Would appreciate any help or advice - Page 2

Laurel · 10-29-2009, 06:23 PM

Well, Tricia, since you are Irish I heartily recommend Guiness stoudt, at least one, preferably two, prior to the MRI. Of course there is that nagging problem of the post-Guiness bladder fill!

Seriously, you have been given great advice. I will close by wishing you Godspeed and good news.

Tom · 10-30-2009, 03:24 AM

You've heard some good advice Tricia,

Try all of it. I'm not particularly claustrophobic, but I can tell you that a little Ativan before the deal has proven to be a miracle worker for many people I've known. As part of a test for commercial diver training, I was once asked to swim underwater into a 40" diamteter pipe, for quite some distance without freaking out. That "long tube" stuff will try anyone's nerves.

While I was in the pipe I thought about all the things I had planned for the day after, as well as the huge sandwich I had waiting for me once I got dried off. Like most everything in life, it's all a game inside your head. Make that sandwich before you go to the hospital, and maybe start a good novel. Don't sweat it. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Let us know what's up?

Sincerely,
Tom

D.W. · 10-30-2009, 05:48 AM

Hi Tricia,

I shake a bit because of dystonia, so MRI's are awful. But what my docs decided to do was to give me anesthesia. I tolerate it very well. That may seem extreme, but it works for me.

I'll be praying for you.

D.W.

tricia keegan · 10-30-2009, 03:02 PM

Thanks DW, Tom and Laurel for more great advice. I think by expecting the worse I'm ready to face anything right now!

I've posted this question elsewhere but does anyone know if her2 bone mets grow or spread very quickly?? It may be a stupid question but the onc says the mri will take 2-3 weeks to schedule and it just crossed my mind if it is mets it could be really growing at a rate of knots!!!
Thanks again to everyone, I really do always feel more empowered and brave to face these unpleasant things having posted here and read your replies

Jackie07 · 10-30-2009, 08:05 PM

Tricia,

Are you having any symptoms? Did your doctor decide to do a bone scan because of the result of your blood test? (Extra calcium might have been detected?)

I requested a bone scan after my recurrence just because so many of our members had had it done. It turned out O.K. as my oncologist had predicted. Since you've got a whole year's worth of Herceptin, I think the odds are in your favor. I've heard that Arimidex causes quite a few side effects. I would think most likely they are finding 'weakend' bones instead of bone mets. I will keep my finger crossed. [Sometimes our doctors just don't bother to explain to us why certain procedures are done. I was sent to get an Ultrasound of my liver after a CT scan. I was sure that there's something - otherwise why would they send me for another procedure? Turned out they were using the Ultrasound to confirm that the shadow on the CT was not cancer. Why didn't they tell me in the first place?]

By the way, many of the new MRI machine now are equipped with a small mirror that you can see what's going on in the room. I've only got experiences on MRI of the head, but not on other parts of the body. I do know that they most likely going to do it twice - the second one with a contrast agent (dye) to compare with the first one.

Even though I've had MRI done so many times (in the past 19 years,) I still find my breathing getting faster as the noise of the machine increases. It can be very loud and scary regardless if one is clausphobic. You might want to get on the Web and find some pictures and information about the procedure so you will know what to expect.

tricia keegan · 10-31-2009, 06:11 AM

Thanks Jackie! I had some minor back ache so the onc ordered the bone scan to check although blood work was normal.
My last dexa was okay and bones looked good, although hopefully it is just the arimidex and old age lol..thanks for your help.

DanaRT · 10-31-2009, 06:51 AM

Good Luck , Tricia. You're getting good advice from all of the board members.

I am keeping a good thought for you--clear (clean) pictures and an easy time of it.

Catherine · 10-31-2009, 10:32 PM

Hi Tricia,

Hope the MRI shows a big nothing. I am claustrophobic too. MY MRI was 3 and a half years ago and I was scared. Took an ativan before arriving at the clinic. I told them in advance that I could not get in the MRI tube even if it was "open." My nurse friend told me to ask for a valium IV. I did it was great. I was in lala land but still totally able to follow instructions. Good luck, I hope it all goes well.

Hugs, Catherine

margiermc · 11-01-2009, 12:04 PM

Let tech. and dr know, they gave me a call button - they would talk to me, they had a mirror so i could see out, and an ativan helped before - go with someone, so they can be right there by tech. when you need help. I will pray. margie