Thank you for all your kindness. I am now having a good talk to myself in that 1. I do not yet know the results of the biopsies 2. Yes we know there is a lump but we do not know what it is and 3. It is a good thing to get an MRI as it will show clearly what the problem is and where. The waiting is hard but I think the effect of the waiting on nearest and dearest is worse to watch or in my case listen to on the phone! Until now I did not really appreciate what The Comfort of Strangers really meant. I am so glad that there are others out there prepared to take the time to calm our troubled souls. X
Such good news that your Mum is coming over! You are NOT a wimp, a lot of people don't like the thought of MRI scans, it is perfectly normal to feel like that. My first and worst was when the operator was scolding me for not learning Catalan instead of Castellano. The next time the operator was a lovely Spanish lady who just kept saying, "Hola!" every few minutes - so sweet - and things like, "Diez mintos mas" - it just helped so much. Maybe your friend could ask for the operator to speak to you in this way, maybe they will even say the odd word in English. I will be thinking of you over the next few days. xx
Thanks amaris34 I have a Spanish SIP card as I am resident here which is a good thing. I have a friend here who is going to write a few things done but thank you for your kind offer. My Mum is coming over on Sunday from Scotland so will be here when I get the MRI she was to be here on holiday anyway Feel such a wimp as I am 52 not 5!! Trying to toughen up and wait but the gremlins keep getting into my head. Xx
Keek's example is a good one - it seems to me that countries vary incredibly in what they think of as 'standard procedure'. Could it be that this MRI scan follow up is just standard for that hospital? Maybe they are doing it if they can recoup the MRI costs via the E111 scheme? I don't know enough about it, but maybe that would be a reason to do it too.
But if you need a few phrases to write down to hand to the MRI operator to let them know you are scared and don't understand much Spanish I'll post them on the forum if that is allowed.
The other thing I should say is that my little daughter had to have an MRI scan a few months ago and I was actually allowed to be with her and hold her ankle (not her hand!) while she was having a knee scan. Perhaps you could take someone too.
I know it is hard but try to focus on the fact they are actually being quite thorough with this.
Thanks for taking the time to reply to me I am hoping this is the case but head all over the place. I am in spain my fear being they know something they are not telling me which is why they are doing the MRI. But I know I have to wait the 15 days for results, it's the waiting that is the worst and trying to keep off google but it's hard. Thank you for being there for me.
I don't know what country you are in but I lived in Turkey for years and found tests were done that wouldn't be done here. I think because we were paying for them.
An MRI will be useful to give a clearer picture but you could ask to wait until after your biopsy results are through.
It's not easy when you don't understand everything that's being said. My GP spoke great english and after my apointments she phoned the doctor and I visited her to discuss it all.
I had to have a hysterectomy but the doctor insisted I have a mammogram!
Thank you for your quick response. I am living in Spain but on the national health system here I think my biggest difficulty is the MRI if they thought there was no cancer why would they do this. Sadly I do not understand enough spanish to know if this is routine. I just have to bite the bullet for the next 15 days. I thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me it means so much at this time.
Sorry to hear of your concerns, as suggested you are welcome to phone our helpline, the staff are here to support you. Here's the number, but do bear in mind the time difference from between where you are living and the UK. Lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Saturdays 10-2. (+44) 20 7620 0077
Also over the Easter period the helpline will be closed until Tuesday 22nd April.
I am so sorry you are having to go through this. I am sure you will get lots of help from this forum and if you can perhaps ring the number in the UK for some support, bearing in mind it is Easter. I am not sure when the phones are manned but just in case it is relevant I should mention there is a Bank Holiday here on Monday.
I have learned that MRI scans can be very helpful for lots of reasons but one is if you have dense breast tissue they are a really good as they show much more detail. I was once told by a doctor at a UK breast clinic if I was really concerned about anything she would try to push for an MRI for me as I have dense breasts. Bear in mind also that in some countries there is sometimes a tendency to use MRIs more routinely. I wonder if that is the case where you live? We lived in Spain and under private health had an MRI for migraines, I had never been offered one in the UK for my headaches.
I am sure the person performing the scan will completely understand your nerves, it is very common to be nervous. Perhaps you can try to find out how to say this in the local language. Even if they just say the odd word of reassurance as the scan happens it will help. It is good they are being thorough.
I am living abroad and have been for a mamogram I was called back to have further tests, an ultrasound of my breast and lymph gland. I have been told there is one small lump in my right breast and had several biopsies taken. The results will not be ready for 15 days. However they have also asked that I go for an MRI scan. I find this very worrying as if they don't have any results why do an expensive MRI scan. I do not speak the language well so it is difficult. I just wondered if anyone has had things do e this way. It is only day 2 and I can't sleep or eat and am terrified of going for MRI.
