dx w/atypical papilloma in 2007, getting MRI next month

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SecretAgentL
SecretAgentL Member Posts: 86
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hello, Everyone!

 It's been a loooong time since I've been on these boards. Back in 2006, at the age of 28, I was diagnosed with an atypical papilloma in my left breast. Since then, I've had mammos regularly, and during my last visit to the Hillman Cancer Center here in Pittsburgh, my nurse practitioner (LOVE HER!) said she felt like I should get a baseline MRI as well, since I'm so young, high-risk, and have very dense "busy" breasts. I'm now 34. I'm schedule to have my MRI the first week of June. Insurance company already approved it.

Can anyone tell me about their MRI experiences? I'm not nervous, but just curious. 

Thanks so much! 

xoxo,

Laura

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  • mckenna
    mckenna Member Posts: 413
    edited May 2012

    i had adh and had my first MRI on 3/7/12.  you basically lay on your stomach with the "girls" hanging down.  your head is face down on sort of a massage table head rest, donut type thing.  i had to have an iv first they did part of the scan then they injected the dye and did the second part of the scan. it takes a good 30-45 minutes and you have to lay so still.  the worst part is laying still.  i felt like i couldn't breathe only because they want you to be so still, i was worried breathing to heavy would blur the mri images.  they put foam ear plugs in your ears because the machine is very loud.  you will still hear the sounds but it is not bad with the ear plugs.  you have to change into scrub like pants and i had a gown that opened in the front and then a gown over that that opens to the back, they removed the top gown when i got into the mri room.  all in all not too bad, just the being still you know when someone tells you not to move, you just want to move :)

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  • swimmom01
    swimmom01 Member Posts: 58
    edited May 2012

    Hi, I just had my first MRI last Friday.  I told the tech that it was my first and was very nervous.  She walked me through it step by step.  One thing that she did but didn't think about it until later was she kind a backed me up to the machine and had me step up and lie right down.  That way I didn't actually see the machine and what it looked like.  She said it is best to just close your eyes and keep them closed.  She gave me ear plugs and then headphones so I could listen to the music.  Right before the inserted the dye she told me so I was ready for it.  I felt something cold in my arm with the IV and then a rush of wetness in my mouth but that was all.  I really didn't think it was that terrible.  Goodluck, I am sure you will do great.

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  • JayeGA
    JayeGA Member Posts: 82
    edited May 2012

    I've actually had breast MRI's twice, once last year, and again this year before an excisional biopsy. I had an easy time of it, the tech showed me how to lie on the table part of the machine, and you lie down and your breasts hang down thru two openings with your forehead on a cushioned headrest. The tech had set me up on an IV because the MRI was ordered with and without contrast, so after awhile the dye was injected into my arm.  I didn't actually feel much, in fact I think I dozed a little Smile It was a little challenging at first lying still for 20-30 mins or so, but the headphones with music helped relax me and it was over before long. 

    I think it's great medical care to have a baseline MRI, sounds like you're in good hands!  

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  • SecretAgentL
    SecretAgentL Member Posts: 86
    edited May 2012

    McKenna, Swimmom01, and JayeGA:

    Thank you so much, ladies! I feel like I have a pretty good idea of what to expect, thanks to you. Smile I really feel blessed to live in a city that has such outstanding care and that my doctors are being very proactive and aggressive with my care. I'll definitely keep you all posted on the results!

    Blessings and kindness to each of you!

     xoxo,

    Laura

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  • mckenna
    mckenna Member Posts: 413
    edited May 2012

    good luck secret :) you will do great.

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  • Delilahbear
    Delilahbear Member Posts: 466
    edited May 2012

    Hi SecretAgent,

    After having papillomas removed twice - once for leakage from nipple I thought I was done. A year after surgery on left breast for ductal excision the right nipple astarted to leak. Had mammo, two ultrasounds and finally MRI. Next had excisasional biopsies on both breasts and the found diffuse papillomatosis and ADH. US Tech told me there was no way they could ever get all the papillomas and with the MRI results being BiRads class 4 suspicious, I made the decision for Prophy BMX. I don't regret my choice. As others have said, the MRI was not bad, listened to music and tried to lay still.



    I see you are from Pittsburgh. I grew up in Washington,PA.



    Good luck with your MRI and I hope everything turns out fine.

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