Called Back After MRI - Will it ever end ?

rabby55

So diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with DCIS. Yesterday, had pre-op testing done, including a breast MRI. Doctor called this morning and advised they found another area of concern - and needed me to go back for a "second" look. Evidently they need to do an ultrasound and another mammo. I have completely broken down. I'm pretty sure I can't handle this. Anyone have this experience ? How did it turn out.

cattledoglv

just know that MRI’s pick up everything. It’s a non specific test which is why it’s only used in certain situations. I have had several call backs with MRI that were nothing serious. Also, they typically want you to have them at specific times in your cycle because during ovulation and your period some tissue lights up more. Not sure if they specified a time of cycle for you since this was a pre surgical MRI for your DCIS. Praying for you that it’s nothing!

Ingerp

My BS told me the downside of MRIs is "they light up *everything*." They have something like a 30% false positive rate. Try not to get ahead of yourself.

notdefined

I had something show up in my left breast on my MRI after diagnosis.  They ordered an ultra-sound of the area, but couldn't find it on the U/S.  Then had to do a biopsy via MRI.  It came back clear.  My brother in law is an MRI tech, and he says a lot of stuff shows on the MRI that turns out to be nothing.  It is super sensitive.

rabby55

Thanks everyone !! Yes, I'm a bit more relaxed now! Appreciate the input; puts things in prospective.

FindingOptimism

I had the same experience so I can relate.  After my initial diagnosis I had an MRI on both breasts which identified an additional area of review.  I chose to have the MRI biopsy and retain the lumpectomy option rather than just opt for a mastectomy.  The delay was very challenging, but the biopsy determined it was not a concern.  I sympathize on the challenging time you are going through.

countca04

I have just completed chemo almost 5 months duration. I have not been feeling well since finishing mostly skin rash and cold/cough. waiting for my energy to return. I think its just all the stress of deciding now on my surgery. I was going to go ahead with mastectomy but taking another look at my MRI reports I have the option of breast conserving and doing MRI guided biopsy of "non- mass enhancement" to see if further disease in same breast. I am scared about even if it does come back negative since the radiologist "feels" its consistent with BC but until the biopsy not known for sure.

The two tumours found in the breast have responded to chemo and one almost completely gone and the other very small under 1cm. So a lumpectomy can be done on these two spots (UNDER THE BREAST) but if the non-mass enhancements turn out to be cancerous than the suggestion from the surgeon is to do a mastectomy.

I will be having radiation either way.....lumpectomy or mastectomy bc of internal mammary glands that lit up on my first MRI and not on the second MRI. Will also have sentinel node removal of about 5 nodes either surgery as well.

I just think if there is a safe way of saving the breast (seeing reconstruction one year from mastectomy, dorsal muscle) is worthwhile to try......we just never really know with cancer which route is the best???

Any thoughts on this......very difficult process.

Salamandra

Hi countca04,

You're right that it is very difficult. I also think it's very personal. Of course we should listen to our doctors. But if your doctor is supportive of either option, then I think it's good and helpful to listen to your gut.

Tmh0921

A coworker of mine has stage 2 breast cancer. When she went for her pre-surgery MRI they found two additional spots "of concern". Both of the other spots were benign at biopsy.