Anonymous wrote:If they're not giving IV medications, I wouldn't tell them, but if they are, I'd discuss with PCP. Maybe add it to your chart as a regular medication that you take daily.

This.

Anonymous wrote:I was also surprised that Washington Radiology said for a needle biopsy they need to leave a metal tab inserted in your breast for tracking.
Getting surprised by that really spiked my anxiety so you might want to prepare for that part in advance too.
I ultimately declined the metal tab but they were really pushing it.

I got one. We were pretty sure it was cancer from the ultrasound onwards. The clip helps find the exact place (my cancer was just 4 mm) to find it for surgery. They take it out during surgery. I didn't feel anything putting it in or afterwards.

If they're not giving IV medications, I wouldn't tell them, but if they are, I'd discuss with PCP. Maybe add it to your chart as a regular medication that you take daily.

Anonymous wrote:I was a WRA patient through my biopsy and then switched to Georgetown after my BC diagnosis. Georgetown also doesn’t allow any anxiety medication before signing the consent forms, so I think that’s pretty standard.

You don't need to tell them sh*t. I'm tired of being treated like crap.

Honestly, I would probably just take the meds. Don’t tell them. Eff their ridiculousness. Just make sure you have someone who can drive you home.

I was also surprised that Washington Radiology said for a needle biopsy they need to leave a metal tab inserted in your breast for tracking.
Getting surprised by that really spiked my anxiety so you might want to prepare for that part in advance too.
I ultimately declined the metal tab but they were really pushing it.

Anonymous wrote:And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.

This just depends on what the area is. Many women have MRI guided biopsies.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

You lay face down on a "massage type" table. Google it.

You lay face down and then they put you in the machine.

I have had breast cancer and have had a bunch of biopsies, including MRI biopsies. A few things:

1. Pain from the biopsy is highly dependent on location. IME, the closer to the chest wall, the more painful.

2. MRI biopsies take a while. You definitely going the machine. And they pull you out. Then send you back in. I had 3 biopsies for my last one and it lasted about an hour in total.

3. I can handle MRIs fine and biopsies fine, but combining the two is hard for me. My doctor gives me Valium and I take it as they are getting me ready. I have never had a problem at Sibley doing this. They have always been super accommodating.

I hope you can find a solution. Your center doesn’t sound accommodating or the norm. I would definitely consider switching.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

You lay face down on a "massage type" table. Google it.

Anonymous wrote:And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.

Exactly my experience!

I was a WRA patient through my biopsy and then switched to Georgetown after my BC diagnosis. Georgetown also doesn’t allow any anxiety medication before signing the consent forms, so I think that’s pretty standard.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You don't go IN the machine. You lay ON the MRI machine. No claustrophobia.

I have had several breast MRIs and one MRI guided breast biopsy and I was most definitely IN the machine and very claustrophobic.

Would love to hear about the MRI machine you go ON.

Same. I was IN and had a panic attack. They kept threatening me that if I pushed the button they would end the appointment and I would have to reschedule. It was horrible but I focused on breathing and got through it. I would definitely take a Xanax if I had to do it again.

I hope you arrive at a plan that works for you, OP. Sending good wishes. If you haven't had an MRI before, my best advice is: (1) close your eyes before they put you in and DON'T OPEN THEM until they pull you out. It really, really helps with the claustrophobia.

And btw my WRA guided needle biopsy was real time ultrasound guided, not real time MRI guided. They used the MRI I had to identify the area, then used ultrasound in real time to identify where the needle would target. They picked a few places on the target area.