CT Scan Today

Mary Jo's oncologist, Dr Gall had originally planned to order a CT scan imagining procedure of Mary Jo's neck and shoulder area but after consultation with the chief radiologist at the Womens Imagining Center, Dr Gall changed his order to a MRI imaging procedure scheduled to be performed today at 10:45am. The MRI, we are told could provide more conclusive images associated with the nerve related issues Mary Jo is experiencing.  Mary Jo was all prepared for the procedure and actually in the MRI machine when the radiologist tech performing the procedure questioned the type and brand of temporary breast expander's that Mary Jo's plastic surgeon, Dr Luong had implanted. 

Plastic surgeons use temporary breast expander's for their mastectomy patients in order to gradually expand the remaining tissue over time prior to the patients final reconstruction with a permanent saline or silicone implant.  The tech then consulted with the Midwest Plastic Surgery office of  Dr Luong and it was determined that an MRI would not be recommended for a patient with Mary Jo's type of temporary breast expander's.  The high magnetic fields created by the MRI machine could possibly react with the metal fill port on the expander's and generate excess heat that would not be beneficial in Mary Jo's reconstruction process.  The MRI procedure was cancelled.  Several calls were then made to Dr Luong's office at Midwest Plastic Surgery, Dr Gall's office at Minnesota Oncology and the chief radiologist at the Fairview Ridges Women's Imaging Center.  The consensus was that a CT scan would provide Mary Jo with the best available alternative to image and diagnosis what Mary Jo was describing as symptoms of a pinched nerve in her neck.  We are to expect the results of today's procedure to be available within two to three days.  Mary Jo spent most of the day resting.  We are looking forward to reviewing the results of the scan with Dr Gall as soon as they become available.