Positive MRI with contrast, awaiting biopsy. A question...

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cch01
cch01 Member Posts: 5
edited January 2016 in Waiting for Test Results

Hi,

I had a mammogram and ultrasound last week with a suspicious area on my left breast. Since I had a benign papilloma removed three years ago, the radiologist thought it might be scar tissue but wasn't certain. She ordered a MRI with contrast to be sure.

Today I received a somber call from my physician of almost 20 years (I'm 39 and have been with her for most of my life). She said that the MRI lit up multiple areas in both breasts and I needed an immediate biopsy. She used phrases like "very serious" and "this is a scary situation" I'm working on getting a MRI guided biopsy next week.

Naturally I'm upset and worried. I'm 39, zero family history on either side. I don't smoke, drink, and I eat healthy and exercise a lot. The only risk factor I have is taking gonadotropins for one month ten years ago as a fertility treatment. I nursed both of my children. So I'm scratching my head.

I'm having trouble finding information about the MRI with contrast test as being sensitive to cancer only. My doctor basically said it was, but I wanted to reach out to your community.

Any information you could give me about this test and the likelihood that I have breast cancer would be so helpful.

Caroline

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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2015

    Caroline, the MRIs are not specific for cancer only. They are famous very being completely indescriminant and lighting up everything, benign and malignant. That is why they tend to lead to lots of biopsies. They cause lots of false positives. Try not to panic until the biopsy results come back

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  • cch01
    cch01 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2015

    Melissa,

    Thank you for your response. I did learn today that I'm listed as a BI RADS 5, which of course makes me even more concerned. Finding out two days before Christmas means delays in getting my biopsy scheduled and seeing the breast surgeon.

    I was hoping for a false positive, but with a 95% likelihood, odds aren't in my favor. I think I'd feel better if this was one spot or in one area. I'm extremely concerned that it is in both breasts.


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  • MelissaDallas
    MelissaDallas Member Posts: 7,268
    edited December 2015

    Ah, yes, a Birads 5 is a "hope for the best, but prepare yourself to be diagnosed" situation. I'm sorry, and I know you must be very frightened. I know the delay makes it harder. About all you can do, in my experience, is to try to stay busy and remember that worry won't change what is. Try to enjoy the holidays as best you can and let us know how you're doing

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  • Anamia3-me
    Anamia3-me Member Posts: 22
    edited December 2015

    Faith. Im too 39. Not drinker not a smoker and go to the gym 5 days a week. Not history in my family and i had hormones for fertility Issues in 2008-2010. Birads V. Cuadrantectomy this dec 6th. And bening. Of course, im not out of the woods yet. The risk is there in every cell. Faith in the Lord and. science. Enjoy the holidays.. Enjoy..

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  • cch01
    cch01 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2015

    Thank you for your comforting words. Strength in numbers, right? That 95% number is a tough one to swallow, but I'm trying to get through the weekend as best I can and focus on my kids and Christmas right now.

    I had never heard of a quadrantectomy until you mentioned yours. Then again, I wasn't familiar with BIRADS scale until this week. I guess I'll be learning a new language of medical terms, and I'm a physical therapist so I'm pretty familiar with most. Just not this area...



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  • Rockym
    Rockym Member Posts: 1,261
    edited December 2015

    Caroline, try to take it a day at a time. MRIs do show all types of strange things, but can help your doctor get to the bottom of this. I will be honest in that birads 5 isn't very promising, but the doctors always have to cover their ass and if the tech read the results a specific way, he/she has to give it a number. I would be careful not to google too much right now. I know waiting is difficult. If you are overly anxious, perhaps your primary or ob/gyn can get you some ativan at .25mg or whatever you need to relax. We've all been in your shoes and I'm hoping your biopsy results comeback negative. BCO is a great group of very knowledgeable women. Please check back and let us know how you're doing. We care.

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  • Sammy3
    Sammy3 Member Posts: 136
    edited December 2015

    Hi Caroline! Try not to be scared. I know its easier said than done for sure! But the way I looked at it was - yes I was birads 5, yes they found something. But you know what - they found it and now its being treated! Sometimes you want to go back to that time in which we had not a care in the world - but the reason we do the mammograms is for early detection. I used to hate the day that I had the test that found something, but now I see it as the day that most likely saved my life. Hugs - hang in there.

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  • cch01
    cch01 Member Posts: 5
    edited December 2015

    Thank you to all that took the time to respond. The not knowing is the worst part. I hope to have an update this week.

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

    Indeed, one day at a time, and take time to Breathe, go outside, take walks. In other words, please take care of yourselves. We're all here for you.

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  • cch01
    cch01 Member Posts: 5
    edited January 2016

    Hi all,

    Well, after a lot of commotion this week, my left-sided biopsy came back BENIGN. I was shocked, as I had resigned myself to going through a cancer diagnosis. I had my core biopsy today on the right side and I met with the radiologist who gave me the BIRADS 5 rating. She explained that the dynamics on my MRI were highly unusual, to the point where she brought in two colleagues to look at them. They all agreed on the rating due to the washout properties. She seemed shocked that the left sign was benign. She's also largely considered our health care system expert on breast MRIs (I work for the system) and is a bc survivor.

    I'm not out of the woods yet, as I still have to get the right side results, likely on Monday, but things are looking more hopeful than before.

    If I'm benign on the right side, then I became that 5% that got past the BIRADS 5 rating. This whole process has been emotionally draining, but I'm trying to remain hopeful.

    Thanks for all of your support.


    Caroline


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