Breast MRI tomorrow

Missmom79

i went and seen a surgeon today and he said that there is something else going on in my breast other that DCIS to make it red. He ordered an MRI as he thinks punch biopsies are hit and miss because he may not get what he’s looking for. And if he doesn’t find any thing during MRI and I said then what? Then he said he’d do the punch biopsy. He showed me my mammograms today and my left breast that’s not affected looked just like a line and my right affected breast you could def see thickening. I asked his if DCIS could cause this and he said no, other than he had read a few articles somewhere about it. So he thinks there may be something more invasive in there and needs to see what it is or isn’t to start treatment (chemo) and then have a mastectomy. And if nothing is found then I just have a mastectomy. Can you ladies please tell me what to expect of a breast MRI? They said it would take 45 minutes. I’m so scared.also lastly I told him if it was something other than DCIS he asked me if I was having and headaches, bone aches or shortened of breatSa

blue22

Hi Missmom,

Don't stress about the MRI. I had so many that at some point I lost count.

For all the breast MRIs I was lying face down, which I found to be much more comfortable than the MRI I had years ago for my brain. The woman who performed the MRI was amazing, very gentle and comforting. She gave me the choice of whether or not I wanted her to talk me through the procedure, or just listen to music. I had earplugs and headphones through the procedure. Most of the time I would somewhat doze off.

reflect

Hi Missmom,

If you are likely to feel anxious in a small space, ask for something to help you relax. Otherwise, it's not a difficult test.

Also, you might consider a second opinion after you have results, before having chemo, surgery, etc. It's common to do this. Find a nationally ranked hospital in cancer treatment, even if you have to travel. I just googled best cancer hospitals and found a searchable list by location. Good luck to you.

Veeder14

Hi Missmom79,

I've had several breast MRI's all face down. I'm clausterphobic but actually laying face down it doesn't bother me as I just imagine I'm sleeping on my stomach in a tent where the ceiling space is short.

I would suggest not eating or drinking several hours before the test because the frame against your rib cage and your breasts hang through press right on the upper stomach. Also, I bring my own memory foam pieces to put on that frame to give me extra padding as I have major back/neck/shoulder problems. Make sure and only breathe shallow because deep breaths cause your lungs to expand and thus your breasts move. I didn't know the first time and pictures were blurry. I always ask if the technicians can announce how many minutes each picture is and how many are left to do. But some people don't want that noise. Wear the ear plugs because the machine is loud. You'll be fine and it will be over before you know it.

Missmom79

well it went ok. I had a headache afterwards from all the noise and maybe the dye as well. The lady said I did excellent though

blue22

Glad to hear it went well! Make sure to drink lots and lots of water.

When do you talk to your surgeon again?

Missmom79

well he's on vacay till September 3 is my next apptbut his nurse said when he's on vacay he's really not on vacation and that if something arises with my mri I'm assuming he'll get me in there earlier. His nurse told me that he checks on his patients individually and calls them. I'm just going crazy with it being 5 weeks now since symptoms. But the nurse reassured me we are still within that time frame. Whatever that means.