MRI after Mammogram UPDATE post #21

[hellokitty86]

A couple weeks ago I went to a new gynecologist and he said he felt some lumps in my breasts. I'm only 24 but he said to be safe he wanted me to have a mammogram & ultrasound. He said he thinks I have Fibrocystic breasts.

I got the mammo & ultrasound and was waiting for a call back. Well- I got one- after having surgery (for my gallbladder), the same day as the surgery while I was recovering in the hospital!

The Dr. says that they found something on the mammo but nothing on the ultrasound, and it is something called a discordance. They want me to have an MRI to rule everything out.

I'm absolutely freaking out. My Dr. doesn't think its anything serious, but I think he was just telling me that because I was freaking out.

I go for the MRI this Thursday. Thankfully its an open MRI because I just had to have one 2 weeks ago (for my gallbladder) and I was absolutely flipping out during it.

Anybody have to have the MRI following a mammogram? I thought it was common to have a follow up mammogram, not to have an MRI.

 

[crashbb]

Discordance just means "didn't agree", which they didn't.

To be honest, I've never had an MRI to follow up a mammogram or ultrasound (though I have had mammograms and ultrasounds to follow up an MRI!).

I really wouldn't worry (easier said than done, I know). It sounds like they are just being super careful. Generally, an ultrasound is considered more sensitive than a mammogram, once the mammogram has indicated a spot of interest (such "spots of interest" are often just dense tissue or a folded bit of skin or something else totally innocent).

If you have fibrocystic breasts, it may be that the area of interest is large and the MRI can give a better "big picture" view than an ultrasound can.

It may be TMI - but when in your cycle were the mammogram and ultrasound? There is a strong correlation between false positives and your cycle (especially with fibrocystic breasts).

Finally, I found breast MRIs to be the easiest MRIs that I've had. In our centre, you are lying face down and with your breasts hanging down (okay, so you do feel like a cow being milked) and your head is almost out of the tube. Plus, you don't have any blanket of coils strapping you down (as I've had with any abdominal ones).

So, try not to panic. Be happy that you have such a thorough medical team (what I tell myself every time I go down the call-back road). Lots of hugs for you.

 

[hellokitty86]

Thanks so much for your reply!

The mammogram and the ultrasound were a week apart. I didn't realize when getting the mammo that I had to get an ultrasound so I had to go back for it. I had the breast ultrasound the same day as my gallbladder ultrasound, and I was very sick (not knowing it was gallbladder issues!). The mammogram was about 1 1/2-2 weeks before my period and the ultrasound was a couple days prior to my period.

I'm trying not to freak out but its hard. My Dr. truly didn't seem concerned and even sounded confused as to why the radiologist suggested the MRI. I guess he's just being thorough like you said.

 

[hellokitty86]

Anybody else heard of this?

 

[RUDisney]

Yep, it's exactly what they did with me 2 years ago.

I had felt a lump and the dr sent me for a mammo. That lump had disappeared by the time I went for that, but they found a lump that was too deep to be palpable. Scary.

After that, they sent me for the U/S and MRI. The MRI turned out to be the inconclusive test.

I had a needle biopsy that showed there was nothing wrong other than a mass in my breast. The radiologist insisted that I have the remainder of the lump removed. The surgeon and I agreed that we'd wait to see if it would shrink over time.

Six months later, it shrunk, so I didn't need the surgery. It's nice to be right.

 

[BoogasMom]

I had a baseline mammogram done at age 35 which showed a small lump. Due to my cancer history, the doc decided to send me for a spot compression mammogram. They saw the spot on this too and so they did an ultrasound that same day but couldn't find it anywhere. So, they sent me for an MRI. Unless the way it's performed has changed in the last few years, it's quite an uncomfortable procedure if you have bad knees or a bad back. You are lying on your belly at an incline (so all pressure is put on your knees and lower back) with your breasts dangling through two holes. They are completely discreet and cover you well but it's still uncomfortable.

My results came back benign. My oncologist told me that cancerous tumors show up in a very distinct way on MRI images and they could tell at first glance that my lump was completely benign. They released me until age 40.

I was under the impression that if I had not had a cancer history, they would not have sent me for an MRI but would have just had me come back for a repeat mammogram in 6 months. I'm sure your doctor just wants to take a proactive stance. I assume they have checked with your health insurance about payment of the MRI? Most insurances won't cover that type of test unless you have either a personal or familial cancer history.

BTW....I have a history of lymphoma, NOT breast cancer and they still wanted to send me for the MRI.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I have breast MRIs yearly (history of breast cancer). I don't like them very much but I deal with it. FTR, I've had them both laying on my back (head MRI) and laying on my stomach (breast), and I much prefer laying on my stomach. They get you relatively comfy (in a weird way, with your arms over your head) and you can try to close your eyes and relax or go to sleep, the good thing being you're looking into a pillow or out into the room as opposed to looking up at the machine.

Another reason for doing MRIs, besides "looking for something", is to simply get a baseline reading with which your future readings can be compared. This is particularly important when there are any unusual findings. So ten years from now they can look back and say, "That's always been there". Very important, and can save you time and worry down the road. Also, when women have dense breasts, it can be hard to distinguish regular lumpy breasts from problematic lumps in the breasts, so this way, when they work this up, they can say it's negative, but note that it's there, so every time someone does a clinical exam, it's not going to be a major concern - your history will now be documented.

Good luck.

 

[arminnie]

You should be thankful that you have such conscientious doctors.

I am 64 - I have lost way too many friends (and my mother) to breast cancer because the doctor decided "oh it's really nothing" and didn't test further.

A woman's biggest fear should not be getting breast cancer - it should be not knowing that she has it. It is so treatable if caught early, but so fatal if it is not.

My best friend had a diagnostic MRI for a suspicious area in one breast. Bless her doctor as he chose to do the MRI on both breasts (most doctors would only do the one in question). He found a totally different type of cancer in the "good" breast that he said would never have shown up on a mammogram. She is alive and healthy today - with great reconstructive surgery because her doctor was so good.

 

[hellokitty86]

You should be thankful that you have such conscientious doctors.

Thank you. I am very thankful! I have 4 different doctors for different health issues and all seem to be very thorough. I am lucky.

 

[hellokitty86]

It's nice to be right.

I'm glad you were right too! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me.

Unless the way it's performed has changed in the last few years, it's quite an uncomfortable procedure if you have bad knees or a bad back. You are lying on your belly at an incline (so all pressure is put on your knees and lower back) with your breasts dangling through two holes. They are completely discreet and cover you well but it's still uncomfortable.

I was under the impression that if I had not had a cancer history, they would not have sent me for an MRI but would have just had me come back for a repeat mammogram in 6 months. I'm sure your doctor just wants to take a proactive stance. I assume they have checked with your health insurance about payment of the MRI? Most insurances won't cover that type of test unless you have either a personal or familial cancer history.

Hopefully I will be ok for the test, I just had surgery less than 2 weeks ago and my incisions are still a tiny bit sore on my belly. I will go and try it and if it is too painful will reschedule. I'd like to get this test done asap if I can.

I was under the impression the Dr's office checked with my insurance company about coverage. I sure hope so because I have a lot of medical bills already and don't want another big one! Luckily my deductible has been met and I'm getting these tests done before the year is over. I don't have any cancer history and nobody has had breast cancer in my immediate family.

Another reason for doing MRIs, besides "looking for something", is to simply get a baseline reading with which your future readings can be compared. This is particularly important when there are any unusual findings. So ten years from now they can look back and say, "That's always been there". Very important, and can save you time and worry down the road. Also, when women have dense breasts, it can be hard to distinguish regular lumpy breasts from problematic lumps in the breasts, so this way, when they work this up, they can say it's negative, but note that it's there, so every time someone does a clinical exam, it's not going to be a major concern - your history will now be documented.

Good luck.

Thanks so much for sharing this thought! You are absolutely right, I am so glad this will be documented for the future.

 

[kldmom2000]

I'm 37 and have had 2 breast MRI's thus far. My mother was diagnosed with metastatic Stage IV Breast cancer 2 years ago @ the age of 57. Her mother (my grandmother) died from metastatic breast cancer. I have fibrocystic breasts and when I had my baseline mammo @ age 35, they saw something suspicious and ended up doing 3 sets of films followed by an Ultrasound and then an MRI a month later. 6 months later, I had to repeat the mammo and U/S and then they had me do an MRI guided core biopsy on the "suspicious" mass.... thankfully it turned out to be nothing, but the MRI's can be more detailed than the Mammo. I go next week for my annual mammo.... not sure yet if an MRI will follow again (mostly based on my family history and lumpy breasts)

 

[HOGFAN]

what is your family history? a couple of factors could have had the radiologist recommend an MRI.

 

[crashbb]

Just for the record, I get a mammogram every year (started at 25) and an MRI every year (started at 30). They are spaced 6 months apart. I've had call backs ranging from more mammograms (different cut and/or spot compression) to ultrasound to both more mammograms and ultrasounds. Oh, and a biopsy and lumpectomy (thankfully benign).

My point (I do have one) is that there are a million permutations and combinations used when it comes to breast cancer screening and follow ups.

 

[hellokitty86]

what is your family history? a couple of factors could have had the radiologist recommend an MRI.

I have a great aunt that was diagnosed with breast cancer recently (Mother's side, my Grandmother's sister). She is in her 70's. Nobody else in the family has breast cancer history on either side that I know of.

 

[hellokitty86]

I had the MRI yesterday. I'm happy to say it was a very easy test for me. The MRI I had 2 weeks ago was much, much harder. The worst part was gettting the IV for the contrast, my hand is still a little bit sore. My belly didn't even hurt at my incisions from my surgery 2 weeks ago. It was an open MRI machine (which I think really helped me, the reason I had such a hard time with my last MRI is because I am very claustrophobic) and they were playing music to listen to.

Now I'm just waiting for the results........

 

[Bren's Mom]

I'm confident you're going to be just fine, that they're going to tell you they're seeing dense tissue and/or cystic tissue and there is no issue at all.

I have VERY dense and cystic (and large) breasts. I was 25 when my Dr. first wanted a mammogram and I was totally freaked out. I saw a breast surgeon, had another exam and a mammo and they said it was nothing. I've had one almost every year since, and I'll be 40 this month. EVERY ultrasound is followed by an immediate 'please come back in' call for a mammo. And vice versa. Several times my OB has 'felt something'. Always nothing. I'm glad they're thorough, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

MRIs are the new gold standard for breast diagnostics. So the fact that they want to follow up with one for you isn't surprising.

Keep us posted!

 

[hellokitty86]

I'm confident you're going to be just fine, that they're going to tell you they're seeing dense tissue and/or cystic tissue and there is no issue at all.

I have VERY dense and cystic (and large) breasts. I was 25 when my Dr. first wanted a mammogram and I was totally freaked out. I saw a breast surgeon, had another exam and a mammo and they said it was nothing. I've had one almost every year since, and I'll be 40 this month. EVERY ultrasound is followed by an immediate 'please come back in' call for a mammo. And vice versa. Several times my OB has 'felt something'. Always nothing. I'm glad they're thorough, and I'd rather be safe than sorry.

MRIs are the new gold standard for breast diagnostics. So the fact that they want to follow up with one for you isn't surprising.

Keep us posted!

Thank you so much for your post! I've been feeling a little down today (just worn down from a lot of medical stuff lately and sick of the waiting) and your post made me feel much better.

I will definitely keep you posted!

 

[Bren's Mom]

Thank you so much for your post! I've been feeling a little down today (just worn down from a lot of medical stuff lately and sick of the waiting) and your post made me feel much better.

I will definitely keep you posted!

Awww...I'm so glad.

 

[RUDisney]

Thank you so much for your post! I've been feeling a little down today (just worn down from a lot of medical stuff lately and sick of the waiting) and your post made me feel much better.

I will definitely keep you posted!

I'll tell you what I tell my Mom all the time when she's filling down.


You can't worry about what IS. You can only take steps to make it different or take steps to keep it the same.

That is what you're doing by having the tests. That is the part that you can control. Everything else is out of your control and worrying or feeling down won't change what IS.

This is what's keeping my head on straight right now. My DSis has been battling a rare form of cancer for a year now. She found out this week that she has to have an experimental surgery to kill the cancer cells in her liver or she will only have a few months to live. Right now, I'm the only person in the family who is remaining positive. While I understand that even with the surgery, she may not make it, I can't worry about that now. I can only focus on being there for her and on helping her with anything she needs. It is in God's hands and we continue to pray for a miracle for her.

So, I hope you understand from where I'm coming. Look for the positives that can come from this. You won't have to worry about a gaulbladder attack again. I know that they aren't fun. The results of these tests will probably come back showing that you don't have to worry, but even if the drs want you to have a biopsy, then you'll know 100% whether you'll need further treatment or that you can rest easy. All you can do is be proactive in getting the tests done. That is the thing that you can control and you're doing a good job at that.

I know that this is easier said than done and my BFF says that I'm like a man because I can compartmentalize things. But, hopefully, you'll view what I've written as a pep talk and feel a little better.

 

[hellokitty86]

I'll tell you what I tell my Mom all the time when she's filling down.


You can't worry about what IS. You can only take steps to make it different or take steps to keep it the same.

That is what you're doing by having the tests. That is the part that you can control. Everything else is out of your control and worrying or feeling down won't change what IS.

This is what's keeping my head on straight right now. My DSis has been battling a rare form of cancer for a year now. She found out this week that she has to have an experimental surgery to kill the cancer cells in her liver or she will only have a few months to live. Right now, I'm the only person in the family who is remaining positive. While I understand that even with the surgery, she may not make it, I can't worry about that now. I can only focus on being there for her and on helping her with anything she needs. It is in God's hands and we continue to pray for a miracle for her.

So, I hope you understand from where I'm coming. Look for the positives that can come from this. You won't have to worry about a gaulbladder attack again. I know that they aren't fun. The results of these tests will probably come back showing that you don't have to worry, but even if the drs want you to have a biopsy, then you'll know 100% whether you'll need further treatment or that you can rest easy. All you can do is be proactive in getting the tests done. That is the thing that you can control and you're doing a good job at that.

I know that this is easier said than done and my BFF says that I'm like a man because I can compartmentalize things. But, hopefully, you'll view what I've written as a pep talk and feel a little better.

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to write me such a kind post!! It did help me feel better. I know I worry about things that I can't control and it's not a good thing to do, and it doesn't help anything!

You are right about those gallbladder attacks- those are horrible! I won't ever have one again! And guess what- I am going to WDW next Thursday to celebrate my 5 year Anniversary.

I'm so sorry about your sister. I will keep her in my thoughts & prayers!!