My pathology report is SCARING me...please talk me down?

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  • bridgegal25
    bridgegal25 Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2015

    Hi Arlene -- I knew you would feel better after speaking with Surgeon. I had the same experience a week ago when I met with mine.   My kids and I walked out of there with a much lighter heart.  We have a plan now which will involve lumpectomy and onco plastic surgery  hopefully if nothing else shows up.  I also have to have the MRI which I had an appt. for yesterday but I chickened out.  I had read all the pros and cons of doing it and since my "archictectural distortions" are tiny and have a good set of receptors in them thought I could get away with not having it. Not so. Have to have and I am armed with valium to calm myself down lying on my stomach while they do what they do.  Just enjoy the next few days with your heart being much lighter.  Mine was after meeting with my surgeon. And I keep listening to the tape. She gave me so many positives as to my case that the tension just peeled out of my body. In fact during the appt. the four of us were laughing hysterically over something or other.  I am hopefully (more snow forecast) meeting with the plastic surgeon tomorrow morning and I will get more info. Sure I have concerns that other stuff will show up in the MRI but according to nurse navigator who has the patience of a saint, if it does it will be small.  Enjoy your family now -- I have plans also for the next few days which will involve a lot of laughter. You do the same.   Shirl

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  • proudtospin
    proudtospin Member Posts: 5,972
    edited January 2015

    Arlene, so glad you have a plan and now you can move on to do the shit!  I think you said you are a planner so now the real work begins.  Best wishes, you are so fortunate that you chose a great hospital and like the team!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited January 2015

    Hi greenae, so glad your meeting of 28th went so well as confidence with your team is a big thing. Sorry you are here but glad you found BCO and this supportive bunch of ladies, who have helped you over this stressful time. Now you can resume control and tackle your problem.

    All our best,

    The Mods

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Thank you, All! Now, about that MRI...I WILL BE STRONG I WILL BE STRONG I WILL BE STRONG!

    LOL...I SWEAR I WILL DO MY BEST TO NOT LET THAT STINKIN', NOISY MACHINE GET THE BEST OF ME!

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited January 2015

    Hi, I am 16 years post treatment, and a Tri-neg. I am just fine. Even though you have several locations, they are small, and this is so good. Remember, about 80% of us Get Well!! Right now it is terrifying, but you will calm down soon. Just come on the boards when you are scared. Believe me, we have all been down in the hole. Gentle hugs, Shirlann. PS just close your eyes in the MRI, works well...



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  • Hopeful82014
    Hopeful82014 Member Posts: 3,480
    edited January 2015

    Take earplugs for the MRI and/or ask about listening to music during (some but not all facilities offer this). The earplugs definitely help. And it doesn't take that long; much of the appt. is the set up - IV for contrast, positioning, etc. I didn't time it but looking back I think it might have been maybe 20-25 minutes in the machine, broken up into shorter segments. It helps to go to your happy place and stay there for the duration.


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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Thanks, Shirlann! I have an 8mm mass in my left breast...and hoping that is it! And thank you for for encouragement!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Thank u,Hopeful. Going to call imaging center tomorro and see if i can bring my own music! I am a 1970's girl. Lol

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2015

    Hi, I was not able to bring my own music but they had a great selection. My usual must have for the MRI machine is music and valium. Also, I always tell the Radiologist that I know that I am going to need a break in advance. Generally, they are fine with that and just knowing that I could get out when I needed to was always a huge relief. Also, I found that the Radiologist were always more attentive and checked on me constantly to make sure that I was ok. I hope you have a good experience and let us know how it goes.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    thanks, roadrash, maybe I will see you next time i make that left on 216! :

    PS. I have 0.25mg xanax and 1 mg Ativan tabs. Not sure which (or how much is best). I am leaning toward 0.5mg xanax. I just want to behave in there. ;)

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  • roadrash
    roadrash Member Posts: 145
    edited January 2015

    Wohoo!! I love road trips! :D Once you make the left on 216 go straight up that Stormville mountain and I can meet you at the Mountain Top deli. I must second the vote for the xanax. It really helped me with those MRI's. You will be relaxed and comfortable. The Ativan is not strong enough for that MRI machine.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Hey roadrash, Thanks for your input on the xanax. My appt is 0830, so I figure I will take 0.25mg xanax at 0730, and another 0.25mg at 0800. Whaddaya think? My sis lives on Main St in Poughquag, and I take 216, make the left at the deli, then the left onto rt 7, Main St. We do Thanksgiving and Easter at her house every year. She's the best cook in the family...lol

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  • bridgegal25
    bridgegal25 Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2015

    Hi again -- let us know how you do. My MRI is Tuesday. I've already cancelled one which was yesterday because of the fear factor. Joint problems with laying so still and on my stomach. Doc has given me 5mg. valium.  Here's hoping all goes well, with  no further problems on both our parts.   Shirl

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Hi Shirl

    Yes! Good luck to both of us. I have been watching Youtube videos of breast MRIs to try and desensitiZe myself. My only other MRI was for my neck, and I was face-up, and stupidly opened my eyes. I am calling the imaging center to ask about music and I am telling myself over and over that I CAN and WILL do this. I am testing how 0.5mg of xanax makes me feel this weekend. I have Ativan, but 1mg just calms and slows me down, but I still feel anxiety if I am awake. So hoping the xanax works better. Plus, I know it wears off more quickly. I have lower back issues at times, so I will try to make sure they make me comfortable before it starts. This test WILL NOT GET THE BEST OF US! WE ARE STRONG!

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  • hummingbirdlover
    hummingbirdlover Member Posts: 421
    edited January 2015

    I've been watching your posts and I'm SO glad you're feeling better after meeting with your team.  I just wanted to chime in that I was petrified of the MRI and honestly, it wasn't that bad.  They had headphones that I listed to (and I got to pick the music) which was kind of funny because that dang machine was SO loud that I couldn't even hear the music at times.  I had to keep myself from tapping my foot to the beat but it really wasn't that bad and it went really quickly.  I just imagined myself face down on a lawn chair on a sunny beach and focused on the music and before I knew it, it was over and done.  I went in feet first and I just kept telling myself that my head was barely inside the tunnel and just outside of the tunnel was that HUGE room.

    Good luck on your journey!!

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Thanks Hummingbird...great advice! I WISH I was going in feet first...but, boohoo...it's headfirst. I love the beach and could never lay face down cause of my big boobs. Always have to punch holes in the sand...lol This should be more comfortable and I WILL pretend It's a Day at the Beach!

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  • bridgegal25
    bridgegal25 Member Posts: 60
    edited January 2015

     

    Hi Arlene --

    You got that right. WE ARE STRONG. Both of us are in the darn machine on Tuesday. I've arranged my rides to and from because of the valium.  You -- large boobs -- me also.  So many similarities. Tough for me on my stomach also with a touch of a low back problem. My workouts and stretching will have to double up before Tuesday.  Just met with plastic surgeon.  This guy is absolutely gorgeous.LOL.  And his partner also. If I am able to go ahead with onco plastic there will be a reduction.  The MRI will have the answers to that also.  I feel good, feel positive and it's getting closer.   Here's to both of us getting positive results!!!.  Off to play bridge now (I play competitive bridge).  So far -- that's my best distraction. Hang in there and enjoy your family this weekend.   Shirl

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  • Redheaded1
    Redheaded1 Member Posts: 1,600
    edited January 2015

    Greenae---I would take the Ativan instead.  Actually, I would have insisted on 10 MG of Valium, if you have a driver.   I take .5 of Xanax every night and that's not enough.   1 MG might be.  BUT YOU CAN"T TAKE THAT MUCH AND DRIVE. 

    I've had  5 mri's at two different hospitals (Head and neck only) and one place that only does MRI.  Take a CD, sometimes they can play them, sometimes they can't .  You can really only hear it in between the "bangings".  DO NOT OPEN YOUR EYES AT ALL. EVER, CLOSE THEM BEFORE THEY SLIDE THE TABLE.  Open them when you are all the way out. 

    Tell the tech your scared and they can talk to you in the tube over the speaker.  Mine told me how long each "banging" would be before it started and he told me when we got to the last one.  He also reassured me I was doing good.

    My tumor was about the same size as yours, and so far so good.  I did lumpectomy .  I loved my team too, so no second opinions.  The  triple neg would make me want to be sure they had handled many cases of it successfully.  But trust your gut on who the good ones are.  As women, our intuition is something we need to listen to.  If your gut ever says, this isn't right, or that person no longer feels right,,, you can bail and get new ones at any time.  ITS YOUR CALL, and a good doctor doesn't resent another opinion.  They probably anticipate them.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Hey Bridgegal and Redheaded! AAAAAAAHHHHH...OMG! I am so glad I called the Imaging Center.They told me head first, with head to the side and NO MUSIC. They give you a BALL TO SQUEEZE IF U PANIC! HELL, NO!!! I got 2 RNs on the phone, changed imaging site to one where I am face down, can see out of the tube and HAVE MUSIC. I intend to count 15 songs and Be Outa There! I am learning to advocate for myself! I Need This Done. So, now my appt is wednesday at 615p, even better so I won't miss any work next week. Phew! As for the meds, I only have Ativan and Xanax. I will take one Xanax at 515p, the second at 545p, and if I still feel wacky, a third at 615, for a total of 0.75mg of xanax. It had better work. I never take meds, so I am thinking they will? Good luck to you, bridgegal! Off to my stepson's college graduation. WE GOT THIS! Thanks, ladies!

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  • songbird68
    songbird68 Member Posts: 190
    edited January 2015

    Hi Green and gals! This has been a very busy thread since last I visited. I have just had a quick catch up and want to say good luck for the MRI and so cool you are being your own advocate - the best kind! What colour wig did you go for? Or was it a couple? You looked lovely in blonde, very natural.

    Bighugs! (Max - my golden - sends Augie a tummytreat too)

    Song

    x x x

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited January 2015

    Mine was 7mm. That is great

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  • KSteve
    KSteve Member Posts: 486
    edited January 2015

    greenae - Just wanted to introduce myself.  I am a 4-1/2 year survivor of TN.  You're in the toughest part of this right now.  Good for you for trying on wigs already (they both looked great by the way)!  There is a thread called Calling all TNs that is very active.  It's a great bunch of very supportive ladies, so hop over there when you have a chance and introduce yourself.  Nobody understands what you're going through like all of us who have been there too.  Just keep putting one foot in front of the other!  You can do this!

    Hugs,

    Kathy

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  • bluepearl
    bluepearl Member Posts: 961
    edited January 2015

    You have gotten all good answers and just wanted to post that your triple negative is VERY small. Plan to do well!!!!

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  • daisylover
    daisylover Member Posts: 310
    edited January 2015

    Greenae, I have serious issues with tight spaces. I freaked out during my first un-medicated MRI, and made them take me out. (Usually, I would not rock the boat.) I really believe that 2 (total .5) @ .25mg Xanax should do it for you. That's what I now take for MRI's. I had no difficulty handling a brain MRI in December - complete with cage over my head. I kept my eyes closed and the Xanax just sent me to a happy place! It was almost enjoyable? At my center, they recommended taking the pills 1/2 hour ahead of scheduled time. Your timeline sounds great. You will be good to go! Best wishes.

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  • greenae
    greenae Member Posts: 540
    edited January 2015

    Hello, My Friends!! I am so glad to have you all to talk with. I so appreciate all the good advice and vibes.

    Ksteve, I will definitely hop over to the TN ladies...I am So Happy to hear you are 41/2 years...Keep On Keepin ON!

    Songbird, I bought both wigs...the brown for being me, and the blonde for Rockin' Out...lol. Thanks for the shout out to Augie...I just lost my 13 yo Yellow Lab Max in October :( I am a huge dog Lover.

    Shirlann, when I had my core I asked the doc to keep taking more samples so it would be gone before my surgery!

    Bluepearl...I so want to be a Warrior and kick this TN's Butt!

    Daisylover...I have such a crazy work day Wednesday...a lot of traveling and cutting it close with time. So of course that just adds to my anxiety level...but I want this MRI DONE...and can I ask for right breast clear, too?

    Thank you ALL SO MUCH!!!

    arlene

    PS It was nice to be "normal" today at my stepson's graduation...I feel sometimes I am in the Twilight Zone. So used to being in control...this is new and disconcerting...but I am Trying. Tomorrow I tell my Mom...that makes me sad for her. ugh.

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