MRI Biopsy....couldn't do it!

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Mommy2Six
Mommy2Six Member Posts: 119
edited March 2015 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

After my excisional biopsy revealed DCIS that my ultrasound and mammogram missed (dense, fibrocystic breasts), the dr ordered an MRI, which revealed another highly suspicious area. I had a follow up ultrasound to see if they could locate it knowing an exact location, but they still couldn't see it, so I was scheduled for an MRI-guided biopsy.

I COULD NOT DO IT!

I was BARELY able to complete the previous MRI with 5 mg, with my husband's arms in the tube holding my hands the whole time. So this time they gave me 10 mg of valium and it didn't work at all. I walked out from the failed MRI and went home, cooked dinner, stayed up late...I didn't get sleepy or relaxed or anything. They said they are rescheduling me for the test with IV sedation, but I'm afraid that won't work either. I don't mind having a core needle biopsy but I seriously cannot go back in that tube if I'm awake and alert.
Does anyone know of an alternative to this? Any advice from other majorly claustrophobic people?

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  • RebzAmy
    RebzAmy Member Posts: 322
    edited November 2014

    Hi Mommy2Six

    I'm claustrophohic and so is my husband. He had to have an MRI recently and failed the first time so had it done privately at a centre called the wide open MRI Centre where you're not as enclosed. In fact I've had one in that too as I knew I wouldn't be able to go in a tunnel. My husband managed to do it with a lot of coaxing from me and me counting down the amount of time during each session - but only just. He has a problem swallowing and that was his problem mainly. You should try the IV sedation as I've had sedation in the past where I've not remembered anything that's gone on whatsoever - maybe that would work for you. Good luck.

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  • lessormore
    lessormore Member Posts: 7
    edited November 2014

    Hi Mommy2Six,

    Please go ahead with the IV sedation. I've had that for various things including two colonoscopies. It's also called twilight meds -- you remember very little of what happens because it has an amnesia effect. Although you remember almost nothing you can still function and help out during the procedure; for example, if they ask you to roll onto your side you can do it but won't remember later. I've had a breast MRI and found it very uncomfortable to be positioned on my breastbone for 30 minutes. I'm scheduled for a repeat MRI this week for a new lump and if they need to do an MRI guided biopsy too then I'll be asking for IV sedation. They didn't have this wonder drug years ago but now it's used all the time and well tested (I worked in a hospital for 10 years). You'll do fine and won't remember anything other than going into the MRI suite. Best wishes for a good result!

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  • Astarte
    Astarte Member Posts: 45
    edited March 2015

    Get some good indica and go night night like I do.

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