Might have IBC. Advice please?

Alice33

Dear all,

Apologies as I don't have a dx so my post isn't the most relevant. But I am really worried that I might have IBC. Any advice will be highly appreciated!

I am 33 with a 2.5 year old daughter. Breastfed her for a year. I had sore left breast that started three weeks ago, but I thought since I had my period it must have been related to that. However when my period finished the pain didn't go away. So last week (Wed) I saw my family doc, and she ordered a mammo on Tuesday for me. After I came back from my doc visit I noticed a lump in my left breast and the area on the surface was warmer than my right breast. In the next two days my breast had become slightly swallen, and it is now bigger than the right breast (maybe a cup size bigger. They were size A). I managed to see another doctor on Friday in the same clinic as my doc was away. She examined my breast and agreed that my left breast was bigger and it was "infiltrated." So she ordered to add ultrasound to the mammo test visit on Tuesday. She also put me on antibiotics. But she wasn't really sure what was going on.

I spent the next three days worrying about IBC as my condition is closest to it --- warm swelling breast with a lump --- although I don't have the redness or itchness. I did have some stabbing pain on top of the sore pain. My nipple  shrank slightly but it is still facing outside (not sure if i can call it inverted). 

So I am thinking of visiting another doctor tomorrow (Monday). If anybody can help me recommend a doctor it will be great, especially if he/she is in the Los Angeles area.

Thanks a lot!

Alice

LuvRVing

Alice - I am sorry that you are having such a scare and I understand the "frantic" thinking that you might want to go see yet a third doctor.  But the reality is that any doctor will need the mammogram and ultrasound to even begin to figure out what's going on.  Rather than finding another doctor, if you feel you can't wait until Tuesday, try to find a breast center that allows "walk-ins".  That way you can get the mammo and ultrasound done on Monday.  And please try to remember that 80% of the time, lumps are benign. 

Try to breathe if you can, and try to remain calm, for the sake of your daughter.   As hard as it may seem, try not to assume the worst. 

Hugs,

Michelle

Alice33

Thank you, Michelle! You are right, I should wait for the mammo to get another doctor. I don't think my condition has gotten much worse in the last couple of days, so I guess Tuesday should be fine. 

Best wishes to your treatment and recovery! 

Alice

HollyinMich

Michelle is absolutely right.  Try to breathe and relax a bit and wait for your mammo and US tomorrow.  Waiting for the tests and the results is the hardest part, but it's the most crucial in determining what is going on with your breast.  Try to avoid the internet for the next few days to help keep you from driving yourself crazy.  Best of luck to you and lots of prayers for you!

Claudia413

Alice33,

Did you ever get results?