MRI guided biopsies?
Hello,it's been awhile for me. DCIS - partial mastectomy 9/18/09; 7 weeks of radiation therapy; total hysterectomy 12/22/09. Had breast MRI last Friday (1/8/10). Results came in today - 2 lesions - one in each breast that need to be MRI guided biopsied.
I don't understand what this is. With the DCIS I had a sterotypic (or something like this) biopsy. Do you know why this would be different? Does this hurt?
Since I'm still healing from the hysterectomy (and can't go for 5 days without ibuprophen) plus have a vacation (finally!) coming up, am going to schedule these biopsies for mid February.
Does anyone have any advice? I am so bummed out... I don't tend to be depressed but right now feel about 20 pounds heavier than before the surgeon called an hour ago...
Liz
Comments
-
The MRI-guided biopsy is just like a stereotatic biopsy but it uses the MRI machine and instead of the Mamogram machine. It is used when something is only seen with the MRI. I had to have 3 done at one time and the all turned out to B9.
The MRI-guided biopsy was easier on my back then the stereotatic. It is performed right there in the MRI room. You are in the same position as when you had the original.
I did take a valium right before to calm my nerves.
-
Thank you so much for writing. I am really scared this time (which probably means everything is OK, right?).
I was so discombobulated when the surgeon called last night I forgot to ask a bunch of questions - like, if I hadn't had DCIS, would you still be so concerned about these lesions. What are lesions anyway?
Good tip about the valium. I hoarded a couple of those from the sterotatic biopsy.
Thanks again.
Liz
-
Liz,
Tried to respond yesterday and I guess I had used up my quota of posts. I had a MRI guided biopsy for a fairly large area of enhancement on my "good" breast in November. It was the best cancer related medical experience I have had. Almost five years ago, I was diagnosed with DCIS with a stereotactic biopsy, and that biopsy was a nightmare. The MRI guided was much more comfortable for me, absolutely no pain, just a little sting when they started numbing me. I do fine with the MRI's so I didn't take any anti anxiety meds, but you do what you need to do to get through this with the least amount of stress. They had to do another MRI with me as the original was done at a different facility and was of poor image quality and that took the longest. The actual collection of samples seemed to take very little time. I was blessed with benign results, and I wish the same for you. A lesion just refers to an abnormality in the tissue that the MRI detected. While it can be cancer, it can also be old injuries, benign breast disease, radiation scar tissue, etc. Did they do an MRI when you were first diagnosed,? It truly sucks that you are having to deal with another scare so close to your treatment. God bless you, benign prayers coming your way.
-
Jenn, thank you for taking the time to write. Nope. That was my first MRI. In fact, I had to practically insist on it. Ironic, eh?
Sounds like we have similar histories. I am happy for your benign results. I would love to hear those words...
I don't know why I am suddenly in such a big yank about this - since my positive attitude, over the past few months, has surprised everyone - especially me.
Maybe because I'm still recovering from this other stuff?
This board is one of the few places that I feel comfortable sharing this. It's the second place I went after the doctor called. The first was to the fridge for a glass of wine.
Liz
-
I get irritated with stories like yours as the ACS and Komen have recommended MRI's at the time of initial diagnosis for the past several years, but many doctors are still not asking for them. Hopefully, you have some benign breast disease that it showing up, but I hate that you are having to deal with it at all. How old are you? I was diagnosed at the age of 47 and my breasts are still really dense, so I have an annual MRI in addition to my mammo, something you might consider after you get through this latest glitch. Totally understand the glass of wine, think I did the same
-
liztaylor1, I just wanted you to know that I will be thinking of you and praying for you as you await the MRI guided biopsy. My goodness, you are recovering from so much, and it is completely understandable how this hit you from out of nowhere! I had a hysterectomy back in March 2009, and then had a 3 week breast scare in Sept. 2009, and it was too much/too soon for me!
I had a breast MRI, then the next week had the MRI guided breast biopsy. Everyone has really given you a good description of the test----basically, for the biopsy, they put me into the MRI machine just as they had the week before for my breast MRI. They got a good picture, then pulled me out---with me not moving, and remaining in the face down position, the radiologist numbed my breast up really good, took several samples, placed the titanium clip in there, and then put me back in the MRI machine to just double check the sample area. Afterward, I was walked over to the Breast Center for a mammo to check the placement of the clip.
I was told by my sweet Breast Center nurse that ice would be my best friend that afternooon & evening----I iced up really well, wore a sports bra round the clock for a few days, and within 48 hours had B9 results. Seriously, for me, I had more of an injury when I removed the steri-strips after 3 days than I had from the biopsy!
I'll be praying the same for you, Liz. You have surely been through enough medical procedures. You go and have a nice vacation. I think that it's just what the doctor ordered right now. I'm sending only good thoughts for B9 results......Lisa
-
Thank you so much for writing. I know that these biopsies are a few weeks off (haven't scheduled yet - probably mid February) but I wanted so much to talk about this - with you all on this web site.
Jenn, I'm 60 yo. I only learned about the need for MRIs by reading posts on this website and doing my own internet search. No doctor discussed this with me....
Lisa, I really appreciate your taking the time to explain the procedure to me. One of my problems, during the breast MRI, was that I had a splitting headache while lying still with my forehead on that torture thing. Since I am not supposed to take IB - am hoping there is another pain reliever that I can take ahead of time.
Liz
-
liztaylor1, I understand the splitting headache with being in the position for the breast MRI. For me, the entire MRI guided breast biopsy procedure was better than the breast MRI. Mainly because for the biopsy you have to be in the MRI machine for less time than with the breast MRI, and it was helpful that I knew what to expect from the MRI contraption. Also, the radiologist & MRI techs were in the room during the biopsy portion to be supportive---I had one tech that just started to gently rub my back during the biopsy. I told her that she was the angel that I had prayed for that day.
Since I was driving myself to & from the procedure, I didn't ask for any Valium, etc. to be taken before the procedure. I took 2 Tylenol about an hour before my procedure---it helps my headaches, and helps me to relax a little. Since you have plenty of time to investigate this, I'm sure that you and your dr. can figure out what would work best for you. Seriously, I was thinking about you being in the breast MRI contraption just 2 weeks after your hysterectomy. For me, just going out to lunch with a girlfriend 2 weeks after my hysterectomy was a big day!
It sounds like you have done incredibly well making it through all of your surgeries, procedures, testing, etc. I hope that between now & mid-Feb. (when you plan to have the MRI guided biopsy) that you can be really kind to yourself, & give your body and mind time to recover from all you've been through. Sending healing thoughts & prayers for only B9 results......Lisa
-
Dear Lisa,
Thank you so much. You have been the angel that I needed in the past couple of days. I went back to work last week (Day 13 post op). No choice, really. I basically have an office job but there is a lot of stress in this job. Today, I played hooky and DH and I took my mom out for lunch and some shopping. Holy cow. I feel like I weigh 500# - with the fatigue.
I need to "intellectualize" (is this a word?) so I plan ahead. Did some reading last night about BMX and DIEP. If I can face what I'm afraid of, then it gets easier to deal with for me.
Thanks to you and Jenn, for instance, I now have a better idea of this next "procedure" (don't you love these euphemisms?). My least favorite was "lumpectomy". The operative report said: "partial mastectomy" - plus, I am 36A so, when she removed a billiard ball size tumor, that pretty much reduced my breast by a third, at least.
I think I have more anxiety about all of this - the whole enchilada - than I thought.
Thanks for listening. I really appreciate this website. It's odd though - I started out on this thread (Waiting for Results) back in August. Then moved around the website = finally ending at Radiation. Now, I'm back to WFR.
Liz
-
Liz,
If you want to take a painkiller try tylenol. I was allowed to take that when I couldn't take aspiran a week before any procedures.
-
Thank you, Kim. Will definitely use your advice!!
Yesterday, I got a copy of the MRI results. Three areas of concern - two in the already-affected breast and one in the other one. All Birads 4.
My doctor's staff is working on getting the biopsies set up - for mid-February (I plan to live my life and not make this an "emergency" situation - we have vacation plans and heavens knows DH and I need a break). Though I was handling this all OK - until I read the final "impressions" and recommendations for biopsies. A couple of tears.
I will try to put this on the back burner for now - and get distracted by work, family, and friends. Will "bump" this up again when time comes closer to the biopsies.
I am so tired - and, this is one of the few places I feel safe "complaining" or telling someone this. Still not recovered from the rads and hysterectomy. Slept a full 12 hours last night but did need to take one-half of an anti-anxiety pill (since reading the MRI report).
Thank you, again, for caring about me. I am scared but trying to be strong.
Liz
-
Me: Mammogram with calcs, stereotactic mammo biopsy - positive for DCIS.
Ran into the "to MRI or not to MRI" controversy - after 3 different consults, ended up having the MRI.
MRI showed another area of concern. MRI guided biopsy. More DCIS.
Sooo.....
As others have said, the MRI procedure itself was, for me, easier/less painful than the mammo biopsy. No tugging and pulling for an hour to get my breast in position with the MRI.
If you search, somewhere online there are instructional videos, I think by the equipment manufacturer, on how to perform an MRI biopsy. They describe the whole thing, if you're interested.
As I remember it, the process was longer then the original MRI scan, they slide you in, they slide you out, they slide you in, they slide you out, etc. I've blocked out the details of how many times and why - that sort of info would be on the videos I mentioned.
Tylenol is OK (picky about the pain relievers b/c some of them cause blood thinning and that will worsen healing, but Tylenol doesn't do that so it's approved for post-biopsy), Valium (or similar) beforehand is OK. Ice and sports/compression bra.
Wishing the best of luck and benign results!
-
Thank you so much for writing. When they found additional DCIS, what did you do (if you don't mind answering this question)? Can you tell that I like to "plan ahead"? This is probably my best way to cope - to prepare for possible scenarios.
DH and I talked this morning. If all 3 areas turn out to be benign- great. If even one of them is cancer, we are going to pack up all of the results and head for a second opinion.
I appreciate these responses so much.
Liz
-
What did I do? I freaked out and spent months educating myself, seeking opinions, etc. It's all a very, very long story which would take too long to write. PM me and maybe we can talk on the phone if you'd like.
-
Liz,
Getting a second opinion is usually a very good thing. If they find DCIS in multiple areas, I think the usual protocol is a mastectomy, unless the areas are really close together. However, don't buy trouble for something that may be benign breast disease or old calcifications from when you bumped your breast 20 years ago. Go on your vacation, enjoy your life. My attitude on all of this stuff is that we are all going to die someday and I could very well get hit by a bus tomorrow, so why waste a moment worrying about something I have no control over. I am due for my annual mammo and will have to have a followup MRI on my misbehaving right breast in a few months, but at this moment, on this wonderful day, I do not have cancer! and it will never have me. I don't get to this site all that often. My email is sassyj22000@yahoo if you want to talk. Enjoy your weekend. Winetasting for me today
-
Hi,
Well, I had a little teensy weensy anxiety attack about all of this. Finally got my biopsy date: February 4. It's the day after we get back from vacation.
Thank you for caring about me.
Liz
-
My offer to talk is still open if you're ever interested (I'm having surgery next week so may be out of commisssion for a while).
If you have multicentric disease, the standard is mastectomy - but if you really don't want that, depending on your breast size and the size/locations of the cancers, you might be able to find a less drastic solution.
ENJOY YOUR VACATION!!!!!!
-
liztaylor1, I will be keeping Feb. 4th in my mind, and be praying for you as it draws near. In the meantime, go and enjoy your vacation----Dr.'s orders!!. Keep us posted as you move along! Sending only good thoughts & prayers......Lisa
-
Hello,
Am now officially anxious... tomorrow is the day for the biopsies. My emotions are all over the place. Have planned a bunch of stuff to do over the weekend to try to stay distracted while waiting to hear about the results. Probably won't know anything until middle of next week.
Thank you for your support. Sometimes, in spite of the love of my family and friends, this is the only place I feel completely safe just talking/venting.
Liz
-
Liz, hope all goes smoothly.
Leah
-
liztaylor1, I'm just checking in on you, and wanted you to know that I'll be praying you through your day tomorrow. The best part will be when it is over. I know that the wait is so very difficult, but I'm glad to know that you are a planner, & you have distraction activities planned....Sounds great!
I hope that you had a nice & relaxing vacation. You have been through so much already, and I will be hoping & praying that you receive only good results from the biopsies tomorrow ( I realize you probably won't get results until next week). Please keep us posted!....Sending only good thoughts & prayers......Lisa
-
Hi, everyone.
Biopsies are over. WHEW. Now, that was something else- two biopsies - one in each breast. Wish I had taken a valium beforehand. Of course I bled a lot afterwards. So now have a pressure dressing on. Went to work after all of this which was stupid.
Doctor said she is nearly certain that results will be benign (YAY).
We decided to host a Super Bowl Party - with a taco bar - at our house. I NEED a party (smile).
HUGS to you all and thank you for your constant support.
Liz
-
liztaylor1, So glad that you made it through the biopsies! Hope that today finds you feeling better. Your Super Bowl Party sounds like a good fun distraction. I'm thinking only B9 thoughts, and sending only B9 wishes, Lisa
-
Hello,
Now, I'm reading all of the posts from other women who are worried and waiting to get their results, too. Staying busy. That helps.
I have to say - the biopsies were torture. They tied my arms down next to my sides; took 45" to put me into place; an hour for the biopsies themselves; hurt like h... when she put the lidocaine in (I had both breasts biopsied); got a severe crick in my neck; the dye stinging caused what felt like a migraine plus I could taste it in mouth; all the while lying still and going in and out of the MRI machine. No valium; no pain meds. Nothing. Nurse asked me if I took valium when I had the original MRI. I asked HER if she had one for me to take NOW. Nope. Guess we are supposed to just tough this all out. Or, was I supposed to bring my own drugs from my personal medicine cabinet? I've learned to "hoard" my medicine because of situations such as this one. Should have saved valium, I guess.
Years ago we did biopsies with a whole lot more tenderness and caring. Today, it seems almost barbaric.
Venting feels good and helps.
Liz
-
liztaylor1, I am so very sorry that your MRI guided biopsies experience was so awful! I think that it is a very new type procedure, and maybe some medical professionals are more skilled at it than others. For them to take 45 minutes to put you into place is ridiculous! By the time they got you all set you would be exhausted, stiff, and in need of stretching!
As I have mentioned all along, Liz, you have been through so much already. I can't imagine having your partial mast in Sept., then having a hysterectomy in Dec., just before the holidays, then going through all that you have since then with all of your MRIs, testing, etc.. It's just an awful lot to put anyone through!
I'm so glad that the doctor (I'm assuming the radiologist?) told you that she is expecting B9 results---or maybe that was your surgeon---for me, my surgeon ordered the MRI guided breast biopsy, but it was performed by a radiologist from the Breast Center.
Please know that I'm thinking of you, Liz, and hoping & praying for B9 results next week! Enjoy your Super Bowl Party! Sending only B9 wishes.....Lisa
-
Just my opinion, but if you ever need another biopsy, I would avoid that facility like the plague. My MRI guided biopsy taught me that a biopsy does not have to hurt, and I am pretty sure it had to do with the facility and the people doing the biopsy. I will never return to the facility that did the stereotactic biopsy that diagnosed me. I don't understand them tying your arms down unless they expected to hurt you. I pray that you get benign results and a long break from any more medical procedures.
-
You are so thoughtful to write to me. I had already decided that I am completely finished with this whole hospital system. If benign, YAY. If not, I'm moving over to one of the two NCI facilities in Michigan - Karmanos in Detroit or University Hospital in Ann Arbor.
I've shared in many of the other threads how disconnected the units in this system are. I have had to serve as my own 'patient navigator' since this journey began. I'm a nurse but this is ridiculous. This system has a core mission of "caring". Not true. For instance, I had a long-standing appointment with my radiation oncologist for my last day of rads. I saw him before my treatment. After the treatment, the tech said the doctor had to go to a meeting and they could reschedule. I said: Nope. PATIENTS should always come before meetings!! Never heard from him and it's been over two monthsl
I also had a gut feeling that this (very young..) radiologist was not good at doing the biopsies but OK at reading them. She was sent in at the last minute when the scheduled doc was absent.
We'll see when the results come in Monday or Tuesday.
We are having a SB party and I need to get upstairs and start gettring ready. ALL fun people coming over. I can't wait.
Liz
-
BENIGN BENIGN BENIGN
Is there a more beautiful word???? I asked the doctor to say this several times!
Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. I will never forget you.
Love always,
Liz
-
Liz, I am DELIGHTED to hear your results!
leah
-
liztaylor1, Fantastic news! Congratulations, and enjoy the feeling that only the word "benign" can give to you! I will be praying that you can be done with the medical community for quite a while. God Bless You, and I wish you only good health and happiness.....Lisa
Categories
- All Categories
- 679 Advocacy and Fund-Raising
- 289 Advocacy
- 68 I've Donated to Breastcancer.org in honor of....
- Test
- 322 Walks, Runs and Fundraising Events for Breastcancer.org
- 5.6K Community Connections
- 282 Middle Age 40-60(ish) Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 53 Australians and New Zealanders Affected by Breast Cancer
- 208 Black Women or Men With Breast Cancer
- 684 Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer
- 1.5K Caring for Someone with Breast cancer
- 455 Caring for Someone with Stage IV or Mets
- 260 High Risk of Recurrence or Second Breast Cancer
- 22 International, Non-English Speakers With Breast Cancer
- 16 Latinas/Hispanics With Breast Cancer
- 189 LGBTQA+ With Breast Cancer
- 152 May Their Memory Live On
- 85 Member Matchup & Virtual Support Meetups
- 375 Members by Location
- 291 Older Than 60 Years Old With Breast Cancer
- 177 Singles With Breast Cancer
- 869 Young With Breast Cancer
- 50.4K Connecting With Others Who Have a Similar Diagnosis
- 204 Breast Cancer with Another Diagnosis or Comorbidity
- 4K DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)
- 79 DCIS plus HER2-positive Microinvasion
- 529 Genetic Testing
- 2.2K HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
- 1.5K IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)
- 3.4K IDC (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma)
- 1.5K ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma)
- 999 Just Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastasis
- 652 LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ)
- 193 Less Common Types of Breast Cancer
- 252 Male Breast Cancer
- 86 Mixed Type Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned
- 189 Palliative Therapy/Hospice Care
- 488 Second or Third Breast Cancer
- 1.2K Stage I Breast Cancer
- 313 Stage II Breast Cancer
- 3.8K Stage III Breast Cancer
- 2.5K Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
- 13.1K Day-to-Day Matters
- 132 All things COVID-19 or coronavirus
- 87 BCO Free-Cycle: Give or Trade Items Related to Breast Cancer
- 5.9K Clinical Trials, Research News, Podcasts, and Study Results
- 86 Coping with Holidays, Special Days and Anniversaries
- 828 Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues
- 101 Family and Family Planning Matters
- Family Issues for Those Who Have Breast Cancer
- 26 Furry friends
- 1.8K Humor and Games
- 1.6K Mental Health: Because Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Breasts
- 706 Recipe Swap for Healthy Living
- 704 Recommend Your Resources
- 171 Sex & Relationship Matters
- 9 The Political Corner
- 874 Working on Your Fitness
- 4.5K Moving On & Finding Inspiration After Breast Cancer
- 394 Bonded by Breast Cancer
- 3.1K Life After Breast Cancer
- 806 Prayers and Spiritual Support
- 285 Who or What Inspires You?
- 28.7K Not Diagnosed But Concerned
- 1K Benign Breast Conditions
- 2.3K High Risk for Breast Cancer
- 18K Not Diagnosed But Worried
- 7.4K Waiting for Test Results
- 603 Site News and Announcements
- 560 Comments, Suggestions, Feature Requests
- 39 Mod Announcements, Breastcancer.org News, Blog Entries, Podcasts
- 4 Survey, Interview and Participant Requests: Need your Help!
- 61.9K Tests, Treatments & Side Effects
- 586 Alternative Medicine
- 255 Bone Health and Bone Loss
- 11.4K Breast Reconstruction
- 7.9K Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 2.7K Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment
- 775 Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results
- 7.8K Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 50 Immunotherapy - Before, During, and After
- 7.4K Just Diagnosed
- 1.4K Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy
- 5.2K Lymphedema
- 3.6K Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
- 591 Pain
- 3.9K Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After
- 8.4K Surgery - Before, During, and After
- 109 Welcome to Breastcancer.org
- 98 Acknowledging and honoring our Community
- 11 Info & Resources for New Patients & Members From the Team