It's not an infection, it's IBC. Numb and scared.

Anonymous

It's not an infection, it's IBC. Numb and scared.

Anonymous

I was just diagnosed with IBC yesterday. The hardness,redness and swelling that the docs hoped was an infection from my biopsy has not responded to two antibiotics,and the skin is now orange-peel looking. Plus it itches like crazy and hurts to touch!

No lymph nodes are involved, thank God. It was quite a shock to go into the appointment believing I had a manageable stage II IDC and was going to have a lumpectomy after my chemo to this. I am numb.

I am starting chemo next Wednesday. Had a port put in yesterday. I need to hear from you out there who are making it through IBC and surviving.

I am single, but have a wonderful boyfriend who is always there for me. He says he is attracted to my spirit and personality, not my breasts.

Bette

ibcspouse

Bette,

So sorry to hear your dx, as you can tell by my "name" my wife has IBC and is going thru treatment  at M D Anderson.  The good news is you caught if early, no nodes so your pronosis is good. If you want to hear from ladies that are NED for over a decade with IBC and are vary knowledgeable about it this thread is good, but also you might want to check out http://www.ibcsupport.  Read the archives or ask a question.  Good luck,  if I can help with any questions, just ask.

mrs_X_Sunneedazee

I am sorry that you have IBC, but I am glad that you were correctly diagnosed.  Having IBC changes the kind and timing of treatments somewhat.  

Having cancer is hard, but good things come from it, so watch out for those.  Those things are the things that keep me from losing it.  You sound like you have a great supportive boyfriend.  

I can see by your signature line that you are a woman of faith, and I am going to paraphrase a favorite scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".

Sorry you have this dx, but I look forward to getting to know you on these boards.  Don't hesitate to ask questions or vent, or anything.  Take care of yourself!!!  Accept help when it is offered!   

Anonymous

Tom is being great through this Dx. I am having lots of fatigue with treatment and trouble working. I know the Lord will provide if I can't work. yet part of me is very scared. I know my health has to come first, though.

Bette 

Squeaker

Bette - Take it from all of us  here... the shock & numbness fades as you begin to get your head around this news. You can do it ... you must ... for yourself, Tom, your family and friends.  The circle just gets bigger from there!  We've all been there, the fatigue, anxiety, the treatment. It's all very hard. Please be gentle with yourself as you get into the cycle of another battle. WE all fight this IBC fight for the women who come behind us as well. We're here to prove  every day that we're doing it, Stay strong.

Squeaker

Anonymous

Squeaker, you are right. I am fighting this battle against IBC especially for my daughter. If she should face this, I want things to be easier for her because I traveled the road first. Quicker Dx, better treatments, better outcomes. I just had genetic testing to find out if I am carrying the BRCA1 of BRCA2 genes. this is something that Rachel and her doctors need to be aware of. 

It is good to know that I am not in this alone on this down day when I am so tired and my breast is so painful.

Bette 

Anonymous

Thank You, Praying

There are godly people at my church who had laid hands on me and prayed as well. It is a struggle to feel joy and praise right now, as I am weak and in a lot of pain from my inflamed breast. I must always remember that God is strong in my weakness.

Bette

ebann

Hi Bette;

My name is Elizabeth and I was diagnosis with IBC in my left breast and DSIC in my right breast. in April of 2008. I have done 8 rounds of chemo. My first 4 rounds were Taxotere & Cisplatin, then 4 rounds of Adriamycin & Cytoxan. I had a allergic reaction to the Adriamycin so they had to premedicate me before administating it. My tumor was 11cm, and my prognosis was poor. Stage 3B. I believe in God and the power of prayer is an amazing thing. I  have had family, friends and those I do not even know praying for me through all of this. My doctor gave me great news and informed me that I am curable that my tumor has shrunk to almost nothing! She is amazed at how will it has responded. I am so thankful and I know it is God working. There is hope and it can happen for you too. I believe it. During this time I have not been able to work. I have been to sick with the chemo. Though this has been a time to draw closer to my Lord. A time to listen to him and enjoy the life he has given me. I have learned not to take life for granted to make the best of each day. I do get discouraged at times and feel like life has just passed me by with all the sleeping I need to do. Then I am reminded about how blessed I am. I to have a daughter she is 19 yrs old and in college. I so desire to see her graduate, get married and have my grandchildren someday. I am willing to go to the Lord if that is his desire. Though I pray it is not, cause I am selfish and want to see and accomplish many things in this life time. I know in my heart I am going to make this. I am having my PET scan on 9/16 praying that the results came back clear and there has been no spread of any other form of cancer. I have my double mastectomy on 9/29. They will be removing my lymph nodes cause the cancer can spread in this area quickly and they will not know it they are cancerous until they remove them. I am praying there is no cancer. If there is cancer then they will continue the chemo, if not then I will go onto radiation. I am not able to have reconstruction for a year. I do desire to have this done. I am sad to be losing my breast. I nursed my daughter with them and it is very much part of being a woman. I am glad the cancer will be gone but devastated of the thought. My husband loves me and is fine with whatever my decision is and accepts me for who I am. He always has. Hang in there and know that God is on your side. He is the mighty  physician and he can do anything. There is hope and we will survive this battle of cancer. Be Strong and know when you are weak God is your strength. I pray that you will get relief from your breast. That God will continue to heal you.

Prayers & Blessings; Elizabeth

Great News about IBC! Read this!

http://www.komonews.com/news/health/27021014.html