So Scared

cpht

Hello All,

I've been lurking around a few days now...I've been doing what everyone on here says not to-Googling...and I am terrified. Last week I noticed that my left breast was incredibly itchy. I figured since it was so hot here that I was having some reaction or another or something had bitten me. The itch is not constant, but when it comes on it is bad. I now have a red patch on the inside of my left breast. I also have pain-usually a shooting pain that goes into my nipple, breast is slightly swollen and heavy and it is uncomfortable especially when I bend or move certain ways. I went to my GP today (was due for labs) and had her look at it. She looked and felt and said that my left breast was fibrocystic. I wondered if I had this before, as I've noticed both of my breasts seem more tender and larger...she is working me in with someone to do a mammogram...I was in tears in there and told her I was really worried. She said that you certainly would have to consider IBC, but there are lots of other things that could be the problem. I guess I'm just looking for someone who can relate or give some insight. I know this is long winded, I apologize. Just need some answers.

Melanie 

nancyjac

Hi Melanie,

 Not really any answers we can give.  The mammogram and any other follow on tests is what will provide the answers.  The only other thiing I can do is to reiterate that there are lots of other things that could be causing your symptoms.  I had no symptoms when I was diagnosed.  There are lots of here that can and do share our experiences about the course of treatment for IBC, but not a lot we can provide pre-diagnosis.  Wishing you the best of luck and hope that it is something more minor.

cpht

Thanks for your reply. I know nobody really has the answer. It's the tests that will give the answers. I was hopeful that some of the people here could share their symptoms. I go to a specialist Monday morning. I hope and pray it turns out well. I can't eat or sleep. I just cry a lot. Then I try to rationalize, then the thoughts creep back in. It's a vicious cycle. 

Sherlocked

cpht, the symptoms we all have won't help you.  I had a very pale pink rash and swelling.  No "bug bite", no bruising, and my breast didn't look like all the horrible pictures you will see on the internet at all.

Seeking more information will help you not one little bit right now, I know you know that.  You can find nothing on the net that will confirm or deny your diagnosis. My best advice is to ask your doctor for ativan or xanax - something to take the edge off of waiting.  Other than that, there is always over-the-counter benadryl if you can take that, which will relieve anxiety (and probably knock you out).  This is absolutely the most agonizing period for you, regardless of what the tests say.  You will feel better either way, when you know...it seems impossible to think that a positive diagnosis, if that's the case, would make you feel better, but it almost always does because then you know what you're facing and have a plan to fix it.  And IBC is treatable.  I know many ladies who are NED (no evidence of disease), including myself, after treatment - and others who have been stable (meaning they still have cancer but it is controlled) for years.  The stats on the internet are NO LONGER VALID FOR IBC.  So stay away!!!!  (Those stats are a decade old.  They have known how to treat IBC more successfully for less than a decade.)  

Just get through this horrible, horrible time the best way you can....my thoughts are with you.

Lots of hugs,

Sher 

cpht

Thank you for your kind words. I have been feeling very alone in this. Everybody means well, but they don't understand, they say don't jump to conclusions. It's very hard not to. That's why I came here where there are people who can relate.