Topic: MRI

Write down all your questions as you think of them while you're home. Then take them with you to the office visit. Or, take someone with you to the appointment, who knows your concerns, and can also act as a second set of ears. Lastly, take a tape recorder so you can replay instructions/info when you are home and can process it better.

The notes on a card is my favorite, especially when the doc is pressed for time. Tell him/her up front that you have a list of questions.

My MRI was no big deal for me. You get an IV placed for the contrast material, then you lie boob-first onto a table with cones to put the boobs in, and your forehead on a pillow like a massage table. The table underneath you slides you feet first into the machine. You'll get earplugs, but there's a lot of clanging noise. The table moves a bit to get the pictures needed of your breasts.

That's about it. I didn't have a claustraphobia issue, but others may tell you otherwise about their experiences.

Good luck!

Anne

My MRI was no be deal.. I too was afraid of what to expect, I ask a bunch of questions to the nurse who put the IV in.  And when I got in the room for the MRI, everything was explained to me step by step what to expect..  Just ask as many question that you want to feel comfortable about what is being done..  Don't be afraid to ask questions...

Good Luck!!!!

Honey, my bunch took 3 months to diagnose me.  And that was after 2 years of telling me it was nothing.  I was not pleased!  It is so hard.

But remember, they are very good guessers, BUT no one knows what is what until that tissue is under a microscope with a good pathologist, period.  Everything else is a guess.

So try not to worry too much until you know.

Gentle hugs, Shirlann

If I were you I would ask to go to a different facility that could do both of your breasts at the same time.  Not only will it save you time and money, it will save you from being double dosed on the contrast dye.  I have read that it takes anywhere from 24 to 48 hours for it to leave your body.  Please do some research on the contrast dye.  It is called gadolinium and there is a black box warning on it that it could cause NSF (Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis) It is supposed to only apply to people with kidney problems, but I would still be careful about too much of it in such a short time.   

I've also never heard of doing the breast MRI for one breast at time. I've had 3 of them; always done bilateral.  Before my most recent one (March) I had to have a blood test to check kidney function .  I questioned that as I did not have to have blood drawn before the other 2.  They said it is a new policy as the contrast dye can affect the kidneys. I had just had blood drawn at the oncologist's in Dec, but they said it has to be within 30 days of the MRI, so I had to go again.

Anne 

The MRI facility is one of the best in this large city.  I never gave a thought to the two dyes in a day issue.  I'm just so glad to be doing something after nearly two months of worrying!

I'm a teacher who, after MUCH thought, decided to retire.  I love teaching and know I will miss it, but my aging parents and my already-retired husband need more of my time and attention.  After much agonizing about it I decided to retire and a few weeks later became involved in this breast issue/scare.  Now my life is on hold.  I really need to know what I'm dealing with so I can decide how or if to proceed with retirement, as I haven't put anything in writing yet.  There are decisions to make about health insurance and pension surivor benefits that I must make now...OR do I stay employed as I have nearly two years worth of sick leave???

At this point my thought is to just do the MRI and get things moving.  My breast surgeon is recommending it and also recommending this facility.  She has an outstanding reputation.  I'm inclined to trust her judgment.  I feel as if I'm caught in a medical maze!

Hi Teaches,

The best thing for you to do is that what makes you least anxious. If it's not bugging you about having each done seperately and you want answers soon and you trust your health care team, then thats what you do.

Any thing unknowen is scarey, if you are claustrophobic then you may need a little something to relax. Had a few MRI's and I need a little help to keep me calm, it is a good idea to keep your eyes closed and think about someone special and the joy that they bring to your life while the machine does its thing. Works for me.

Hope its good news for you and am with you in thought as you go through it all.       

Jalydiju

Teaches, I can understand wanting to go forward with the MRIs this week, and like Jalydiju said, if you feel better getting it done sooner than later, just do it. I would ask them, though, why they're doing each breast separately--there must be a valid reason, and I'm curious what it is. 

Good luck this week--you'll be fine. The breast MRI is one of the easiest MRIs to have done, IMO.  

Thank you all for your responses!

I had the first MRI this morning.   The only explanation for having 2 was... this is how we do it... very congenial and reassuring.  I also discovered that I am indeed clastrophobic.  I have gained a new degree of empathy for the poor Chinese earthquake victims.  It took ALL of my willpower to do it and the thought of doing it again is daunting.  Saying a prayer over and over got me through it and I guess I'll do the same this afternoon.  Catholics have a belief in atoning for their sins and I think I did a little of that today. 

Oh, when I left they gave me a CD labeled... "Left Breast".  Now what am I supposed to do with that!!!  I popped it in my computer at home and the only thing I was able to do was to play a game of checkers (REALLY!)  The rest wasn't able to be deciphered.  I wonder if I'll be able to play chess with the "Right Breast" CD.  Have I said yet that I am developing a real dislike for the medical profession.

Trying to not be a baby or a drama queen...but having trouble not being a sarcastic b**ch.

Teaches

Hi Nash,

I've done my best for the poor souls... I couldn't make myself go back.  Fortunately I asked them to do the "problem side" this morning.  That will have to be enough.  Now I can wait again for the next step.

Hi Teaches,

What a crock of s**t they have given you for a reason why. I have learnt through having to deal with my sister#2 illness, that you have to keep asking and asking and how important it is to be in the drivers seat in managing your own situation.

I dont blame you for not going back. Were they aware of how distressing it was for you? If they were how heartless not to do all on the spot.

I was lucky had 2 seperate appointments and due to a cancellation was able to have both done together.

Better chess than poker.

Hope results are in soon and is good news. hinkng of you.

Jaly

Teaches,

Just found this thread floating around and I can empathize with the waiting issue.  I just waited for 2 weeks to get a second opinion on my surgical pathology report from a well-known hospital.  Waiting and not knowing are so difficult; I don't think care providers get that unless they've been through it.  I would definitely call them first if I were you!  I called my onc's office every other day while we were waiting.  Hope it's good news...

Hi Teaches,

Isnt it a pain. So annoying not to be able to get any straight answers and to have to wait is agony at times.

I was out all day yesterday when my GP rang and left message re results of FNA. Message said " Not terribly urgent but Dr wants to disscuss your results ". Terribly urgent? I hate that. Why cant they say " you need to make an appointment to disscuss your results" and it was the infliction in her voice that made me want to really slap her.

Dont have to wait out public holiday but do have to see out weekend.

Take a deep breath and try to have a great long weekend.

Warm smiles and huggs        Jaly

Hi Teachers,

SOOOOO glad to see that you can move your playing piece one step forward on this gameboard.

I hope that by tomorrow that you have a get out of jail free card.

Feel like Ive been handed a deck of miss a turn.

Hope to see great news posted on this thread on your next post.

Thinking of you.........Jaly