New research?

shrink

Does anyone know of any new research on IBC? Survival rates these days? The treatment I've been receiving for IBC as well as DCIS, IDC, ILC (4AC and 4 T)has been around for some time now. The radiologist beleives that I have IBC due to its presentation (sudden, fast growing, swelling) but the surgeon doubts it (neg punch biopsy) as does the oncologist since the pinkish tinge went away prior to any treatment. Early on I thought I had injured myself somehow and applied ice to the breast. I think that's what made it pink. Anyway, IBC seems to be a rare, aggressive form of bc and I don't know how much experience they've had with it.

jasmine

MD Anderson is the leader on IBC research. Last year they opened a new IBC Clinic. You might check their website to see what is new these days.

VAY

I am an IBC survivor-6 years in October! It is very rare and very aggressive and the survival rate is not very encouraging. I am definitely living on "God time"! A biopsy is really the best and I believe the only way to diagnose IBC. If your biopsy came back negative then you probably do not have it. Even so, it sounds like the treatments you are getting are the same. I had 6 rounds of a/c and taxotere together, 21 day cycles. Did mastecomy and rads. Am now on Arimidex...also had a hysterectomy. There are several symptoms but they do not always present the same in everyone. I had hardening of the breast, no pain, no nipple involvement, no swelling, no lump. I eventually had a slight discoloration of the skin...almost like a bruise. No orange coloring or dimpling either. If you are still not convinced, I would insist on another biopsy but it sounds like you are getting the right treatment regardless. Hang in there and I hope all goes well. God Bless!

shrink

VAY

Thanks so much for your response. I'm very encouraged by your 6 year survival. Hope there are many more healthy years ahead. My surgeon claims that to do another punch biopsy after starting treatment would give a false result since there are changes in the tumor almost immediately - something about the DNA. Otherwise, I would have asked him to do several in different places. The appearance of the bruise and swelling is what got me to the gyn in the first place. I thought I'd injured myself.

I agree that laughter is good medicine.