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Hi LynnS 

Sorry that you find yourself here after finding a lump and calcifications.  No-one thinks you're silly and in fact you post sounds very 'level headed'!  I think we all felt anxious when we were first diagnonsed - and that's putting it mildly!

With regards to the CT scan, I didn't have one for my diagnosis (I think it's something that has happened more and more recently and I'm nearly 6 years down the line from diagnosis).  But, I had one for my radio. and I've had several for other issues following a road accident. 

The MRI scanner is actually quite 'open' if that makes sense and your whole body isn't in it all the time, so it doesn't feel that claustraphobic. The radio. MRI was very, very thin - a bit like a doughnut.  The one I had recently for a scan was slightly thicker, but I just kept being whizzed in and out, so it didn't feel at all as if I was enclosed in a device and it wouldn't have made any difference if it was feet or head first tbh.

I hope this helps to reassure a little and the lump and calcifications turn out to be relatively small!

Kindest wishes, Lesley

Thank you so much for replying Lesley

i hope you are doing well xx

Hi Lynn, sorry to hear your diagnosis.  I was diagnosed in October and after my biopsy results confirmed cancer I also had to have an MRI. Like yourself I was really anxious about it. I can say the staff were really good and took there time explaining the process.  You also have something in your hand during the MRI that you can squeeze to let them know you're struggling so they can either talk to you or bring you out. You lie face down and it is a little uncomfortable but I just closed my eyes and tried to think of things that relaxed me. I imagined I was lying on a beach somewhere. It lasted about half an hour but I just kept thinking I had to get through it and it will soon be over. I'm sure you will be fine as it's not as bad as it sounds. Just try to relax and think places you'd rather be and imagine you're there. Sending hugs to you and good luck xxx 

Thank you Anna Louise

i will let you know when I get there xx

Hello LynnS ,

First off - sorry you find yourself here - the place none of us wanting to come to, however, this said you will find this site and the wonderful people in here a Godsend - the information between everyone is incredible, it really is.

I am a ssshhh a 'larger' lady - so filled up more of the space lets say.  I had trouble at first with the MRI scan - like Anna says you are (well I was) face down .... with (I'm sorry, I am laughing saying this 'now' after the event) you lie face down with your boobs going into 'sort of cups'. They suggested for comfort to have both hands/arms above my head.... however, due to my size I didn't find this comfortable.

I went partway into the MRI scanner and asked to come out again. I tried again and came back out ..... the ladies were so understanding and I am sure they would of done this all day to let me be comfortable.  I got upset, emotional and very angry with myself - however I knew I 'had to do this' - 'I had to' - in the end I asked if I could have only one hand/arm above my head and the other by my side - they were fine with this and in I went .... they also showed me that when you go in head first - you are at the other end .... this is open to, they held my hand to let my know this.

The machine is very loud - the noise didn't bother me, this is the magnets moving around, so there is a lot of 'cloncking' (think this is a medical word - hahaha) - they give you headphones and ask if you want music or radio etc......

So now I am in machine and just like Anna chose, I to chose to be on a beach.... mentally describing 'everything' around me - the list can go on and on, the sea lapping onto the sand, the warmth from the sun and so much more..... so much that .... I actually dropped off to sleep - honestly, the noise wasn't an issue - I fell asleep hahaha

Oww and what I didn't know that might help you - I believe they can give you something to relax/calm you (I can't remember name) - this might be worth asking about 'before' hand.

Keep in touch and let us know how its all going.....

Hey lesleyhelen , it's lovely to see you posting - you helped me at the start of my journey.  I hope you are keeping well - sending big hugs and love to you xxxx

Hi WhatHappened - I think we have both been 'hanging around' on this site for nearly the same amount of time - I was diagnosed just a few months before you, where did that 5+ years go?!  Good to see you posting too , I'm doing very well and I hope you are too x