update - biopsy

leslie150

I saw a breast surgeon yesterday - after a two week unidentified rash on my right breast. I have seen my GYN twice - her last suggestion was to wait another three weeks, but I insisted on a referral to a breast specialist.

This doctor spent a while looking at my last mammogram films (two months ago) which showed no abnormality. I said to him that it was my understanding that mammos are not useful in identifying IBC, but he disagreed. I asked him if he has seen IBC and he said yes, many cases over the years.

He said my rash is DEFINITELY not IBC. He said I was going on the internet too much blah blah blah. Totally discounted my concerns. It's a bug bite. Or a small cut that my immune system is getting rid of. And I am making myself crazy. Which is true.

 I have had no swelling, no warmth, no thickened skin texture, and this pink rash has remained the same for the past ten days or so, after slighly lfading from when I first dicovered it two weeks ago.

 He agreed to do a biopsy - a tissue biopsy, not a punch biopsy - mostly just to humor me. He used the word "placate" a lot of times. I will have the results of this biopsy next week. Another weekend of waiting, waiting, waiting.

 I really want to believe this doctor - he seemed so sure that this is not IBC. I actually asked him if he has children, and when he said yes, I asked if he would swear on his child's life that this is not IBC - I know totally over the top dramatic, but I was feeling desperate for him to listen to my concerns. He said yes, he would swear on his child's life this is not IBC.

He said if I am still unconvinced after the biopsy comes back, assuming it is negative, I can pay out of pocket for an MRI - he will not refer me for one. My insurance is an HMO (Blue Shield), and they will not pay for it.

TBird1964

Hi there

Sorry you are still going through this mess. I know you are really anxious and stressed out. It is good that your surgeon has seen many IBC cases. He knows what symptoms to look for. My surgeon also ruled out IBC recently because like your doc, she has also seen and treated many women dx with IBC. That was a huge relief for me. Because she has treated others, I know I can trust her judgement and dx. My rash wasn't a bug bite but did respond to a cream she prescribed for it. I hope you are able to rest you mind a little while waiting for your biopsy results. I'll pray for B9. Keep us posted.

Teresa

mrs_X_Sunneedazee

Trying to find out what is wrong and worry about IBC is such a stressfull, hard thing.  I can tell you that when I finally got diagnosed more than a year since when my symptoms started) I was so RELIEVED almost bordering on GLAD to finally get a diagnosis of what I had know for MONTHS.  It was such a relief to start fighting back instead of letting the cancer take over more and more of my body. 

That said, I really hope that yours isn't cancer, and that your rash goes away, and you can go on with your life.  However if the results of your biopsy come back negative, keep watching your breast.  If symptoms continue, the rash spreads, your breast fills fuller or larger, your skin becomes thicker, etc.  keep pushing just in case you do indeed have iBC.  Maybe take pictures weekly to document the changes.  

I really hope that your test is negative, and you get better soon!  And don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions or concerns.  

leslie150

Finally - the doctor called this afternoon with results of my biopsy -- BENIGN ! ! !

He said the results also showed that I have a small infection - he said it is a minor type of cellulitis, likely caused by an insect bite or a small skin opening (a cut or scrape) that allowed the infection to start. He said no need for antibiotics, as my immune system is doing its job.

 I am so relieved.

 Thank you to all the women on these boards who posted such supportive messages. This has been a really difficult time, and I am so utterly grateful I do not have IBC. My heart goes out to other women who are facing this, and my admiration and utmost respect goes to all the women who are fighting this awful disease.  

As I have been waiting for this to be resolved one way or the other, I have vowed that if I have good news, I want to make a financial contribution to the fight against IBC. I am thinking I would like to donate money to wherever there would be research to find a blood test or some other way to screen for IBC in advance of symptoms. Do you have any ideas? Please let me know - otherwise I think maybe MD Anderson.

 Leslie

TBird1964

Hi Leslie

Happy to hear of your excellent news!! Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Teresa