Is it IBC?

Mare612

Hey gals... Been following this forum for about a week now since my strange symptoms started. I am on the right track with getting it looked into, but looking to see what you ladies think as well.

I am 29 years old. I had a hysterectomy 3 years ago for uterine, bladder, and rectal prolapse. They did leave my ovaries. About 2 weeks ago my left breast became painful and swelled up to about a cup size larger than my right. The swelling also was above my left breast and in my armpit. It stayed that way for about a week, then the pain diminished and the swelling went down but not completely gone. There was no redness, warmth, bruises, etc. I called and made an appt with my gyn. When I saw him he noted the difference and said to be safe, let's get a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound done. So I went the next day and had that done. At first they told me that they don't do mammograms on women under 30 unless they find something on the ultrasound- then they decided that I was close enough to 30 and started with the mammogram. The mammogram showed an increase in density on my left breast that did not appear in my right. They did more views and it still showed the same thing. They did an ultrasound which showed nothing. When the radiologist came in to talk to me, she said that both tests were normal. I questioned her on why one breast would swell and she said hormones. I can't believe that hormones would cause one breast to swell and not the other. At the time of these tests, my breast was just a little swollen. That night, it swelled up huge again. So the next day, I called my dr back and talked to the nurse. I told her what they had said the day before and that last night after my tests, I noticed some slight bruising on my left breast. I also told her that about the last 8-10 months I get off and on severe pain in my left hip/pelvic bone area. I didn't know if it was related. She said that she would leave all this on a note to my dr and they would call on Monday when he was in the office.

Over the weekend of course it seemed that everytime I was in front of the mirror I inspected my breast for any changes. There is still no heat, however I did notice that my veins on the left side of my chest are very pronounced and they are not visible on my right. There is also a spot that almost looks like a scar (but it's not). This spot appeared suddenly and is now surrounded by a reddish/brownish splotty area. My breast is not painful right now, but my underarm is. My breast is also still swollen, but not the size that it has been.

The nurse from my drs office called today and said that my Dr said " Wellllll..... She never complains and if she has concerns about this this I think we need to do something further" and refered me to a breast surgeon. I have not been able to make that appt yet, but will here soon.

Just looking to see what you ladies have to say about this....

Thanks.

kimmie39

Not to scare you but that is Soooooooooo typical!!!!!

Your story could match the stories of many IBC sufferers. I will have to say your doc seems to take you more seriously than most Ive talked to or heard of.

DONT PUT IT OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If MRI and Biopsy is clear (and I hope they are) then GREAT!

If they are not you want to know sooner than later!

Keep us informed.

Hugs from Va

Kim 

kimmie39

P.S.  Do not settle for the old wait and see!!!

I went thru 5 docs ( gynecologist, radiologist, general surgeon, primary care etc)  And was told across the board they didnt see anything to worry about. I insisted on a MRI and low and behold I have IBC in BOTH breast. I probably would not be around if I hadn't demanded more answers! 

Kim