My surgeon referred me for a breast MRI a week before surgery in order to detect any miniscule lesions (in either breast) that didn't show up on the mammogram or ultrasound and to ascertain the extent of the lesion already found.
I really wasn't worried about the procedure, as I'd had a CAT scan before, so figured it would be similar.
I read about the MRI on the Internet and learned that I would have to have an IV inserted because a contrast agent is used during the procedure. This was the only part that gave me pause, as I'd had to endure SIX POKES at the medical lab just to get a routine blood panel. Did I mention that they had to poke me SIX TIMES to get blood out of my veins? Sheesh!
So I arrived with my husband, on time, as scheduled. I was asked several questions pertaining to my medical history, age, etc. My husband asked if he could go into the room with me where the MRI is done. I was surprised when they told him yes, as long as he removed anything that might be magnetic.
I was then asked to change into a gown (I got to wear my jeans and socks, though) and brought into the room where the MRI is done. First, I was asked to lie down so the IV could be inserted.
I felt the need to tell the guy about my previous problems with needles and my small blood veins. He told me that he used to work for years in labor and delivery and made a subtle (snide?) remark about the relatively inexperienc ed folks at the medical center lab. :~)
He gave me a local anesthetic to numb the wrist area and proceeded to insert the IV with no problem. Yippee! (Small victories made me happy.)
I was then asked to turn face down with my arms stretched out above my head. I was told that I would have to lie very still for about 40 or so minutes. They gave me some headphones to listen to music and I was asked what kind of music I preferred. Just like in a restaurant, I said, "What do you have?" After the menu of choices, I selected classical music (I thought it would be most relaxing).
As it turned out, the MRI machine is VERY loud, so listening to music was a moot point. I never did hear it. But the headphones helped muffle the sound, which was important. :~)
Just as they prepared to move me into the MRI machine, a narrow, tube-like contraption , I surprised myself by feeling overwhelming panic. I couldn't believe it. I had never felt this way for the CAT scan. I don't know why the feeling came over me, other than that I was feeling overcome with the sheer seriousness of it all and some kind of nervousness. Whatever the cause, I spoke up and told them that I felt nauseaus (I started to feel dizzy when they moved me with my face down and I couldn't see anything for a point of reference).
I was told that they could take their time and start whenever I felt ready. I was asked if I needed some cold air. They placed a blanket over me and then blew cool air into the machine, which helped immensely. I began to settle down and said, "I'm okay now."
While I was lying in the machine, I was able to hear instructions through the headphones. The machine was much noiser than I anticipated, with large whirrings and groanings and what-not. I concentrated on not moving (just breathing normally) and I prayed.
I thought I was doing great, but toward the end, the machine kept making the same noise over and over and over again. (It reminded me of driving at night in the snow, with the flakes continually falling toward the windshield. It's a hypnotic experience where you become so mesmerized that you lose your orientation and drive off the road.)
I was tiring of lyng still for so long and just wanted to get up. That's when I began to get a little anxious, as I started to feel like I wanted to scream, "Somebody let me out of here!"
I prayed and asked God to help me calm down. Just then, the technician said, "Okay, we're almost done." Boy, what a relief. I couldn't believe how undone the procedure had almost made me.
After I was brought out of the MRI machine, I was able to flip over and have the IV removed. I was told that I could now dress and leave. I was so relieved to get that behind me. It was almost noon and all I could think of was going to get something to eat (I had been asked not to eat prior to the MRI).
I still felt a little dizzy and queasy from the experience, but hungry. I told my husband, "You're taking me to the Olive Garden." And he did just that.
While I was having the MRI done, I wondered how my husband was doing just sitting there all that time listening to the noise of the machine. Unfortunately, he'd forgotten to bring a book to read, so he had to entertain himself. At least he didn't have to sit completely still for 45 minutes!
I thought I would feel more relieved after the MRI, but I realized that I now had to wait for MORE test results and I began to stress out about what would be found during the MRI. What if more cancer were found?
Prayer and reading the Psalms offered great comfort to me. I hadn't realized how anxiety-producing one more test would be.