What results do you get from an MRI?

Chanty · April 2015

Hi ladies!

First, Happy Easter! Its been a great day here. My husband surprised me with an entire patio makeover for Easter. I've been begging for a year to do something with the back area. Its amazing now!!

Anyways, I keep getting pulled into worry throughout the day thinking about my MRI results. I had it done on Friday, and they said my BS would have results by Monday.

I've never had an MRI before. How are the results? Do they just tell you there's a spot here or here, or can they say that it looks like something specific? This has been 2 months of testing because I keep getting called back. We ended up having to wait a month to get the MRI done because of my cycle *eyeroll*

Anyways, I was just curious what to expect when they call with the results, and if anyone would know, it would be you ladies

I hope everyone is having an amazing Easter!!

ElaineTherese · April 2015

Hi!

MRIs can detect active cancer and are sometimes more accurate than ultrasounds in determining size and nodal involvement. For example, the ultrasound said that my lump was 3.9 cm, but the MRI said it was 5 cm, and that one node was suspect. (That node did test positive for cancer.) If you're only getting a breast MRI, that's probably all you can find out. You'd need a full body MRI or PET scan to find out whether or not your cancer had traveled to other parts of your body.

Chanty · April 2015

Thanks for the reply!

I had a diagnostic mammo and an ultrasound a month ago. Both were clear, but my BS was still concerned because of the presentation that she ordered the MRI.

I've got a pretty large dent under my left breast (7 o'clock), another small indent above that, and my nipple is not only pointing straight down now, but its indented on the areola under the nipple.

I'm going crazy waiting for the results. She keeps telling me there's *something* in there, and we just have to wait for it to get big enough to deal with it.

She suspects ILC, I wonder if that's something they'll be able to tell from the MRI.

ElaineTherese · April 2015

Hi!

I have IDC, but there was a dent in my breast before I was diagnosed. It was the first thing that aroused my suspicion. Maybe someone with ILC can chime in and tell her experiences with MRIs and ILC.

mel147 · April 2015

Chanty - I think it is very smart that your BS is looking into the cause of the dent/indent and nipple changes. An MRI picked up my DCIS that did not show up on the diagnostic mammo or ultrasound that I had done a few weeks earlier. It did not show my IDC since that was so small and was only discovered in pathology after surgery.

One thing I like to do is get copies of all my test results because I want to have as much info as I can about what is going on. It was very helpful for me to get a copy of the MRI report and be able to read all the details. If you also like knowing all the details, then you may want to do that as well.

Happy Easter as well and congrats on the new patio! That sounds awesome and was super sweet of your husband! Sending prayers and good thoughts your way for benign MRI results!!

Chanty · April 2015

So, I called the radiology clinic and requested a copy of the results. My BS's office said they wouldn't be calling me until Wednesday because she's in surgery until then.

The radiology clinic said the results would be ready to pick up today, but they say although they have been read, the results still haven't been typed up.

I'm so frustrated. Its one thing to wait, but its another to know the results are in, but not typed. *sigh*

Hopefully they'll be typed up by tomorrow.

mel147 · April 2015

Wow - I think that is crazy if they make you wait until Wednesday because the BS is in surgery!!! Do you think the clinic will give you the copy before the BS calls or hold the results? I know I have not been able to get copies until a medical professional verbally gave me the results first. In my case, the radiologist called me with the results rather than giving them to the doctor and having them call me. I'm so glad they did it that way because I played a lot of phone tag with the gyn's office...they were never available when I was and vice versa. I'm very sorry to hear you have to wait...it really stinks and I hope you are able to find out something earlier than Wednesday. Hang in there and take care!

Chanty · April 2015

The clinic says they'll release the results to me as soon as the radiologist signs it. They told me to call back tomorrow morning to see if ts been done yet.

I keep having dreams of sitting in my BS's office and her telling me I have a DX of cancer. It's so weird I'm mentally beside myself waiting for this test, but I was perfectly fine waiting for my mammogram and u/s.

Anyways, I do really appreciate your support

mel147 · April 2015

That's good - I'm glad they will release the results to you. I have heard so many people say the waiting is the hardest part, and I definitely agree with that. It can really mess with your mind. It helped me to try not to get too far ahead of what was happening and I tried to take it one test and one result at a time. I know it is easier said than done! I did go on this site a lot to read...of course the radiologist told me not to, but I didn't listen. For me, the more info, the better!

I sometimes remember my dreams very vividly and other times I wake up and don't remember a thing. It's no fun when thoughts of bc invade dream time! Here's hoping that tonight you have pleasant dreams and that you get good news tomorrow! You're welcome for the support - I am happy to help in any way I can!

mel147 · April 2015

Chanty - thinking about you and hoping all is 'ok'!

Chanty · April 2015

Hi Mel!

Sorry I've been away, things have been SO busy around here! I did get my MRI results back and all they saw was "thickening". My BS wants me to come back in 3 months for more imaging but didn't want to do any biopsies at this point. I'm inclined to just let things lay at this point because we've spent so much money on all this that I just really don't want to go broke getting the same answer. My MIL is wanting me to go get a second opinion, but I can't imagine going through all these tests again and paying even more, because I"m sure my insurance won't cover all these tests again for a second opinion. *shrug*

I don't know whether to be happy or frustrated, so I'm going with neither right now. We're doing demo on our master closet which has me plenty busy, and my dad just moved in with us so there's that hahaha.

I hope everyone is doing well, and thanks for keeping me company while I obsessed over results!

bettysgirl · April 2015

Sorry you had to wait so long to get results. That is the most frustrating. FOR ME- the MRI left no shadow of a doubt what mine was. That being said the fact that the see thickening rather that a tumor lighting up IS a good thing. In the 7 yrs since I have been here most of what i have seen is that if it is there the MRI leaves no doubts. Hope that helps.

mel147 · April 2015

Chanty - So glad to hear they did not see any mass!

It is definitely crazy how much everything costs even with insurance. I've been on an insurance rant lately, but, having said that, I do realize how fortunate I am that I have it because I know it would be much worse if I didn't. If you did decide to get a second opinion, I think you could get copies of all your scans and bring the scans and reports to get a second opinion based on those rather than having to redo them all...I think that would work since the images shouldn't change, only the opinion of the BS. Someone else jump in here if I am wrong. I'm glad the the BS is keeping you on his/her radar and is watching things closely for you.

Good luck with the master closet demo and hope you enjoy the time with your Dad! Take care and know people are always here to keep you company!

What results do you get from an MRI?

Comments

Categories