MRI questions

crystalphm
crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

I am 16 months after left-mastectomy,  all cancer was surgically removed with clear margins. But now I need a MRI for my remaining breast, the mammogram never detected my cancer. I do have dense tissue and microcalicifications in my remaining breast and we have to assume the mammogram might fail again.

 I was just informed I need to have a blood test to be sure my kidneys are functioning well before the dye test MRI can be done. So now I have myself upset that my plan of getting an MRI every year for my one remaining breast is not such a good idea for my liver and kidneys.

 Ok, so my question is does anyone know how dangerous these tests are, and what are normal blood levels? Or where can I find out this information?

 I really had planned on not having my good breast removed preventively, but now I am having second thoughts.

 Would appreciate any feedback...

Denise

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Comments

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 9,430
    edited September 2011

    Denise, did you have an MRI in the past, and did you do okay with it?  Or is there another reason why your kidneys may not be functioning properly?  I know sometimes people are allergic to the MRI dye, which can be an extremely serious problem.  But I'm not familiar with it posing a danger to the kidneys.

    As far as how often you have one, my BS suggested doing one every 2 years (due to ILC), and just mammos on the alternate years.  So I had an u/s & MRI in addition to my mammo last year, but won't have another one until next year.  I'm sure they want to watch any microcalcifications you have, but maybe you could ask if an MRI every other year or even every 18 mos. as a compromise would be often enough.   Deanna 

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  • peggy_j
    peggy_j Member Posts: 1,700
    edited September 2011
    crystalphm I think they are just checking your liver and kidneys to make sure you don't have existing problems that could be made worse by the MRI. Have you had problems w/ your liver and kidneys in the past? I know these tests are stressful. When I had my B-MRI (shortly after Dx) I needed a "current" liver test (within 30 days). I'd had a full blood panel done about 6 weeks prior as part of my annual and my tests were great but...I was suddenly stressed that now my liver was going to flunk the test. yee! FWIW, my docs are recommending a B-MRI and mammogram once a year (on an alternating 6 month schedule). The B-MRI has better resolution and doesn't emit radiation, so there are benefits over the mammogram.
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  • Letlet
    Letlet Member Posts: 1,053
    edited September 2011

    they check your BUN and Creatinine level to make sure that your kidneys can process and excrete the dye properly. People with kidney issues often have CT's and MRI's with no contrast because they cannot excrete the contrast properly.

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited September 2011

    Thank you all for responding, I think every time these tests come around, I stress myself out again over details. I never had problems with my kidneys or liver, so I guess I wondered why the first MRI's were done without this blood work, and now I turned 56 and suddenly need this blood work done.

    A nurse at the hospital told me it is routine to do this blood test when you are older than 55.

     This group is amazing, I thank you for responding and easing my nerves.

    Denise

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited September 2011

    Denise, as Letlet said, they need to know if your kidneys can excrete the dye properly. I also got nervous when I was told that I needed the blood test before the MRI so I asked. They told me the dye doesn't cause kidney problems but if you have kidney problems already then your kidneys won't excrete it properly and that could cause problems.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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