Next steps-are these normal steps?

k2626

Sorry for all the questions-this is the only resource I can find on IBC! So the rad dr said only biopsy can rule out IBC so a clear mamo and US while helpful he said to rule out OTHER things, doesn't 100% rule out IBC though she said he is comforted that my breast hasn't changed (despite nodes in pits).

I called the surgeon and for the THIRD time requested a biop. Now they want to do an MRI as they said they want to know WHERE to biopsy. Cant they just biopsy the spot? This could take yet ANOTHER wk for the MRI to get approved. Are these normal steps??

Im frustrated I keep getting the run around and feeling a bit lost. I guess I should be happy my tests were clear today but sounds like that really doesn't matter.

If it wasn't for this support board I would be MORE clueless!

shycat

Hi k2626, sorry you're going through this.  My experience was an ultrasound-guided biopsy in the bruised-looking area under my nipple and in one enlarged lymph node in the armpit.  A skin punch biopsy was mentioned as another way to confirm IBC but was thought unnecessary as I had so many obvious IBC symptoms including the peel-skin appearance.  I've never had an MRI.  I did have a PETscan before starting chemo which advanced my staging from IIIb to IIIc. 

k2626

thanks for your response- nothing showed in my ultra sound under my spot. I'm mad they won't do the biop without the MRI

Did they see something under your skin during the us to biopsy?

shycat

Yes, there was "something" there which a previous ultrasound could not rule out as an abscess, even though that was a long shot.  It wasn't exactly a lump, since IBC doesn't usually do that, but I guess just a thicker area of cancer cells.  It was obvious immediately when the biopsy needle was inserted that it was in fact not an abscess.  I knew at that moment that it was in fact IBC.  Getting the pathology results the next afternoon in the surgeon's office was just the official confirmation, but we all knew then and there.  Still took my breath away.

k2626

Thanks for your response. I just called my insurance and confirmed they do not need authorization yet my dr hasn't even called in the MRI. Im so upset with them!

k2626

Now they won't do an MRI till Im on my  period, thats 3 wks away. 

Jmo06

for my mom no mri needed..they did biopsy asap!