I am Scared

Yes and no on the reason for the MRI. I was told A) we want a baseline for future screenings since dense breasts don't screen easily via mammogram, and they needed to make sure there wasn't something else in there. I will tell you that with all the testing, the MRI was the easiest, and the results were the only positive results I got!

I did not have papillomas, so I can't speak to that. Stay here, don't google. Someone will be around with a similar experience.

I know you're scared. It's an absolutely horrible time waiting for answers and having these yucky, disgusting tests. I would only concentrate on one day at a time, and ask for xanax or something similar. This isn't the time to be a tough girl.

Best of luck {{hugs}}

if the docs thought it something really serious, you would not be told to wait 3 months for the next step

if in doubt, get a second opinion

Sorry that you are going through this, but it's good you are being proactive. Most likely, everything will be benign, but since you already know you have multiple papillomas it is important to get it all out & the MRI should help with that.

Sending you good thoughts,

Deb

p.s. The MRI was not bad in my opinion. The technician described it as sounding like a cross between road construction & bad techno music. She was right!

Crazynervous, I am sending you good thoughts and pray for nothing but good results!

Run as fast as you can away from that second doc. MRIs are used all the time for screening. I had three opinions, the first missed the duct completely, the second guy said, without even examining me, "you've done all you can I wouldn't worry about it." The third found the offending duct within just a few minutes, did an unscheduled galactogram right then and there, and showed the papilloma to me on his private computer immediately thereafter. I've had three MRIs, they are not a big deal.  I take the meds with them, and it is like a nice nap. Follow your instincts on the screenings.  You probably have nothing to worry about but you must be your own best advocate.

I have been screened for breast cancer since I was 30.   I am now 50 years old, and multiple mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRI's have become routine.  I have extremely dense breasts, have had multiple biopsies causing scarring, am on hormone replacement therapy due to a total hysterectomy, and have both a maternal and paternal family history of breast cancer. I have personally witnessed both my mom and my aunt succomb to this dreadful disease.   Several years ago(2006), I transferred my medical records to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in order to participate in the high risk surveillance program. The plan was to significantly reduce my chances of breast cancer and have a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction performed.  After a full year of various testing, doctor visits, and physical and psychological clearance, my surgery was a go. Unfortunately, an auto accident put this plan of hold.  Due to an injury and unforseen spinal surgery (which had a very prolonged and arduous recovery),  I felt it wise at the time not to voluntarily assault my body as I needed to fully recover from this surgical event. However, my concerns/fears regarding breast cancer never dimished. I just moved them further back in my brain. I have been diligent regarding both mammograms and mri's since that time, and fortunately all has been fine.  This past week, I  had my routine mammogram screening at Sloan, and after several magnified films, it was determined that I have microcalcifications warranting yet another biopsy (this will be number 5 for me).  The radiologist attempted a stereotactic needle biopsy, but due to the position of the calcifications, it could not be completed. An appointment has been made for a consultation with my original breast surgeon, Dr. Alexandra Heerdt for June 25, 2013.  Once again my level of fear and concern has escalated to the point of being disfunctional.  At this point I am considering forgoing just the open surgical biopsy and once again moving foward with the double mastectomy with reconstruction which originally included biopsies of both the breast tissue and sentinel nodes. All of us hope and pray that our screening tests come back fine, but when you are told "the doctor needs to speak to you",  even prayers or the most positive of thoughts don't seem to provide any comfort. I am trying as best as I can to carry on with my daily routine and continue to stay as positive as possible, but I feel that I am carrying a time bomb - and it is just a matter of time for it to explode. This is my first time utilizing a forum such as this, and I apologize if I am rambling. Expressing our concerns and looking for advice from those who know and understand what we are going through is a dose of very good medicine.  Any thoughts, comments or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Hi Ballet

I had spoken with Dr. Heerdt on the first leg of my journey back in 2005-2006. I had at go through a rigorous evaluation process before being cleared for surgery.  Dr. Heerdt is amazing - as was my entire team from MSK.  Everyone took the time to genuinely listen to my concerns and provide their professional opinions as to what my options were.  Surgery was scheduled, but unfortunately due to an auto accident, I was side-lined.  I thought I was able to put the fear behind me because fortunately, the last few years were uneventful and my screenings were all good.  All it took was one visit - one suspicious test - that sent me spiraling.  Recollecting what my mother went through is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy (and I hope I don't have many of them). The fear and anxiety, coupled with my risk factors, are something I cannot ignore. It took me many years to find a medical team that I trust and feel comfortable with - for that I feel blessed.  I know I am at the best possible place, and I truly believe I have the best physicians at my fingertips at MSK. It was explained to me that there is a 25% likelihood that this is cancer.  I personally do not like those odds.  My thought process has always been - when in doubt, take them out.  This latest abnormal screening has just brought my past intentions back into the forefront of my mind. I am scheduled to meet with Dr. Heerdt on Tuesday, June 25.  I thank you for your input and I appreciate your support. 

Thank you so much for your understanding 😀