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Topic: Contrast agent with MRI

Forum: ILC (Invasive Lobular Carcinoma) — Just diagnosed, in treatment, or finished treatment for ILC.

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Posted on: Dec 3, 2018 10:00PM

jessie123 wrote:

I haven't had an MRI yet, but will be seeing the surgeon on Tuesday and am sure she will order one. I'm terrified of that contrast agent (is that what it's called) that they inject into your vein before the MRI. I've read of the potential long term effects --- there was even a TV special on that. Have you heard of anyone with negative long term problems after having this injected? I wonder if the U.S. is using something safer -- but I don't think so.

Dx 11/2018, LCIS/ILC, Left, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- Surgery 2/21/2019 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel Radiation Therapy 4/15/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
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Dec 3, 2018 10:08PM - edited Dec 3, 2018 10:46PM by AliceBastable

It's probably safer than having cancer.

Endometrial cancer 2010, basal cell multiples, breast cancer 2018, kidney cancer 2018. Boring. Dx 5/2018, ILC/IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 1/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- Surgery 7/11/2018 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel Surgery 8/8/2018 Radiation Therapy 10/29/2018 Whole-breast: Breast, Lymph nodes
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Dec 3, 2018 10:13PM MCBaker wrote:

I have had several MRI's with contrast. Given the diagnostic strength of the procedure, it is more dangerous to decline based on such concerns. Even I can see the difference between contrast-enhanced normal and abnormal images.

Mary Dx 10/3/2018, DCIS, Right, 6cm+, Stage 0, Grade 3, ER-/PR- Surgery 11/15/2018 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Right; Reconstruction (right): Tissue expander placement Dx 11/16/2018, IDC, Right, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 1, 0/5 nodes, ER-/PR-, HER2+ (IHC) Targeted Therapy 12/18/2018 Herceptin (trastuzumab) Chemotherapy 12/19/2018 Taxol (paclitaxel) Surgery 6/27/2019 Reconstruction (right): Fat grafting, Saline implant
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Dec 3, 2018 10:17PM Luckynumber47 wrote:

My MRI discovered DCIS in the other breast that wasn't seen on the mammogram. I am so grateful it was found early and not after it had a chance to spread. I think it should be an essential part of the treatment plan. Leave no stone unturned.

I had 2 MRIs with contrast - the first was screening and the second was a biospy. I had no problem with the contrast. The noise of the MRI really freaked me out, though, so I encourage you to ask for a Xanax. (and wear double earplugs - the squishy kind and the ear muff kind.)

Best of luck with your new drs

My avatar is a Blue Footed Boobie. Cracked me up. Dx 2/15/2016, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- Dx 3/16/2016, DCIS, Right, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/1 nodes, ER-/PR- Surgery 4/6/2016 Mastectomy: Left, Right Hormonal Therapy 5/16/2016 Femara (letrozole)
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Dec 3, 2018 11:02PM - edited Dec 3, 2018 11:02PM by AliceBastable

Since July I've had the contrast MRI, a couple of CT scans, I'm now doing radiation, and have another CT scheduled in January. I'll worry about all the stuff in my system later. It would be cool to glow in the dark or get superpowers, though.

Endometrial cancer 2010, basal cell multiples, breast cancer 2018, kidney cancer 2018. Boring. Dx 5/2018, ILC/IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 1/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- Surgery 7/11/2018 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel Surgery 8/8/2018 Radiation Therapy 10/29/2018 Whole-breast: Breast, Lymph nodes
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Dec 3, 2018 11:13PM vlnrph wrote:

Certainly, have the scan. While gadolinium is a potentially toxic heavy metal, you won't be getting it several times during a few months. Assuming your kidney function is OK, it is safe however go ahead and drink plenty of water for a day or two to make sure it gets flushed out of your system as much as possible.

My MRI showed a non-palpable ductal tumor which mammogram did not detect. The imaging also helped determine the size of the lobular lesion. With those problems in separate quadrants, I required mastectomy but I might have opted for that anyway. It is good to get all the information you can when making these decisions.

Knowledge is power!

IDC too! 🎻💊👪🐩 🇫🇮 🌹🦋 Rt MX+DIEP 4-2011; ALND 5-2011 d/t micromets; TC X 4; tamoxifen; lymphedema 9-2011; switch to letrozole 3-2014 for 1 yr; bone mets 8-2018: Zometa, rads to spine, Faslodex/Versenio Dx 3/7/2011, ILC, 2cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 1/25 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
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Dec 4, 2018 08:51AM jessie123 wrote:

Thanks to all of you for that. I feel better now. My appointment with the surgeon is today. I've been able to compile tons of questions for her just by reading this board for the last 3 weeks. I think that I am prepared for this interview. I'm going to ask for something to calm me down because this anxiety is going to stroke me out if I don't control it. However, I can't swallow pills, so I'll need something that I can crush.


Dx 11/2018, LCIS/ILC, Left, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 2, 0/2 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- Surgery 2/21/2019 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel Radiation Therapy 4/15/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
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Dec 4, 2018 10:59AM claireinaz wrote:

I've had several...no worries.

9/29/11 ILC, 2 c. stage II grade 1, ER/PR+ HER2-, 6/11 nodes, lumpectomy, DDAC x 4, Taxol x 12, 33 rads, Tamoxifen/arimidex/aromasin, BMX/immed recon 7/3/13 "In the midst of winter, I found in me an invincible summer.” Albert Camus
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Dec 4, 2018 04:02PM dakrock wrote:

Jessie123

Ask for  (lorazepam)  It is very tiny and it calms me down immediately.  I take one every night around 8 PM because for some reason that is when I start freaking out.   By 10 PM I am so ready for bed and sleep all night. 

Bonnie Dx 12/4/2017, ILC, Right, 2cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2- Hormonal Therapy 12/5/2017 Femara (letrozole) Surgery 2/23/2018 Mastectomy: Right; Reconstruction (right): Nipple reconstruction, Saline implant Hormonal Therapy Arimidex (anastrozole)

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