Waiting to have my MRI scan-how to cope with the wait?

Diagnosed with breast cancer Recently diagnosed with breast cancer
1

Hi all,

 

I’ve been contributing to a couple of threads recently but I’m starting a new thread only because I couldn’t find one relating specifically to this “stage” of the game-I was diagnosed on 17th/08, referred on the 20th and got my MRI scan date today (it’s 31st Aug-exactly 2 weeks post-diagnosis).

 

My Q is this: how did others occupy themselves up until the date of the MRI? I appreciate there are a few stages involving waiting (before the MRI scan, then after-waiting for results). Over the last few days I’ve been noticing “twinges” and minor aches in my chest/back area and am fully aware it is probably anxiety/stress but there is a tiny part of me that is thinking “I hope this isn’t a sign that it has spread”. After the biopsy result came through, the BC nurse at the screening clinic implied that it hasn’t spread but that the MRI will confirm this…can they tell from a biopsy *if* it has spread? Would they have told me if they suspected as much?

 

I’m a little worried that my MRI is 2 weeks post diagnosis (they have a 2-week window to invite us in, don’t they)? And then another while before the results come in…as I’ve read on other threads…we all just want to get this disease out of us and are keen to have treatment-the wait is the difficult part. I’m thinking about packing a small suitcase and going away for the week-end, but am aware (as luck will have it)-it’s the bank holiday and many places will already be booked and heaving. I think I just need a short break away…i’ve been at work all week-haven’t taken time off since the diagnosis…work is good for me but it *is* at the back of my mind:).

 

How did you all occupy yourselves throughout the wait *for* your MRI? 

 

My friends have been wonderful but they all seem to want to talk about cancer, the treatments, etc. (with good intentions) but I just want to park it until I know what is going on (after the MRI).

xxx

 

 

 

 

 

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Hi Marla,
Although easier said than done, try not to overthink it. The 2 week time frame is for initial referral, I believe, then it all flows from that.
The timescales you describe have been quite usual for all us who’ve had to have mri’s etc.
I also found it a very anxious time, but my OH was very good in being tremendously positive, by saying it’s good you’re having it & they have to have the full picture before deciding what surgery is needed. I used to tell myself that, which helped.
Vaseline aches & pains is also quite usual & is normally just stress related.
As ever, it’s the uncertainty which is hard to handle, it’s always better when all’s confirmed.
It will be fine.
ann x

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…’Vaseline?’ I think that should read ‘having!’ ?

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It will be fine, Marla. A cannula for injection of the contrast dye is placed into a vein beforehand, then you lie face down with the boobs hanging down through a couple of hoops. The machine then makes quite a lot of noise. They do offer headphones with something to listen to, I think I had Radio 2!
It takes about 40 mind, then they just advise waiting for a short period of time afterwards to ensure you haven’t had any reaction to the dye.
My OH was with me, but I certainly would have been able to go alone.
ann x

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Thanks very much Ann!
xxxx