Seeing a specialist tomorrow

letitbe14

Hi there! 

I am a 37 year old wife and mom to two children and am worried about IBC.  This lovely rollercoaster started in July with a "heat rash" between my breasts.  Rec'd cream, told to use it several days after the rash went away (because it could come back) and then all would be fine.

 The rash responded perfectly to the cream and I used as directed. About a week later, a widespread rash appeared on both breasts. Not as red and angry as the heat rash, but I assumed it was the same and started on the cream again. A few weeks later, when it still wasn't gone, I got a refill and continued with the cream.

 Basically, my breasts are warm to the touch, extremely itchy and look like I have a slight sunburn, with some areas feeling very smooth (with almost no sensation) and some areas slightly raised.

 Anyhow, in my frustration of having this itchy annoyance, I googled "breast rashes" and landed on heaps of websites about IBC.  Obviously, it concerned me, so I read up on every reputable site I could find and made a follow up appointment with my GP.  I was fully prepared to "go elsewhere" if I felt that she didn't know enough about IBC or if it felt like she was guessing.

 My appt was yesterday.  She kinda "laughed off" the notion of IBC, looked at my breasts, felt for lumps (in my breasts, not lymph nodes) and excused herself for a moment.  I realized that she was going to look it up.  She came back in. Asked if I have been feeling generally unwell?  Running a fever? (then took my temp, came back normal)  Feeling tired?  I answered "no" to each and she proceeded to tell me that she thinks I have Mastitis and prescribed an oral antibiotic and a topical powder.   I knew I had to see a specialist instead.

So, I have gotten over the fear of looking like a hypocondriac and have an appointment tomorrow morning with a breast specialist in my area.  According to their website, they treat all breast inflammation as though it is IBC (until they confirm otherwise) and in the first appt I can expect a full exam, ultrasound, Mammogram and biopsy.  Most of the testing is done there, with US and mammo results while I wait.  If everything comes back "negative" they will still follow me for 1 year to just be sure.

SO, I really feel like it is the right place to go to make sure that I am getting whatever treatment I need (and, to get rid of the itch!).  I am anxious to go and get my first mammogram, which I have been wanting to do anyway.  I am anxious for him to look at me as though I am silly for thinking this annoying rash could be anything more than it is.  I haven't told anyone about all of this except for my DH, closest girlfriends and sisters.  And, of course, I say that I am not worried in the least, it is better to be safe than sorry and that the vast majority of "scares" are just that.

 Truth be told, I am terrified.  I have stopped "googling", because you can only read the same information so many times.  I am anxious to go tomorrow and I really feel like I am in the best hands possible, for where I am at.  But I am completely terrified that tomorrow, he will see something suspicious.  That tomorrow, he is concerned.  That tomorrow, I go from being a neurotic mom, worried about not watching her children grow up - to a cancer patient.  

Trying to not let my mind wander, and stay in the moment.   But it is so hard.  Thank you for listening.

Let It Be...

ibcmets

Glad you are getting this thoroughly checked out.  If this is IBC, you'll get aggressive treatment.  Let us know how you are doing.

Terri

Padiddle

You've made a good decision!  Hoping all goes well with your visit.  Jean

Laura_Jean

Hopefully everything will check out OK and you do not have IBC. However, you are absolutely doing the right thing by getting it checked! A thorough check would include the tests you have mentioned as well as a skin punch biopsy of the affected area or areas of the breast. I am glad that you were able to find a specialist who can evaluate you properly. Unfortunately not all doctors are familiar with IBC symptoms and diagnosis.

Please keep us updated here.

Laura Jean 

letitbe14

I am one of the lucky ones.  Seems like a lot of worry for nothing, but I am relieved to have had it checked out.  The doctor very quickly determined that it was nothing to worry about and suggested that it was an allergic reaction to something.  Suggested I see a dermatologist.

 given his work in the field (specifically with IBC) , I am confident that he knows what he is looking for.  Trying some benadryl cream, if it doesn't work, heading to the derm.  Although they did say to come back in a month to check it out (although, I am not sure why if they are not treating it) and that I should schedule a mammo just to get a baseline.

 Thanks for letting me invade your space for a little while.  In my moment of fear, I was able to really educate myself about something that I didn't even know existed (and I thought I was well versed on breast cancer) and will carry your stories with me.  I am so grateful that, today, I don't  HAVE to be a strong as you women are.

 Thanks again,

LetItBe. 

Claudia413

Stay on top of it, Letitbe. No biopsy was performed and that's the definitive test for IBC. I wish they had done all the testing you mentioned to rule out IBC for sure.  Of course, if the biopsy or biopsies (I had 3 different types done on one breast) are done in the wrong place on the breast, it can still come out as "no cancer there".  That's why it's very important to initially get to someone who is very familiar with IBC.  

If you don't have IBC, you are one lucky lady. I don't wish it on anyone. I'm now a 4-yr survivor of IBC. At least see if you can get a "diagnostic mammo" which specifically looks for the sheeting or nesting of the tumors in IBC, not a solid lump. That and a "diagnostic ultrasound" finally got me the much needed biopsies and a correct diagnosis. Be sure to mention to the technician who does any testing that you want to rule out IBC and they are to look for the sheeting or nesting of tumors.  Good luck and please do a follow up here. 

Laura_Jean

Glad that it turned out OK for you. 

Keep an eye and if the cream he gave you does not clear up the symptoms, though, get it re-checked.

Laura Jean

ibcmets

So happy for you Letiitbe.  Glad you had it checked out.

Terri