Scary symptom- best to see my OB/GYN, or my regular Dr.?

catty1

Hi all, I'm a nurse, which can be a scary thing, cause I know a little!  lol  Anyway, for some time now (2-3 months?), I've had a deep itching in my left breast that came and went, always in the same area (lower breast, underneath my nipple, but not affecting the nipple).  Today is Sunday....this past Friday, it was itching a lot,and then I noticed a red area.  I figured it was from scratching, but it hasn't gone away and now looks like a rash.  It is 5cm X 2cm, and has not changed any in 2 1/2 days- no better, no worse, still itchy.  I didn't think much of the itching till this rash appeared, and now I'm scared.  I have no other symptoms (yet).  There is no pain, hardness, swelling, nipple changes, orange peel, etc.  But I can't explain the rash otherwise- no new bra, detergent, etc.  I am so very flat-chested, that I have no folds to hold moisture for it to be fungal!  So I'm petrified it's IBC.  Of course this lovely discovery happened on a weekend, so tomorrow, Monday, I hope my Dr. can see me.  Would it be best to go to my OB/GYN, or to my regular Dr.?  (Though I'm a nurse, I work in a nursing home, so I'm not always "up" on things outside the geriatric realm- lol!)  As I've mentioned, I'm scared, so encouraging words are appreciated too (Hubby's defense mechanism is the "Ignore it and it will go away" approach, so I can't confide in him with my worries right now, and I don't want to worry family- it may be nothing after all).  I'm 47, with no health problems at all and no history at all of CA in my family.

HollyinMich

Hi Catty, so very sorry that you are having this scare.  You are right to get it checked out.  Honestly, I would go with whichever doctor you have the best relationship and feel the most comfortable with.  I say this because women are so often dismissed by their doctors over their fears.  So choose the one that you can talk to and who will take your fears seriously.  Either one is capable of examining you and ordering the tests needed to rule out IBC.

Good luck to you and best wishes! 

hrf

I agree with Holly. The rash could be many issues but best to get it checked out asap.

HollyinMich

Catty, I added a link to another post that might benefit you as well.  This website is a wealth of information on IBC and they also have a brochure tha you can print out and take with you to the doc that might be helpful as well.  The website is http://www.eraseibc.org/index.html and the brochure is located at http://www.eraseibc.org/pdf/brochure.pdf.

chester2010

Catty:  There are many reasons for a rash to appear but any changes in your breast should be a concern.  My IBC started with a rash and I was told it was "nothing to worry about".  However, it did progress to inverted nipple and then I knew something was definitely wrong.  You should get it checked out with a good breast specialist.  Good luck.

catty1

Well, I saw my regular Dr. today, and despite my verbalizing my concerns, he feels it's "Just a rash" and gave me the 'ol steroid/antifungal cream.  Why don't I feel hopeful that it will work?  How do I find a breast specialist?  By the time I can even get an appointment with one, too much time will have passed.  If the rash isn't better with this cream in a couple days, I have to do something...

HollyinMich

Most major hospitals have someone who specializes in breast cancer.  Use the creams and keep a close eye on it.  If you don't notice any change for the better, go back to your doctor.  If he's still dismissive find a local breast specialist.

catty1

Holly, thank you for your support.  This is so scary.

Susanhf

Catty, I posted on your other board. Just wanted to say, check out the literature and links and learn all you can. You probably are just fine, but don't let any doc dismiss your concerns IF the rash does not clear up. Download the IBC info from the pamphlet. Many docs are woefully underinformed on IBC. Best of luck to you and I hope your rash clears up quickly.

HollyinMich

You are very welcome Catty.  It is very scary.  I was going through all of this same horror this time last year. It is terrifying.  Susanhf hit the nail on the head too with her post.  Lots of hugs to you and praying for the best!