MRI Report Question

 I received a copy of my husband's MRI report today and had a question on some terminology.  Since I know we're all on the same journey in one way or another, I thought maybe someone had come across this before. 

Report with section in question bolded.

The overall extent of this lesion as seen on both the long and short TR pulse sequences probably has not significantly changed though on the precontrast T1-weighted sequences is apparent increased hyperintensity probably representing some degree of intralesional hemorrhage and mineralization.

Just wondering what this means.  I checked with the NO and he wasn't concerned about it but it sounds like some type of bleed to me.

Thoughts/comments are appreciated.  Thx

From my experience reading my husband's MRIs for a little while now, this seems to be normal and I wouldn't be concerned, such bleeding is pretty standard.  Good luck!

Thanks for the info.  It's a whole new world of medical terminology!

I didn't tell you this in my e-mail this a.m. but I, too, had a weird experience with my husband's MRI report.  Last week they said everything looked great, as you know, and then I looked at the report that Duke e-mailed me last night and saw some concerning words.  I e-mailed the NOs and clinical research coordinator.  CRC e-mailed back that I would have to wait for the doc.  I didn't tell my  husband -- why worry him needlessly -- of course I was a wreck all day!  Doc just called and reassured me that all is well and that S is doing great and what they see on the scan is exactly what they expect.  He did remind me that we are not out of the woods -- could've done without that comment but that is, as we all know, the reality.  What I did realize last night and all day is that I am not prepared for any changes in S's condition.  Why is this so hard?

H

The one constant about this illness is change. Since my diagnosis in Sept 2007, 15 months of chemo, usual rads, etc. and now 2 recurrences (and perhaps a third--waiting for definitive word) change is the name of the game. The way I feel sometimes changes daily--and the way my mind deals with the knowledge that I have a terminal illness changes daily. It took me a long time to wrap my head around it. I realized I was still doing and feeling the same things I did before The Beast became a part of my life. I realized I was still alive. I stopped reading Chopra and just went on with life, such as it is. Good days, bad days. I'm very involved in my treatment, want to know everything, and when changes to my condition or treatment plan come about, I process it as best I can and move on.

It's a rollercoaster ride, we all know; an exhausting ride, but you've got to find a way to strap yourself in and hold onto the bar--tight--for your own sanity and well being. Try to enjoy each other as much as you can. It helps to push the fear and loathing to the back burner. Best wishes, Mary.

On Nov 05, 2009 10:56 AM mbg53 wrote:

The one constant about this illness is change. Since my diagnosis in Sept 2007, 15 months of chemo, usual rads, etc. and now 2 recurrences (and perhaps a third--waiting for definitive word) change is the name of the game. The way I feel sometimes changes daily--and the way my mind deals with the knowledge that I have a terminal illness changes daily. It took me a long time to wrap my head around it. I realized I was still doing and feeling the same things I did before The Beast became a part of my life. I realized I was still alive. I stopped reading Chopra and just went on with life, such as it is. Good days, bad days. I'm very involved in my treatment, want to know everything, and when changes to my condition or treatment plan come about, I process it as best I can and move on.

It's a rollercoaster ride, we all know; an exhausting ride, but you've got to find a way to strap yourself in and hold onto the bar--tight--for your own sanity and well being. Try to enjoy each other as much as you can. It helps to push the fear and loathing to the back burner. Best wishes, Mary.

Mary,

It is indeed a rollercoaster ride. I hope that your upcoming results are good and that you do not experience a third recurrence. 

I must say that my husband (the patient) and I have embraced each day as the gifts that they are and love spending time together. We are blessed that he has been doing so well these past 8 1/2 mos. (but who's counting :-) ) and maintain a positive upbeat attitude.  Of course, waiting to hear from the NO last night made for a long day and brought me back to the reality of this disease, but that's okay because it was still a glorious day -- as long as my husband is beside me each night as we go to sleep and is wakes up next to me each  morning, it is all GOOD!!!

Take care and keep us posted on your results. I will keep you in my prayers.

Holly

Husband dx GBM IV 2/09

H...they say that at Duke so you keep up with your treatment.  Apparently a lot of folks get a little better then quit.  We heard that too.  Great news for you....YAY!!!

all love,

janni   hugs to your S

Mary -

Thanks for your posting.  I've never been one to enjoy rides, but I'm learning to deal with this one and am trying not to let it scare this crap out of me!

I read your posting this evening and am astounded at what you've been through in your life and am terribly sorry.  I'm praying for you that you receive good news with your latest results.

Jennifer