IBC Newbie

Jen40

Hi,

I was diagnosed on March 17, 2010 with IBC (luck of the Irish!). I have been looking at this forum for a few weeks now and wanted to get involved.

I thought I would give some background info on me and hopefully I will be able to talk to some of you great ladies in the future.

I am 40yrs old married with a 13yr old son. It was back in the fall that I noticed I was itching like crazy on my left breast, I bought two new bras thinking that was it. I started to get rib pain and my lymph nodes were swollen. I was going to my GP every month for B12 shots due to my Chron's disease (in remission thank god!) so I asked him about it and at that time the lymph nodes were not swolled, well about a week later the swelling came back and I noticed a lump. I went back to him two weeks later and he sent me for a mammogram and ended up getting a biopsy that day on the breast and lymph nodes. While I was waiting for those results my breast started to swell, I thought it was from the biopsy but turns out it was IBC. I am hoping that because it came so fast that I caught it early.

I have not seen a copy of my pathology report but have been told that I am locally advanced stage III and it has spread to my lymph nodes under my arm and above my collar bone no where else.

I just finished my third chemo treatment of AC and soon will start on T.

I feel ok right now but the chemo seems to be getting worse each time. The Neulasta needle was ok the first round but now it is getting painful, but it only lasts about 24 hours. Does anyone here had Nulasta and had problems with it?

Not sure what other questions I have right now, I just wanted to get involved with your discussions.

Thanks

Jenny

leisaparis

Hi there, I was in your shoes just @ 8 months ago. Boy time sure flies. Doesn't really seem like that long. Anyway, glad you found us. We're here to help and I'm sure there will be others shortely. I ended up having 24 weeks of chemo with taking the Neulasta shot with the last 12. The first 12 was one kind and the second 12 was another. I had what they refer to as the RED DEVIL with the second set. I had anywhere from 24-48 hours of feeling like crap after the shot. Thank goodness I only had 4 shots total. One every 3 weeks. All the chemo went pretty well. I worked up until the Monday before surgery. Which was after the 24 weeks of chemo. I would get a little tired, but most of the time I was fine. Hope all goes well with you. Good Luck & God Bless. Leisa

peacelovedogs

It sounds like we are on a similar schedule!  I too noticed symptoms in late Fall, was diagnosed on April 2nd and just finished my 3rd AC treatment (last one this Thursday!).  I know it sucks meeting this way but I hope you stick around and join some of the great groups on here.  It helps reading what others are dealing with during chemo and what you might expect later with another treatment.

I do not have a problem with the Neulasta shot itself.  I get pain in my hips and lower back a few days after the shot but no pain from the shot itself.

mrsnjband

Hi Jenny,

Sorry that you had to join the IBC club but glad you found this forum. I wish I had found this when I was in your shoes 2 years ago. 

The chemo was ikky but I didn't have any problems with the neulasta shots. I got them when I was on AC, but my insurance wouldn't pay for them while on Taxol/Taxotere. If they had, I probably would have faired much better as I have struggled with anemia since the T's and radiation.  But I am finally get my strength back.

It's hard to believe it's been almost 2 1/2 years!  So hang it there you can do it!

Love & prayers. NJ