Have I Waited Too Long!!

brayda

I originally posted in the not diagnosed but worried forum a few days ago. I decided to post here as well because I know that you all have experience with IBC. I am scared out of my mind. I have a red area on my breast that has been there for about 6 weeks now. I really noticed and thought nothing of it until I started to research the symptoms and found IBC. I immediately went to my dr and she sent me for a diagnostic mammogram. That came back fine. I have an appointment scheduled with a breast specialist on Thursday of this week and I am really nervous. I have not had any other symptoms yet, but I have read that all it takes is one symptom. I am just so upset at myself for not thinking more of the redness at first. I know that I have to push for a biopsy and MRI? How do you deal with this anxiety?? I'm really worrying myself sick.

Claire_in_Seattle

If you had walked around with this symptom for six months, I would say "yes".  But I suspect that most women wait to see if something goes away on its own.

I did that with a swollen lymph node, even though I was quite sure it was cancer.  I don't think this changed my diagnosis one bit.  So something like eight weeks before I went for help.

As for the anxiety, what I did was tell myself that fortunately breast cancer is highly treatable if caught early.  So a major "o shit" as opposed to anything life threatening.  I have had a series of other not fun stuff happen, so this was another in the series.

Good luck with the breast specialist.  I doubt that you will have to push for the two things required for a diagnosis. 

But don't beat yourself for not getting there sooner.  Six weeks is a reasonable amount of time, and you will have a diagnosis (hopefully not BC) very soon.  Give yourself a pat on the back for getting this checked out.  - Claire