in for a short time to locate it again, and then pull you out a bit. You won't be in the tube consistently over the course of the test. Also, the docs are right there, along with a nurse, so you are not alone, they are talking to you, patting your arm, etc. I am very needle-phobic, so not seeing the needles, as I did at the other biopsy, was a relief.

I also watched a video - really more like a cartoon - of the procedure, so I knew what to expect, and that also helped. The xanax will also help - I wish I'd had that.

I hope this helps!

Barb

Larkspur

Pennsygal's experience sounds similar to mine. I had both boobs MRI-biopsied at the same time, with a surgeon on each side, working away--probably the closest I'll ever come to being part of a three-way.

As Pennsy says, the medical professionals are right there with you, which is reassuring: you don't feel as isolated as you would during a regular MRI. If you need to sneeze or cough, they'll pause. And the Xanax will definitely help!

I'm grateful that this procedure exists, as in my case, it turned up about 4 mm. of invasive cancer that the mammograms had missed. (I was originally being treated only for DCIS.) I'm very thankful that the IDC was found at a rather early stage.

Chin up! Please send me a private message if you'd like any further info.

jk2468

Barb and Larkspur: Thank you so much for the information! Do you mean that the doctor and/or nurse were actually in the room with you the whole time? I think it would make me feel a *lot* better if someone were right next to me, and I could tell them if something was getting extremely uncomfortable (like the head rest). The isolation was definitely part of the issue for the regular MRI.

Also, during my MRI, the technician gave me something to squeeze to alert them if I needed to pause the test. But she warned me that if I paused the test after the dye went in my arm, they wouldn't be able to finish the test that day. (I am guessing that's because they need to see how quickly the dye gets taken up, so pausing the test would cause them to miss some of the action?) That's a big part of why I was so uncomfortable. The headrest was digging into my forehead and it was really painful. But there was no way I wanted to go back and do this again another day, so I had to grit my teeth and stick it out. Is that an issue during the biopsy? Or can they pause at any time if there's a problem?

Ridley

jk- I had bilateral mri guided biopsies. Compared to the first mri, there was a lot more in and out of the machine, and the radiologist and assistant were in the room every time I was out of the machine. I think I still had the contrast, but honestly can't remember.

I agree that Xanax should definitely help!

kcat2013

jk2468, the place that did my MRI biopsy actually had a nurse/tech-ish person ( I can't remember what her exact designation was) whose job it was to stay with me the whole time. When I was in the tube she sat at the end and talked to me to let me know she was right there and I could see her in the mirror thingy. When I was out of the machine and the Dr who did the biopsies was working on placing the wires and taking the samples, the person stood right next to me. She even gently massaged my arms and held them still when they got to shaking like mad from being in the same position for so long. Honestly for me the MRI biopsy was a really rough experience, HOWEVER, the techs and Dr were amazing and made it tolerable and made me feel like a hero for getting through it I think the key was talking to the Dr before we got started about my concerns (I have rheumatoid arthritis and it's very painful to stay in those contorted positions) and then continuing to talk to them throughout the procedure about how you are doing--and if you get a good Dr like I did they will check in constantly with you to make sure you are OK.

Kendra

mmonroe

to JK....

I just got home at noontime today from my MRI Biopsy and it was a breeze. The radiology doctor was very thorough in explaining the entire procedure prior to the biopsy. She was kind and considerate. I too was very nervous. Do not view any videos. Put your mind at ease. Trust me, I am a big baby when it comes to doctors and procedures that I am not familiar with.

Ok so they took me in the MRI room, laid me down on my stomach and placed my left breast in a cup holder and positioned me. They asked me is I was comfortable and I said "no" so they repositioned the breast and my body again. Don't be afraid to speak up.

On the left hand side of the cup, there was a plastic grid (this device helps guide the needle thru the side of the breast) In my case they inserted the needle on the left side of my breast. First they took an MRI of my breast so they could accurately see the location of the spot where they were going to biopsy. Then they gave me a local anesthetic which didn't hurt at all, just a small pinch. Then they inserted the biopsy needle. Did not feel a thing except some pulling and small pressure. The biopsy took less than 60 seconds. YOU MUST LAY VERY VERY STILL during this procedure so as not to move your body. Not bad at all. There was a doctor assistant next to me and she would ask if I was ok so I really felt relaxed and secure. After the procedure, they had me turn around and lay down on my back on a bed that was positioned next to the MRI table. They applied pressure to the needle incision to stop the very little bleeding I had and placed a few surgical bandages. So far no pain. After the procedure, I had a mamogram to make sure the marker they placed inside of me was in the correct spot for future testing and reference. I took a little nap when I got home.

If you are the type of person that needs a relaxant of some sort by all means take one but you will need someone to drive you there and back. Everyone is different. But again, please don't worry too much. It truly was not a bad experience. Feel free to ask me any questions.

Now I wait for "good results"

jk2468

Thank you all for the information - this is very helpful. I am relieved to hear that there are more opportunities to communicate with people if I'm uncomfortable during the procedure.

How long did your procedures take? I am just having one area biopsied. My regular MRI took 45 minutes. The radiologist said 1 hour for the biopsy, but I'm wondering if that also includes the time to have the mammogram after ... hopefully it does?

I'm still not entirely sure if I'll take the Xanax. I like having the option in case I'm really freaking out the day of the procedure. I've only taken it once before, and it ended up putting me to sleep. So if I do decide to take it my husband will definitely have to come with me, and I prefer not to make him miss work unless it's absolutely necessary.

I think another big part of the reason for my anxiety is that I can't actually get in to have the test for another 2 weeks, as I'm traveling right now. Initially they had said I needed a stereotactic biopsy, and I had scheduled that a week before my trip. I was really hoping to have all the uncertainty resolved before leaving. The day before that procedure, the radiologist called and said that after looking at the MRI results, she'd changed her mind and preferred to do an MRI-guided biopsy. And unfortunately, I could not get an appointment for that before my trip. (But I am really hoping the fact that the radiologist thought it was okay to wait until after my trip indicates that she doesn't find this too worrisome!) So now I am still in limbo while I travel, with plenty of time to ruminate about the procedure and the possible results ...

Anyway, thanks again for all the information and support.

3-16-2011

hi jk

I have had ct. directed biopsey and many mris at this. point. I am always highly anxious. and find the medication xanax (for longer biopsy) or ativan(for shorter scans) very helpful.

I have a list of things that have helped me cope and I will share them in case they are useful.

1. I tell everyone involved how anxious I am and they seem to move into a calm and care taking role.

2. It helps me to cover my eyes with something so I wont focus on the closed in space.

3. I have O2 just under my. nose. so I dont worry about not breathing.

4. If staff. is in the room I ask them to talk to me about distracting topics movies, vacations the weather, sports.

I hope you find what works for you.

jk2468

3-16-2011 - Thank you for the suggestions! I like the idea of telling people how anxious I am. I did not do that at the MRI. I tried to act all calm and cool. I might even ask if someone can stay in the room with me. I also figured out it's better if I close my eyes, as the mirror thing was very disorienting.

Beatmon

I would suggest taking the Xanax and Tylenol. Holding arms over the head for that long is what was the killer for me. Good luck