Don't want to have MRI - should I?

When I was told I had BC i knew from the get go I would do a BMX. My surgeon did tell me if I opted for a lumpectomy I would need to have an breast MRI to check on the other breast also. I have no regrets doing a BMX. It's not for everyone to go that route, but was right for me.

Glad you have taken the time to figure out what's best for you.

Hi jessie,

I was diagnosed with a mass in my right breast. My surgeon decided to send me for an MRI to make sure we weren't missing anything on the left side because I had very dense breast tissue. It detected a mass twice the size of the mass on the right side that was undetected by mammogram. When I had my MRI biopsy the doctor who did it told me that the IV dye that they use lights cancer cells up. So it's a very accurate test for detecting cancer cells. I too have degenerative disc disorder in my neck due to a whiplash wreck years ago. It was uncomfortable but not unbearable. It doesn't take that long to perform the test. You just have to breathe through it and go to your happy place. That's what I found with most of the tests & biopsies.

Good luck!! Keep us updated!! Sending gentle hugs to you!!

jessie123,

Hoping the MO appointment goes well and clarifies everything for you

Jessie,

I have to have annual MRI's if understand them correctly. I'm due for the first one in Aug. I've not had one since my BMX so I don't really know what to expect. Should be different than the last one, I'm sure.

I really didn't have any pain at the time of my accident either. I had it x-rayed and they said it was fine. I didn't know until many years later when I had a frozen shoulder. During the testing and physical therapy for that they found the damage to my neck. I had migraines over the years starting a few years after the wreck. And apparently that was the cause of my migraines. I never put it together because they told me my neck was fine!!

I was in the room with two of my children when they had MRI's.

I had a mastectomy in June 2018. I can PM you my pic if you want.

I’m having mastectomy #2 in June of this year.

Best wishes to you.

jessie123, same for me, I took 5mg of valium and it seemed to do little good. I was terrified and the positioning was very uncomfortable. Additionally my teeth began chattering and I had to clamp my jaw shut to keep them still. My surgeon insisted on an MRI so that she'd know what she was dealing with. I'm thankful I did it too.

Oceanbum - why do you have an MRI every year? I had a BMX in May, 2017 and then I had an MRI in July, 2018. But that was only because my MO wanted to make sure that a small "pocket" was tissue. And it was. But I don't think they will do any more MRIs unless he feels something. I do think we all should be able to have an MRI or PET scan every year, but the insurance companies won't pay for them. So I guess we just sit and wait for the other shoe to fall.

Jessie - I wondered about the MRI before my BMX, too, but didn't question my team. As for what you will look like - I did not have reconstruction, so my chest is flat but my sternum/breastbone is still raised. So the flat areas are just where my breasts used to be. I guess I mostly look like a boy with a Buddha belly! Truthfully, not one person has ever even noticed.

I never had a MRI and I am 7 years post DX. My MO never saw the need. I had IDC, Stage 1b, Grade 1. I had a lumpectomy, 33 radiation treatments and Tamoxifen for 5 years. So far, so good

Diane