Wonderful staff for breast MRI
Yesterday was a day I have been dreading and preparing for for several months.
I had elected to have a breast MRI prior to mastectomy of my right breast, to check the left breast before deciding whether to take it off too.
This was because the mammogram and ultrasounds and biopsy when I discovered 1 lump in my right breast did not show the second IDC lump even though it was 2.2cm big, nor the other DCIS near the lump I found.
I no longer trusted mammograms and ultrasounds even though the left breast was supposedly clear.
I am very claustrophobic and even though the MRI was my choice I was dreading it.
I worked through strategies with my psychologist and even crawled under the bed ( something I would never do) to try and desensitise myself. Watched video and viewed pictures of the machines and setups on the Internet and practised breathing techniques in the lead up.
On the psychologist suggestion I contacted the PRP where I was having the MRI to ask if I could visit and view the machine and explained why. To my surprise they were very happy for me to visit and I arranged a time.
When I called in I was welcomed, shown the machine in use ( not with a breast set up though) explained in detail by two very caring and understanding staff exactly what would happen and assured the staff on the day would do everything to help me feel comfortable.
Well, yesterday the day arrived. Loaded up with a sedative, My husband took me for the appointment.
The staff could not have been more caring, supportive and understanding.
The breathing techniques and other focusing techniques the psychologist had me practise worked and I got through with very minimal stress, in fact, I know I could do it again if I have to.
I feel I have achieved something, learnt some new skills in managing stress and focus, and while the fear is not conquered, at least I can face it when I have to.
There are some positives in this horrid roller coaster.
I had elected to have a breast MRI prior to mastectomy of my right breast, to check the left breast before deciding whether to take it off too.
This was because the mammogram and ultrasounds and biopsy when I discovered 1 lump in my right breast did not show the second IDC lump even though it was 2.2cm big, nor the other DCIS near the lump I found.
I no longer trusted mammograms and ultrasounds even though the left breast was supposedly clear.
I am very claustrophobic and even though the MRI was my choice I was dreading it.
I worked through strategies with my psychologist and even crawled under the bed ( something I would never do) to try and desensitise myself. Watched video and viewed pictures of the machines and setups on the Internet and practised breathing techniques in the lead up.
On the psychologist suggestion I contacted the PRP where I was having the MRI to ask if I could visit and view the machine and explained why. To my surprise they were very happy for me to visit and I arranged a time.
When I called in I was welcomed, shown the machine in use ( not with a breast set up though) explained in detail by two very caring and understanding staff exactly what would happen and assured the staff on the day would do everything to help me feel comfortable.
Well, yesterday the day arrived. Loaded up with a sedative, My husband took me for the appointment.
The staff could not have been more caring, supportive and understanding.
The breathing techniques and other focusing techniques the psychologist had me practise worked and I got through with very minimal stress, in fact, I know I could do it again if I have to.
I feel I have achieved something, learnt some new skills in managing stress and focus, and while the fear is not conquered, at least I can face it when I have to.
There are some positives in this horrid roller coaster.
