MRI Biopsy Needle Guided

My experience with MRI (no biopsy needle guided though, I had my lumpectomy 2 weeks later without prior biopsy) wasn't that bad and, mind you, I'm considered a highly anxious personality by both myself and my closed ones (claustrophobia, agoraphobia, name it!).  I took a Xanax 0.5 mg (the big one, that is lol) 20 minutes b4 the procedure and I felt kind of alienated and apathetic towards the procedure, not sure whether it was the Xanax or the tiredness of the last week of events that culminated in the MRI, it also helps that the breast MRI is conducted with the patient lying on their belly with their head resting on a fluffy pillow, I plunged my face into the pillow and closed my eyes and honestly didn't feel any sort of anxiety, impatience or imminent doom lol.  The whole thing took only 17 minutes altogether, 11 minutes without gadolinium and 6 minutes with the substance injected, the technician advised me that the only catch is that after injecting gadolinium the patient shouldn't move at all which I gladly did as it were only 6 minutes left, I recall that I breathed very shallowly as I really wanted to pull it off successfully and not have to repeat it.  The noises aren't that horrible, in some cases you are given even ear mufflers (not in my case...) and they definitely provide you with a panic button which is wise NOT to use after the injection cause you'll then need to repeat the whole drill (no need to have gadolinium injected in your body twice)...  The technician will advise you to drink water (if you're not in the habit, that is) for the next 24 hours after the MRI, so as to help your kidneys get rid of gadolinium gradually.  Don't overdo as too much water is as harmful as too little water for the kidneys.  Overall I feel that if I ever need to have another MRI I wouldn't worry about the procedure anymore, which is good to know as I'm not getting any younger and healthier lol  Good luck, hun

ahhh, just realized that you'll not need the gadolinium injection, so please disregard everything relevant to that, thank you

I totally understand what you're going through! I thought the MRI was the worst part of the whole diagnosis whirlwind and then they wanted me to do it again, only this time with needles!!! Yikes! Then I heard the tech say they were a little behind because they sedated the person ahead of me and I was like, bring it on! I want sedation too. They gave me a Xanax and 2 sets of ear protection (squishy earplugs and the earmuffs) and let me tell you, the second MRI was a breeze.

The second one was exactly the same as the first except somewhere in the middle the radiologist came in, sat on a wheeled seat, rolled under the table, numbed me, did his thing (I felt nothing), had a few more minutes in the machine and then I was done. Then off for a mammogram to check marker placement. I think the biospy part was easier than the ultrasound biopsy I had on the other breast.

I would say my first MRI was terrifying and the second was a piece of cake. Hope that's the same for you. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll get through this.

Sending hugs, Lucky

wishing you good luck on your upcoming procedure. I am having same on Weds 9/12 and beginning to feel v nervous. How long did they say results would take for you? I hope it's quick, the waiting is the worst

I had MRI core biopsy and ultrasound core biopsy before my surgery last year. Then I just had another MRI nuclear biopsy on Monday. I honestly never really felt much of anything. The hospital staff was fabulous and made sure they talked to me a lot and numbed the area first.

If you feel you are really stressed about it, they will give you Valium or something to take the edge off. Thankfully, I never needed anything.

Good luck; keep us posted!

So sorry this is getting dragged out more for you - it's so stressful! Hugs to you and hoping you can get this over with soon!

Did they tell you how long it would be before you heard results?

Sorry to hear the biopsy didn't go as planned. Prayers that it will come back benign!

wonderful news! I know the feeling of the 5-month-long drag, thankfully the good news came right on time so that you are relieved to enjoy the Christmas holiday season!