Ultrasound research

LovesLoons

http://www.mayo.edu/research/labs/ultrasound-imaging/projects/combined-acoustic-imaging-and-viscoelastic-parameters-estimation-in-breast-cancer

I was involved as a patient in only 2 of these scans, but they seem to be a very promising option for future patients. The main lady researcher (Dr. Alizad) was so nice, though I couldn't understand a word she said (heavy accent). She even gave me a hug and sent me a thank you letter for participating.

It seems they are developing better ultrasound scanning options that work better than current "conventional breast imaging methods." This should cut back on biopsies needed (and possibly mammograms if I'm understanding this correctly).

Just to give some hope for the future that there could be better, less invasive options soon.

As a kind of entertaining side note, the group working on my scans were so sweet. About 5 people crammed into a room with 5 machines. The main 3 I could see I believe were from Japan visiting ? I don't recall exactly as I was exhausted. (Mini side note--my daughter lived there and will be moving back soon to teach English to kids). They would do a side by side comparison on the screen as they were ultra-sounding my breast/tumor; I could see the screen. When they would push a button for the "new" part, they would all suddenly smile, nod their heads, look at each other, and say ahhhhh... yeaaahhh. It was the cutest thing.

They did this exactly the same way ... about 8 times in a row. And here I am trying to stay still, not giggling. I'm 100% sure it was doing whatever they wanted it to do; they were just so happy.