Brain MRI, Oh My!

I had to have a brain MRI in Nov. 2010. I don't remember how long it took but not very long -definately shorter than the fulll body scans I've had. It's basically just an MRI but to a limited area.

It is my understanding that brain mets can be so varied in how they present - just as primary brain cancer can be. It depends on what part of the brain is involved.

My results were to my PA later that day and she consulted with the Specialists.

For me, my scare turned out to not be mets. I developed horrendous pain around and behind right eye (IBC side) literally overnight in Oct, 2010. I never get headaches but even oxy did nothing to it - dexamethasone would knock it out for 18 hrs. My PA was Staff at the Woman's Retreat I was was going to on Fri afternoon so was able to talk with her quicker than I could get an appt. She had me at Opthamology on Mon. morning to rule in/out potential eye issue and a brain MRI on Tue. Eye issue ruled out Mon. MRI showed nothing also so it was decided that I do Dex. for 3 weeks as the conclussion was that for some unknown reason, a nerve had gotten aggravated/irritated.That was 6 yrs ago and still no problems.

I had a brain MRI without contrast for 20 minutes then contrast foe 20 minutes. It was all approved by my insurance because my MO got involved in the process along with my neurologist.

The biggest stress is not knowing the results. Yes I took a ativan. Also they called me two hours later foe the results. I have been forever grateful for them.doing that.

I had one but with contrast; it was fine and took about a half hour so and earplugs were provided, but really didn't do much to drown out the noise. Maybe ask about the contrast though? My understanding is that it's needed when looking for brain mets. Your post indicates that your doc is looking for MS lesions, so evidently contrast not needed for that, but if you also want to be checked for mets, ask if that can be accomplished without contrast. I mention it because my oncologist said that the contrast was needed when I asked if I could do it without (IVs are always a hassle for me--tiny uncooperative veins) and he said it was necessary. if it's any consolation, brain mets are pretty unusual for er+ early stage. They do happen much more frequently in her2+ cancer (I am her2+++).

Unrelated to MRI stuff, I had a similar situation with numbness in multiple sites for a couple of months many years (20+) ago; it resolved and did not return. No idea what it was, but I remember being very worried that it was MS. Hope you get good news.

fingers crossed everything comes back normal. They saying a lot of us use is "in your pocket"