Navigating the World of Ultrasounds and MRIs in Breast Cancer Screening (Ep. 5)
Join me in this series of breast cancer awareness as I document my DCIS (Stage 0) diagnosis at 40 years old. My goal in this series is to share my experience to help inform others about the knowledge, prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Next up on my list was an ultrasound and MRI.
Here’s my experience about what those tests were like for me.
Continuing my journey after receiving abnormal mammogram results, I was scheduled for an ultrasound and MRI of my chest. I’d like to share with you what I’ve learned about these tests, why they’re important, how they work, and what my personal experience was like. If you're facing a similar path, I hope any of this information can be helpful in any way.
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves and their echoes to receive images from inside of the breast. It is not painful, nor invasive and performed in a medical office.
Why An Ultrasound?
My doctor explained to me that ultrasounds are particularly useful for examining dense breast tissue, which can be hard to assess with a mammogram alone. In my mammogram results, I received my breast density score, which for me is a C. Dense breasts can be harder to diagnose for breast cancer, so additional testing can be helpful to get more information. Ultrasounds are also a good tool for distinguishing between solid masses (which could be cancerous) and fluid-filled cysts (which are usually benign). In my particular case, my doctor mentioned he was searching for any evidence of an expansion of the calficified area found on my mammogram.
The Ultrasound Experience
My ultrasound was pretty straightforward. I sat upright in an elevated chair, undressed from the waist up. The doctor applied a gel on my breast, as I mentioned it’s very similar to an abdominal ultrasound. Then, he used a small handheld device, pressing it gently against my skin to receive images. He moved around the breast and into the armpit to check my lymph nodes. The whole thing was quick, non-invasive and educational. We learned there were no masses, no inflammation and no areas of expansion. My ultrasound was considered negative, meaning there were no abnormal findings. It was very good news.
MRI: The Deep Dive
Source: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
Next up was the MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. My doctor explained that this test gives a “high-definition” image of the breast. Sometimes MRI tests are ordered with “contrast,” which is a liquid injected through an IV in your arm to help outline abnormalities more clearly. Contrast is an additional element of the MRI decided and ordered by your physician.
Why An MRI?
It’s often used for those at high risk of breast cancer or when other tests like mammograms and ultrasounds don’t provide clear answers. An MRI can pick up on tiny details that other tests might miss, making it super valuable in certain situations.
My Experience
I’m no stranger to MRI’s thanks to a car accident and broken neck at 18 years old. I’ll be honest with you here, they aren’t the most fun test. If you do suffer from any claustrophobia, see my tips below. The most important part is to stay incredibly still; if you move, the images blur, and they’ll have to start over. And yes, starting over means going back to the beginning of the 30-45 minute test.
Now for the actual test, in my case, I laid flat on my stomach on a plank that slid into the large, tunnel-like tube. It’s pretty snug in there. I put my two “lemons” through holes in the table and let the magic happen. The machine makes some pretty loud and irritating noises, to help they give you headphones and sometimes even music. Although don’t always count on it, my treatment center didn’t offer music that time.
I find that breathing can be really helpful during MRI testing. I used a specific format called square breathing. Here’s how you can practice it yourself.
Square Breathing
Inhale for 4 seconds
Hold in the air for 4 seconds
Exhale for 4 seconds
Wait 4 seconds
Repeat
Imagine drawing a square in your mind, and have your breath follow this motion. For me, this regulation of my breathing helps to regulate my body and mind to stay calm and carry on through the test.
My MRI results came back negative, with no findings. This was great news and important information as I moved forward. We know now that my pleomorphic calcifications only showed up on the mammogram. Every case of breast cancer screening is very different and personalized, with testing giving new information each step of the way. Moving forward, I will have routine mammograms every six months for at least five years due to the DCIS findings.
A Few Tips for MRI Newbies
If you're claustrophobic, talk to your doctor beforehand. They can provide tips or even medication to help ease anxiety. Also, wear comfortable clothes, as you'll need to lie still for a while. I’d suggest against jeans or materials that aren’t soft and flexible. Also, leave your jewelry at home; you’ll have to remove that, and any other metals, for the test.
My Takeaway
While undergoing these tests can feel overwhelming, remember, they’re there to give you and your doctors the clearest picture of your health. And as I love to say, knowledge is not just powerful, it’s also empowering. The more you know about what’s happening inside your body, the better prepared you are to tackle whatever comes your way.
So, if you’re heading into an ultrasound or MRI, take a deep breath, know you’re not alone, and that these tests are steps on the path to taking the best care of you. I’m here sharing my journey, hoping it helps you in yours. Feel free to drop any questions or experiences in the comments – we’re here to support each other!
As always, thanks for being here!
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Take care and continue creating,
