MRI scan Tuesday

Hi Cal22. I’m so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. It sounds very recent, I imagine you’re feeling very uncertain and you are  still processing the news. You’ve done the right thing to reach out in here, there are some kind and helpful people.

Like you, I’ve recently been diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer following biopsy on a lump in my left breast. As this didn’t show up on mammogram, I was then sent for an MRI scan with contrast to check both breasts, so I thought I’d share my experience.

I was very nervous about going in the scanner as I’m claustrophobic so I asked my GP to prescribe me a diazepam beforehand to help me relax. This took the edge off for me, so if you’re feeling very nervous you might want to ask for the same? They put a cannula in your arm to inject the dye, which doesn’t hurt. You lie on your front with your face in a space a bit like on a massage table, arms folded above your head. Once you’re in position, they put earplugs in and then a pair of headphones on you. This is because the machine can be quite noisy when they are taking some of the images so be prepared for that. They may be able to play a CD for you while you’re in there so if that’s the case, take some music to help you relax. The table slides into the machine backwards, so feet first and as you’re face down you don’t see it. You will need to lie still, but the staff talk to you through the headset to tell you about an upcoming noise or to ask you to hold your breath for certain images. You also have a button to hold so you can communicate with them or ask them to stop if you need to. I just kept my eyes closed throughout the whole thing and tried to keep my focus on my breathing. I got through it and I’m sure you will too. It wasn’t as bad as I was dreading!

I totally get your worry about what they will find. In my case they found another area in the same breast that they have biopsied - I get the results of that next Thursday. Like you, it will make a difference for me of lumpectomy vs mastectomy if that turns out to be another cancer. However I wanted to stress a couple of things. Firstly, the consultant told me MRI scanners are very sensitive and they often pick up areas of tissue that turn out to be benign. Therefore even if something shows, they will check it but it could end up being nothing.
Secondly, this area they are looking at for me is very deep and close to the chest wall. I can’t feel it, so I would never have found it myself. I’m trying to be positive about that and thinking that if it does turn out to be a second cancer, then them checking now will prevent me from having the wrong surgery, or worse giving it time to spread un-noticed. 
Finally, the MRI scan picked up that my other breast is clear which I am also focusing on as a positive. 

I know this won’t take the worry away for you, but I hope the information about what to expect helps to prepare you. I also hope that knowing others have been through similar, and care about you helps you to feel less alone. I will be thinking about you on Tuesday and sending positive vibes your way. Xx

Thank You Rosie12 for the reassurance regarding the MRI. I to have been recently diagnosed and having a MRI on Tuesday, reading your reply to Cal22 has eased my anxiety and helped me prepare. I wish you well on your recovery journey  x

Thank you for sharing your experience of the MRI scan Rosie12 you have eased my anxiety. Wishing you positive results for Thursday 

Hi Cal and Hedgehog lady. I’m glad it helped and made you both feel a bit better about Tuesday. Let us know how you get on next week you feel up to it. 
Rosie xx

Hi Rosie12,  Just to let you and Cal22 know that my MRI was not as scary as I imagined. With a little knowledge and help from yourself and this forum, I was much calmer than I anticipated. I won't get my results yet, hopefully when I next see a consultant.

Thank You Rosie12 and good luck for tomorrow.

Hi Hedgehog lady. I’m so pleased to hear it went well for you yesterday, and that the scan wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. That’s really good news, and I’m pleased that getting a bit of information and support through the forum was helpful. Hopefully Cal22 got on OK yesterday too, and that neither of you have too long to wait for your results. 
Thank you for your good wishes for tomorrow, I really appreciate that
Rosie xx