I can see why you are torn, this new doctor has validated in the records that the outcome of the previous surgeries was not what should have occurred. At least this one appears honest.

If it wasn't a matter of the MRI, would you be comfortable with this doctor? The MRI itself should not be painful (there is no compression) but you do have to be face down for 30-60 minutes, and that can be hard for your neck, shoulders etc. (I have arthritis in the neck and back, so I would be concerned about it if in your place). The machine can be noisy, and some people have anxiety about enclosed spaces. Perhaps there are some meds that could help pre-procedure?

Considering this is a recurrence you are looking at, I would try to get both the mammo and MRI if possible, for the complete picture. You still would have time to research and choose a different surgeon while awaiting the imaging appts and results.

Peace of mind is priceless! Keeping you in prayers! Hugs!

Hello TeresaHornick. So sorry you're going through this. If you don't feel comfortable with this new surgeon, keep looking. I had to change and find me a new breast center the same year I had my lumpectomy in 2023 due to others that weren't professional and misplaced my records. If you don't feel comfortable with the new surgeon keep looking for your peace of mind. Take care.✝️🙏

Take Tylenol or Advil and ask the Dr. for a Xanex to take before the appointment.

Ask if you can use a frozen cold gel pack on the breast before the mammogram to slightly numb the breast.

I have never heard of this. Just thought of it because I was so warm during the mammogram that the tech put a cold gel pack on my neck afterwards.Ask if it will effect the mammogram. If your breast is really painful, ask if lidocaine spray can be used before it.
Both ideas need to be cleared through the site beforehand and explain why you are asking….

Ok- that makes more sense! Having the scar tissue etc I am sure does make the mammo extra uncomfortable. Ask this surgeon to explain what she is looking for with the mammo, and what other imaging options might suffice. I suspect she is looking to determine where and what challenges with the scar tissue etc she may have to consider in getting you clear margins and an post surgery appearance that is better than your current status. She may also be looking to see if there is anything that could be "hiding" any areas that may need addressing, so that you do indeed get the clear margins. That would be my guess, but please have her explain her reasoning to you, so you can make fully informed decisions. Gentle hugs!

The first time I had breast cancer the MRI found tumors that didn't show up in the mammogram or ultrasound. I had a double mastectomy. The second time I had breast cancer it was found via my quarterly PET scan. When I had MRI a few weeks later another lump was found that didn't show in PET scan. The 2nd cancer was very aggressive so it was unknown if the PET scan missed a spot or if the new spot grew enough to show up a few weeks later. Since this is a recurrence you should request a PET scan to see if cancer shows up anywhere else in your body. Screw the mammogram at this point.

Regarding surgeons, my first reconstructive plastic surgeon butchered me over the course of 4 surgeries. It took my 2nd reconstructive plastic surgeon 5 surgeries to reassemble me so I looked normal when fully clothed.

Since you have an active cancer recurrence right now the most important thing is to get that cancer removed from your body asap. You need a good general surgeon for that. The reconstruction can be dealt with at a later date if you don't have a reconstructive surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable with.

Since they botched your original lumpectomy reconstruction and your breast is deformed your best option to look somewhat normal in the future might be to get a mastectomy and have that side fully reconstructed with an implant or a flap surgery in the future when you find yourself a good reconstructive surgeon.

Regarding malpractice suits...I used to work in the medical malpractice insurance industry in both claims and underwriting. With all the laws and tort reform nowadays it is virtually impossible to have a malpractice case that an attorney will accept and fight for you. They basically have to operate on the wrong part of your body, make such a horrific mistake that they kill you or leave you with a serious life altering handicap, or have what's called a "bad baby" case where a child is injured severely during childbirth and has broken bones, develops cerebral palsy, or receives some other type of brain or catastrophic damage to their body. Having your chest mutilated by your reconstructive cancer plastic surgeon doesn't fit the bill for a malpractice case. Sadly doctors stick up for each other and another doctor has to be willing to testify as an expert in your case against the doctor that mutilated you. Unless the damage is so horrific and life altering that there's no way around saying a doctor royally screwed up you won't find another doctor willing to be an expert witness.