Hello wonderful people! I got my bc diagnosis confirmed this week but have suspected it would be bc since my recall from the routine mammogram. I’m slowly coming to terms with it all. The length of time results and decisions take is doing my head in! I’m so glad I had a look here to see I’m not alone during the waiting. There is an extra week added due to Xmas and I am trying to tell myself that everyone at the hospital deserves the break, even though for some of us it will be difficult. I, too, am trying (and usually failing) to stop myself imagining replicating cells spreading. My next appt with the team isn’t until 8th Jan which seems sooooo looong to wait. 5 weeks on top of the previous 4! Does anyone have any tips re the MRI? I’m claustrophobic and very noise sensitive. I have got sedation from my GP and I’m practising listening to very loud MRI scanner noises on YouTube (I hope they’re the right sort!). Am I right in thinking it lasts about 25 minutes? I’m imagining knitting at the moment, in time with the noises, which seems to help a bit. And what happens if you have a really bad itch? Anyone got any suggestions? Thank you!
Good morning @lollipop1 sorry you find yourself here with us 
Yes the waiting can be awful. Sometimes id give anything to speed it all up, however as the weeks go by I’ve found the extra time has given me time to get my head around it all a bit more.
When my journey first started I couldnt imagine going another day with actual breast cancer in me! The thought of that was horrendous. And yet here I am. Feeling as healthy as ever and still getting everything done. I think its given me some well needed resilience. Although the counting down doesn’t stop
I was given some medication for the MRI due to my physical anxiety. I couldnt stop my body shaking after my diagnosis and the thought of all the tests including the MRI was killing me.
I have to say I imagined far worse in my head. They will offer you headphones that play music, sometimes you can choose the style. And the MRI isn’t as loud as I expected, its just very noisy. Ive said here before it reminded me of noisy roadworks outside your bedroom window on a quiet sunday morning. Or like a washing machine that has a pair of shoes in, although to be honest even that would sound worse.
Before my MRI I practised calm breathing exercises. I breathed in for about 4 seconds and then out for 6 to 8. To keep track of the seconds I just tapped my finger to the beat of the music in my ears. It really helped me focus on something other than the noise.
You will be laying face down, with your boobs hanging through 2 holes 
so you dont actually see much of the machine. This might help you not feel as claustrophobic.
When I thought that I wasnt going to be able to get through it there was one thing that kept running through my mind that a breast care nurses said to me. It was, “if we don’t get a clear map of your breasts we won’t be able to offer you the right treatment”. And I don’t know about you but I wanted all the treatment they knew I needed!
Sending you big hugs. Let us know how you get on
Hi
Sorry to read your diagnosis. I have had a recent diagnosis in November, but had my MRI
As the previous person posted you are face down. If you can wear leggings as you can keep those on ( or I did and socks) which helped in comfort.
I tried to imagine I was on a beach, sunbathing face down, but more comfy as the ‘sun bed ’ had boob holes for comfort. it’s a bit like a massage table where your head is comfortable too.
They talk to you through headphones and let you know how long the next scan will be. They will range from a few minutes to a bit longer as you lay there. They may also give you dye - which you will have a cannula before hand.
it makes different noises, I thought some sounded like space invaders going across.
I did slow breathing and focused on the music and counted the minutes roughly by the songs.
You do also have a ‘bell’ which for me was a ball in my hand and you can press it anytime for them to know if you are not okay.
Top tip is do not eat too much before hand, as you will be lying on your stomach , but drink lots of fluids and go to the toilet just before the scan. and after if you have had the dye.
The Christmas delays suck don’t they? My surgery is delayed due to this, but I think they will have had a break. Come back and not too early that they will be hung over. 
so we get ‘fresh staff’ rather than tired end of year. Or that’s what I’m telling myself to get through the delay.
take care of you and let us know how it goes.
Thank you so much foxgem! You are right, it does give me more time to get my head around things. Thanks also for the mri tips. I’ll definitely practice breathing; I do that before I get on a plane (which is never as bad as I think it will be!). I’m so pleased to hear that you’re now feeling healthy. I’ll let you know how I get on…
I’m sorry you’re here as well @hen and that your surgery is delayed due to Christmas. I love the idea of them all having time to recover from their hangovers! Brilliant. I’ll also have time to get over mine 
Thanks for the info about the MRI. It has to be done so I shall wear an invisible invincible cloak and think of all the brave folk on here who have had it done already. I hope the coming weeks are OK for you
One step and one hurdle at a time.
The week is going well, thanks. I have just booked with the husband and kids to go to Warwick one day next weekend. Kids in their 20’s.
Thanks for asking.
You will surprise yourself and get through things you wouldnt imagine you could. Sending love x
Hi @lollipop1 I know the wait is awful we all have been in the same position , the MRI wasn’t as bad I did take meds from the GP as first time I moved and pictures were no clear I hummed my way through as they played music in the headphones , I know it’s going to be hard over Christmas waiting on results I waited 3 weeks as the MDT meetings were on Fridays so it added a extra week on . Relax enjoy Christmas and good luck xxx
Hello! Welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed 5 weeks ago and have have had an ultrasound, mammogram, MRI and then had to have mammogran and MRI biopsy as a couple of areas looked concerning (have just had the all clear on the additional areas).
The MRI I didn’t think was as bad as I anticipated at all. You’re lay face down with your boobs dangling into holes, and I was in the actual MRI for around 10/15 mins. It is noisy but ask if you can have music. I had ear plugs and then earphones on too and it was fine.
Regarding the wait it is the WORST!!! I never thought I would make it through 1 day when I was first diagnosed I think I cried none stop for about 3 days but now I’m just cracking on with life and looking forward to Christmas! I found out my treatment plan and complete results on Thursday and feel so much better now! You will get through it! Use the forum and vent/rant/ask questions it will really help you through it all. Sending love x
i had headphones on to deaden noise. The MRI scanner was like a very large polo mint not very close to me so I wasn’t worried. it took ages though so I got bored. i also have metal fillings and the mri made them tingle. since then I have had twinges but my teeth are about 70 years old so amazing I have so many really. especially for a
Seagulls
Have great weekend in Warwick #Hen! Thank you for your tips and good wishes! I don’t have children but told my brother today. He was great. He’s very funny and made me laugh with his antics.
Tingling fillings! Fortunately I spent a fortune on dentistry earlier this year and had my cracked 60 year old ones replaced. Just one left to tingle! All the best to you as we go forwards together.
Hi Katie91, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Your process through tests etc has been so fast. Did you do anything privately? I’ve looked into it but because of Christmas and MDT dates it won’t make any difference to me. Computer says no…. All the best for your upcoming treatment. We’ll all grit our teeth and get through Christmas, I’m sure of it! I’m looking forward to my annual xmas ritual of the guns of navarone ha ha (for those too young to remember, it is an ancient world war 2 film usually wheeled out on terrestrial TV every Christmas)
Gregory Peck, a suspect woman, and a cast of stiff upper lip Brits. Plus heavy water and bombs. All action, my brother and me watched it many times…
I hope it does not give any ideas to Putin, Trump, or Nettenyahu (?)
Hey 
no it’s all been through the NHS, I looked at going private but the timescales weren’t far off the NHS give or take a couple of weeks. I got quote around £7-8k for just the lumpectomy and if I didn’t get clear margins it would be slightly less for the 2nd op. Plus all the biopsies I’ve needed too I can’t even imagine how much I’d of ended up spending for not much time saved. I understand the personal care I imagine you get with private health though!
Do you have to wait until 8th Jan for your treatment plan? Will they have your MRI results back before then so at least you have a full treatment plan?
I’ve not heard of that movie! I guess u won’t find it on Netflix then haha x
Hey @foxgem how you getting on? I spoke to you on here a couple of weeks back and you were doing well and into your walking! Hope that’s still the case and you’re doing good! Your words of wisdom in a couple of my posts have helped me massively and I think I’m through the worst part of waiting now! Had all my mri and mammogram biopsy results and the additional areas were all clear. So just the original 17mm Idc now to be removed now, date will be discussed on Wed at appt with consultant.
How are you feeling with your surgery coming up? Xx
LOL thanks for the laugh! I hope you enjoy whatever you watch…
The MRI is next Saturday. Then there’s the junior drs strike from 15/12 which is covered by consultants so they are away from their usual roles. And theatres will accumulate delays. I have tried to speed things up but I am now resigned to waiting. It is what it is. I’m genuinely pleased that your process has been quicker. I guess I’m just a week behind you and come up against holidays and the strike. Onwards and upwards!
Oh how frustrating!! I was really hoping for surgeru before Christmas but with all the additional tests I needed I can’t see that being likely now at this point!! Fingers crossed everything moves as fast as possible for us both.
Sending love x
Sending love to you too x We can do it!