MRI Questions? - Cancer: Breast Message Board

kentuckywoman · 02-10-2006, 12:16 AM

Background: 6 months ago I had my ***** and was told I have micro calcifications. The radiologist said he thought they were benign, and that I should get another ***** in 6 months. The local hospital scheduled me for a ***** while a radiologist was on duty so if he could look at the pics in case he wanted more. He did ask for more/magnified pics. After he looked at those, the tech told me the radiologist also wanted an ultrasound and that they could do that at that time. I had the ultrasound and all the tech would tell me was that there was a mass that was not seen before and they would send the results to my doctor. I saw my dr. yesterday and he wants me to have a MRI. My insurance required pre-determination for the MRI, and the nurse called me this evening that it was approved and she had gotten me an appointment for the MRI at another larger hospital. She said this is a lengthy scan and that I was scheduled for 11:30 and 4:30 as they will only do one breast at a time. Can anyone tell me how long an MRI takes? I am assuming that it does not take all that time to do but am scheduled the two different times as that may be time slots that they had an opening. I do not know this town very well, so I am wondering how much time I am going to have between appointments.
Also, can anyone tell me how accurate MRIs are in showing whether the mass and calcifications are malignant. I have 2 sisters who have had breast cancer. Each had complete mastectomys and had chemo too. One sister who is a 15 year survivor says I should ask for a biopsy. She has never had an MRI of her breast, just mammos yearly now. My other sister passed away from a heart attack while she was still undergoing chemo for her cancer. I am 53, and still having menopausal symptoms. I will appreciate any of your opinions and experiences. I am getting a bit worried at this point.

MellyMel · 02-10-2006, 06:38 AM

Hi Kentucky:

All I can say is that if that were me, I would definately listen to your sister and get a biopsy next. Regarding the MRI, you already got an ultrasound and KNOW there is a mass, so why the MRI? Why did your doctor say she wants you to have it?? Given your family history, listen to your sister and get the biopsy and skip the damn MRI since you've already had an ultrasound. My prayers are with you that this will be benign for you!! By the way, an MRI should not take more than 1/2 hour if that from my knowledge. I'm not sure about your question regarding how accurate the MRI's are as to showing malignancy's. I think only a biopsy is the true answer. Also, YAYY for the 15 years survivor!! How great is that?!! By the way, I don't have cancer, but I've had a few scares and know a little bit on testing and such. Best of luck to you Kentucky!!

Melly

Mommy2Baz · 02-10-2006, 10:00 AM

I agree with Melly - if you have family history and have already had a ***** and a u/s that show a mass, I'm wondering what the reason is for the MRI?

I got the results from my u/s yesterday (I'm 27) that mine is indeed a mass, not a cyst like they hoped and before they could even mention the 'next course of action' I told them to make me an appointment with a surgeon, I want the mass cut out completely, and the whole thing sent to be tested.

The fact that it doesn't 'look' like cancer means nothing. The only definitive way to tell whether it is, or isn't, is to do pathology on it.

My Mom (who was diagnosed at age 42, and is a 12 year survivor!) was also told her mass didn't look like anything. Thank God she got a second opinion because her's had already started spreading to her lymph nodes.

Good luck, (((((HUGS))))) and many thoughts and prayers for a negative result!

kentuckywoman · 02-10-2006, 07:57 PM

Mommy2Baz, I will be praying for you that the mass you have is not malignant. I was out this afternoon and when I got home there was a message from the MRI Center telling me to bring all my films with me on Monday and also said for me to arrive 30 minutes before my scheduled appt. so an IV can be hooked up for me. Anyone know what that is for? I am not claustrophobic, so I am assuming it is not for sedation. They did not ask me to have anyone with me to drive me home. I rushed out to the local hospital for my films before they closed, and by the time I got them, the MRI Center was closed. Should I have someone go with me?
I did not mention but both of my sisters who had breast cancer have daughters who also had cancer and both had double mastectomys. Both nieces are closer to me in age than my sisters. I was a late in life baby. I have had cysts aspirated before, but I get the feeling this is different than anything seen in my mammos before.

Mommy2Baz · 02-11-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kentuckywoman

Mommy2Baz, I will be praying for you that the mass you have is not malignant. I was out this afternoon and when I got home there was a message from the MRI Center telling me to bring all my films with me on Monday and also said for me to arrive 30 minutes before my scheduled appt. so an IV can be hooked up for me. Anyone know what that is for? I am not claustrophobic, so I am assuming it is not for sedation. They did not ask me to have anyone with me to drive me home. I rushed out to the local hospital for my films before they closed, and by the time I got them, the MRI Center was closed. Should I have someone go with me?
I did not mention but both of my sisters who had breast cancer have daughters who also had cancer and both had double mastectomys. Both nieces are closer to me in age than my sisters. I was a late in life baby. I have had cysts aspirated before, but I get the feeling this is different than anything seen in my mammos before.

I think the IV is because they will inject a dye through it, so they can see your breasts better. I believe it gives them a better picture in there! I also have to go to the hospital to pick up all my films to take to the surgeon.

I am praying for you also, that yours is not malignant! I'm glad that they seem to think mine isn't, but then again, after my Mom's experience I don't put much stock in anything except for taking it out and testing it.

Please post on Monday after your MRI and let us know what they say! I don't think you would need to take anyone with you, but if you need moral support, ask someone to go. My (soon-2-be) hubby came with me to my u/s in case I was told anything. I wasn't, but it was nice to have him there. I'm doing the surgery consult on my own, but when I have the surgery he's going with me.

((((HUGS)))) - keep me updated!