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!