MRI question

Recently, (Oct.) I had an annual mammogram. It was determined that there is a problem in my left armpit/left breast area. The dr. ordered an ultrasound to be done which I did a week later. It was then determined that I have a "mass" that needs to be checked closer. My Dr. ordered a MRI for the same afternoon. Then he told me about it. I asked how is this going to work with my pacemaker. That is when everything stopped! Dr. said to me "this test could save your life... but you can't have it".

I still am waiting to see what is going to happen to me. I have another mammo and ultrasound scheduled in January. (Coming up very fast). I have been in denial since Oct! What a way to begin the new year. Maybe someday we can safely have an MRI, but for today, for me the answer is NO WAY.

I am not always positive about my health. :-( Sometimes I get scared. I will handle whatever comes my way. I don't mean to alarm anyone, or upset anyone. This is just my thoughts about the MRI. I wonder what other test we are not able to use?

Pacergirl

8 Comments

I agree with Smitty

by ElectricFrank - 2010-12-20 01:12:13

There are alternatives to an MRI. My guess is that if an MRI showed a suspicious mass he would move to a biopsy anyway, so why not just skip directly to it?

Just be sure to make an informed rational decision as to how you want to proceed. Forget the denial thing. It will only lead to poor decisions either way.

One other thing that concerns me is that the doc didn't know you had a pacemaker until you brought it up. Either you didn't report it on your medical information sheet or he didn't pay any attention to it. In either case it indicates that there is a good chance of other medical errors being made.

frank

MRI

by Nuka - 2010-12-20 03:12:56

Hi Pacergirl,
It sounds to me that you might be well advised to seek a second opinion. I believe you are able to have a PET/CT scan. As I understand it both tests are done at the same time and the results are very accurate. A small amount of radioactive material is used so as long as you are able to tolerate that you might want to look into it.

I'm thinking if I was in the situation that you find yourself I would not want to wait to have less accurate tests performed. Nor would I feel comfortable with a doctor who doesn't seem to know that you have other options.

This is just a suggestion that you might want to look into.

I'm so sorry you are having to deal with this. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I wish you all the best.
Joan

What about ultrasound?

by SaraTB - 2010-12-20 05:12:27

I've heard about increased use of ultrasound scans for breast lumps, which might be worth enquiring about too - certainly would avoid the allergy risk.

I'm sorry you have to deal with the uncertainty for now, and I send good wishes for a good result.

Pacergirl

by Pookie - 2010-12-20 07:12:25

Hi pacerchick:)

My suggestions have already been suggested: the biopsy and the PET scan. I, too, am highly allergic to the contrast dye. I am very limited what can be done to me medically because of several things but I have confidence that your doctors will be able to figure out something for you.

I certainly understand that you are in denial and probably very scared as well, but you know that I'm only an email or FB or MSN chat away. If you wanna chat for real, I'd be more than willing to give you my phone number:)

I know it's hard to keep a positive attitude, but I also know you are a very strong individual (both mentally & physically) so try and take each day as it comes - all we can ever do is hope for the best.

I truly wish you the best and like I said, I'm always around to chat if you want to - and you know where to find me!!!!!!! lol

HUGS,
Pookie

hi...

by pacergirl - 2010-12-20 09:12:20

Smitty, thank you for being so kind. It means the world to me. I pray that your brother's chemo does the trick.

Frank, the dr. took some measurement of the "mass" and wanted to watch it for 3 months to see if it grows. I don't know if it has or not as I have been in denial since I have learned about it. The Dr. that didn't see the pacemaker info came in at the last min. to evaluate the mass. I guess it caught them off guard.

PET/CT that is a good suggestion for me, however I am extremely allergic to the radioactive iodine and shell fish. I am developing reactions to a lot of medications that never bothered me before.

If the mass has I will have a biopsy and take it from there. Should I need to have the left breast removed it will also mean that I will have to have my pacemaker moved to the right side. So I am hoping for a good improvement in the mass... like it is shrinking and they will just monitor it for any changes.

Thank you all for your comments. Each one is very imp. to me.

It's just too bad about the MRI.

Pacergirl

No MRI

by SMITTY - 2010-12-20 12:12:07

Hi Pacergilrl,

We have a similar situation in our family. My wife's brother had some tests and the doctor concluded that he has a small tumor in one lung. They needed a MRI for conformation but he can not have one because of a hand full of shrapnel he got in his back in Korea a 58 yeas ago. So the Dr did a needle biopsy to see if it is malignant. It is, but because of age (79) and poor health he will get chemo to see if that will do the job. Only as a last resort will he have surgery.

Good luck to you,

Smitty

Thinking of you.

by Rewiredaussiegirl - 2010-12-30 07:12:28

Hi Pacergirl,
I havent logged in for some time and Im glad I
did so I can wish you all the best with the tests..I have often wondered how we would cope with a problem like yours that really needs an MRI..
Try to keep positive and I know you are a strong person and have a lot of support and love from your husband.
I hope the New Year brings some good news for you . Our thoughts and prayers are with you here downunder..
Love from Kayxx

I am so lucky!

by pacergirl - 2010-12-30 09:12:46

I am so overwhelmed by the positive responses about my .... er... Predicament with lumps, bumps and so on.

Thank you so much for your support from all the way around the world. I will be in contact with you as soon as I know what we are dealing with or not, either way. I feel so lucky I just can't imagine that I am sick!

cheers,
Pacergirl

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