Alternative to Breast MRI

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rlmessy
rlmessy Member Posts: 137
edited October 2019 in Diagnosed and Waiting for Test Results

Has anyone had anything else done besides a breast MRI for diagnosis? I know it is the "gold" standard and everyone does it. But is there another way?

In another thread I mentioned I bailed on my MRI right before the contrast. When I got home and described everything to my hubby he knew right away why I could not do it. One side of my ribs flares outward. He said I would have to be extremely padded to bear it. Loves how my untrained hubby figured it out just by my descriptions!

Anyway...any other options?

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited October 2019

    Since you already have the diagnosis from a biopsy, what's the purpose of the MRI?

    Many surgeons like to have their patients under go an MRI prior to surgery so that they go into the operating room with as complete a picture as possible with regard to the size of the tumor, and an awareness as to whether anything else might be going on, but this is far from a requirement. Is there a more specific reason why your surgeon ordered the MRI?

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  • rlmessy
    rlmessy Member Posts: 137
    edited October 2019

    Hi Beesie - thanks for the reply. I have not met with my team yet - doing that Thursday. The radiologist who did my biopsy actually recommended the MRI to my primary doctor because my breasts are very dense and fibrocystic. I have a significant image history with diagnostic mammograms and US due to the fibrocystic disease always popping false negatives. I had gotten about 6 years in with my current radiology team that they felt comfortable doing routine screenings. My 2018 was my first 2d/3d routine. I was due for 2019 in February but got goofed up with dates because my mom and I always go together and hers was due in Sept. Somehow we got out of our normal schedule. So I was about 19 months when mom and I went in for what was my 2nd 2d/3d routine. That popped "architechtural distortion" which started this ball rolling I think she is worried that there is something hidden they can't see and is trying to get a better "visual" of what's going on.

    My mom's BC in 2006 was detected due to lymph node involvement and never showed on mammogram. Breast MRI was only test that popped the main mass.

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  • 2019whatayear
    2019whatayear Member Posts: 767
    edited October 2019

    If the facility has it maybe they could do an automated ultra sound in lieu of a MRI? Best of luck!

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  • Simbobby
    Simbobby Member Posts: 140
    edited October 2019

    I too could not get through a breast MRI - it felt like it was crushing my sternum. My Onc wanted it so he would have a baseline to see how effective the chemo was in shrinking the tumor. (I had chemo before surgery). When the MRI was out of the question, (I tried twice).he ordered a pet scan.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited October 2019

    Rlm - I expect you've been perusing other sites. I agree with Beesie that the surgeon wants a close look before opening you up & being totally surprised. The only time I've ever in my life taken Xanax is before an MRI or a PET/CT. It takes the edge off enough for me to proceed w/no anxiety. Talk to your docs about getting some help w/medication.

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  • rlmessy
    rlmessy Member Posts: 137
    edited October 2019

    Thanks MinusTwo, unfortunately it was not anxiety that made me bail it was pain. I have a rib that flares out. It's just a hot mess. I actually thought I broke a rib. The poor tech said "ok setting the next one up" I breathed in and out and said "Ok" and POP! That's when I went flying out of the machine. I am still tender in that one spot. I am actually going to talk to the doctors about some strong pain meds for the procedure. I actually did better than I thought I would with the whole claustrophobic part.

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  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited October 2019

    rlm - oh my - so sorry. In my experience the PET/CT moves you into a similar tube - just not as confining. The CT can be with a more open "C" arm depending on the equipment your hospital/clinic uses. However each of those highlights different interior issues than the MRI. Good luck.

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