Update and odd rash symptoms

leslie150

I have posted a few times over the past week or so - I am 60 yrs old, had a clear mammo two months ago, but have had a strange rash on my right breast for about twelve days, and I am concerned it may be IBC.

 I saw my GYN the third day in, and she said it was a spider bite and to come back in a week. I still had the rash after the week passed (two days ago) and when I returned, she said I should wait another three weeks.

 I have read enough about IBC to insist on a second opinion, so she referred me to a breast surgeon - but the appointment is not for a few more days. I am very concerned, but also wondering what is going on with this weird rash.

 It is just above my nipple and areola - now about two inches in total area. Initially I discovered it while showering - I am sure it was not there the day before - and there was a small blister-like bump in  the center, which had a serum-like discharge when I put some pressure on it. After that the rash appeared to increase in size to where it is now - it was red and itchy for the first two days and then the itching stopped for the most part, and the rash faded a bit to pink, but there is still a small darker area where the initial blister had formed (it is no longer open). The rash has never been warm to the touch, and there is no breast swelling and no lymph gland swelling. The oddest thing is that if I lie down for a few minutes, the rash significantly pales, almost disappears, but once I am upright again it comes back within a minute or so.

 The thing is - the rash does not seem to be getting smaller or actually fading. It's been about the same for the past four or five days. I just seems to me that if it were a bug or spider bite, it would slowly but surely be improving. 

 Does this sound like IBC? I know I need another medical opinion, but I am going crazy with this waiting, and I know even if I have a biopsy this week, I will not find out the results until next week. I am feeling very frightened right now. 

TBird1964

Hi Leslie

I think I also may have responded to your other post. I also had the same exact thing very recently with the rash. Except mine did not blister. It was "lighter" in the morning and became more irritated and red as the day went on. I also had severe burning and localized pain in that breast. After a normal mammo and ultra sound I was precscribe Lotrisome (not sure if I spelled that correctly) and was advised to take 800 mg of ibuprofen 3 x day for pain. Guess what? Six days after doing this, my rash is 90% better and finally since yesterday I've only taken one ibuprofen. I to was concerned about IBC but thankfully my doc took good care of me and ruled out that and infection before treating me accordingly. If you haven't had a mammo, talk to your doc. I hope this will give you a little peace to know that all symptoms don't come with bad news. Hang in there and keep us posted.

Teresa

leslie150

Thank you both for the replies ... I was heartened to read of your experience, Teresa.

 I did have a mammo in October - no symptoms, just my yearly - and it was fine.

 I have had no pain, no thickening of skin, no increased temperature on my breast, and very little itching. The rash has again faded this morning, but if it stays on its course, it will be darker as the day goes on.

I guess nothing to do but wait to see the breast surgeon in two more days. The waiting a stressing over possibilities is so hard. Apparently I am not very talented in the area of compartmentalizing my thoughts ... I feel as if I am obsessing over this and want to have some resolution.

TBird1964

Trust me....I wasn't a calm camper at all! But it all worked out as it will for you.

 Teresa

rosied51

That is what happened when I saw the surgeon but today my primary is convince it is indeed IBC so now next week we will get a biospy.