if mri shows 'something'... what's next

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j3brown3
j3brown3 Member Posts: 22
edited June 2014 in IBC (Inflammatory Breast Cancer)

finally to the point of an mri approved by ins. ... after two b.s. assured me that i do not have ibc... although i still have pink skin, pain on and off, and itching... the original sores are healing

i am fairly certain that the bs won't be there for the mri... so it they see something, who decides to do a biopsy?  and if the mri doesn't show anything... should i be relieved and let it go? ... assume the symptoms i've experienced have no meaning? 

the mri is this thursday evening ... i have never had one before and i am nervous (understatement)

why am i so tired?  is it the emotional/over thinking energy or is that a symptom of illness???

jody

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited January 2012

    First of all, I hope the MRI establishes that you do not have cancer.

    Second, if you are very nervous about the MRI, consider asking for some xanax or valium. It is not scary, but you have to lie very still for a long time and the machine is noisy. So it is not very comfortable. 

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited January 2012

    Jody,

    I'm glad you are having the MRI.  I did not do an open one when I had mine done.  I would also recommend something to relax you.  It does not hurt, but it sounded like a banging with a hammer for a very long time.  If you are claustrophobic, you will need something to relax you and keep your eyes closed during the entire test and think about being on the beach in an open space. 

    I now have Pet scans done every 6 months and I'm more comfortable with these instead.

    Terri

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    The radiologist will read the MRI and then send a report. The BS will also read it if there is a suspicion that something is there.

    The tiredness may be from draining yourself, which is normal.

    If it doesn't show anything, be relieved and let it go.

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  • crystalphm
    crystalphm Member Posts: 1,138
    edited January 2012

    The radiologist reads the report and tells the breast surgeon what they see.

     As far as the MRI goes, I took xanax to cope with it, a doctor would help you out with this if you ask them. And I listened to a guided visual imagery CD while in the machine. I was VERY upset by the thought of being in the MRI machine, but they should allow someone to be in the room with you, and you can see them in some MRI machines through mirrors...it helped me to watch my husband.

    As far as when you should accept nothing is wrong with you, I think if a mammo and MRI come back clear, then revisit it in 6 months to a year, what every the doctor feels.

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  • j3brown3
    j3brown3 Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2012

    with each step the waiting gets harder... i appreciate everyone's support... a girlfriend is going with me which is a help... i have avoided sharing much information with my daughters and sisters, they are probably more anxious in these situations than i am:(  it's kind of tough being considered the caretaker in a family and worrying about how others will/can handle this 

    thanks again ...jody

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    It is hard when you are used to being the one to be the caretaker.

    Are they asking questions? If they are, answer them honestly.

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  • j3brown3
    j3brown3 Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2012

    mri last night... ouch!!! they say it could take 5 to 8 days for a reading??? this took me by surprise:(  more waiting but i'm still relieved that i'll have a reliable answer

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited January 2012

    Glad it's over, that's a long wait.

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  • julieskids5
    julieskids5 Member Posts: 6
    edited January 2012

    Your post is mine, I finally am getting the MRI done on the 6th and they said I can have results as early as the ninth. I have been wondering if I should get in for a biopsy before then??? How would a biopsy be done when I don't have any discoloration at all: pink, or redness, or bruising, and the mammo. and ultrasound came out clean. If there aren't any masses seen or felt, what kind of biopsy would they do if they are checking for ibc? I have only tenderness on one part of the breast that sometimes radiates, and sometimes is not even there. I research with questions, and IBC is the only thing that comes up.

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  • j3brown3
    j3brown3 Member Posts: 22
    edited January 2012

    I can't believe I have to wait this long for mri results... the surgeons I saw wouldn't do a biopsy... both said that the pink skin and sores were not ibc and there was nothing to biopsy:(... they said doing a biopsy would just put me at risk for an infection... I thought the spot of the first ugly sore might have been a good place to start... I HATE THIS WAITING GAME...  I feel crazy thinking something is wrong, with the drs showing no concern!

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012

    j3brown3,

    Waiting is very hard! IBC doesn't usually show up as sores that don't heal. IBC doesn't heal or go away at all. With them not showing concern, I would think that you don't have IBC. Keep yourself busy to help with the waiting game. Call the office to see if the results are in.

    Julieskid5,

    My doctor did a skin punch bx to confirm IBC. Your's doesn't sound like IBC. The skin is involved and if there are no redness or pink area and nothing to bc, then I would lean towards you not having IBC. The pain I have feom IBC wasn't untill advance stage and it does not radiate. I didn't have pain until the affected side grew a lot bigger and was pink/red all over the place. The pink/red does not go away.

    IBC usually doesn't show up on mammogram, but can be seen. If you have involved nodes they will show up on the ultrasound. Sometimes a CT will show thickened skin.

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  • j3brown3
    j3brown3 Member Posts: 22
    edited February 2012

    MRI shows no concern... go figure... hip, hip, hurray!

    THANKS TO ALL OF THE VERY SUPPORTIVE INDIVIDUALS ON THIS SITE FOR BEING "HERE"!!!

    I really don't understand what is going on with my breasts ... but I've done everything but  a biopsy... feeling pretty silly for having concerned anyone:(

    I'll be advocate/educator from now on ... even if I don't have to fight the fight!

    hugs, Jody

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  • julieskids5
    julieskids5 Member Posts: 6
    edited February 2012

    ma111,



    You are so sweet for taking the time to post, and your strength amazes me. I am so grateful for the awareness about IBC and hope that a cure is found for all who suffer and ones who are yet to be diagnose. Its encouraging to read some of the survivors have been cancer free for years and feel like the rates for survivorship will in the future be higher. Thank you for your encouraging words a well as encouraging words from others.

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  • ibcmets
    ibcmets Member Posts: 4,286
    edited February 2012

    Jody,

    Good news.  In spite of the pain, you should be able to relax. Maybe antibiotics will work for you with the swelling.  So nice to hear you don't have ibc or bc.

    Terri

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  • ma111
    ma111 Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2012

    Good news Jody! I like that!

    Juloieskid5, I hope and think you will get the same results, let us know.

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