Feeling Lost

christina024

my skin punch biopsy came back chronic inflammation, they didn't tell me what that means or what to do next, and since then my peu d'orange and redness has spread to the other side of my nipple, its more swollen and my dr is not helpful at all, I asked him if its not ibc or an infection what could it be he just said, I dont know and moved on. I have now found a swollen lymph node in my armpit also. I just dont know what to do next. He said give it a month to go away on its own, then mabe I'll put you on another antibiotic. My breast is soo dimply and he acts like its not a big deal. Am I over reacting or should I get a second opinion?

LINDAGARSIDE

Hi Christina.  In my opinion, I don't think you are over-reacting.  If I were in your shoes I'd be running (not walking) to get a second opinion.  If you do have IBC (and remember, it is very rare so chances are you may not have it) it is very aggressive and isn't something you should wait around for.  Is breast cancer in your family?  How old are you?  Did you recently finish breast feeding?  I'm not a doctor but I think these are the types of things that are taken into consideration when a diagnosis is made.  Get a copy of all your reports and secure a second opinion.  What have you got to lose???  Your life is worth another opinion.  As you can see, I'm quite opinionated.  LOL.  But please, do fight the good fight and don' wait for things to happen to you...make things happen for you.  Take care and good luck to you my pink sister!

LINDAGARSIDE

Hi Christina.  In my opinion, I don't think you are over-reacting.  If I were in your shoes I'd be running (not walking) to get a second opinion.  If you do have IBC (and remember, it is very rare so chances are you may not have it) it is very aggressive and isn't something you should wait around for.  Is breast cancer in your family?  How old are you?  Did you recently finish breast feeding?  I'm not a doctor but I think these are the types of things that are taken into consideration when a diagnosis is made.  Get a copy of all your reports and secure a second opinion.  What have you got to lose???  Your life is worth another opinion. 

As you can see, I'm quite opinionated.  LOL.  But please, do fight the good fight and my advice is don't wait for things to happen to you...make things happen for you.  Take care and good luck to you my pink sister!

christina024

Im 26, Ive had two aunts die from breast cancer in their young 30's and two other family members survive breast cancer in their 40's. Havent breast feed no fever and antibiotics havent changed anything. Had a ultrasound and it showed thickening of the breast and increased blood flow in that area, my doctor told me since there was nothing on the us then i dont have it, an us is the best test for ibc.

dgirl24

Christina - you need to get a second opinion.  I know it is hard but you need to do it.  Take from someone who waited.  IBC is very rare like they stated, but you need to know either way because you feel lost.

I would look for a nearest - BIG breast cancer center in your area and don't get treated somewhere you don't feel confident.  They should be well informed with stats and they should be someone you trust with your life.

I love my original surgeon and my family forced me to get a second opinion in the nearest Big City where I live and I have seen many girls with rare situations being put into trials and recieving treatment I knew I couldn't get in my hometown.  The thing is they sometimes won't put you in a trial if you already started treatement somewhere else- so keep that in mind.  I never realized that.  My treatment center is 31/2 hours from my home, but they seem to be strong breast cancer fighters and I trust them.  Leaving my hometown was not something I wanted to do, but now that I did it I am so happy.  AND you know what I'm not so scared or lost- because I feel like I'm at the best place for me and that's all we can really do.

You take care and feel free to send me a Private Message if you need.  I thought I had IBC at first, because I had some skin involvement- but it wasn't.  Best of Luck to You.  We are so lucky to have breast cancer at this time because they are making leaps and bounds every day.

Danielle 

      

Anonymous

Christina024, I agree with Linda - second opinion can't hurt.  There is also an IBC thread on here where you may find others can help and may be able to relieve some of your fears.  Go to 'Forum Index' and scroll down the page.

Good luck to you.

edit:  sorry, you are on the IBC thread.  I'm sure others will be along with suggestions. 

christina024

dgirl24-I saw a general surgeon in minneapolis so im thinking a breast center would be the best place to go.

lorieg

Christina,

My u/s 1 month prior to my diagnosis was read as benign, and I had major involvement clinically.  You probably odn't have IBC, but get a second opinion.  Better safe than sorry.

Take care,

Lori

dgirl24

christina02-

My 1st surgeon at my local breast center (who I loved) was a general surgeon just switching over to do only breast- I never even thought to ask him is he was primarily breast my mother did.  When I went for my 2nd opinion with surgeon who just did breast you could immediately see the different in expertise.

 I'm happy for you- stay strong but go easy on yourseld allow yourself time to be sad and scared but then look at something that makes you happy and get strong again.

You are in my thoughts and I will send good vibes and a prayer your way.  Meditation tapes helped me a lot in the time before diagnosis- even if they put me to sleep.  Also took some very little meds- like zanacs only half a pill as needed.  Meds scare me but honestly when I took that half I could at least eat and think clearly.

         

Pickles

Christina-



I'm in Mpls. Call the Piper Breast Center in Abbott Northwestern Hospital. They are amazing! You can google it. It's at 28th and Chicago in south mpls.



I had a left breast mastectomy for IDC one month ago and start Chemo next week. I've been treated with respect and professional care while also feeling truely cared for.



Good luck!! And call Piper tomorrow!!!