Breast MRI | Inside Look to Help You PREPARE for Your Scan

An MRI is one of the tests I received when I was first diagnosed - And it took me by surprise...

This scan has a few extra components that I was not aware of and would have greatly appreciated a heads up on. So I created this video to help you have a better first experience than I did.

This video will give you a play-by-play inside look as to what an MRI experience is like, as well as tips I've incorporated for subsequent scans to help make the test a little more comfortable. I hope they help you too!

If you are newly diagnosed make sure to check out my "Prepare to Fight" playlist for content to help you create your breast cancer support team, tackle appointments with a plan, and insights to answer the question from your loved ones... "How can I help?".

If you found this video helpful please give it a thumbs up, and subscribe so we can meet again for more breast cancer insight content.

Until then, take care and have the most wonderful day.

Sincerely,
Chelsey

Instagram: @chelseytarnowgrey

#breastcancerjourney #breastmri #MRI

[elisemusu]

This video was SO helpful when I went in for my first breast MRI last week. I was prepared for the noises and kept my eyes closed the entire time while keeping good control of my breath. THANK YOU!

[lucillegil]

Chelsey, I just got home from my Breast MRI and all the tip was extremely helpful emotionally, I can’t thank you enough, I did have Valium 5 mg 30 mins before going on the machine and it made so much difference because I had severe claustrophobia, all the tips you mentioned I used it to the T and I am so grateful for all this video I’m sure everyone can benefit thru your experience, take care and hope all is well with you.🙏

[queen-servant-of-allah]

I went for the MRI today and also had CT Scan🙏🏽💕🥰🥲 pray me n everyone who’s suffering with all types of cancer May God grant us all ease cure and speedy recovery with long happy healthy life Ameen🙏🏽❤️❤️❤️🥲🥲🥲

[KitOToole]

Thank you so much for this. I’m having my first breast MRI in a couple of weeks, and these tips are invaluable. I’m still really nervous (it’s my first MRI, period!), but knowing what to expect and having some strategies on hand to combat anxiety definitely helps. Thank you for sharing your experience!

[juststoppingby]

Asking for a time countdown is a really good tip. I have my MRI soon and it's the unknown that's hard to deal with

[juliebethramsdell]

I wish I had watched this before my MRI Breast scan yesterday. 😢 I was totally unprepared and didnt know i would feel claustrophobic and panic. I squeezed the ball and aborted the mission. I wish they had prepared me better for it with a video like this. I'm a sensitive person, this would have helped. Next time (if I decide to go thru with it) I will ask for a sedative first. This was an elective test due to my dense breasts and family history. I felt super disappointed in myself that i couldnt hang in there and tough it out, but im working on loving myself thru these feelings. Im a sensitive human and this was a lot to go into without adequate preparation. Thank you for this calming, soothing, helpful video ❤

[debbietarnow]

Holy crap!! I knew you told us how annoying the sounds of the MRI was.... but I was still very Surprised to actually hear it. It’s way more annoying that I was even prepared for after you warned us. Crazy. Thanks again Chelsey.

[lauren.st.germain]

I am so grateful to have watched this before my breast MRI today. This was so helpful and honest and I felt prepared thanks to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[LindaLopez-ir]

I had my MRI yesterday and your tips were amazing! I used many of them - especially helpful to ask the tech to alert me on the time remaining and steps to come. Particularly helpful to know prior to contrast and knowing that meant 7 minutes to go. I didn’t find the positioning as uncomfortable as radiation. Good to have past things you didn’t like at all to make future events seem better - ha! Oh, only surprise was that my MRI was head first

[rachelalice]

Thank you so much for making this informative & calming video. I am just about to go to the hospital for my breast MRI & I was so nervous I was shaking. I feel so much more relaxed after watching your video & knowing what to expect. Thank you for all the tips ❤

[samanthaceritello]

Thank you. I had one today and had an anxiety attack. I tried to bring the calm but I couldn’t help it. This was not a pleasant experience but the folks there were super nice. Good luck to you.

[anniecbee]

I’m having my first breast MRI tomorrow. I’m so glad I found your video. Thank you.

[patriciawilliams]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I’m having my MRI tomorrow and I believe seeing you in this video and hearing your detailed explanation will help me tremendously in not getting caught off guard and to ease my anxiety about the procedure. I’m drinking plenty of water today and going through my Switzerland photos so I can hopefully call into memory the amazing scenery that I have ever experienced on my trip in 2019 during the procedure.

[MarcieUni]

I have an MRI scheduled today and just thought to do a quick search before I leave. I came across your video and what a great help...your information is very clear and precise. I think the tips are going to serve me well. Thank you so much for sharing your MRI journey. I think the medical profession often times forget we the recipients are doing this for the first time and we need more information to settle our minds and bodies to work in conjunction with what the test is designed for. Many blessing on your life journey and thank you for being considerate and thinking of others 🙂

[pilyparkhsh]

I had an MRI scheduled yesterday, but only 30 seconds in, the experience overwhelmed me, making me press the emergency button. I absolutely will not endure that again! I still require a comprehensive breast examination in addition to the ultrasound and mammogram I previously underwent, which did not clarify the lesion. My anxiety was heightened as I was seeking answers. After leaving the testing facility so disappointed and thoroughly exploring alternatives, I found the QT breast exam at the Women’s Hospital in Houston! This remarkable, non-invasive test is painless, free of terrifying sounds, and eliminates the use of hazardous IV contrast that can complicate matters later. Moreover, it's 40 times more effective at detecting breast cancer and general issues than an MRI. I wish I had discovered this option sooner and saved myself from unnecessary pain, stress, and uncertainty! I’m now scheduled for the test next week. I'm so grateful for advancements in technology!

[patriciagarrity]

Many, many thanks for presenting all this! I go for my test tomorrow and now feel better able to deal with it despite being highly sensitive & claustrophobic. Your kindness in walking us thru the process & suggesting ways to allay the stresses involved are immeasurably valuable. I cannot thank you enough, Chelsea & will be thinking of you when I have the test!

[melissaconard]

I have one tomorrow so happy I found your video. I have had an MRI of my lumbar before but have been nervous about the contrast and the positioning. Also the tip to drink more water. Thank you for posting and take care. 🧡

[clairelewis]

I wish I had these tips before my first MRI. Like you, I was unprepared for what it entailed. Now I have some ideas if there is a next time, thank you!

[sasha]

I had mine yesterday! And I wanted to share some extra tips that worked for me. Firstly, I have an anxiety disorder to begin with and I have mild to moderate claustrophobia. What helped me most was asking to see the MRI machine and see my surroundings a few days before my exam. Don't be afraid to ask. I had told them I was extremely nervous and have claustrophobia. Any good doctor would be more than obliging of this. It helped me to not be so afraid of the upcoming test as I was able to familiarize myself to the space. I also requested that I position my head sideways ( this helps me to breathe better) I had attempted a previous MRI at a different clinic and they were adamant that I keep my head face down the entire time. This was one of the reasons that I "aborted ship" and stopped the exam not even a few minutes into it. Upon my request for yesterday's MRI, they were more than ok with me placing my head sideways. I can't begin to tell you how much this helps! I didn't feel as confined and suffocated and I was able to breathe much more freely. In addition, I searched out an MRI machine that would allow for my feet to go in first. This is so helpful! Make sure you research if you go head first or feet first because the feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety are almost non-existent when you go in feet first. The previous exam that I bailed on a few minutes in moved me inside the tube face first and face down. It was extremely unpleasant, to say the least. I knew there had to be some type of solution otherwise I wasn't going to be able to ever complete the MRI ( anesthesia was not an option for me) Most importantly, don't be afraid to share all of your worries and concerns. They are there to help and want you to feel comfortable. You guys can do it! If I did it with all of my anxiety, you can too! And I tell you that it went smoothly and not as bad as I thought. I was so proud of myself last night when I got home. Sending lots of love and positive energy to everyone gearing up for their MRI. You got this!! You are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to :)

[msmichelleriley]

I’m having my first MRI in the morning. Thanks for this video. I’m still nervous but at least I know what to expect and have some tips to help me through it.